You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction

Josh Malerman presents You, Human, an anthology of dark science fiction published by Written Backwards in 2016. This collection features forty-two distinct pieces of prose and poetry, illustrated by L. A. Spooner and Orion Zangara. The volume spans 430 pages and explores the intersection of humanity with technology, robotics, and cosmic horror. Contributors include Stephen King, who offers "I am the doorway," and Mort Castle with his piece on a robot. Other notable entries include Darren Speegle's "The cosmic affair" and Josh Malerman's own story, "The Jupitar drop." The book also contains poetry by Marge Simon, such as "In accordance with the laws" and "Less than human." The stories range from domestic anxieties about household robots in Dyer Wilk's "It can walk and talk" to existential dread in Paul Michael Anderson's "The Universe is dying." This collection suits readers who enjoy speculative fiction that questions the nature of consciousness and identity. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional horror monsters or non-technical narratives. The anthology draws on the tradition of science fiction that examines the consequences of artificial intelligence and digital existence. It does not focus on historical periods but rather on potential futures and altered realities. The organization groups these varied voices into a cohesive exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly automated world.