Review
"Another of the author's substantial and provocative examinations of near-future biotechnology. . . . Kress is certainly the most probing writer of the past decade on this theme." —Locus magazine
"Exemplifies all that is compelling and admirable about science fiction." —David B. Coe, author, Eagle-Sage
"The keeness of vision to. . . see the possibilities for the future very clearly, and they are both fascinating and frightening." —San Francisco Examiner and Chronicle
"A depth of imagination unusual even among SF writers." —Analog
Product Description
Blending a focus on cutting-edge technology with deep emotional impacts, this enticing collection draws its stories from various Year's Best and Reader's Choice lists. The pathos of the human condition is explored in such stories as "My Mother, Dancing," in which seedlings are planted and those responsible must decide if they will play God with them, or let natural selection progress; or in "Nano Comes to Clifford Falls," where nanotechnology brings every wish to everyone—yet dire problems still ensue. The narratives reveal many forms of artificial intelligence including a persecuted slave in "Computer Virus," a controlling force of the universe in "Mirror Image," or even one that's entirely indifferent to humans in "Savior." From the center of the galaxy to the swamps of Earth, all 13 inventive tales offer a trademark mix of hard science fiction interacting with flawed humanity.
About the Author
Nancy Kress is the author of 23 books, including Beggars in Spain, Nothing Human, Probability Space, Stinger, and her bestselling Write Great Fiction series. A recipient of the Hugo, Nebula, Sturgeon, and John W. Campbell Memorial awards, her work has been translated into 16 languages. She lives in Rochester, New York.