science fiction short stories

Science Fiction Short Stories: Explore the Unimaginable

Science fiction short stories have captivated readers for decades, allowing them to delve into uncharted territories and explore the unimaginable. From dystopian futures to intergalactic adventures, the realm of science fiction short stories offers a limitless array of possibilities. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most celebrated authors in the genre and recommend a few must-read short stories.

One of the most influential science fiction authors is Isaac Asimov. Known as the "Father of Science Fiction," Asimov's prolific writing career produced numerous short stories that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous works is "Nightfall," a gripping tale set on a world where darkness falls only once every thousand years, driving the population into a state of madness.

Another author worth exploring is Philip K. Dick. His innovative storytelling and thought-provoking concepts have made him a titan in the genre. One of his popular short stories, "The Minority Report," focuses on a future society where precognitive beings predict crimes before they occur, leading to moral complexities and ethical dilemmas.

If you're looking for a contemporary voice in science fiction short stories, Ted Chiang is a name that cannot be overlooked. Chiang's collection "Stories of Your Life and Others" features the mind-bending story "The Story of Your Life," which was adapted into the film "Arrival." In this thought-provoking tale, Chiang explores the concept of linguistic relativity and its impact on human understanding of the world.

For fans of cyberpunk and near-future dystopias, William Gibson's storytelling prowess is unparalleled. His short story collection "Burning Chrome" contains the influential story "Johnny Mnemonic," a thrilling adventure combining high-tech criminal syndicates, memory manipulation, and underground data smuggling.

To unearth even more compelling science fiction short stories, online platforms such as Tor.com, Clarkesworld Magazine, and Lightspeed Magazine offer a treasure trove of free-to-read and subscription-based options. These websites feature an extensive collection of stories from established authors and emerging talents, ensuring you will always have a fresh supply of captivating tales.

In summary, science fiction short stories provide an escape from reality, inviting readers to journey to unexplored realms and contemplate the future of humankind. Whether you prefer classics from Asimov and Dick or crave the contemporary narratives of Chiang and Gibson, the captivating world of science fiction short stories is waiting for you to explore. So sit back, grab a cup of tea, and immerse yourself in the infinite possibilities that science fiction has to offer.
Dragon Race Fiction
Dragon Race

He thought he would live his life like this, always believing he was just a pathetic kid. But his life changed when he received an acceptance letter from Cassel Academy. Within the clouds whispered a mysterious chant: you too have magical parents, you too have passionate companions, and the blood of the dragon race flows through your veins. Your ultimate goal will be— to slay dragons.

593.33 Million words | 2023-06-10 21:06Update

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Disillusioned Foreign Land Fiction
Disillusioned Foreign Land

In an instant, the scenery vanished, replaced by vast plains. The knight stood still, gazing ahead. In the reflection of colorful light, a foreign princess appeared, wearing a red gown. Her back was turned towards the knight, and her golden curls cascaded down. Her fair side profile, an enchanting sight, greeted his eyes with a radiant smile. The knight transformed into a handsome prince, his flowing crimson cape still adorning him. He walked towards the princess in a leisurely manner. The scene before him started to crumble and disintegrate. Running towards her, just as they were about to touch, everything faded into oblivion...

1,127.00 Million words | 2022-03-12 06:14Update

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The Animal Legion of Genghis Khan Fiction
The Animal Legion of Genghis Khan

This novel features a variety of animals, such as the steppe wolf, forest wolf, mountain wolf, and Altai wolf. Friends who love animals would enjoy reading this.

49.94 Million words | 2022-12-28 19:45Update

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Monster Prey Fiction
Monster Prey

Yidi crossed over to the world of Monster Hunter, and thus began the legend of a creature hunter...

83.08 Million words | 2020-08-19 12:13Update

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The sand falls in the south of the river. Fiction
The sand falls in the south of the river.

She was born into the most prestigious family in Jiangnan, and she was raised by those around her. Her identity destined her to not have control of her own life. With the border in crisis, for the sake of the country, she was sent as a gift to the desert. But in the vast expanse of the desert, her heart yearned for the bustling and rainy scenery of Jiangnan and the one who used to stargaze with her. She longed to become a grain of sand and be blown by the wind back to the land of Jiangnan. The things she couldn't achieve in this lifetime, she hopes her daughter can accomplish.

27.78 Million words | 2022-03-01 06:34Update

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Memory of Walnut Bay Fiction
Memory of Walnut Bay

A college student who accidentally visits Walnut Bay is deeply attracted by a little girl and shocked by the poverty and backwardness of the village. As the child of a high-ranking official, she resolutely gives up her rosy future and decides to go to the impoverished Walnut Bay village to teach. She hopes to change the children's situation through her own efforts and use knowledge to change their fate. However, good things don't last long, and unexpected accidents make her heart collapse, forcing her to return to the city of Chaoyang. The fate of the children once again becomes a worrying concern...

8.58 Million words | 2020-12-17 15:06Update

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A Hundred Years of Harmony Fiction
A Hundred Years of Harmony

Despite the controversy and unconventional methods, he finally made his dream come true by making her his wife. But their happiness only lasted for two years before it all fell apart. 'At least we can still be friends.' 'I can't be friends with her.' How does it feel to watch your ex-wife and her first love together right in front of your eyes? Mr. Zhou raises his glass, smiling calmly yet with a broken heart... Time flows in order, longing for a hundred years of harmony with you.

6.73 Million words | 2022-04-12 01:21Update

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Next Stop Bookstore Fiction
Next Stop Bookstore

There is a tiny bookstore in Pudong. With the wind brushing one's face, this second-hand bookstore carries the endless flow of time and the scent of paper pulp. Every word and sentence is filled with beauty.

16.50 Million words | 2020-08-01 19:23Update

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The knight is in his freshman year. Fiction
The knight is in his freshman year.

The Holy Terren Plain was stained with the blood of knights, the palace lay in ruins, and glory faded away with the wheel of time. Angels no longer descended, and there were no more knights in the world. In the desolate era, the blood of the knights dried up, and tranquility vanished from the mortal realm. This battle lasted for seventy-seven days, and not a single participant survived. It was known as the Saint Vassetricren Battle. On the other side of space and time, a child opened his eyes. Blinding light entered his eyes, and a reborn knight awaited him in a world he never dreamt of. Oh, the few remaining knights of Saint Vassetricren, do

26.24 Million words | 2023-05-28 23:54Update

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Traveling back in time to when the admiral was a young man Fiction
Traveling back in time to when the admiral was a young man

She ended up as a supporting character in the novel, pitifully mingling among the men and women in the government hall, waiting for the county magistrate to arrange her marriage. At the age of seventeen, without her parents' consent, the local authorities would find a match for her. According to the plot, she was destined to be cannon fodder, a short-lived character. She refused to accept her fate and anxiously searched the crowd until she found him. Oh my, this brother here, who unexpectedly turned out to be the second male lead! Even the female lead couldn't compete with this ruthless man! He had an illustrious scholar's reputation but was plotted against by his relatives and ended up as an incomplete eunuch in the palace. He endured numerous hardships, eventually becoming the feared Admiral with control over the Imperial Horse Guards. He experienced both rejection and adulation throughout his life, becoming a seasoned statesman who lived a solitary existence. But that's not the focus here; the main point is his untimely demise! As long as she clung to his thigh, she would be able to escape the manipulations of her troublesome relatives. As the wife of a powerful eunuch, she would live a life of luxury without the burden of child-rearing. Life couldn't be more perfect; she had

49.96 Million words | 2022-12-17 07:43Update

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Veteran Fiction
Veteran

I asked, don't discharged soldiers get resettlement fees? It would be nice to start a small business. He carefully wiped the corners of his mouth with a piece of tissue. His child needed to go to school and tuition was expensive. The resettlement fee was not much. He could have transferred to another job at the time, but he had no connections and could only go home. Later, his wife got sick and they had already spent all the resettlement fee. He didn't have much education when he joined the army, and he didn't have many opportunities after leaving. Without education, he could only do manual labor. That's what he said. However, his child was doing well in school, which saved him a lot of worries. He worked hard outside and earned more money, hoping to send his child to a good university. Suddenly, I blurted out, "Have you tried to ask the government for other subsidies?" He just looked at me and then stood up, carefully straightening his clothes. He said, "I am a physically and mentally capable discharged soldier."

10.52 Million words | 2023-04-12 05:57Update

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The Enigma Bureau Fiction
The Enigma Bureau

In the city of Bianliang during the Northern Song Dynasty, someone set up an intricate plot and stole the national treasure, the Carved Jade Guanyin. The extraordinary investigator Chu Yunfei took on the case, but as the investigation unfolded, a series of bloody incidents occurred one after another. In order to track down the whereabouts of the treasure, Chu Yunfei risked his life only to find himself in constant danger. The enormous secret hidden within the Carved Jade Guanyin attracted the attention of various individuals and factions.

78.65 Million words | 2022-10-03 12:05Update

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Intern Fiction
Intern

In the last month before her wedding, Lin Shuang receives a job task to train a new intern, Cheng Huaiyi. All she knows is that he is the child of a friend of the big boss, and she must do her best. Little did she know, it would lead to a series of encounters in bed. A male third party, a female affair, a non-conventional relationship.

4,061.00 Million words | 2022-10-19 16:12Update

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Immortal Fiction
Immortal

Book number: www.k.com/book/.html. Please help me by adding it to your favorites when you have time! The title may be a bit misleading, but I assure you it's not a harem genre! Alas! There's no other way, "Immortal" is a serious cultivation novel, but it ended up like this in the end! It seems like the edgy genre is quite popular, so I'll give it a try too! Starting from today, "Immortal" will unlock VIP chapters at a rate of three chapters per day. This announcement is made officially!

58.36 Million words | 2023-04-27 01:03Update

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Karmic Cycle in the Incense Burner Fiction
Karmic Cycle in the Incense Burner

Three sticks of incense, a lifetime of cycles; observing the fragrance foretells events, discerning good from evil is difficult; seeking in the incense, ending in ashes; raising one's head three inches, fortune and misfortune are determined by heaven. A peculiar individual who divines through fragrance and foretells the future, a series of unravelled events, in the end, the karmic cycle within the incense burner... has long been predetermined!

21.05 Million words | 2022-05-25 13:06Update

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My Peerless Banished Immortal Fiction
My Peerless Banished Immortal

【Explanation】The author wants to be an extraordinary male-oriented writer! She wants to write a romance novel here and blow up the male-oriented genre! Becoming a proud and beautiful flower! So, please see if everyone is willing to support her! 【Synopsis】He is the cold Immortal Lord of the Celestial Realm, yet he possesses a heart to save the world. His master tells him that the human heart is complex and fragile, easily tainted with darkness, but he firmly believes that the human heart can change. Even if that heart falls into darkness, it can be saved with love and warmth. What is the human heart after all? Why can it be so warm, yet also become so cold? No one can wait for someone for over three million years, but for Yu Baishushu, even if there are countless millions of years, she will still wait because she knows Mo Heng promised her that he will come back. For Yu Shengwei, in the end, he just wants a chance to start over. Why is it so difficult? Why should my heart be branded because of my mistakes? For Yu Liansheng, love is sacrifice, love is fulfillment. For Yu Tianxuan, love is selfless giving and unconditional devotion. That year, the pear tree planted by Mo Heng for her blossomed...

39.18 Million words | 2022-09-03 02:58Update

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Autumn Turmoil Fiction
Autumn Turmoil

Autumn Turmoil is a recipient of the Mao Dun Literature Prize, depicting the various upheavals stirred by the 'rural reformer' Yue Pengcheng amidst the transformation of his hometown. It covers the attention from provincial and municipal committees, nationwide and provincial media coverage of his engagement, ancient legends surrounding Li Longshan, and the names of Yue Pengcheng and the large mulberry grove engraved on a tablet at the back hall of Liwang Temple. Moreover, it delves into the inner turmoil experienced by Yue Pengcheng, the conflicts with his son Leiguan due to differing reform perspectives, the sharp intensification of conflicts and family issues caused by his relationship with Qiuling, and his bold, decisive, visionary and far-sighted handling of issues during the reform that led to significant development of local rural enterprises, but also involved illegal activities such as profiteering from scarce goods amidst the impact of market economy and corrupt social atmosphere.

21.76 Million words | 2022-04-19 01:18Update

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Facebook Fiction
Facebook

This is a story of a young man who grows up and struggles in society's lower class, experiencing misfortunes and early exposure to the harsh realities of life. Zhu Ziqiang comes from a humble butcher family. Fate grants him exceptional intelligence and outstanding academic achievements, but also brings him and his family numerous hardships: on the day he receives his first-place score on the county-level entrance exam, his father suddenly suffers a stroke and dies. His eldest brother, disregarding their blood ties, embezzles the funeral expenses. His second brother injures someone and flees due to conflicts over the coffin. Left with only his mother, Ziqiang and his mother live in poverty, relying on each other. Prior to the college entrance exam, his mother succumbs to illness, passing away amidst the indifference of relatives. Through a series of setbacks, Ziqiang witnesses the warmth and coldness of human relationships, becoming both strong and mature, yet sensitive and self-deprecating. He gives up the opportunity to attend university, determined to change his own destiny with his own hands and his intellect.

64.63 Million words | 2022-05-18 20:09Update

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Your Wife Has Gone for a Float, Mr. Ye Fiction
Your Wife Has Gone for a Float, Mr. Ye

What? She failed in reincarnation and became a baby doll. What can a baby doll do? There's no cultivation of spiritual power here. When will her wings grow? She wants to fly, fly, fly... Many years later, 'Mr. Ye, your wife has gone for a float, what should we do?' Mr. Ye sighed as his wife started flying every day and disappeared without a trace. He couldn't send people to find them because they couldn't fly. And then there's that little guy, who can transform into a human, and a man at that. He is always 'biplane' with his wife, leaving Mr. Ye frustrated and helpless...

1.84 Million words | 2022-02-08 17:59Update

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The Seventh Pursuit Order. Fiction
The Seventh Pursuit Order.

A world-class agent who has lost his memory; a highly intelligent student whose parents died in mysterious circumstances. Locked boxes, frantic chases, enigmatic human experiments, the pulsating energy within their genes, and layers of unknown mysteries from the past... What exactly happened all those years ago? Together, they embark on a journey, determined to uncover the truth of what transpired in the past!

13.06 Million words | 2022-05-27 10:45Update

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Do you do research? That kind of person who pressures you to get married. Fiction
Do you do research? That kind of person who pressures you to get married.

The starry-eyed research genius, Xianyu, who was busy as a bee, found himself transported into a book. Suddenly, he became idle and redundant. Su Lian: If you give this patent for free to Brother Luo Ye's company, I will withdraw from this relationship and help you and Brother Luo Ye be together... *sob* *sob* *sob* Xianyu: Jimei, you're Su Lian, not Soviet Union, right? Did Liang Jingru give you the courage to give away my patent for free? Second Company Commander! There's a white lotus disturbing me while I'm conducting experiments! Second Company Commander: What about my domestically produced cannon? Luo Ye: If you leave the research institute and come to my company, I will marry you. X

92.27 Million words | 2020-07-20 06:07Update

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