Greetings! The purpose of this page is to cultivate the appreciation of Science Fiction. For now I will focus mainly on written science fiction, but may later broaden the scope to include other media.
Information Source: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer's Sourcebook, 2nd Edition,
edited by David H. Borcherding (Cincinnati, Ohio: Writer's Digest Books, 1996).
- Alternate history
- Fantasy, sometimes with science fiction elements, that
changes the accepted account of actual historical events or people to suggest an
alternate view of history.
- Cyberpunk
- Type of science fiction, usually concerned with computer networks and human-computer
combinations, involving young, sophisticated protagonists.
- Hard science fiction
- Science fiction with an emphasis on science and technology.
- Humorous science fiction
- Science fiction with elements of humor.
- Military science fiction
- Science fiction focusing on war and the military.
- Romance Science Fiction...
- Essentially, romance fiction set in a futuristic...setting, or
incorporating those elements into the plot. While containing sf...elements, this type of fiction
focuses mainly on the hero and heroine and their romance.
- Shared Universe/World
- A novel in which more than one author shares in creating characters or
situations based in the same science fiction universe. Usually one author creates the setting and
invites other authors to participate in a novel by bringing their own interpretation and ideas to that setting.
- Sociological science fiction
- Science fiction with an emphasis on society and culture.
- Space Opera
- Epic science fiction with an emphasis on good guys versus bad guys as in the western
subgenre term "horse opera."
- Speculative fiction (SpecFic)
- The all-inclusive term for science fiction, fantasy and horror.
- Splatterpunk
- Science fiction (often cyberpunk) with excessively gory images and/or horror themes.
- Steampunk
- A subgenre of alternate history science fiction set in Victorian England in which characters
have access to 20th-century technology.
Foreigner Trilogy by C.J. Cherryh
Foreigner (1994), Invader (1995), and
Inheritor (1996). Living with aliens is the theme of this
sci-fi series. All
of the characters are intriguing and well drawn. The aliens are alien enough to be
mysterious, yet familiar enough for us humans to relate to. Also, Michael Whelan's
cover art conveys the plot themes nicely.
Logan: A Trilogy by William F. Nolan
Logan's Run (1967 by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson),
Logan's World (1977), Logan's Search (1980).
This speculative work presents a world where no one is allowed to live past the age of 21. The
book follows one man's struggle in dealing with this societal decree. Logan:
A Trilogy brings together the three separate novels, including an Introduction
explaining the author's efforts to write this story and get the movie version (1976, starring Michael York)
produced. Personally, I liked the movie version, but preferred the book.
The Complete Robot (1982) by Isaac Asimov
Includes 31 robot tales which were originally published in science fiction magazines
from the 1940's to the 1970's. Asimov wrote the definitive works on robotics in the
science fiction genre. He created the "Laws of Robotics" and writes about the incorporation
of robots in society, and logical arguments regarding personal freedom vs. societal values. This
book might not be easily available, but it's convenient to have in a collection because it compiles
many of the robot stories in one work.
The Stars My Destination (1984, original copyright 1956) by Alfred Bester
This story revolves around a rough, brutish man named Gully Foyle who has a special
ability, which, if shared with the rest of mankind, could change the nature of being human.
The story provides good character development and interaction. I liked the overall tone
of the work--very matter-of-fact, but never dry.
Ender's Game(1991, original copyright 1977)
by Orson Scott Card
This was basically a soldier story set in space, with the main characters being
highly intelligent children. A second theme was the adults vs. the children. I hope the prodigy
children aspect doesn't turn you off because I thought the plot was really good, and pretty
believable. There are three sequels to this book: Speaker for the
Dead (1986, 1991), Xenocide (1991), and
Children of the Mind (1996). In my opinion, none of the sequels were as good as the first
book. But if you need "closure," then by all means read them.
GalateaPrime
Copyright © 1998, G.R.M.
Revised 5/20/00
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