Machine learning, AI and large language models tell us that the future is with us now. This thrilling collection of science fiction stories gathers the fears and opportunities prompted by responsive chatbots to reveal the struggles of the Machine Age, affecting both humanity and artificial intelligence. With stories from open submissions and classic tales we examine the interplay between automation, humankind, and what it is to be human. The stories encourage us to think of human and machine development in the same terms. What is it like to emerge from childhood as an adult? What was it like to be at the mercy of elemental forces in ancient times? Are we truly in control of our climate now? Are machines the future, or a dangerous distraction? Are thinking machines inevitable? There's so much to explore in this fascinating new book.


New, contemporary and notable writers featured are: Rachel Aukes, Stewart C. Baker, Hal Bodner, Kushal Chatterjee, Vivian Chou, Matthew Chrulew and Stelarc’s Prosthetic Head, P.A. Cornell, Yelena Crane, E.J. Delaney, Derek Des Anges, Louis Evans, Paige E. Ewing, Shannon Fay, Sydney Paige Guerrero, K. Lynn Harrison, Emily Inkpen, Akis Linardos, Mary Liu, K.G. McAbee, Corbett McKinney, Adam Mitchell, Jason Sabbagh, M.C. St. John, Antonia Rachel Ward, Nemma Wollenfang, and Ramez Yoakeim. These appear alongside classic work by Karel Čapek, E.T.A. Hoffman, Franz Kafka, Damon Knight, Mary Shelley, H.G. Wells, and more.


The gorgeous editions of Flame Tree Gothic Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales collections bring together the entire range of myth, folklore and modern short fiction. Highlighting the roots of suspense, supernatural, science fiction and mystery stories, the books in Flame Tree Collections series are beautifully presented, perfect as a gift and offer a lifetime of reading pleasure.

Foreword by: Roger Luckhurst