Step into the electrifying world of the Forward Collection, where cutting-edge technology collides with the human spirit in six gripping sci-fi tales! Curated by bestselling author Blake Crouch, this anthology of short stories brings together some of today’s most visionary writers to explore a future shaped by tech breakthroughs—some dazzling, others downright chilling. Whether you’re a sci-fi buff or just curious about what lies ahead, this series will spark your imagination and keep you thinking long after the last page.
From rogue AIs to climate-ravaged worlds, the Forward Collection delivers bite-sized narratives that pack a punch. Each story, crafted to be read in a single sitting, dives into the thrilling, often unsettling possibilities of tomorrow. Ready to explore a world where technology rewrites what it means to be human? Let’s dive in!
How Forward Collection Began
Blake Crouch, the mastermind behind sci-fi hits like Dark Matter and Recursion, dreamed up the Forward Collection in 2019 while pondering the rapid rise of emerging technologies. Inspired by a conversation about tech’s double-edged sword, he penned his own story, Summer Frost, and invited five stellar authors—N.K. Jemisin, Veronica Roth, Amor Towles, Paul Tremblay, and Andy Weir—to join him. Published by Amazon Original Stories, these six novelettes were released simultaneously, each tackling a pivotal technological moment with bold imagination.
Crouch’s vision was simple yet ambitious: create a collection that’s accessible, thought-provoking, and perfect for busy readers. By blending diverse voices, from Jemisin’s sharp social commentary to Weir’s technical wit, he crafted a series that feels like a sci-fi sampler platter—varied, fresh, and endlessly engaging.
The Heart of Forward Collection
The Forward Collection shines through its six distinct stories, each a unique lens on technology’s impact. In Summer Frost by Blake Crouch, a video game developer grapples with an AI character, Maxine, who defies her programming, sparking a mind-bending exploration of consciousness. N.K. Jemisin’s Emergency Skin, a Hugo Award winner, follows an explorer returning to a ruined Earth, narrated by a snarky AI with a subversive twist. Veronica Roth’s Ark captures a scientist’s final days cataloging plants before an asteroid obliterates Earth, weaving hope amid despair. Meanwhile, Andy Weir’s Randomize dives into a high-stakes casino heist powered by quantum computing, showcasing his knack for clever tech-driven plots.
These stories share a futuristic setting but vary wildly in tone—from darkly comic to deeply poignant. Themes of identity, morality, and humanity’s resilience thread through each tale, challenging readers to question tech’s role in our lives. Whether it’s the ethical dilemmas of AI or the fallout of climate collapse, the Forward Collection blends speculative fiction with real-world relevance, making every story feel eerily plausible.
The series’ concise format is its secret weapon. Each novelette, ranging from 30 to 100 pages, delivers a complete arc that’s perfect for a lunch break or late-night read. Yet their brevity doesn’t sacrifice depth—expect rich characters, vivid worlds, and plenty of “what if?” moments to fuel your next sci-fi binge.
Why Forward Collection Resonates
The Forward Collection stands out in the sci-fi landscape for its bold mix of voices and its fearless dive into technology’s highs and lows. Fans rave about its accessibility—Prime members can even read or listen for free—while critics praise its thought-provoking narratives. N.K. Jemisin’s Emergency Skin snagged a 2020 Hugo Award, cementing the series’ cred among speculative fiction lovers. Beyond awards, the collection’s real impact lies in its ability to spark conversations about our tech-driven future.
By pairing A-list authors with celebrity narrators like Jason Isaacs and Evan Rachel Wood for the audiobooks, Forward Collection feels like a cinematic experience. Its legacy endures as a must-read for anyone curious about where humanity might be headed—and what we’ll face when we get there.
- Publication Year: 2019
- Number of Stories: 6
- Notable Award: Hugo Award for Best Novelette (Emergency Skin, 2020)
- Authors: Blake Crouch, N.K. Jemisin, Veronica Roth, Amor Towles, Paul Tremblay, Andy Weir
Ready to glimpse the future? Grab Summer Frost or any Forward Collection story and dive into a sci-fi adventure that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking!