Last Small Step, by Stephen Baxter

[Anthology]

★★☆☆☆ Not Recommended

(Hard SF) Around 2270, a small spaceship heads out beyond the Kuiper Belt to apprehend a man who’s going to violate the laws against contaminating unexplored worlds. (6,922 words; Time: 23m)

The Martian in the Wood, by Stephen Baxter

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(SF Pastiche) When Zena’s brother disappears into a mysterious forest on her family property, she goes looking, and she finds that not all of the Martian invaders perished at the end of the War of the Worlds. (16,603 words; Time: 55m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average

Readers need to at least know the plot of The War of the Worlds. Those who already read Mythago Wood will enjoy the many references to it, but it’s not essential. This story precedes the author’s book, The Massacre of Mankind.

Starphone, by Stephen Baxter

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(Climate SF) Keely inherits an advanced robot from her eccentric aunt. (5,618 words; Time: 18m)

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ Needs Improvement

The Venus Generations, by Stephen Baxter

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(Terraforming) Cooling Venus down is only the first step. (7,375 words; Time: 24m)

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ Needs Improvement

Read an interview with the author about this story.