Discover the future of science fiction and fantasy—today.

Writers of the Future Volume 42 showcases fifteen unforgettable short stories—each paired with an original, full-color illustration—selected from thousands of international entries by a panel of professional authors in the genre.

“The series successfully showcases future voices representing the vast spectrum of the speculative fiction genre.” —Library Journal

“The L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest has quietly been shaping the next wave of genre storytellers—with a legacy that’s as cosmic as the stories themselves.” —SciFiNow.co.uk

“The gangbuster of science fiction short story collections. Outstanding.” —Midwest Book Review

If 42 is the answer, these stories ask the questions worth thinking about:

• What if a perfect rescue went catastrophically wrong?

• What if the “better you” doesn’t want to share your life?

• What if love could survive inside a virtual reality?

Inside this volume you’ll encounter a flawless time-rescue gone wrong, a beauty treatment with terrifying consequences, a detective hunted by a body-hopping killer, and a homesteader uncovering a truth that rewrites Earth itself. You’ll also discover dragons that defy myth, fairy-tale chaos, supernatural horror, and high-concept science fiction that blends heart, humor, and imagination.

From time travel and first contact to magical realism, monsters, and folklore-inspired fantasy, every story is brought vividly to life with its own striking original illustration.

Featuring original fiction by Hugo and Nebula award-winner Orson Scott Card, Bram Stoker award-winner Nina Kiriki Hoffman, and L. Ron Hubbard, alongside twelve rising-star winners of the renowned Writers of the Future international competition.

Perfect for fans of: Orson Scott Card, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Blake Crouch, Brandon Sanderson, V. E. Schwab, Naomi Novik, Michael Crichton, Ted Chiang, and Ken Liu.

This volume includes:

• 12 illustrated short stories by emerging authors

• 3 bonus stories by bestselling masters of the genre

• 3 professional articles on the craft and business of writing and illustrating

Selected by top professionals in the field and beautifully illustrated, Writers of the Future Volume 42 is your launchpad into bold new ideas and fresh voices shaping the future of speculative fiction.