-20%

You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction — Cosmic Horror

You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction — photo 1

You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction — photo 2

You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction — photo 3

📖 Have you read this book?

Your review can inspire others to read it

🐙 Cosmic Horror −20%

You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction

Name: You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction
Price: 19.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780999575451

✍️ Josh Malerman

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$19.95 ~~$25.00~~ Save $5.05 (20%)

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 2016 anthology of dark sci-fi stories edited by Josh Malerman.

The book gathers diverse voices to examine the erosion of human identity through technological advancement. Stories like Erik T. Johnson's "The immigrants" and Cody Goodfellow's "Key to the city" suggest a world where boundaries between organic and synthetic life are blurring. The inclusion of poetry by Marge Simon adds a lyrical dimension to the technical themes found in prose pieces such as Lucy A. Snyder's "Executive functions." The anthology does not offer hope for salvation but rather documents the decay of traditional human experiences. Readers will find tales about downloaded consciousness, robotic companionship, and cosmic indifference. The illustrations by L.A. Spooner complement the eerie tone of each narrative. This volume is a collection of warnings and observations about a future where humanity is no longer the central figure.

Key Themes

robotic consciousness digital existence cosmic horror

Literary Context

Published in 2016 by Written Backwards, this anthology reflects mid-2010s anxieties about artificial intelligence and digital integration. It sits within the tradition of dark science fiction that critiques technological progress through a lens of dread and uncertainty.

Josh Malerman

📚 all books by this author (49) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Stephen King's speculative fiction · Marge Simon's dark poetry · Cosmic horror anthologies

🐙

Cosmic Horror

🏛 Written Backwards 📅 2016 📖 430 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780999575451

📚 This Book in Collections

👹 Monsters & Creature Features

📝 Description: 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.

💎 Our verdict on You, Human: An Anthology of Dark Science Fiction

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

You, Human delivers a chilling exploration of post-humanity through dark sci-fi lenses, blending domestic anxiety with cosmic indifference. While the inclusion of notable names like Stephen King adds weight, the anthology’s primary strength lies in its cohesive thematic focus on identity decay rather than plot-driven narratives. It is not suited for readers seeking traditional horror monsters, historical settings, or hopeful resolutions. The technical and existential themes may feel too abstract for those preferring conventional adventure. However, fans of psychological horror and speculative fiction questioning the nature of consciousness will find this volume a disturbing and necessary reflection on our potential digital future.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the intersection of humanity, robotics, and existential dread will find this collection compelling. It offers a stark examination of consciousness and identity in a future where organic life blurs with synthetic forms. The volume is ideal for those who appreciate diverse voices exploring downloaded consciousness and robotic companionship without offering easy salvation. Contributors like Josh Malerman and Stephen King provide varied perspectives on artificial intelligence and digital existence. Those seeking to understand the consequences of technological erosion on human dignity will gain significant insight from these forty-two pieces of prose and poetry.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

You will love this if you crave speculative tales probing consciousness and identity through a dark lens. However, if you prefer classic gothic monsters or straightforward non-technical narratives without technological themes, this anthology will likely leave you cold and unengaged.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

❓ Frequently asked questions

It is a mixed anthology containing forty-two distinct pieces, including both prose narratives and poetic works by contributors like Marge Simon.

Yes, notable figures such as Stephen King and Mort Castle contribute stories to this collection alongside Josh Malerman himself.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

This volume sits firmly within the lineage of science fiction that interrogates the perilous consequences of artificial intelligence and digital existence. By weaving cosmic dread with domestic anxieties surrounding robotics, it echoes classic tropes while exploring modern fears about humanity's intersection with technology. It serves as a bridge between traditional horror and speculative fiction, challenging readers to confront existential threats posed by their own creations.