Are you a reader who sticks purely to fantasy and looks suspiciously at the science fiction side of the shelf in the bookstore? Perhaps you’ve thought about trying out some sci-fi, but the prospect of spaceships and alien races just doesn’t seem appealing. Or you have tried some and been turned off. You might still have this niggling feeling you’re missing out on something good and you should give this whole science fiction thing a try – but where do you start?
About three years ago, I found myself in this exact situation. I loved science fiction films, but I’d almost never touched a science fiction novel. I think this stemmed from a combination of things: being so focussed on fantasy that I had little room or time for anything else, being turned off by the covers of science fiction books, and most importantly, having a bad experience with the genre.
I picked up a trashy sci-fi novel in my teens and immediately encountered a confusing story full of alien languages and weird words, with unappealing characters and an empty, lacklustre world. I couldn’t make any sense of it and it made me vaguely depressed, so I put it down. I decided science fiction wasn’t for me.
Over a decade later, I finally gave it another go. I had often heard science fiction works mentioned by fellow fantasy fans and seen the genres placed side-by-side at conventions, in bookstores, and online. I thought: I really ought to explore this “other side of the coin” and see what all the fuss is about.
So, I started reading sci-fi. And found books I loved – even books I adored. I added several science fiction works to my all-time favourites list. In the process, I learned a few things that might be helpful to any fantasy lovers wanting to embark on a similar exploration of this sister genre:
Don’t Start With The Classics
There are many online forums where people ask, “I’ve never read any science fiction but I want to try it out, what should I read first?” and get a stream of comments recommending classic works like Dune and Stranger in a Strange Land and Foundation. These are indeed important works that have been enjoyed by many, but they’re probably not the best ones to start with. It’s like telling someone who’s never read fantasy to begin with Lord of the Rings or Elric of Melniboné. Yes, these are important stories and forerunners of the genre but they’re not exactly accessible or easy reads for a newcomer. (The exception here would be Ender’s Game, as it’s very accessible and easy to read despite its “classic” status).
You’re better off tackling the classics later, after you’ve cut your teeth on a modern, accessible read and worked up a taste for more.
Begin With Something Suspenseful and Appealing
Find a popular science fiction novel with a premise that intrigues you, or that you’ve heard is one of those can’t-put-it-down-must-keep-reading books. If you’re already suspicious heading into the experience, the last thing you want is a slow read where you trudge through 50 pages before things get interesting, or one where the themes and characters don’t interest you.
Mix In Other Genres You Like
Do you like young adult fantasy, or are you partial to romance in your fantasy? Why not carry this over into science fiction? Read a YA science fiction novel or a sci-fi romance.
Regardless of whether you like your fantasy grim or light, prefer to read fantasies with a male or female protagonist (or both, or something in-between), or have a preference as to how much battling and action you like, there’s going to be a science fiction novel to match these tastes. After all, it’s a genre as broad as fantasy, with multiple sub-genres to choose from.
Get Trusted Recommendations
If you know someone with a similar taste in books to you who reads science fiction, ask them for some recommendations. What sci-fi novels do they think you’ll enjoy?
Personally, some I would recommend are: Ender’s Game, Ready Player One, The Martian, Ancillary Justice and The Knife of Never Letting Go. However, those books suit my particular tastes so they won’t necessarily suit yours.
Try a Science Fantasy
If you’re hesitant about plunging straight into science fiction, try a blend of science fiction and fantasy first. Science fantasy novels often combine both fantasy and science fiction tropes, weave magic and science together, or have a fantasy feel while being in essence science fiction. Some good science fantasy books that come to mind are The Knife of Never Letting Go, Blightborn, and Cinder.
Remember, It’s Not All Spaceships and Aliens
If you’ve ever had someone dismiss fantasy as “those books about dragons and magicians” and felt a pang of frustration, then ask yourself if you’re doing the same thing with science fiction. Yes, the genre often includes space travel and aliens, but it doesn’t always. Just think about the great sci-fi films out there that don’t involve either – Minority Report, The Edge of Tomorrow, The Matrix, Inception, War Games, I-Robot, Jurassic Park. Many of those were based on books.
Even the sci-fi novels that do include the expected clichés can do so in interesting ways, and be far more complex, deep and entertaining than a dismissive two-word summary suggests. So when it comes to science fiction, think broad, and don’t narrow your focus or your definition to one kind of book.
And If It All Fails, At Least You Tried
If you try out a variety of science fiction novels – ones with themes or genre elements that appeal to you, ones that other people have raved about or trusted friends have recommended, and you still just don’t like the genre… well, at least you gave it a shot. Now if you tell someone you don’t like science fiction, it won’t be based on a vague mistrust, or that one terrible book you read once.
However, if your experience is anything like mine, you’ll discover a passion for a new and hitherto unexplored genre of great stories, worlds and characters. And while fantasy will probably remain your first and foremost love, you’ll occasionally find yourself straying to the other side of the book shelf… this time with a new appreciation for what you might find there.
