Category: SCI FI

Devouring Tomorrow

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

This anthology of speculative fiction is an impactful text to use not only in English but in Biology as well. Each story, written by Canadian authors, centres around the future and what would happen if the world experienced a food shortage. The stories talk of the repercussions of human behaviour on the environment and the perspective that we might have to resort to feeding the human race (yes, a couple of the stories talk of “synthetic cannibalism”. I found each of these stories immensely thought-provoking, and several were hugely disturbing because of their “I could see this happening” realism. The potential for dynamic Socratic Discussion around the themes of EVERY one of these stories is immense. 

With Canadian authors, speculative fiction, and timely themes, this anthology offers a rich ground for deep, stimulating discussions about the consequences of humans’ impact on the environment and the morality of unequal resource distribution.

Trigger warnings: language (for a few stories) and disturbing content…however, it varies per story.

A Letter to the Luminous Deep

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by Sylvie Cathrall

CRUMPLED DRAFT OF LETTER WRITTEN BY HENEREY CLEL, 1002 

My dear E., 

I have thought of nothing else but you and your letter over the past day or so, and I do not intend to start thinking of anything else anytime soon” (pg 257, as well as the back cover)

This novel is an absolute enchantment. It weaves together the genres of Science Fiction, Romance, and Mystery with Victorian overtones in a way that will leave you longing for a time when people narrated their lives through beautifully written letters, or “Automative Post Missives” as they are called in this story. I had the pleasure of both reading and listening to this novel, and I must say, the Audible Book is one of the best multinarrator recitations I’ve ever experienced.

What is the plot? Well, Sophy  (a deep sea scientist/explorer) has lost her sister…her sister E has inexplicitly disappeared. E was a recluse of sorts, finding contentment in her underwater home, that is, until something curious occurs, so curious in fact that she seeks answers. The only way a recluse like E can find answers is to write to someone who may be an expert in such curiosities, Henerey. Charmingly enough, E and Henerey fall in love through their correspondence. When both E and Henerey vanish suddenly, Sophy and Henery’s brother Vyerin begin to work together (through letters, of course) to solve the mystery of their missing siblings. 

The novel comprises not only the letters of E, Henerey, Sophy and Vyerin but also a smattering of letters of other quirky yet charming characters. 

Not only is the plot of this novel intricate and mesmerising but so is the writing. This novel would make the most amazing mentor text for a junior and senior high classroom for a number of reasons: it would teach descriptive writing and how it creates mood and atmosphere as well as characterisation (through tone and word use). 

Teaching figurative language (some letters are incredibly poetic) as well as vocabulary.

Teaching narrative storytelling as well as letter writing ( a lost art, I am sure)

I mean, just read this passage: 

“ I should mention that the water felt different from the lovely sea to which I am accustomed. It seemed to ooze around me- warm and slippery, as though it had thickened like a custard. The sensory unpleasantness of the water, however, could not dim its visual splendour. Despite the imposing darkness, the water possessed a kind of luminescence: an odd purple and green and grey glimmer like the last moments of a sunset” (pg. 239).

 This novel has the potential to inspire readers to write more beautifully. The descriptive passages, such as the ones I’ve shared, can serve as excellent examples for aspiring writers to emulate. I long to write this beautifully!

A beautiful book. I loved it. AND it sets itself up for a sequel!!!! Yay!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Press for the copy.

Lake of Souls

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

Ann Leckie

Ann Leckie is a brilliant author. Science Fiction isn’t usually my genre of choice; however, some of my favourite books are Sci-Fic, so I’m not sure why I don’t choose it more often. Maybe because I didn’t have access to ANYTHING sci-fi as a child???. In this particular anthology, there are newer stories Leckie has written and stories set in the world of The Raven Tower novel. I have chosen to comment on a few of the stories that sit outside the world of the Raven Tower. The Novela Lake of Souls is one of these. As a narrative, it has SO many layers: world-building, exciting development, and a variety of deep themes of identity through place and family adventure, imagination, and curiosity, all of which would instigate and feed thought and discussion. 

The anthology features a diverse range of stories. Another Word for World explores the importance of communication, especially in power dynamics and across generations. The Justified serves as a mentor text for political sci-fi with dystopian elements. The VERY short tale, Footprints , is a creepy atmospheric tale about a potentially human little girl and her malevolent ‘toy’ bear (great for teaching atmosphere and indeterminant ending).Each story offers a unique reading experience, showcasing Leckie’s versatility as an author.

This anthology of Ann Leckie’s works is not just a collection of entertaining stories that can be used as a suitable resource for study in a high school English class. Leckie’s mastery of storytelling and her beautiful gift of prose makes her works engaging. Moreover, her skill as a world-builder, particularly in science fiction, adds an educational dimension to her stories, making them credible for academic study. 

Thank you to Orbit Books and Netgalley for the free copy.

The Will of the Many (Hierarchy #1)

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by James Islington

This novel,’ The Will of the Many’ by James Islington, has not only become my favourite book of the decade but also stands out for its unique blend of universal themes, a dynamic and suitably flawed main character, and world-building that is both enthralling and threatening. It’s a fantasy with glimmers of science fiction that will keep you hooked from the first page.
‘The Will of the Many’ is not just a coming-of-age story; it’s a journey that will mesmerise you. It’s a tale of self-discovery, courage, and sacrifice that had me emotionally invested from the moment I opened it.
Its freakingly unique settings (elements of ancient Rome, medieval Europe, and glimmers of modernity) and an intricate and engrossing plot with layers and twists and turns and so, so many questions have left me anxiously awaiting a second novel.
Read it! I need to discuss some of the theories I have surmised after reading.

Citadel

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by C. M. Alongi

First of all, the cover of this novel is gorgeous. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but in this case, it’s perfectly safe to do so. There is so much to say about this book. Our main character is Olivia, a beautiful silver-haired young woman called a “freak” by her peers. In fact, when she was young, some adults suggested she be thrown in the rising water because she would be a “burden” for her family and for the Citadel in general.
The Citadel is a city encircled by a wall to protect it from the demons that lurk in the woods beyond.
It is a fascinating place, primarily medieval in its beliefs, be it religion, politics, or societal norms, especially when viewing someone who doesn’t fit in with what is deemed “normal”, which Oliva is not. Olivia is non-verbal autistic but also brilliant, artistic and intuitive. When she comes face to face with a demon on an expedition outside the walls of the Citadel (while she is foraging for medicinal plants), she realizes that demons are just as misunderstood as she is.
The world-building in this novel is impressive. Immersive and intriguing. I also loved the secondary story that weaves along with Olivia, the story of Riley, Olivia’s best friend, trying to forge his own path in a society that is suffocating his individuality.
Citadel is a story about identity, acceptance, friendship, family, and, most of all, having the strength to pursue the truth.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the free copy.

Girl Out of Time

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by Clyde Boyer

 Anna Armstrong is a brilliant precocious girl who has always been fascinated by space. In fact, she has attempted to launch herself several times into space but unfortunately her homemade rocket ships did not have sufficient enough power to get her there. Tragically, on the day of one of her “launches”, she learns that her mother and father have died on their way back home from Europe. Thirteen year old Anna then goes to live with her kind uncle Jack on his farm research center outside Smartt Indiana.

 Very soon upon her arrival, Anna sees strange lights in the distance and eventually goes and investigates. There, she discovers a different dimension in time and space, where  girl named Mara exists. Anna soon becomes involved in trying to help Mara save the world from the repercussions of time travel using Science to help them.

This is such a wonderful book about responsibility, friendship and science. The young people presented are supportive and caring towards each other and lessons learned about curiosity, responsibility and friendship abound.

This book should be added to school libraries as well as any little classroom library. It is a science fiction novel that is accessible to upper elementary and middle school students.

Thank you to Girl Friday Books and Netgalley for the free copy. Girl Out of Time is available for purchase on March 7