All Hail Our Robot Conquerors!

Edited by Joshua Palmatier and Patricia Bray

RRRAWRRR!!! ZZZZZZTTTTT!!! ZZZZAAAAPPPPP!!!

The robots of the 50s and 60s science fiction movies and novels captured our hearts and our imaginations. Their clunky, bulbous bodies with their clear domed heads, whirling antennae, and randomly flashing lights staggered ponderously across the screen and page and into our souls—whether as a constant companion or as the invading army threatening to exterminate our world. We can never return to that innocent time, where the robot overlords could be identified by their burning red eyes or our trusty robot sidekick would warn us instantly of danger—

Or can we?

With a touch of nostalgia and a little tongue-in-cheek humor, here are fifteen stories from today’s leading science fiction and fantasy authors that take us back to the time of evil robot overlords, invading armies, and not-quite-trustworthy mechanical companions. Join Julie E. Czerneda, Brandon Daubs, Tanya Huff, Brian Trent, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., Jason Palmatier, Jez Patterson, Gini Koch, Lauren Fox, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, Philip Brian Hall, Rosemary Edghill, R. Overwater, Helen French, and Seanan McGuire as we step into the future with a nod to the past. Hold on to those stun guns. You may need them!

Includes:
INTRODUCTION by Patricia Bray
ROAD RAGE by Julie E. Czerneda
A VAGUE INCLINATION TO PLEASE by Brandon Daubs
OH, THE HUMANITY by Tanya Huff
DIRECTOR X AND THE THRILLING WONDERS OF OUTER SPACE by Brian Trent
GOLD AND GLORY by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
ZORLAR THE TERRIBLE by Jason Palmatier
BOX, SET by Jez Patterson
A KITTY-BOT’S TALE by Gini Koch
ROSIE CLEANS HOUSE by Lauren Fox
THE DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
IRON HAIL by Philip Brian Hall
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF A MURDER-BOT by R. Overwater
PENSACOLA WAGNER AND THE ROBOT INVASION by Rosemary Edghill
THE HEADSPACE DATABASE by Helen French
HEROES NEVER DIE by Seanan McGuire