A boy is imprisoned alone, away from light and from any love. He's committed no crime except being born into a race that requires a sacrifice to suffer their guilt and shame for them. He is their unwilling messiah. He will live out his life imprisoned in constant anguish until the day it consumes his mind and body entirely.

On the distant world of Thara, a Steward has just completed his final examinations. He is inherently immortal and entrusted with immense power--the ability to teleport across the universe, and to summon living fire. Martin Hayflick's first assignment is to put a stop to a mysterious contagion--one that condemns an entire race.

“Hot new talent.” —Locus

Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, and Brandon Sanderson.

Explore 12 diverse new universes of possibility through a variety of creative and fresh new ideas—all in one anthology. From dragons to mythical death dealers, from murder on the moon to deep space mystery, these stories bring you the hot new talent in science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

Discover the writers who push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . the illustrators who envision the impossible—and render it real . . . the stories that challenge the way we see ourselves—and see the world in a new way.

You’ll love this anthology because of the diversity of stories, unexpected twists and turns, and 16 full color illustrations that bring the stories to vivid life.

Get it now.

Bonus short stories by L. Ron Hubbard, Todd McCaffrey, and Robert J. Sawyer

Art and writing tips by Anne McCaffrey, L. Ron Hubbard, and Larry Elmore

“This fine collection will appeal to both fans of science fiction and fantasy short stories and aspiring writers looking for ways to improve their craft.” —Booklist

About the Stories:

When Gwen’s husband is found murdered, she’s the only suspect. After all, they were the only two people on the moon.—Moonlight One

Flora’s father is a mech-soldier of the Slayer Class, but how much of him is really left inside the machine?—The Armor Embrace

When an alien with godly intelligence is discovered watching the earth, one man must try to learn if its motives are pure.—Envoy in the Ice

If you were stranded in an open boat and the only hope for rescue came from a ghost ship, would dare to ride?—The Devil’s Rescue

Some gifts come with heavy price tags, and the giver must rise to the occasion.—Tears for Shülna

What if an alien asks for your help with a question, and the answer affects the future of the whole human race?—The Drake Equation

Barlow has a talent for finding the dead. Or do they find him.—Acquisition

When Varga sets out to explore the ancient stronghold of a long- dead wizard, she discovers that the ruins aren’t as deserted as she thought.—Obsidian Spire

If only that reptile in the sewer were something as predictable as an alligator.—Gator

On a distant world among the cloud peaks, the light-hawks promise a rich reward for those daring enough to harvest one.—A Glowing Heart

In a world where memories can be stripped, Bill discovers that he has a family he has never known.—The Long Dizzy Down

Not all spirits have the best of intentions, and they must be dealt with.—The Woodcutters’ Deity

You can put an end to something wondrous, but only at a cost.