The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year: Volume Two

Australian anthologist Strahan’s second annual “best of” collection is too small to hold all the great speculative stories of 2007, but it provides an excellent sampler, focusing on the recent trend of interstitiality. Kelly Link’s “The Constable of Abal,” which revolves around an unscrupulous fortuneteller and her daughter’s search for home, is equal parts fantasy, coming-of-age tale and unconventional ghost story. Ken MacLeod’s “Jesus Christ, Reanimator,” about the inglorious Second Coming of a blogging messiah from outer space, wraps social commentary in sardonic science fiction. Holly Black’s poignant “The Coat of Stars” blends together elements of folklore and urban grit to create an unlikely and deeply moving story about love and loss. If these 24 stories are any indication, SF and fantasy are continuing their evolution—or “dissolution,” as Strahan calls it—just as they always have: through innovative writers re-examining conventions and redefining boundaries. (May)