Seven Wonders of a Once and Future World

This debut collection from Nebula-nominated author Caroline M. Yoachim showcases a wide-ranging selection of dark and beautiful stories, fiction that explores human nature against vividly imagined speculative backdrops. Here you’ll find time travel, alien invasions, Japanese mermaids, and more–stories of struggle, heartbreak, and hope. The book features twenty-five of Yoachim’s most popular published pieces, and two brand new stories exclusive to the collection.

Cover art by shichigoro-shingo.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Our World

Five Stages of Grief After the Alien Invasion

Betty and the Squelchy Saurus

Rock, Paper, Scissors, Love, Death

The Philosophy of Ships

Temporary Friends

Interlude: Flash Fiction Worlds

A Million Oysters for Chiyoko

Carla at the Off-Planet Tax Return Helpline

Do Not Count the Withered Ones

Pieces of My Body

Everyone’s a Clown

Harmonies of Time

Part 2: Fantasy Worlds

Stone Wall Truth

The Little Mermaid of Innsmouth

On the Pages of a Sketchbook Universe

Seasons Set In Skin

The Carnival Was Eaten, All Except the Clown

Interlude: Flash Fiction Worlds

Paperclips and Memories and Things That Won’t Be Missed

Please Approve the Dissertation Research of Angtor

Grass Girl

One Last Night at the Carnival, Before the Stars Go Out

Honeybee

Elizabeth’s Pirate Army

Part 3: Alien Worlds

Mother Ship

Four Seasons in the Forest of Your Mind

Press Play to Watch It Die

Ninety-Five Percent Safe

Seven Wonders of a Once and Future World