A Swarm of Applause

Robert Plant Wins Second Place in Sci-Fi/Horror Short Story Contest

We’re thrilled to announce that Indies United author Robert Plant has earned second place in the 2025 Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews Annual Short Story Contest for his chilling and cerebral tale, “Swarm.” This year’s contest challenged writers to blend the genres of science fiction and horror/thriller into a single short story—and Robert delivered a masterclass in genre fusion.

“Swarm” stood out among dozens of entries for its haunting atmosphere, razor-sharp pacing, and speculative depth. The judges praised its originality and emotional impact, awarding it the coveted second place slot in a competition judged by three published authors.

In a contest where stories had to contain both sci-fi and horror elements, “Swarm” didn’t just meet the brief—it mutated it. With themes of collective intelligence, creeping dread, and the fragility of human control, Robert’s story taps into primal fears while posing provocative questions about technology and survival. We can’t wait for readers to experience the full story when it goes live on September 17th. Mark your calendars—and prepare to be unsettled.

Congratulations, Robert! Your work continues to push boundaries and elevate the indie literary landscape.