Articulated Restraint, by Mary Robinette Kowal

[Single]

★★★☆☆ Average

(Punchcard Punk; Lady Astronaut) After an accident in space, a crew in lunar orbit desperately needs Ruby and her team on Earth to work out an EVA to save the crew, so she hides the fact that she hurt her ankle badly the night before. (5,674 words; Time: 18m)

This story can serve as an introduction to the author’s “Lady Astronaut” series

Deriving Life, by Elizabeth Bear

[Single]

★★★☆☆ Average

(Medical SF) Marq knew their spouse would die from the intelligent alien parasite they’d accepted some years ago, but now that the time has come, they have a lot of trouble dealing with it. (9,163 words; Time: 30m)

Stone Mad, by Elizabeth Bear

[Tor Novella]

★★☆☆☆ Not Recommended

(Steampunk Fantasy; Karen Memory) There’s trouble in Rapid City (Washington Territory, 1879) when apparently supernatural forces shake a downtown hotel, and Karen is determined to get to the bottom of it. (40,540 words; Time: 2h:15m)

Note: This novella is only of interest to readers who have already read and enjoyed the author’s novel, Karen Memory. See related articles on Tor.com.

When Stars Are Scattered, by Spencer Ellsworth

Read this story

(Exoplanetary SF) On planet Isach, the native Kites are enthusiastic converts to Islam, but they’re dying from a virus that the local Muslims suspect was planted by the neighboring Christian colony. (13,035 words; Time: 43m)

Rating: ★★★★★ Inspirational and Thought-Provoking