11

Looking to identify a short story I read in a sci-fi anthology as a child, about an angry, bullied somewhat misanthropic boy who is given immense near-omnipotent powers by an alien intelligence. I read this in English, sometime in the late 1990s/early 2000s. He goes on to use this power to destroy the human race, which causes him to age terribly in a very short amount of time. At the end of the story he is a lonely old man stripped of the powers he held briefly, and is alone on an isolated Earth. The aliens then proceed to invade Earth.

12
  • Sorry, I should add that I read this in English, sometime in the late 1990s/early 2000s so anytime before then.
    – Gerard
    Jun 28, 2016 at 13:14
  • 2
    It appears you created two accounts, you might want to look into merging them.
    – Skooba
    Nov 28, 2017 at 21:01
  • Also since it's never been linked to you yet, you might have more success looking at this guide which might help you add more details.
    – Edlothiad
    Nov 29, 2017 at 6:50
  • This question seems similar. scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/141303/… Jan 10, 2018 at 18:56
  • @M. A. Golding - thanks for linking the two queries. The extra detail on Gerard's description sounds in line with my own hazy memories. It would definitely have been in the mid-1980's I read 'my' story. Hopefully we'll get a positive ID yet!
    – user71888
    Jan 18, 2018 at 8:36

1 Answer 1

2

The story according to Moo's comment is "Master of All The World" from Science Fantasy Stories: a child is given the ability to destroy the world by an alien race.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.