The Year's Best Science Fiction: 22nd Edition, edited by Gardner Dozois, offers a mixed but intriguing snapshot of early 2000s speculative fiction. This anthology, compiling standout stories from 2005, showcases a range of visions, though not all have aged gracefully. While some tales remain engaging and resonate with contemporary readers, others feel dated, their themes or execution falling flat in today's context.
A standout is Vernor Vinge's Synthetic Serendipity, a remarkably prescient story that feels eerily relevant amid the rise of large language model chatbots. Vinge's exploration of technology and human connection anchors the collection, highlighting Dozois' knack for curating forward-thinking narratives. Though the anthology's uneven quality keeps it from greatness, its stronger entries make it a worthwhile read for sci-fi enthusiasts curious about the genre's evolution.
In summary, The Year's Best Science Fiction: 22nd Edition is a solid but inconsistent collection, elevated by gems like Vinge's contribution. 3/5 Stars.
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