Orson Scott Card is a science fiction author known to many of us for his classic novel, The Ender’s Game, updated in 1991. Recently Card was interviewed about science fiction trends by The Browser, an on-line magazine. He notes that new science fiction has left behind the “gosh-wow” works of the 1920s and 1930s and that many writers have migrated to fantasy fiction. “They (have) devised magic systems that work like science and (have) created fully-realized worlds. Perhaps the most substantial example of this is George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, a work in progress that is already excellent, beginning with A Game of Thrones." In other words, there has been a resurgence of epic fantasy. On the other hand, given the cancellation of the space shuttle program, it is probably not surprising that Library Journal noted earlier this year that the number of new, traditional science fiction titles is declining.
So if you haven’t looked at science fiction/fantasy for awhile you may want to give it another try. Contemporary classics include Lois McMaster Bujold’s Chalion series beginning with The Curse of Chalion, and Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicles featuring the recently released The Wise Man’s Fear. Also visit NPR's list of the top 100 science fiction/fantasy books. http://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-booksOther new science fiction/fantasy titles released this fall include:
The Children of the Sky by Vernor Vinge
The Diviner by Melanie Rawn
Miserere: An Autumn Tale by Teresa Frohock
Snuff by Terry Pratchett
Spellbound by Blake CharltonCheck them out.
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