Science FIction – Definition and Subgenres
This page is Work In Progress, please come later and I will definitely put some contents here.
There are several definitions of Science Fiction as a literature genre. Here is my:
A genre where writers take a look at the real world, decide it’s too boring, and add spaceships, time travel, robots, dystopias or sentient toasters. It’s the literary playground where physics is a guide, aliens are strangely humanoid, and the future is either a utopia, a wasteland, or both. At its best, sci-fi stretches the human imagination and asks profound questions about existence; at its worst, it still gives us laser swords and cool explosions – so, really, everybody wins.
There are multiple subgenres:
– Hard Science Fiction focuses on scientific accuracy and realistic depictions of technology, often rooted in physics, engineering, and astronomy. Representative authors and books: Arthur C. Clarke (Rendezvous with Rama), Kim Stanley Robinson (Mars Trilogy), Stephen Baxter (Evolution)
– Space Opera characterizes epic, adventurous tales often set in space, featuring grand conflicts, interstellar travel, and larger-than-life characters. Representative authors and books: Isaac Asimov (Foundation series), Alastair Reynolds (Revelation Space), Arkady Martine (Teixcalaan Duology)
– Cyberpunk describes dystopian, high-tech settings exploring themes like artificial intelligence, corporate control, and cybernetics. Definitely my favourite subgenre. Representative authors and books: William Gibson (Sprawl Trlogy, Bridge Trilogy), Neal Stephenson (Snow Crash, Diamond Age), T.R. Napper (The Escher Man)
– Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction explores societal collapse, dystopian futures, or the aftermath of apocalyptic events. Love it with all my soul as well. Representative authors and books: George Orwell (Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm), Cormac McCarthy (The Road), Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale)
– Military Science Fiction explores war and combat-driven narratives, often featuring futuristic technology and strategy. Representative authors and books: Robert A. Heinlein (Starship Troopers), Joe Haldeman (The Forever War), Orson Scott Card (Ender series)
You can extend the list as much as you can, but I will stop here. The focus of my blog is held on Cyberpunk and Dystopian Science Fiction, as the world at the moment is depressing as fuck.