Life Beyond Us: An Original Anthology of SF Stories and Science Essays

Presented by the European Astrobiology Institute and edited by Nováková, Lucas K. Law, and Susan Forest, these 27 original stories, each with an accompanying essay that delves into an aspect of the science explored in the short story, are from a wide range of authors spanning the globe. They contemplate creatures of the sea—on Earth and on Saturn’s moon Titan—along with a variety of shapes that aliens might take from crystal beings to one that looks like an upside-down bucket and more unexpected depictions. These varying forms make communication especially challenging, and many of the stories explore how humans might learn to have a conversation with them. The most impactful stories in this collection are often the ones that evoke a strong emotional reaction, like “The Dog Star Killer” by Renan Bernardo, “The Lament of Kivu Lacus” by B. Zelkovich, and “Third Life” by Julie E. Czerneda. “The Dangers We Choose” by Malka Older also stands out with wry humor and the wonder of humans interacting with aliens.