Uncovering some hidden treasures at the margins of sci-fi
Big sci-fi stories are famous the world over. Titles like and dominate the conversation — and for good reason, they’re definitely classics. But for true aficionados, the best sci-fi can often be found in the margins.
The are about exploration — plunging toward the edges of space, of technology, of humanity. So we thought we’d take a look at the edges of the genre itself, at the lesser known subgenres that really show what science fiction can do, exploring top titles in cyberpunk, horror sci-fi and LGBTQ+ sci-fi.
Prepare for take off.
Start Your Cyberpunk Engines
Cyberpunk is a subgenre defined by outsiders taking up arms against traditional institutions, using their individuality and technological savvy to win the day. While the leading men and women of most are space jockeys or gunslingers, the protagonists of this subgenre are often hackers or cybercriminals who use the technological tools of authority against itself.
by William Gibson
It would be impossible to discuss the cyberpunk subgenre without mentioning William Gibson’s classic, Neuromancer.
Not only did this title achieve commercial and critical success, but it also solidified cyberpunk as a unique subgenre of literary science fiction. It introduced readers to the concept of “cyberspace” and had a massive influence on the writers, comic book artists and filmmakers who would continue to create cyberpunk for decades to come.
Winner of science fiction’s Triple Crown (the Hugo, Nebula and Philip K. Dick awards), this title was sci-fi’s first true glimpse into the digital future of humankind. Some 40 years later, this title still challenges us to look at how we deal with technology, authority and individualism.
by Neal Stephenson
Another heavy hitter in the cyberpunk subgenre, this title was ahead of its time thanks to its depiction of a virtual second world, predicting online games such as Second Life and* World of Warcraft*, as well as movies like The Matrix.
Snow Crash is one of those binge-worthy audiobooks that you’ll be tearing through as fast as you can. Stephenson has plenty of thought-provoking ideas about information theory and Sumerian religion, but the quick pacing and accessible prose will have you racing to the end.
If you consider yourself a tech geek or just a fan of techy prose, then this is the title you need to devote some time to. Its cyber-sensibility and lush descriptions make it a standout thriller of the information age.
