Dark Matter: Artificial in The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club

Apr 13, 2021 Ellen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy

Another great collection of stories from the Insecure Writer's Support Group!

This anthology features ten author's interpretations of dark matter - the mysterious forms it takes, the effect it has on people and societies, and the secrets it holds. I really enjoyed the fact that there is such a variety of stories in this collection. There's definitely something for everyone, and it's a great way to discover new authors.

-Artificial (Stephanie Espinoza Villamor) - A sweet story with a great twist an Another great collection of stories from the Insecure Writer's Support Group!

This anthology features ten author's interpretations of dark matter - the mysterious forms it takes, the effect it has on people and societies, and the secrets it holds. I really enjoyed the fact that there is such a variety of stories in this collection. There's definitely something for everyone, and it's a great way to discover new authors.

-Artificial (Stephanie Espinoza Villamor) - A sweet story with a great twist and a very satisfying ending. Plus, it featured cake. You can't go wrong with a story that has cake in it!
-Space Folds and Broomsticks (CD Gallant-King) - I may just have snorted my coffee out my nose when reading this very funny story!
-Rift (Kim Mannix) - This one will have you on the edge of your seats. If you enjoyed the TV series, Counterpart, you'll want to check this one out.
-The Utten Mission (Steph Wolmarans) - A story that will have you reflecting on possible evolutionary paths humanity might take and their implications. While I was reading this, I was reminded of Doris Lessing's Canopus in Argos series and her take on socio-cultural issues.
-Sentient (Tara Tyler) - A fun Freaky Friday and opposites attract vibe to this story with a great twist at the end.
-One to Another (Deniz Bevan) - When an alien storm leaves a path of destruction behind, people have to make tough decisions. This story will have you pondering what you might do if resources were scarce and how you would choose to co-exist with others.
-Resident Alien (Charles Kowalski) - This one will have you thinking about xenophobia and drawing parallels to our own world. Would you have the courage to fight for the rights of your people?
-Nano Pursuit (Olga Godim) - A fun action-packed story that will have you rooting for the good guys.
-Resurgence (Elizabeth Mueller) - A very mysterious story with a lyrical quality to it. I was drawn into the main character's anxiety and confusion, turning pages quickly to find out what was really going on.
-Vera's Last Voyage (Mark Alpert) - A sweet love story with a very satisfying ending. It will leave you pondering for yourself exactly what dark matter is. ...more

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Aug 16, 2021 Rebecca Reeder rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, science-fiction, fiction, short-stories, female-author

I am really glad that I purchased this collection of short stories! Fun reading, especially the featured story, Dark Matter: Artificial "Artificial." It is difficult to write a synopsis of this 17-page story without giving away too much and creating spoiler alerts. Let me just say that it is a thought provoking and touching - in fact heart tugging- story about artificial intelligence.

Narrated in first person by the AI character itself, readers will find themselves relating to both human Lina, wh ...more

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Aug 15, 2021 Sherry Ellis rated it it was amazing

Dark Matter Artificial is a collection of ten science fiction stories written by the winners of the Insecure Writer's Support Group's annual anthology contest.

The overall winning story, Artificial, looks at Artificial Intelligence in a thought-provoking way. All stories explore dark matter, but the one that explores it as it is in its cosmic form is the last: Vera's Last Voyage by Mark Alpert. It's a fascinating combination of science and philosophy and is definitely a great story to end the boo ...more

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Aug 15, 2021 Sherry Ellis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Dark Matter Artificial is a collection of ten science fiction stories written by the winners of the Insecure Writer's Support Group's annual anthology contest.

The overall winning story, Artificial, looks at Artificial Intelligence in a thought-provoking way. All stories explore dark matter, but the one that explores it as it is in its cosmic form is the last: Vera's Last Voyage by Mark Alpert. It's a fascinating combination of science and philosophy and is definitely a great story to end the boo ...more

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Jun 05, 2021 Damien Larkin rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this anthology from the Insecure Writers Support Group.

There's an excellent mix of stories here covering all aspects of SF. It's also introduced me to some rising stars within the writing community, so I'll be keeping an eye out and adding their works to my TBR.

If you're looking for some well written bite-sized SF stories to whet your appetite then check this anthology out! ...more

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