Futures: Near and Far (Collection of sci-fi short stories)
Author: Dave Smeds
Futures: Near and Far is one of the most gripping
collections of sci-fi short stories by the author himself, Mr. Dave Smeds. The
collection deals with stories from near future and also technology which is
present and in use in today’s world. The author has been writing sci-fi for
quite some time now. And also he is the member of various elite literary clubs
and organizations.
The best thing about the collection is the way of dealing
with the stories, the characters. The backbone of most of the stories is not
hardcore sci-fi but mere normal stories and events which happened at some time
in the future. There is no overtly unwanted description of science used which
makes the series even the more gripping for common folks. A normal behavior of
a man in 2100 or 2300 is what is described.
The author also provides a background for each of his story
which is quite insightful and lets us into the mind of the author, about his
thought process and the inspirations which made him write these stories.
I especially liked the “Termites”. It was a concept thought
of when the food crisis was acute and famine was imminent. Though, I never
thought about the consequences that are dealt with in the said piece, but it
was really a plausible solution at a time in the past.
I would have really liked to discuss some the technologies
mentioned but it would be like a spoilsport. Still, I would definitely like to
say that nanodocs were amazing, and I would really like to tinker with them in
time to come if the technology arrives in my time.
Definitely a must read for all both science lovers and
novices.
