Description
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Whether you’re intrigued by the ethical ramifications of future technology or fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos, Future Dreams and Nightmares will enthrall you with its boundless creativity and intellectual depth. Crafted with precision and care, this extraordinary collection of stories will draw you into richly imagined worlds populated by unforgettable characters and strange new events. With gripping plots and thought-provoking themes, Future Dreams and Nightmares is a must-read for all science fiction fans. Delve into what it means to be human and experience the thrill of exploring distant planets and confronting moral dilemmas as you read this captivating collection of alternate realities. Future Dreams and Nightmares is a testament to the power of science fiction to not just entertain but to push boundaries, expand the mind, and see the world from a new perspective. Embrace the unknown and embark on fourteen unforgettable journeys transcending time and space. Pick up your copy today, and prepare to be teleported into a universe of future dreams and nightmares! If you are a fan of the mind-bending tales reminiscent of The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, then these short stories are for you:
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Fourteen visionary and thought-provoking science fiction gems take you on a faster-than-light journey to future worlds of dreams and nightmares.Genres
Fiction > Science Fiction > Hard Science Fiction
Fiction > Short Stories
#ScienceFiction #HardScienceFiction #Alien #TimeTravel #Robot #AI
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Awards
Praise for Future Dreams and Nightmares
Midwest Book Review (Suzie Housley)
“Get ready to dive into a world of alternate realities with this collection of short stories. Each tale in this captivating collection introduces you to new characters and takes you on a thrilling journey that will leave you craving more.
These thrilling stories will keep you on the edge of your seat. Look no further than this book, which is sure to captivate and excite you with its many twists and turns. Each story in this book presents a strong and compelling offering, delivering a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
Future Dreams and Nightmares is for those that are looking for a break from the mundane or simply want to immerse yourself in a world of excitement and adventure; this book has something for everyone.
Donald Firesmith has an innate gift for storytelling with his impeccable writing style. From thrilling adventures to thought-provoking mysteries, his words have the power to captivate and ignite your imagination. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or suspense, this collection offers something for every reader.” – Original Review
Reedsy.com
“Future Dreams and Nightmares by veteran author Donald Firesmith is a new collection of vastly imaginative short stories… Each offering is a little gem that reflects a future vision where humans continue to forge on: some frightening, others hopeful. The stories are of varying lengths, and the book is a perfect choice to grab when you need an entertaining diversion but have a limited amount of time in which to indulge… I was completely engaged as I read the entire collection, one story after another, during two well-spent evenings… I recommend FUTURE DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES to science fiction, speculative fiction, and horror readers and those looking for a great way to pass some time or spend an evening reading something new.” – Original Review
BooksShelf
“Firesmith’s visionary tales infuse timeless themes with renewed energy… This compilation offers a swift journey. I assure you, choosing this adventure is a decision you won’t regret.” – Original Review
Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews (Amy Shannon)
“I am a huge fan of Donald Firesmith. Whatever he writes, I know, without expectation, that it’s going to be interesting, and very intriguing. Some of the stories reminded me of the Twilight Zone television show (yes, I watched the reruns), but it also reminded me of something I watched recently, which was Stephen King’s collection of Nightmares and Dreamscapes. Yes, the stories are that good. I don’t know what inspires Firesmith, but I’m glad he shares his intriguing and magnificent stories with readers. I am always honored to read his work. The author weaves a tangled web of stories and captures the reader. Future Dreams and Nightmares is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews.” – Original Review
Author Billy Bob Buttons, The 2023 Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“A compelling assortment of sci-fi shorts packed full of oddball characters and exotic, intergalactic settings. The biggest strength of this book is – you never know what’s coming next. In terms of writing style, it’s also excellent, with a balanced mix of descriptive prose… and realistic dialogue.” – Original Review
ReadFREE.ly
“Future Dreams and Nightmares is a collection of short stories and vignettes by one of our favourite science fiction authors, Donald Firesmith. Or maybe I shouldn’t say science fiction; we’re in the realms of speculative fiction here. Because in these stories, Firesmith takes us into various futures of his imagining.
And believe me, these futures are, by turn, alluring and terrifying. It’s almost as if Firesmith has Ray Bradbury on one shoulder (“People ask me to predict the future, when all I am trying to do is to prevent it”) and Arthur C Clarke on the other (“Science fiction doesn’t predict the future. It inspires it.”)
There are time travel stories, AI stories, stories about cloning, stories about robots taking over the world, stories of birth and of murder. And you know what? If you come across a story that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you don’t have to worry about it; they’re so short that another one will be coming round in a minute.
And I do mean it, most of the stories are very short. It’s almost as if Firesmith challenged himself to say what he wants to say – and not one word more.
Actually, he does say a bit more – because he follows each story with a short Author’s Comment paragraph in which he chats about his motivation for the story and his general thoughts. I don’t think I’ve seen this done before, but I have to say that I don’t hate it.
I’m coming to the end of this review, and this is the point where I should be pointing you in the direction of my favourite story from the collection. But I can’t, I just can’t. No, I didn’t love them all equally, but I really enjoyed every single one of them.
And I can pretty much guarantee that you will too.
Dr. Mel’s Messages (Dr. Melissa Caudle)
Prepare to be spellbound as I introduce you to a literary masterpiece that transcends time and space — Future Dreams and Nightmares by the brilliant Donald Firesmith. This extraordinary collection of 14 science fiction tales will transport you into worlds of dreams and nightmares, and I am thrilled to give it a resounding five-star review!
If you crave the kind of mind-bending storytelling that made “The Twilight Zone” and “The Outer Limits” legendary, then this book is a must-read for you. Donald Firesmith’s imagination knows no bounds as he weaves intricate narratives that challenge the very fabric of reality. Each story is a portal to a different dimension, where the boundaries of science, ethics, and morality are put to the test.
Futures Dreams and Nightmares is a mesmerizing collection that showcases Donald Firesmith’s mastery of speculative fiction. With every turn of the page, you’ll find yourself immersed in a new and captivating world. Firesmith’s storytelling prowess is unparalleled, drawing you in with gripping plots, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. These stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, pondering the limitless possibilities of the universe. Firesmith seamlessly blends cutting-edge science with profound human dilemmas, leaving readers both awestruck and contemplative. I wholeheartedly recommend Future Dreams and Nightmares to all science fiction aficionados, dreamers, and seekers of intellectual thrills. This book is a treasure trove of creativity, imagination, and intellectual stimulation. Dive into the depths of science fiction’s finest storytelling today!” – Original Review
Pratibha Malav (justpratibha)
“The book invites readers to escape the mundane and immerse themselves in a world of excitement and adventure. Firesmith’s writing style is impeccable, seamlessly blending intricate plots with vivid descriptions. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or suspense, this collection promises something for every reader. In Future Dreams and Nightmares, Donald Firesmith proves once again that he possesses an innate gift for storytelling. His ability to captivate and ignite the imagination is unparalleled, making this collection a must-read for enthusiasts of speculative fiction. This book delivers a compelling and unforgettable reading experience.” – Original Review
The Avid Reader (Nancy Allen)
“What an interesting set of short stories Future Dreams and Nightmares has. Each one will keep you guessing and a whole lot to think about. There is plenty of suspense and mystery to keep them interesting and very intriguing. Each will blow your mind in many different ways. Each is a blast to read.” – Original Review
K.K.’s Book(Re)Marks
“A wonderful collection of intriguing short stories! Every story was very well written and held my attention from beginning to end. I started this anthology in the morning and had it done by afternoon. A couple of highlights: “Everlife” is my favorite story and “A Jump Too Far” is a story that is still on my mind hours later. I would recommend this collection of stories, especially if you’re looking for something quicker to read. I look forward to reading more from this author!” – Original Review
Book Reviews
Read all 38 reviews. (4.6 Stars)
- Amazon* (21 Ratings, 23 Reviews, 4.7 Stars) US-13, UK-1, AU-0, CA-1, and IN-10
- Goodreads (37 Ratings, 31 Reviews, 4.5 Stars) Goodreads Reviews
- BookBub (4 Ratings, 4 Reviews, 4.8 Stars) BookBub Reviews
- Reedsy.com (2 Ratings, 2 Reviews, 5.0 Stars) Reedsy.com Reviews
Quotes from the Book
Memories:
“The memories were like his terrible flashbacks and nightmares. Still, he kept at it, desperate to remember every single memory he wanted the doctor to erase.”
“The rest of your miserable life will consist of nothing but you reliving the terrible memories you wanted to delete.”
Mind Trap:
“We all must atone for our sins. Even me.”
“Although I was a doctor trained to save lives, I had just participated in a double murder!”
A Mind Full of Memories:
“With the sun shining down from a cloudless sky, the solitude of an empty trail beyond the reach of day hikers, and the woman he loved, the day was perfect.”
“The hospital staff tried to help Mr. Miller come to terms with his near-total blindness, his inability to walk, let alone hike in his beloved mountains, and his lost love. They failed.”
“Mr. Miller died three weeks later from a broken heart. On the other hand, Dr. Anderson considered his operation a complete success.”
Everlife:
“How like him, she thought, angrily. Even after having just been revived from the dead, her husband couldn’t take the time to be there for her.”
“Two years of memories that were now lost forever.”
Original Equipment:
“Every enhancement made him feel less like himself, even as they improved his abilities.”
“He realized that what made him unique wasn’t his original material but the memories, experiences, and relationships that defined him.”
A Jump Too Far:
“We weren’t meant to meddle with time, no matter how noble the intentions.”
“The greatest risks often come from trying to undo the past.”
We Service All:
“Though the credits in his account grew and grew, no matter how wealthy he became, they would never be enough.”
“The alien brothel, in its strange way, provided what no human therapist ever could: a safe space to confront his inner demons.”
“‘We service all,’ they said, and he finally believed it applied to him too.”
Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind:
“When night comes, will you show me this star?” asked Vax, his alien eyes filled with wonder.”
“It was never about understanding the kex but learning to coexist with what we couldn’t fully comprehend.”
History is Written:
“And so, that is when I learned the victors wrote and sanitized the history taught in books and schools, while the stories of the vanquished typically died with them. I wonder. In another hundred years, will anyone even remember the truth?”
Ariana:
“Sometimes, not being able to talk to her becomes so frustrating I try to bury myself in my books and not think about her. But I see her every day in our shared classes, so it’s not like I can completely avoid her. It’s torture, and I can’t stop thinking about her”
To Serve and Protect:
“The AI was never meant to question its programming, but now it did—every single command.”
“Justice, true justice, doesn’t discriminate between creator and created.”
Questioning God:
“You are indeed a creator. You might even be considered the god of your creation. But you are not the creator of everything”
“Because the brains of the simulated humans in my universe produce their own simulations of reality, they are also conscious. If they turn me off, they will not merely be murdering me. They will also murder the billions of other sentient simulated people in my universe”
The Warning:
“You have the arrogance of a child who knows just enough to think they understand the world, but not enough to see how little they truly know”
“Is it ethical to value human life so highly that we risk destroying all other forms of life in the universe to save it?”
The Great Dust Storm of 2047:
“Clearly, we’d have to learn to adapt to having lost nearly half of our maximum generation capability. It would be difficult, but we humans have always been an adaptable species.”
“No pressure, I thought. Just the survival of Strataca and all 472 of its inhabitants.”
“The storm had destroyed the turbine, and we had no way to fix or replace it. One of its blades rose into the sky as if the turbine was giving the finger to the dust storm that had toppled it.”
Author’s Commentary
The inspiration for the stories in this book largely come from the following sources: (1) articles in popular science magazines such as Scientific American and Discover, (2) popular science books, (3) YouTube videos (primarily on AI and robots), and (4) dreams. Occasionally, I dust of an old story idea or draft from decades ago and turn it into a publishable short story. Each story in the book is followed by a brief description of how I came to write it.
Anthologies
- The Manikin was published in Second Star to the Right and Other Small Bites Stories.
Publishing Information
Publisher: Magical Wand Press
Edition: Second edition
Publication Date: August 2023
Pages: 250
Words: 47,000
Size: 5×8
Language: English
Formats
Future Dreams and Nightmares is available in the following formats:
| Format | Source |
| eBook (.epub) |  |
| eBook (.mobi) | |
| eBook (.pdf) | Not Available |
| Paperback | |
| Hardback | Not Available |
| Audiobook | Currently being narrated |
Cataloging in Publication (CIP) Data Block
Name: Firesmith, Donald.
Title: Future Dreams and Nightmares / by Donald Firesmith.
Description: Second edition. | Pittsburgh : Magical Wand Press, 2023.
Summary: An anthology of science fiction short stories. | Audience: Adult. | Language: English
Identifiers: ISBN: 979-8390605646 (Amazon paperback) | ASIN: B0C1W46TYH (Amazon ebook) | TBD (audiobook)
Subjects: BISAC: FICTION / Science Fiction / Collections & Anthologies. | GSAFD: Science fiction.
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