Things From Outer Space

There is no trope in science fiction more famous than the invader from space. It’s the basis for thousands of stories, hundreds of films, and more than a few video games. So what makes this collection of alien invasion stories different from all the rest? Simple.

The folks at Baen have collected only the unlikeliest, weirdest, and most unexpected invasions to populate this anthology. Not only do we have the story that inspired the cinematic classic The Thing, but we have stories inspired by that film, completing the circle of inspiration. We have humor and horror and thrillers. There are iconic tales from the genre, like Lovecraft’s “The Colour Out of Space,” and unsung gems that deserve to be iconic, like Robert Sheckley’s “The Leech.”

And although not every story in this collection is a keeper, each story is guaranteed to show you an alien invasion you’d never expect. Whether they’re hunters, traders, explorers, or accidental visitors, they’re here, and they just might win.

This is a terrific hook for a collection, executed with style and substance. Nicely done.