The Starry Rift [Hardcover]

Jonathan Strahan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 17, 2008

Truly successful science fiction does two things: it gives credible glimpses into the future while entertaining the reader. With this in mind, noted anthologist Jonathan Strahan?who is also the reviews editor of Locus magazine?asked sixteen of today?s most inventive, compelling writers to look past the horizon of the present day. Neil Gaiman (Anansi Boys), Kelly Link (Magic for Beginners), Garth Nix (the Abhorsen Trilogy), Scott Westerfeld (Uglies; Pretties; Specials) and their colleagues have crafted a dazzling range of stories. Whether on spaceships, in suburbia, or in simulated gaming worlds, whether about cloning, battle tactics, or corporate politics, the stories of The Starry Rift will give every reader something to consider. This original anthology is crucial reading for those who want to see where the future?and the future of science fiction?is headed.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 8 Up—This inspiring collection of short stories contains contributions from authors who are well known in the science-fiction genre, including Neil Gaiman, Corey Doctorow, Garth Nix, and Scott Westerfeld. As the subtitle indicates, the selections look forward to what life might be like in the distant, and not-so-distant, future. Some common sci-fi tropes are explored, including alien visits to Earth and overpowering computer games, as well as some less familiar styles and topics such as the future of vampirism and a particularly interesting story written as answers to an unseen questionnaire. Each of the tales is not only entertaining to read, but also provides a thought-provoking element to consider. This anthology provides ample opportunities for new readers to sample the genre and will keep die-hard fans content. Quality stories by authors at the height of their craft make this anthology a must-have for any library. The brief biographies and author notes provide extra background detail and insight into the writing process.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

...a feast of provocative, fully imagined science-fiction microcosms--in turn reflective, political, action-packed, and mind-bending--that do justice to the genre. -- Horn Book

This anthology provides ample opportunities for new readers to sample the genre and will keep die-hard fans content. -- School Library Journal, starred review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile; First Edition edition (April 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670060593
• ISBN-13: 978-0670060597
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,372,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lot of good stories here, January 15, 2010

By 

Learner (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Starry Rift (Hardcover)

This sci fi anthology is stronger than most I've read. As with all anthologies, for me there were stories I really liked, some I didn't like, and some I lost interest in after the first several pages. However, overall I found most of the stories engaging, and I was impressed by the skill of the writers.

It's true that a few of the stories give the impression that they were rushed a little to meet the book's deadline, and could have probably used a little more "baking time in the oven."

Sci fi, as portrayed in this anthology, is maturing - interesting plots and ideas are still there, but there is also strong character development and psychological depth.

I am starting to keep an eye out for books edited by Johnathan Strahan. I appreciate that he doesn't seem to go out of his way to find stories where sex, language, or violence overshadow good storytelling.

I found the following stories especially interesting and impressive in their skillfulness: "Ass-Hat Magic Spider" by Scott Westerfeld, "Cheats" by Ann Halam, "Anda's Game" by Cory Doctorow, "Sundiver Day" by Kathleen Ann Goonan, "Lost Continent" by Greg Egan, and "Infestation" by Garth Nix.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, July 27, 2008

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Starry Rift (Hardcover)

THE STARRY RIFT is truly a collection of stories about today's ideals, dreams, and philosophies. Strahan did an amazing job collecting stories written by modern science fiction masters. The authors write beautifully, uniquely, and intriguingly.

This anthology is masterful in representing different worlds and conceptions of worlds, covering everything from the real world to gaming to dreaming. The exploration of themes in the book cover everything from philosophy to the growing epidemic of obesity, from what is truly important to a person to who is truly important to a person, and from world economics to love.

It is a book that really looks at the human spirit with hope and sees the future as a reality. Each story draws the reader in and makes them a part of the tale. There is a story for virtually every mood and topic one can come up with. Overall, it is a beautiful anthology.

Reviewed by: Christina Tsichlis

5.0 out of 5 stars A total knockout, January 20, 2012

By 

Cara Bernier - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Starry Rift (Kindle Edition)

This blows his SFnF anthologies out of the water. There is no deep philosophical or binding message that holds the stories together in any way, but they are each individually enjoyable and have something to say. There were one or two that were sub-par, but at least held my attention. All the rest were fantastic, I couldn't put it down.