Hungry Is the Earth, by William Ledbetter

[F&SF]

★★★☆☆

(Alien Invasion) The poisonous alien plants have crowded out all other plants, and humanity is dying. Isabelle keeps a garden and is trying to keep her little brother alive, but it looks pretty grim. (2,211 words; Time: 07m)

What I Am, by William Ledbetter

[Asimov's]

★★★☆☆ Honorable Mention

(AI) The short tale of a boy who modifies a “smart sweater” to hunt for a ring he lost in a lake. From the sweater’s point of view. (993 words; Time: 03m)

Recommended By: 👍STomaino+1 (Q&A)

Broken Wings, by William Ledbetter

[F&SF]

★★★★★ A Great Adventure With Great Characters

(SF Adventure) Marcie’s “boyfriend” comes into Deimos station unexpectedly with an even more unexpected cargo. He wants her help, but they’ve never met in person, and the cargo isn’t the only unexpected thing. (9,031 words; Time: 30m)

Vigilance, by William Ledbetter

[Analog]

★★★☆☆ Honorable Mention

(Post-Apocalypse) Grandpa tries to explain to Whit that just because things are getting better, you still can’t be too careful. (862 words; Time: 02m)

The Beast from Below, by William Ledbetter

[F&SF]

★★★☆☆ Honorable Mention

(Mutant Monster Horror/Humor) In a 1950s small town, something is causing local animals to mutate into giant monsters. (4,044 words; Time: 13m)

In a Wide Sky, Hidden, by William Ledbetter

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(Exploration SF) In an age that has lost interest in exploration, the narrator seeks their lost sister, on an empty, unexplored world. (4,765 words; Time: 15m)

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Not Recommended

The Long Fall Up, by William Ledbetter

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(Hard SF) A woman in a space ship illegally tries to bring a baby to term in zero-g to prove it can be done, and the space station management sends an enforcer to stop her. (7,561 words; Time: 25m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average

Recommended By: Nebula