Artificial Sweetener

Is that sugar in your tea, or something else?
And really, how would you know?

Just how "life imitates art" is a perception we often take for granted, the ongoing fusion of technology into our daily routines may soon twist into wondering what is real, and what is not.

Is AI really for our betterment ... or the first steps towards subjugation?

Artificial Sweetener is a collection of 17 speculative fiction short stories and poems from SpecFicNZ members exploring the wide world of AI. Rogue drones, unexpected upgrades, smart homes, haunting memories and integrated consciousness - this collection will both charm and unsettle you as it travels the expanse of AI.

Too sweet, just sweet enough or downright sickly? SpecFicNZ leaves you to decide with this fascinating collection of short stories and poems from worlds that may not be as far into the future as we'd like to think.

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Contributors: Octavia Cade, Charlotte Kieft, Ink Witch, Fin Patiliu, Nicky Taylor, Dani Morrison, Ashley Taylor, Deryn Lorraine Pittar, Jackie A. E. Ritchie, I. K. Paterson, Cerid Jones, S. J. Pratt, Gary M. Nelson, Anne Wilkins, B.T. Keaton, S. R. Manssen, Melissa Gunn

* WINNER * Sir Julius Vogel Award 2025 (SFFANZ) for Best Collected Work
* WINNER * Sir Julius Vogel Award 2025 (SFFANZ) for Best Artwork (cover)