Thanks to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for my advanced copy of The Butterfly Disjunct. It's a 3.5 for me. I really enjoyed the style of Baker's writing. Each story had a unique premise and the creativity within each was great! I particularly enjoyed "the spread of space and endless devastation" and "memorial park." They both explore grief beautifully in such a short format. Most of the stories had strong emotional backings and while some overstayed and some I wanted more of I didn't dislike any of the stories. It was a quick read with lots of different ideas and plenty to take in, but that is what knocked it down a bit for me. It was a lot shoved into one book small book. The creativity and power behind most of the stories really sticks out and I am excited to see if Baker does more in both the short form or longer.

This was a whirlwind of interesting but delightfully distinct stories and snippets of life in a speculative future. It was hard to pin this collection of stories down, as was likely the point, since it explored so many different experiences. My personal favorites were the "the spread of space and endless devastation" and "memorial park." Both dealt with coming to terms with fate and grief, but in wildly different contexts. I don't want to give away the meat of their story so I will simply say they made me, angry, sad, and hopeful all at once. Many of these stories, including the two I mentioned, are looking for hope in dismal places and finding it.

A couple of the stories and writings were far enough out there that I couldn't relate well to them, and these stories took a backseat to the deeper and more relatable experiences within this anthology. That being said, not all of them seemed like they were meant to be relatable, some, like "how to configure your own quantum disambiguator" and "how to break causality and write the perfect time travel story" fell into the category of clever and quirky speculative fiction rather than the deeper and more emotionally developed stories of love and grief sprinkled throughout the volume.

Overall, this was a lovely reading experience and I'm glad I was able to read it through NetGalley in exchange for reviewing the book. I would recommend this if you're looking for a lot of variety packed into bite-sized science and speculative fiction. It was easy to read one or two stories from this anthology before bed each night.

A Stellar Debut Collection: A Journey Through Emotion, Space, and Time

Stewart C Baker’s debut collection is a mesmerizing blend of earnest storytelling and strange, captivating scenarios that traverse the vast expanse of human emotion and the cosmos. The book introduces us to a fascinating array of characters: a scientist haunted by an impossible ghost, a cocky poet on the run from peace, a grieving mother exploring Europa’s icy depths, and a ship AI fiercely loyal to its crew. Each story is a unique exploration of relationships and empathy, transcending both gender and genre boundaries.

Baker's ability to infuse each tale with deep emotional resonance is commendable. The themes of love, loss, and human connection are deftly woven into narratives that are as imaginative as they are heartfelt. The stories stand out not only for their inventive premises but also for their poignant reflections on what it means to be human.

However, the collection's ambitious scope occasionally results in uneven pacing. Some stories shine brighter than others, leaving a few to feel slightly overshadowed. Yet, even in its less polished moments, Baker’s writing remains compelling and thought-provoking.

Overall, this debut is a must-read for those who appreciate a blend of speculative fiction and profound emotional depth. Stewart C Baker has crafted a collection that is both a celebration of empathy and a testament to the boundless possibilities of storytelling. Four stars.