Science fiction poetry holds a special place in our cultural landscape. It invites us to stretch the boundaries of our imaginations, offering glimpses into worlds that are both different from our own and yet relatable through today's values. The genre of speculative fiction pushes the limits of possibility, allowing us to explore diverse societies and realities. The poems in this anthology weave complex ethical and moral dilemmas. They tackle themes like the impact of technology on our lives, the potential dangers of AI, and the consequences of unchecked scientific progress. These verses remind us that our choices shape the future and challenge us to think about the kind of world we want to build for ourselves and future generations. In this collection, you'll find a rich mix of voices from all corners of the globe and different cultures. Included are some of the finest poets in the speculative community, as well as a few newcomers making their debut. I hope their words intrigue you and open your mind to new possibilities, both fantastical and futuristic. Featuring poetry by: Angela Acosta Pooja Arshanapally Allen Ashley Stewart C Baker Kayla-Jane Barrie Robert Beveridge Dan Brook Faruk Buzhala Peter Cashorali Christopher Collingwood Jennifer Crow Thomas Easton Melissa Ridley Elmes Gary Every Mark A. Fisher Paul Freeman Erick Garske Jean-Paul L. Garnier Lee Garratt Robin Rose Graves Ken Goudsward Rikki Holland Deborah L. Kelly Ngo Binh Anh Khoa Gerri Leen Tumelo Michael Magadlela Richard Magahiz Kyle A. Massa Jack Massa Jennifer Moraca William Mullins Roxana Negut Juan Perez Fiona Perry Ramona Ridgewell Nick Romeo RK Rugg James Schwartz Fariel Shafee R.C. Thomas Adriana Rocha Lisa Timpf G.M.H. Thompson Liz Tuckwell Mary A. Turzillo Rekha Valliappan Wendy Van Camp Yuliia Vereta Ella Walsworth-Bell M. Weigel Lynn White

The Curate's Brother is a short story about the relationship between the two Wentworth brothers as seen through the eyes of EDWARD WENTWORTH. It follows their romantic antics over one summer in 1806. This short story could be seen as a prequel to Jane Austen's famous novel "Persuasion". Edward Wentworth lives a quiet, structured life as a curate in the regency era village of Monkford. He spends his days ministering to the sick and downhearted, which he considers his life's calling. His comfortable life is shaken when his elder brother, COMMANDER FREDERICK WENTWORTH arrives on his doorstep for a visit. Frederick has returned to England after seeing action and commanding his first vessel, a prize ship won in the West Indies. He is awaiting orders and has the hope of commanding a ship of his own by the end of summer. His only goal is to pass the time with the only family he has left in England until his next assignment. At first Edward is glad to see his brother. They have not spent time with each other for years due to his brother's naval service. They are opposites in many ways. Frederick is bold and likes to take risks. Edward is shy and over-aware of social implications. When his brother flirts with SALLY MARSHALL, an outgoing beauty that Edward is used to viewing as "a child", the young curate becomes aware that his viewpoint of Sally is sorely outdated. His peaceful life is full of turmoil as he observes Sally flirting with men at public assemblies and realizes that he does not like it. Meanwhile, Frederick finds himself a celebrity in Monkford. Word from the London papers paint him as "the Hero of San Domingo", where he won a commendation for his quick thinking in action. The men want to hear the story of his exploits, but Frederick would rather dance with the ladies. The Commander takes an interest in shy wallflower, ANNE ELLIOT. He pays no heed to Edward's warnings that the girl is the daughter of a baronet and well above his station. Edward fears that no good will come of a union between his brother and the girl due to her family connections. At the end of summer, a letter and a package arrive that will change everything for the two brothers. Which way will prevail, the bold action of the commander or the quiet manners of the curate?

Murder: the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another. But what triggers someone to take the life of another? That is the question we asked, and in this collection of short stories you get a lot of great answers. There is something for everyone in this bone chilling anthology filled with new and familiar names in the horror world. The only rule we laid out was that each story had to have a death, and believe me, we got more then we could have ever dreamed of. So sit back, turn down the lights, and prepare yourself...because someone is about to die.

This issue contains a tremendous selection of science fiction from some of the biggest names in the industry.