# The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024
## Introduction by Hugh Howey
- Overview of the collection’s theme: "dangerous stories" that challenge worldviews, evoke emotional responses, and push mental boundaries.
- Explanation of the selection process for the year's best science fiction and fantasy short fiction.
## Part I: Supernatural and Mythological Tales
- **A Sibling Duo of Supernatural Hitmen**
- Story about two siblings navigating a world where they use supernatural abilities to eliminate targets.
- Themes of family loyalty, morality, and power dynamics.
- **Korean Folk-Tale Retelling: The Goddess of Shamans**
- A modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean mythology focusing on the goddess of shamans.
- Explores themes of spirituality, cultural identity, and transformation.
## Part II: Magical Adventures and Worldbuilding
- **A Traveling Spellbreaker and His Trusty Alligator Mount**
- A tale of an adventurer who breaks magical spells while traveling with his alligator companion.
- Highlights creativity in worldbuilding, unconventional partnerships, and survival against magical threats.
- **Resurrected Car via Automancy**
- A story about a car brought back to life through automancy for a road trip from California to Maine.
- Themes of nostalgia, reinvention, and the intersection of magic and technology.
## Part III: Superheroes and Society
- **Superheroes Registering for Work**
- Satirical take on superheroes navigating bureaucratic systems to register as workers.
- Explores societal expectations, heroism, and the mundane aspects of extraordinary lives.
## Part IV: Sentient Spaceships and AI-Human Relationships
- **Sentient Spaceships Growing Up with Human Pilots**
- Stories featuring spaceships with advanced AI interfaces forming deep bonds with their human pilots.
- Themes of growth, companionship, and the blurred lines between machine and human consciousness.
## Part V: Emotional and Thought-Provoking Narratives
- **Stories That Challenge Worldviews**
- Selections curated by Hugh Howey that aim to provoke thought and emotional responses.
- Examples include narratives that explore existential questions, ethical dilemmas, and personal growth.
- **Stories That Bring Readers to Tears**
- Emotionally charged tales designed to resonate deeply with readers.
- Focuses on universal human experiences like love, loss, and resilience.
## Featured Authors and Their Contributions
- **A.R. Capetta**
- Unique contribution exploring speculative elements within intimate character-driven plots.
- **P. Djèlí Clark**
- Richly detailed historical fantasy infused with social commentary.
- **James S.A. Corey**
- Space opera or futuristic narrative with intricate political undertones.
- **Amal El-Mohtar**
- Poetic prose blending whimsicality with profound philosophical insights.
- **Andrew Sean Greer**
- Literary exploration of time, memory, and alternate realities.
- **Grady Hendrix**
- Horror-tinged sci-fi/fantasy hybrid with dark humor and sharp wit.
- **Ann Leckie**
- Exploration of artificial intelligence, empire, and identity.
- **Sam J. Miller**
- Urban fantasy or dystopian settings reflecting contemporary issues.
- **Rebecca Roanhorse**
- Indigenous futurisms and mythological reimaginings.
## Conclusion
- Reflection on the impact of these stories in shaping the future of science fiction and fantasy.
- Encouragement for readers to engage with challenging narratives that expand their perspectives.