Search the Logan Library Catalog

   

Aldiss, Brian Wilson

Anderson, Poul

Anthony, Piers

Asimov, Isaac

Blish, James

Brackett, Leigh

Bradbury, Ray

Bradley, Marion Zimmer

Brooks, Terry

Brunner, John

Burroughs, Edgar Rice

Butcher, Jim

Campbell, Jack

Campbell, John Wood

Card, Orson Scott

Cherryh, C.J.

Christopher, John

Clarke, Arthur C

Conklin, Groff

Delany, Samuel R

Dick, Philip K

Dickson, Gordon R

Eddings, David

Ellison, Harlan

Farmer, Philip Jose

Goodkind, Terry

Harrison, Harry

Heinlein, Robert A

Herbert, Frank

Hobb, Robin

Hoyle, Fred, Sir

Jordan, Robert

King, Stephen

Knight, Damon

Koontz, Dean

Kuttner, Henry

Lackey, Mercedes

laumer, Keith

Le Guin, Ursula K

Leiber, Fritz

Leinster, Murray

Lovecraft, H.P.

Martin, George R.R.

McCaffrey, Ann

Meyer, Stephenie

Niven, Larry

Norton, Andre

Pohl, Frederik

Reynolds, Mack

Salvatore, R.A.

Silverberg, Robert

Simak, Clifford D

Simmons, Dan

Smith, E.E.

Sturgeon, Theodore

Van Vogt, A.E.

Vance, Jack

Vonnegut, Kurt

Weis, Margaret

Wells, H.G.

Williamson, Jack

Zelazny, Roger

Themes

Alternative History – one or more historical events have occurred

Apocalyptic & Dystopian – how the world ended or do you wish it

Military – space warriors

Space Opera – drama on the largest stage possible

Short Stories & Anthologies – an exploratory mission

Action-packed – bookshelf blockbusters

Heartwarming – feel-good stories

Stylistically Complex – in pursuit of challenging reads

Thought-provoking – what does the future hold if … ?

Humorous – in space, no one can hear you chuckle

World-building – immerse yourself in these richly detailed worlds

Artificial Intelligence – robots

Aliens & First Contact – what happens when humanity encounters alien life?

Generation Ships – life aboard a ship meant to bring settlers to a new colony

Hostile Planets – when the ship reaches its destination, it isn’t always pretty

Space Horror

 

Trends

Afrofuturism & African Futurism – re-creating the narrative

Classics … in Space – retellings of classic myths and reinterpretative of ancient heroes

Interrogating Imperialism – striking back at the Empire

Parallelism – there is only one you … in this universe

Mystery & Thriller – the robot butler did it

Romance … in Space – aliens need love, too

Reads like Classic Science Fiction – dust off a good trope

Television & Film Adaptation – interpreting older titles for fresh audiences

 

Awards

IGNYTE Awards - https://ignyteawards.fiyahlitmag.com/

Hugo Award - https://www.thehugoawards.org/

NEBULA Award - https://nebulas.sfwa.org/

The Arthur C. Clarke Award - https://www.clarkeaward.com/#about

Themes

Epic – high stakes, original worlds

Afro – African American

Science – spaceships, dragons, etc.

Urban – magic in the big city (real or fantasy city)

Dark – blend fantasy and horror/terror, goth

Magical Realism – fiction with a magical twist

Alternate History/Historical Fantasy – reimagined history with a magical twist

Worldbuilding – the many pieces that make the incredible whole

Systems of Magic – hard magic vs soft magic, etc.

Fantastic Creatures – dragons, centaurs, gnomes, etc.

Heroic Tales – heroes in imaginary lands

War and Magic – epic battles, wars, & fights – all with magic

Magical Items – cool swords and more

The Gods Provide – religion plays a big part in the world building and magic of the book

Loss/Return of Magic – what happens when magic is in peril?

Scum and Villainy – working class, but magic

Court or Political Intrigue – backstabbers and ladder climbers

 

Trends

All Things Witches – double, double toil , and trouble…

Romantic – love and magic

Dark Academia – smart but sullen; effortlessly cool schools/magic

Re-Centering the Narrative – non-Eurocentric stories are coming to the fore

Retelling & Reimagining – old stories remade, folklore, history, etc.

Cozy – low stakes magic that makes you feel good

 

Others

Book to screen and video game adaptations

Graphic adaptations and original comics

Cross genre appeal

Board games/video games

 

Awards

The World Fantasy Awards - https://www.minlib.net/booklists/award-winners/world-fantasy

NEBULA Award - https://nebulas.sfwa.org/

Hugo Award - https://www.thehugoawards.org/

The British Fantasy Awards - https://britishfantasysociety.org/fantasy-awards/