Science Fiction Fridays
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Science Fiction Fridays: Alternate holidays
I am a proud Grinch. I don’t enjoy anything about the holidays; not the lights, not the food, not the music and definitely not the cold weather. However, one thing I do love is a heartwarming science fiction tale, and it seems like even the most dour author can turn out a warm and fuzzy… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Graphic novels for giving
Graphic novels make the best gifts. I mean, who doesn’t love to feel like they are giving a truly great gift, and a gift that might actually have a deeper resonance with the receiver. Graphic novels are special because you can give the right graphic novel to almost anyone. People who self-identify as the “I don’t read”… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Bulletproof Fiction Part II
Here is part two of my suggestions for the growing number of authors who are writing stories with superheroes in more realist settings, or as I like to call it, bulletproof fiction! Check out Part I for more suggestions. The Ghosts of Manhattan by George Mann The Ghost is the haunted vigilante of an alternate history… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: You like Dresden? I like Dresden!
Or at least, I really dig sarcasm with my paranormal adventures. If you’re looking for snarky, smart-ass dialogue combined with uncompromising ethics, well… there are fewer great picks out there than one might hope. However! Here are a few to tide us over as we wait for the next Dresden Files book to show up… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: To never sleep again
What if you never needed to sleep? What if you were hyper-intelligent and used your every waking hour better and more efficiently than those who did need sleep? If you were Sleepless, would the Sleepers appreciate or fear you? Nancy Kress’ powerful novel Beggars in Spain asks these questions and more while creating memorable characters… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Five more favorites from our librarians
Surface Detail by Iain Banks Lededje finds herself in the middle of the dangerous machinations of the all-powerful Culture who turned its attention to solving the problem of death itself by creating a virtual afterlife. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett After an eccentric scientist discovers an infinite number of alternate Earths only a “step”… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Friday: Bulletproof fiction Part I
I’ve written before about the joys of graphic novels and the great crossover appeal with science fiction and fantasy tropes. But what about that crossover working the other way? A growing number of authors are writing stories with superheroes in more realist settings, or as I like to call it, bulletproof fiction. This subgenre is… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: The future is now in Korea
With South Korean artist PSY’s song “Gangnam Style” transcending its viral video status to become a global music chart phenomenon, it’s impossible not to see the ascendence of K-pop. I find k-pop so fascinating it is the sound of the future. Glistening surfaces, immaculate sound construction and hyper-processed vocals make it sound like music conceived… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: It’s the end of the world as we know it…
And I feel pretty freaked out! Here are three mid-apocalypse books that will make you as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chair. Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: A chill is in the air
You have asked for it, dear reader, and you shall have it! Below are three picks for the Halloween reads that will give you the most bang for your buck. Let these ghoulish delights work their black magic on you and enjoy! Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Fantasy with emotional bite
I’m gearing up for my Halloween reading frenzy by reading some fantasy novels that really tug at the heartstrings. Before I get to the blood and guts horror of my usual October reads, I thought it might be nice to share these three books you are sure to find moving, though not always in pleasant… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Just for the thrill of it
Even though it is October, I don’t feel it’s quite time to unleash my lists of great horror science fiction and fantasy. But I’ve got a three great science fiction and fantasy thrillers that are sure to hit that reading sweet spot that always occurs (well, for me at least!) post-Labor Day but pre-Halloween. Make sure… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Friday: Five books our librarians love
Rimrunners by C.J. Cherryh Intergalactic assassin Bet Yeager finds herself behind enemy lines and on the losing side of a war. Somehow she must stay alive and hide her true identity while making it to friendlier areas of space. (Alliance/Union series, Company Wars #4) The Life Cycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang A start-up… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Finding love in the most unusual places
Who says that love is only in the air in springtime? I personally believe that there is nothing more romantic than fall; the leaves turning red, yellow and brown, while pumpkins begint to line doorways heralding in the greatest holiday of them all. These crisp mornings definitely put me in the mood for some romance… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: They are women, hear them roar
There must be something in the air, because I somehow ended up reading three books last week that all featured women kicking some serious butt. It was such a nice change of pace to have a several books with female protagonists who aren’t just emotionally or psychologically resilient, but physically strong as well. The balance… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Attack of the killer sequels!
The word “sequel” has practically become a pejorative these days, mostly due to horrendous movie sequels that are clunkier, dumber and less fun than the originals. However, the science fiction and fantasy genre has its own share of clunkers. Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Game (Not) Over
One of the hottest science fiction novels of the past year is Ernest Cline’s rowdy and richlydetailed virtual reality quest novel, Ready Player One. I think part of the reason for this book’s enthusiastic buzz is that it’s tailor made for science fiction and fantasy nerds of all stripes. The novel is chock full of droll… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Let’s Get Graphic
Is there anything better in life than lounging outside on a sunny day reading a great graphic novel? What if we throw in some goth music and some particularly dark graphic novels? Now we’re cooking, my dark-sided friends! So step outside into the sunshine, put on your headphones and check out these surefire graphic novel… Continue reading