Science Fantasy
What is Science Fantasy?
As fantasy fiction becomes more focused on contemporary environments, as opposed to medieval and ancient worlds, technology plays an increasingly important role in the stories. This evolution brings more Science Fantasy into the fold, just in time to meet the audience bemoaning a slowing-down of Science Fiction.
Striking sparks between science and fantasy yields some very exciting work that appeal to a wide range of readers both young and old. Many of us find enough magic in science itself to hold our interest; add some fantasy elements to keep it light and entertaining (and resolve some of the frustrating limitations of a real-world discipline), and this could become a major sub-genre that hooks people young and keeps them avidly interested for a long time to come. It doesn't hurt that the form could be a force to correct some of the technology ignorance social critics have been bemoaning recently, if youngsters hooked on this genre expand their field to include science fiction.
The distinction between science fiction and science fantasy is a bit fuzzy, but it's helpful to think of it like this: science fiction has the obligation to explain according to known laws of physics and nature or acceptable extensions of them; science fantasy has no such obligation. A portable “cloaking device” in a science fiction story (not possible at this time, but theoretically possible given certain technological advances) may have its fantasy equivalent in a magic ring turned on the finger three times 'round. So the effect is the same—what's different is the atmosphere evoked: fantasy, not science.
This is not to say science/technology per se don't exist in this fiction—many times they are portrayed in conjunction with or opposition to the power of magic.
Science Fantasy Characteristics
Level of Magic
Magic is prominent in this sub-genre, but it may be set up in conjunction with, or in opposition or juxtaposition to “real” science and technology. These joinings and divergences may create harmony or lead to havoc, depending on the storyline.
Level of Characterization
Varies greatly depending on the story. There may be many or few characters, stock types or richly detailed.
Level of Plot Complexity
Also a large variety here, with technology taking a minor or major role. Dedicated fantasy readers may find it difficult to deal with some stories that include a lot of science/technology.
Level of Violence
The level of violence and sex is highly variable. The stories themselves can lead anywhere and embrace any theme found in the other sub-genres, their cohesiveness provided only by the melding of science and fantasy.
Related Types of Fantasy
Slipstream (New Weird) and some Paranormal Fantasy are related. If you like Science Fantasy, then it's safe to say you may enjoy exploring what the science fiction genre has to offer.
Science Fantasy Isn’t For You If...
The definition of “Fantasy” excludes science and technology.
Best Science Fantasy Books
Lord Darcy Randall Garrett
The Book of the New Sun Gene Wolf
Coldfire Trilogy C.S. Friedman
Dragonriders of Pern series Anne McCaffrey
Hyperion series Dan Simmons
The Steerswoman series Rosemary Kirstein
Majipoor series Robert Silverberg
Apprentice Adept series Piers Anthony
Witch World series Andre Norton
The Anubis Gates Tim Powers
Frankenstein Mary Shelley
Tales of the Dying Earth Jack Vance
Lord of Light Roger Zelazny
John Carter of Mars Edgar Rice Burroughs
Vampire Earth series (E.E. Knight)
Other Science Fantasy Recommendations
Tinker and Wolf Who Rules Wen Spencer
Overworld series Matthew Woodring Stover
Merchant Princes series Charles Stross
Magic Time series Marc Scott Zicree
The Change (Emberverse) series S.M. Stirling
The Host Stephenie Meyer
Small-Minded Giants Oisin McGann
Tarnsmen of Gor John Norman's
Riders at the Gate series C.J. Cherryh's
Dinosaur Planet series Anne McCaffrey's
Ghatti's Tale series Gayle Greeno
Darkover series Marion Zimmer Bradley's
There and Back Again Pat Murphy's
The Council War series John Ringo
Do you have your own science fantasy suggestions? Share them in the comment section below!