"Yesterday, Tomorrow was Already Different"
Film clips
“The Hiss of the Dying Candle”
20 cinematic science-fiction stories about artificial intelligence, aliens, the apocalypse – and humanity’s uncertain future. The Hiss of the Dying Candle by Barry Redhead is the first volume in the science-fiction series Yesterday, Tomorrow Was Already Different. This collection brings together 20 original SF short stories exploring possible futures in which humanity encounters intelligent machines, extraterrestrial life, technological upheaval and the consequences of its own decisions.
The stories lead the reader into worlds shaped by artificial intelligence, alien civilisations, global catastrophes, strange technologies and the possible end of humanity. Some take place in the near future, while others travel far beyond Earth and deep into the unknown. Yet even among distant planets, unfamiliar species and powerful machines, the central questions remain profoundly human: Who are we? What makes us conscious? Can we control the technology we create? And will humanity still have a place in the future?
Barry Redhead tells these stories with the visual imagination of a filmmaker. Scenes unfold cinematically, characters are placed in extraordinary situations and seemingly familiar realities can change within moments. A machine may begin to think for itself. An alien encounter may reveal more about humanity than about the visitors from the stars.
A final day on Earth may become the beginning of something completely unexpected. Not every story is entirely serious. Alongside dark and dystopian visions, the collection also contains humorous, ironic and sharply sarcastic perspectives on human behaviour, politics, technology and our sometimes questionable belief in progress. Other stories are unsettling, philosophical or deliberately provocative. Some offer little comfort – but others leave a glimmer of hope that humanity may still learn, adapt and survive.
The result is a varied and atmospheric collection for readers who enjoy science fiction that goes beyond spaceships and spectacular technology. These stories combine suspense and imagination with social criticism, philosophical questions and moments of dark humour.
The Hiss of the Dying Candle is about possible endings, unexpected beginnings and the fragile place humanity occupies between evolution and self-destruction. Above all, it asks one essential question: What if tomorrow has already become completely different from everything we expected?
Discover all 20 SF short stories now in Volume One of Yesterday, Tomorrow Was Already Different.
Available exclusively as an e-book and paperback from Amazon. To purchase the book from Amazon, please click [HERE] or simply click on the cover.
