Author: Caleb
The first work of science fiction is arguably Frankenstein by Mary Shelly in 1818. Since this groundbreaking work, many authors have explored and expanded this genre including the controversial 1984 by George Orwell and the highly acclaimed Dune series started by Frank Herbert.
This genre allows authors to be creative and innovative with their ideas, because of this science fiction routinely brings exciting new worlds, remarkable characters, and complex stories for their readers.
Alternate History
Mecha Samurai Empire Series by Peter Tieryas
The United States of Japan is the first book in the Mecha Samurai Empire series set in post World War II North America where The Empire of Japan along with Nazi Germany have occupied and split the United States. In the Mecha Samurai Empire series we explore a world guided by technology in both military and civilian society. This series is ruled by Mecha robot combat as tensions flair between the two empires and revolution stirs within the fallen United States.
Alternative history asks the question “What if this event developed differently?” This subgenre of science fiction changes aspects of the world that the reader is already familiar with and is easy for the reader to relate to. This allows authors to experiment with many elements of life and explore the consequences of these different societies.
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Dystopian
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The dystopian genre focuses on a corrupt or nightmare society and is the opposite of a utopian society. Often these societies are ruled by an authoritarian regime that neglects or oppresses the people. Authors of this subgenre create these dark environments to amplify the good in flawed characters.
Due to the recent tv series, this dystopian science fiction is as popular as ever. Set in a totalitarian regime controlled by men who limit the freedom of women this world is exciting and terrifying at the same time and keeps the reader flipping pages as quickly as possible.
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Archived New York Times Review
Cyber Punk
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This subgenre explores the possibilities of future technology and the potential downsides of human innovation. Authors in this genre may explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and cybernetics or the dangers of greed in megacorporations with access to unprecedented information on their consumers.
One of the most popular novels written in the 21st Century so far, Earnest Cline introduces readers to a world struggling with extreme climate issues and an ever-growing wealth divide, and an opportunity for a persistent and clever player to win the wealth of a lifetime by discovering the secrets of a video game universe. This science fiction novel pushes the limits of technology already available in our modern world.
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