Writers of the Future Vol 38 Review #scifi

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38 by L. Ron Hubbard, Rebecca E. Treasure, J.A. Becker, Michael Panter, Lazaraus Black, Desmond Astaire
Series: Writers of the Future Volume 38
on April 8, 2022
Genres: Science Fiction
Pages: 525
Format: eARC
Source: Provided as part of book tour
Goodreads

For almost four decades, L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests have discovered and nurtured the new stars of science fiction and fantasy, publishing their works and artwork in the annual anthology. Presenting 25 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators. Brilliant new worlds. Captivating new ideas. Powerful new stories of action, adventure, and fantasy.

Just imagine…
It’s game on, the fate of the universe is on the line, and you’re about to go all in. Saving the mammoths is in your hands, can you conjure the magic to make it happen? You’ve got a monster BFF, whom you’re hiding from your own monster-hunting family. You’re part of a sting, out to catch some bar hoppers who are not only bending their elbows, but bending time as well. And much more!

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. Prepare for alien contact. Explore the darkest alleyways of urban fantasy. Rise to the dizzying heights of magical realism. These award-winning writers provide a diverse array of stories that will transport you and reshape your reality.
Plus 3 Bonus Short Stories by David Farland • Frank Herbert • L. Ron Hubbard

Contents:
* Introduction by David Farland
* The Illustrators of the Future Contest and the Importance of Art Direction by Echo Chernik
* Art Gallery
* Agatha’s Monster, by Azure Arther; Illustrated by Zaine Lodhi
* The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard’s Guide by Z. T. Bright; Illustrated by Ari Zaritsky
* The Squid Is My Brother by Mike Jack Stoumbos; Illustrated by Natalia Salvador
* Gallows by Desmond Astaire; Illustrated by Nick Jizba
* Boos and Taboos by L. Ron Hubbard
* The Professor Was a Thief by L. Ron Hubbard; Illustrated by Michael Talbot
* Lilt of a Lark by Michael Panter; Illustrated by Brett Stump
* The Mystical Farrago by N. V. Haskell; Illustrated by Annalee Wu
* Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse by Rebecca E. Treasure; Illustrated by Natalia Salvador
* The Single Most Important Piece of Advice by Frank Herbert
* The Daddy Box by Frank Herbert; Illustrated by André Mata
* Teamwork: Getting the Best out of Two Writers by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
* The Island on the Lake by John Coming; Illustrated by Majid Saberinejad
* The Phantom Carnival by M. Elizabeth Ticknor; Illustrated by Xiaomeng Zhang
* The Last Dying Season by Brittany Rainsdon; Illustrated by Jerome Tieh
* The Third Artist by Diane Dillon
* A Word of Power by David Farland , Inspired by Bob Eggleton’s The Mammoth Leaders
* The Greater Good by Em Dupre; Illustrated by Jim Zaccaria
* For the Federation by J. A. Becker; Illustrated by Arthur M. Doweyko
* Psychic Poker by Lazarus Black; Illustrated by Tenzin Rangdol
* The Year in the Contests

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38

Julie’s Mini Review:

This anthology is a beast! It will definitely take some time to read every story, but the best part about an anthology is you can pick even just a few stories to enjoy! There are 13 in total. Lucky 13!

But the best part are the amazing illustrations – the book starts of with a collection of gorgeous artwork. These illustrations are as whimsical as they are striking.

So far I read the first 3 stories – let’s take a look at each.

Agatha’s Monster: I was instantly pulled in and hooked! I loved the characters and world building, especially for a short story. I now want to read more about Agatha and her kick-ass skills. I loved the revelations, the slow memory returns, and the character coming of age to finally find herself again. This one reads like a prequel to a great series, and I hope one day the author writes full-length stories about this set of characters.

Just based on that first read alone, I can definitely see why this is an award-winning story.

The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: This was a great short, had introduced some interesting characters and was a fun metaphor for the dangers of misinformation on the internet.

The Squid is My Brother: Another very interesting short with a very realistic view of how an “exchange” student from another planet would be treated at grade school. It’s too bad we dirters are so unwelcoming and hostile to those that are slightly different. So what if the girl’s symbiote brother has tentacles and is attached to her back? Nothing going on, MYOB.

So far this has been a great medley of scif-fi and speculative reads. And if the other stories in this compilation are just as interesting and fun? I’m in for some great reading on my upcoming travels!

What is the Writers of the Future?

Writers of the Future is an annual anthology of short stories, illustrations, and articles with writing advice from bestselling authors.

Each story is the debut story of a new author, illustrated by a new artist who won the international writing competition.

Genre: Science Fiction, fantasy, and horror

Contest Details: The contest is open to all writers. There is NO entry fee. The winning stories are selected using blind judging, so your color, gender, or age do not have any influence—an equal chance for everyone. Authors keep the rights to their story!

History of contest:

L. Ron Hubbard, author of NYT Bestseller Battlefield Earth, started the contest in the early ’80s, to create “a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged.”

Early judges include Frank Herbert of Dune and Anne McCaffrey of the Dragons of Pern series. Contest Judges (past & current). 

Judges: The panel of judges includes Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Jody Lynn Nye, Kevin J. Anderson, Kathryn Kurtz, and many others.

Story Synopsis Writers of the Future Volume 38:

In the World of Science Fiction…

…this Anthology stands out for three reasons:

The stories. The art. The extras. Which will you love most?

Standing on the shoulders of giants, these writers of the future have earned their place in the hallowed pages of volume 38. With 25-award winning authors and illustrators, this collection is a master work.

These diverse stories will fill you with new wonder.

And a few just might break your heart.

Just imagine…

• Saving the mammoths is in your hands—can you conjure the magic to make it happen?
• You’ve got a monster BFF—whom you’re hiding from your own monster-hunting family.
• It’s game on, the fate of the universe is on the line—and you’re about to go all in.
• You’re part of a sting, out to catch some bar hoppers who are not only bending their elbows, but bending time as well. New twist on time travel.
• And much more!

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again.

How would you like to know the “Single Most Important Piece of Advice” from the author of Dune?

The beautiful art and writing tips are just as wonderful as the collection of stories.

Volume 38 is a treasure.

You’ll love this collection from past and future science fiction masters because these stories are page-turners.

Authors & Illustrators in Volume 38:

Authors: L. Ron Hubbard, Frank Herbert, David Farland, Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, Diane Dillon, and 12 winners Azure Arther, Desmond Astaire, J. A. Becker, Lazarus Black, Z. T. Bright, John Coming, Em Dupre, N. V. Haskell, Michael Panter, Brittany Rainsdon, Mike Jack Stoumbos, M. Elizabeth Ticknor, and finalist Rebecca E. Treasure.

Illustrators: Bob Eggleton, Arthur M. Doweyko, Nick Jizba, Zaine Lodhi, Tenzin Rangdol Majid Saberinejad, Natalia Salvador, Brett Stump, Jerome Tieh, Annalee Wu, Jim Zaccaria, Ari Zaritsky, Xiaomeng Zhang, André Mata, and Michael Talbot.

Author websites:

https://galaxypress.com/l-ron-hubbard-books/

https://www.writersofthefuture.com/

Other Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/WotFContest/

https://www.instagram.com/wotfcontest/

https://www.pinterest.com/RealWotF/

https://twitter.com/WotFContest

 

Critical Acclaim

“Writers of the Future Volume 38 is a literary smorgasbord where each new story comes with a feeling of excitement and mystery. Itʼs a binge read. Just one more, you think, and the next thing you know the entire book is gone!” —International Review of Books, Gold rating

“Thirteen original stories described as powerful, unpredictable, nicely crafted, appealing with many twists.” —Tangent Online

“Captivating, compelling, and exceptionally well edited. It delivers.” —OnlineBookClub.Org

 

Book Trailer

 

 

 

Free Resources for Aspiring writers:

Writing Contest Rules:  https://www.writersofthefuture.com/contest-rules-writers/

Enter the Writing Contest: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/

Free Writing Workshop: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/writing-workshop/

Writing Podcast: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/podcast/

Writers Forum: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/forum/

List of Writers of the Future & L. Ron Hubbard books: https://galaxypress.com/l-ron-hubbard-books/

Newsletter sign-up: https://galaxypress.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Watch the 2022 Awards-Gala: https://youtu.be/0rrPaJGo-kM

 

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