Seven Wonders of a Once and Future World and Other Stories

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