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Future Dreams and Nightmares

by Donald Firesmith

Future Dreams and Nightmares - Donald Firesmith
Editions:Paperback - First
ISBN: 979-8390605646
Size: 5.00 x 8.00 in
Pages: 255

Fourteen visionary and thought-provoking science fiction gems take you on a faster-than-light journey to future worlds of dreams and nightmares.

Whether you’re intrigued by the ethical ramifications of future technology or fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos, Future Dreams and Nightmares will enthrall you with its boundless creativity and intellectual depth. Crafted with precision and care, this extraordinary collection of stories will draw you into richly imagined worlds populated by unforgettable characters and strange new events. With gripping plots and thought-provoking themes, Future Dreams and Nightmares is a must-read for all science fiction fans. Delve into what it means to be human and experience the thrill of exploring distant planets and confronting moral dilemmas as you read this captivating collection of alternate realities.

Future Dreams and Nightmares is a testament to the power of science fiction to not just entertain but to push boundaries, expand the mind, and see the world from a new perspective. Embrace the unknown and embark on fourteen unforgettable journeys transcending time and space. Pick up your copy today, and prepare to be teleported into a universe of future dreams and nightmares!

If you are a fan of the mind-bending tales reminiscent of The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, then these short stories are for you:

Memories: Who among us doesn’t have terrible memories we would like to permanently forget? But perhaps some memories just aren’t meant to be erased.
Mind Trap: An oligarch’s deathbed confession leads to one last crime.
A Mind Full of Memories: A successful operation unexpectedly violates a neurosurgeon’s Hippocratic oath.
Everlife: A woman’s multiple resurrections point to a serial killer.
Original Equipment: A man’s latest upgrade completes his physical transformation.
A Jump Too Far: A man must deal with the unintended consequences of jumping between timelines to fight terrorists.
We Service All: A lonely spacer’s visit to an alien brothel turns out to be exactly what he needs.
Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: During first contact, an alien species’ strange reproductive biology results in unexpected pregnancies.
History is Written: Government-approved history lessons hide a forbidden truth.
Ariana: A man uses a time machine to undo his greatest regret.
To Serve and Protect: Time travel is used to undo humanity’s extinction.
Questioning God: A system tester goes behind his management’s back to ask an artificial intelligence (AI) god a question.
The Warning: Scientists ask a master AI how to stop and undo the climate crisis.
The Great Dust Storm of 2047: An exceptionally powerful storm threatens the survival of climate refugees living underground in a former salt mine.

Reviews:Midwest Book Review (Suzie Housley) on midwestbookreview.com wrote:

“Get ready to dive into a world of alternate realities with this collection of short stories. Each tale in this captivating collection introduces you to new characters and takes you on a thrilling journey that will leave you craving more.
These thrilling stories will keep you on the edge of your seat. Look no further than this book, which is sure to captivate and excite you with its many twists and turns. Each story in this book presents a strong and compelling offering, delivering a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

Future Dreams and Nightmares is for those that are looking for a break from the mundane or simply want to immerse yourself in a world of excitement and adventure; this book has something for everyone.

Donald Firesmith has an innate gift for storytelling with his impeccable writing style. From thrilling adventures to thought-provoking mysteries, his words have the power to captivate and ignite your imagination. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or suspense, this collection offers something for every reader.”

Reedsy.com on reedsy.com wrote:

“Future Dreams and Nightmares by veteran author Donald Firesmith is a new collection of vastly imaginative short stories… Each offering is a little gem that reflects a future vision where humans continue to forge on: some frightening, others hopeful. The stories are of varying lengths, and the book is a perfect choice to grab when you need an entertaining diversion but have a limited amount of time in which to indulge… I was completely engaged as I read the entire collection, one story after another, during two well-spent evenings… I recommend FUTURE DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES to science fiction, speculative fiction, and horror readers and those looking for a great way to pass some time or spend an evening reading something new.”

BooksShelf on https://www.booksshelf.com wrote:

“Firesmith’s visionary tales infuse timeless themes with renewed energy… This compilation offers a swift journey. I assure you, choosing this adventure is a decision you won’t regret.”

Amy's Bookshelf Reviews (Amy Shannon) on https://amysbookshelfreviews.com wrote:

“I am a huge fan of Donald Firesmith. Whatever he writes, I know, without expectation, that it’s going to be interesting, and very intriguing. Some of the stories reminded me of the Twilight Zone television show (yes, I watched the reruns), but it also reminded me of something I watched recently, which was Stephen King’s collection of Nightmares and Dreamscapes. Yes, the stories are that good. I don’t know what inspires Firesmith, but I’m glad he shares his intriguing and magnificent stories with readers. I am always honored to read his work. The author weaves a tangled web of stories and captures the reader. Future Dreams and Nightmares is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews.”

Wishing Shelf Book Awards on https://www.goodreads.com wrote:

“A compelling assortment of sci-fi shorts packed full of oddball characters and exotic, intergalactic settings. The biggest strength of this book is – you never know what’s coming next. In terms of writing style, it’s also excellent, with a balanced mix of descriptive prose… and realistic dialogue.”

Dr. Mel's Messages (Dr. Melissa Caudle) on https://www.drmelmessage.com wrote:

Prepare to be spellbound as I introduce you to a literary masterpiece that transcends time and space — Future Dreams and Nightmares by the brilliant Donald Firesmith. This extraordinary collection of 14 science fiction tales will transport you into worlds of dreams and nightmares, and I am thrilled to give it a resounding five-star review!

If you crave the kind of mind-bending storytelling that made “The Twilight Zone” and “The Outer Limits” legendary, then this book is a must-read for you. Donald Firesmith’s imagination knows no bounds as he weaves intricate narratives that challenge the very fabric of reality. Each story is a portal to a different dimension, where the boundaries of science, ethics, and morality are put to the test.

Futures Dreams and Nightmares is a mesmerizing collection that showcases Donald Firesmith’s mastery of speculative fiction. With every turn of the page, you’ll find yourself immersed in a new and captivating world. Firesmith’s storytelling prowess is unparalleled, drawing you in with gripping plots, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. These stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, pondering the limitless possibilities of the universe. Firesmith seamlessly blends cutting-edge science with profound human dilemmas, leaving readers both awestruck and contemplative. I wholeheartedly recommend Future Dreams and Nightmares to all science fiction aficionados, dreamers, and seekers of intellectual thrills. This book is a treasure trove of creativity, imagination, and intellectual stimulation. Dive into the depths of science fiction’s finest storytelling today!”

Pratibha Malav (justpratibha) - Author on https://www.instagram.com/p/C118WjlPV8O/ wrote:

“The book invites readers to escape the mundane and immerse themselves in a world of excitement and adventure. Firesmith’s writing style is impeccable, seamlessly blending intricate plots with vivid descriptions. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or suspense, this collection promises something for every reader. In Future Dreams and Nightmares, Donald Firesmith proves once again that he possesses an innate gift for storytelling. His ability to captivate and ignite the imagination is unparalleled, making this collection a must-read for enthusiasts of speculative fiction. This book delivers a compelling and unforgettable reading experience.”

The Avid Reader (Nancy Allen) on https://www.linkedin.com/in/theavidreader/ wrote:

“What an interesting set of short stories Future Dreams and Nightmares has. Each one will keep you guessing and a whole lot to think about. There is plenty of suspense and mystery to keep them interesting and very intriguing. Each will blow your mind in many different ways. Each is a blast to read.”

K.K.’s Book(Re)Marks on https://www.bookbub.com wrote:

“A wonderful collection of intriguing short stories! Every story was very well written and held my attention from beginning to end. I started this anthology in the morning and had it done by afternoon. A couple of highlights: “Everlife” is my favorite story and “A Jump Too Far” is a story that is still on my mind hours later. I would recommend this collection of stories, especially if you’re looking for something quicker to read. I look forward to reading more from this author!”


About the Author

Donald Firesmith is a multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, paranormal horror, and modern urban paranormal novels and collections of short stories. Because of his strong background in software/system engineering and science, his science fiction is well-researched, and he relies on numerous science, technology, and military technical advisors to ensure that the non-speculative aspects of his stories are realistic and believable.

Prior to retiring to become a full-time novelist and short story author, Donald Firesmith earned an international reputation as a distinguished engineer, authoring seven system/software engineering books and nearly 300 technical articles and conference papers based on his 40+ years spent developing large, complex software-intensive systems.

Donald Firesmith is also a maker of fine, on-of-a-kind, traditional, hand-crafted magic wands of mystical woods and gemstones. He even wrote the book on the subject, Magical Wands: A Cornucopia of Wand Lore.

He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife Becky, and varying numbers of dogs and cats.