Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Searching For The Best Sci Fi Books

By Jocelyn Davidson


Human beings are always curious about the future and this is one reason why science fiction novels are popular. The best sci fi books not only entertain us and provide escapism from our daily lives but allow us to explore changes happening in our world that is often hard for us to process.

Pure science fiction draws from and extrapolates from what we already know. It is about the things the author believes are going to happen by putting together various logical elements. A scientific premise is usually at its center. Fantasy, however, ventures more into the realm of magic and what cannot necessary be explained at all.

However, the genres of science fiction and fantasy are not as far apart today as they were in the past. Many authors are blending the two and producing epic novels that do not really fit strictly into either category. This is evident by the fact that science fiction and fantasy novels are often grouped together in online stores.

The amazing speed at which technological developments have taken place and continue to do so has provided numerous ideas for authors. Isaac Asimov was one of the first to address our fears about robots. Computers now play such a large part in our lives and this has given rise to many new novels exploring the relationship between man and computers. Many of our fears are captured in such novels in a way that allows us to explore change and all its positive and negative implications.

The current genetic revolution is giving authors all sorts of new ideas. The mapping of the human genome has presented many new possibilities. Genetic engineering to prevent hereditary diseases is already on the horizon. Designer babies, cloning and longevity are just some of these issues with all the legal, ethical and other complications they present.

The settings used are very diverse, rich and often startlingly realistic even though they are simply a product of the imagination of an author. Novels set on other planets or spaceships have gripped our imaginations for many years already. Apocalyptic novels dealing with the end of human civilization have been available for many years too. Nuclear disaster, runaway climate change and more captures and spells out our worst fears. Boundaries are constantly pushed and future possibilities brought to life.

The most popular novels are not just about big ideas or futuristic settings. They not only contain all sorts of groundbreaking ideas but should contain compelling characters too. Complex characters are often revealed as being flawed as well as heroic, defying any simple classification as good or evil. It is the characters who flesh out the ideas and help us to relate to them as we experience their conflicts, fears and hopes.

Shopping online for such novels offers a number of benefits. They can be purchased in many different formats with hard cover, paperback and digital options available. Costs vary with the digital ones being cheapest. Comparison of many different books is possible and a selection can be made by referring to lists of best sellers or by reading reviews. If one has a favorite author, suggestions may be given for other books written in a similar vein. Discounts and special offers are often available too.




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