Story Tags

Nerd culture is all the rage these days, and it’s never been cooler to be into science fiction, horror, and fantasy than it is right now. Fans are diving deep into mythologies and histories of invented worlds, finding themselves in the sword-fighting, spell-casting, dragon-riding, and laser-shooting heroes that dominate our media. But what if you’re a queer lover of space opera and epic fantasy and superhero smackdowns?

It's Getting Hot in Here

Spring has Sprung! Time to get your hands on some epic eco-apocalypse fiction.

Ah, the apocalypse. Whether it's zombies, asteroids, space invaders, or World War III, I cannot get enough of speculative fiction that explores how humanity will bite the dust. Climate Fiction, a term coined by journalist Dan Bloom, is literature that deals in some way with climate change and its effects. Mix this with the post-apocalyptic subgenre and you get some pretty spectacular speculative science fiction. Cli-Fi books can offer one perspective and help us imagine the consequences that rising sea levels, mass extinctions, and more violent natural disasters could have on our planet.

So, You’ve Died. Now What?

Recently I was watching Beetlejuice, and I found the way death was handled to be a fascinating idea. Initially the Maitland family are unaware that they’re even dead. Nobody tells them. They’re just given a handbook, and limited number of visits with a caseworker to get things figured out as they hang out in their home.

Lock In cover - depicts many white and a few red figures around the title

Sir, That’s My Emotional Support Wookie

Science Fiction and Fantasy With Protagonists With Disabilities

Science fiction and fantasy worlds show countless possibilities. People can travel to other planets, shape-shift, even alter the universe with magic. All too often, however, these books focus on protagonists who are neurotypical and able-bodied.

Hidden Worlds

Beyond the thin veil separating our reality from all that is or could be exist other worlds. Worlds that are connected to us and affect our lives. The following books depict other worlds or realities, and the people of our world that find themselves part of them.

Almost Like Being There

Fiction with a Strong Sense of Place

Maybe you’ve been itching to take a trip but don’t have the time or the funds; maybe you have a trip on the horizon but need a break from the day-to-day; or maybe you prefer the comfort of your own home or hometown, but love reading about far off places. Sometimes there’s nothing like fiction to paint such a clear picture of a place that it’s almost as good as traveling there yourself.

What's Out There?

"The stars are like the trees in the forest, alive and breathing. And they're watching me.” -Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

The wide vacuum of space: black, never-ending, mysterious and beautiful. Haven’t you ever wondered what could be lurking among the stars? These YA novelists have a few ideas, and not all of them involve peaceful alien alliances or inter-dimensional romance. The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James

a doorway with glowing lights around it stands open in the middle of the woods

Quick Fiction Listens for Your Commute

I have a confession to make--I love audio books, and I especially love the convenience and flexibility of downloading audiobooks to my phone via Overdrive and listening to them on the go--however, (you knew that was coming, right?) I often find it difficult to finish audiobooks before the end of the 3 week checkout period--A Game of Thrones, which clocks in at a cool 34 hours, I’m looking at you.

A Bloody Good Time

Graphic novels featuring ghosts, goblins and other ghouls.

If I had my way, Halloween would be a 6-month affair. I especially love all things spooky. Horror as a genre has generated some of my favorite pieces of media out there, including movies, television, video games, books and especially comics.The following are some of the excellent, horrific graphic novels I've found on our shelves. Make sure you have a blanket, a light and your door locked tight. These pieces won't let you go to sleep too easily afterward. A final aside for you too: all of the following volumes are absolutely, 100% recommended for adults.