The Magic of Fantasy and Science Fiction 
There is no two ways about it, I am one of a crowd of people that love science fiction and experience science fiction addiction. There are many wonderful science fiction fantasy authors and it amazes me that so many people out there have no interest in the science fiction and/or fantasy stories they tell.
I find that I can carry out full conversations, with few words, with those I meet who feel the same ! (Actually Katie the cat does not pay any attention to me when I do talk to her.) All you have to do is say “remember the scene where” and the discussion begins in full depth or the laughter starts immediately.
Past Inventions Predict the Future
Over the years the imagination of many science fiction authors has proven quite valid and their ‘flights of fancy’ now appear in actuality. If you get right down to it Leonardo di Vinci was a specialist in science fiction and look at where his ideas are now.
Air Travel in the Fifteenth Century
So a new author comes along and writes a tale with, what many people see as outrageous, ideas. Who can guess where these ideas will lead?
The realms of fantasy may never be seen as real but who really cares as they are food to widen your soul and imagination.
True Value of the Fantasy and Science Fiction World
I also find the books I have are rereadable over and over (especially if they have placed a meaningful mark in my imagination). I get something new out of them every time and expect this is because I read very fast and miss things the first time around. On the subsequent reads I often say to myself, ‘Oh that’s why that happened later in the book’!
I must admit I get real enjoyment out of stories with a trace or even a torrent of humour, the science fiction and fantasy creatures who are developed to show true traits of real animals (cats especially with their inborn arrogance and dogs with their loyalty) and the tales interweaving humans and earth myth.
I hope I will produce a website that will draw you to these thing I like and also that you will share comments with me giving me the story of your likes and dislikes with this genre. And maybe you too will become addicted to science fiction and fantasy.
I have selected a group of affiliate companies where you can buy Science Fiction and Fantasy in books, hard and soft cover, eReaders, audio and film, hopefully with very few clicks of the mouse! As time passes I am also arranging to provide toys, artwork, virtual worlds and visual novels.
If you would like to find out more go to and read about me.
The content and layout of my website may change at a whim as I present more and more information. Check out my posts and pages to keep in touch with my magic world of Fantasy and Science Fiction.
See you among the dreams, visions, swords and sorcery and wacky science fiction inventions.
My goodness, what a lot of comments!
Well Colin, I hope you enjoyed reading them along with the articles!
Ciao
Helen
Hi Helen,
I am a Sci-Fi & Fantasy buff myself but must admit that of late have not had the time for it as life has taken its own course with travels and new things.
I personally totally agree with you that a lot of Sci-Fi is kind of fortune telling, particularly the Star Trek series, where if you follow from the very beginning back in the late 60’s & the 70’s many of the gadgets that were ‘out of this world’ then are now commonplace among us humans!! ie: tablets, mobile phone, and vaccinations (the one shot you can get in your arm with 5 different immunizations).
So yes, I think we would be wise to take note of all the “weird” stuff that sometimes appears in these stories…it may very well be our crazy future!
I like your site!
Wishing you $ucce$$ – Orion
Orion, so right you are. I just read a very old Arthur C Clarke (1976 – whoops not that old!) book. It doens’t have predictions in it but even now it feels like a modern read. And it was very good.
I can’t even begin to remember how many books have this sort of foreseeing but there sure are a wuite a few.
Thanks for your comment.
See you again some time’
Ciao
Helen
This website is professional, Helen.
Thanks Joe. At least I achieved this look. It’s just what I wanted!
Ciao
Helen
Helen, I like the idea of Science fiction how some of the stories can predict future happenings. Sometimes a movie is made in Science Fiction genre and later something similar happens in real life.
I am fascinated by people who are able to think up these things.
Good luck! You will do well.
Please check out my website and leave me a comment:
howtoimproveguthealth.com
Monique. sorry it took so long to reply to you. I had a bit of trouble finding your website. I have now left a comment on your About page.
Yep I love and always have, Science fiction. Fantasy too. An ideal mix for me is a combination of the two.
The development of new things do seem like science fiction and it is getting so that now these come out so fast it’s hard to keep up.
Thanks for your comment
Helen
Hi, Helen!
I have always been a fantasy and science fiction fan. I don’t know why, but it is a way for me to escape from the real world into an imaginary one (whether it’s via a novel or a movie). I still prefer hard copies over ebooks, although it seems ebooks are a thing these days. I hope you’ll be writing about the latest sci-fi and fantasy books for avid readers like us to check out. You bet I’ll be hanging out here more often. Thanks!
Princila, there are so many new books coming out now I have trouble sorting out those I want to read. I am always open to ideas, so let me know about ones you know about.
Yes, I am same as you. I have over 700 sci fi and fantasy books. And this doesn’t include those I had but got rid of after I read them once but knew I wouldn’t reread them.
And that doesn’t include eBooks!
Thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
Helen-
This is a great site! There is so much valuable information here! I myself am not a huge science fiction fan but my brother is very much so! I referred him to your site and I think he has thanked me 100 times. Thanks so much for taking the time to post about so many interesting topics within this category. Continued success to you!
Jen, whew this is a lovely comment so thanks to you for it. I do try to give background information and not ruin the story by reiterating it. The history and the article hints are what I aim for. I want to entice not ruin the read for everyone who likes sci fi and fantasy and try to encourage others to have a go at reading them.
A bit of humour always helps. I suggested elsewhere that if you do want to try something like this out, grab Alan Dean Fosters Spellsinger (first book in the Spellsinger series).
And again thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
Hi Helen,
I enjoyed your post and while not a lover of Sci-fi, I am an avid reader of most everything else available to me. I like mystery, thrillers, and non-fiction. I have to admit that I do not read as much as I did before my involvement with the computer. Books, I mean, for I surely do read enough on my laptop. Thanks for such an easy to read and navigate site also.
Riley, thanks for you comment. I find there are a number of sci-fi that fit your reading likes. An author like Alan Dean Foster is great at mystery, thrillers and in fact novels loosely based on real fact. I still like reading books but find that my eReader is just so convenient for travel and night time reading. As I am pretty busy throughout the day, these two times tend to be when I read the most. But I still buy paper books and am filled with nostalgia as I read them.
Feel free to visit anytime and I will also visit your site to see what you are up to.
Ciao
Helen
Great site you have here! Our son really enjoyed Sci-Fi while growing up. He was able to find alot of different books he loved. I’ll have to share this site with him to glean from your extensive knowledge. thank you for taking the time to put this together for us!
Shelli, I would love to have your son visit me. If he does I would like him to share his reading experiences. I like to discover new stories too. Many of the books I read have been recommended by others. I do occasionally pick a random book if the title looks interesting.
And as I have travelled a great deal in my youth, I had the opportunity to pick up books left at the youth hostels I stayed at. A great eclectic selection was left by fellow travellers once they had read them.
I look forward to his future visits.
Ciao
Helen
Science fiction is a great thing to enjoy with. We find lots of strange things and our imagination is expanded further while relating it with stripteases and also the surprises it offers.
I encourage everyone to go for it and enrich your imagination a step further.
Phrom, I am not sure you mean stripteases per Aussie English. These are a bit risque and involve some bare skin. I am going to assume you mean teasers.
If this is the case I have nailed it. I do not want to spoil any story with my articles. I know some people give a synopsis but if this is done poorly then I might as well not read the book. I will know the story from the synopsis.
Little teasers and surprises. That is my aim so glad you found it so.
Thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
Helen, your site is very well written. The articles are very interesting. Have to say, if I were into sy-fi I would stick with the updates of your site. But sorry to say that I am into reading Patterson, Lee and Grisham. All the detective novels.
Bill, I too read detective novels. I had to set boundaries on my niche range or my site would have expanded into infinity! Have you tried any of Roger Stelljes MacRyan books. I discovered these recently and really like them. I have other favourites but Roger has written a detective series where the various agencies generally work together. I get tired of the conspiracy and possessiveness of agencies that is predominant in other detective series.
And there is sci fi and fantasy that are futuristic or parallel world detective books. Randall Garrett wrote ‘Lord Darcy investigates’ a parallel, clever sleuth book. And Alan Dean Foster wrote two Angel Cardenas detective books set in the future. In fact these are only a few of many in these genres. And as the imagination can really come into being there is twists in these books.
Thanks for your comments and visiting my site.
Ciao
Helen
I loved reading your post. You see I’m a dreamer. I love to imagine things… when I was in secondary school, our English teacher, during one of our English assignments, asked us to write a fiction story. That assignment activated something in me. I started the creative thinking process and came up with an imaginative story. I just kept writing and writing and before long, I had written way beyond the limit of words. So I stopped the story abruptly leaving a lot of suspense.
When my work was submitted and corrected, I was amazed by the results. My English teacher told me he was glued to my work and couldn’t stop reading, and then the suspense was a great addition to my story.
A lot took place in my childhood, but this particular incident left me thinking I have a talent somewhere which can be exploited. You have done a great job directing me to your website. Now I know there is something I have to do.
Well fellow dreamer, it looks like you have the start of one of those cliff hanger books. You should be able to edit and do an eBook on the one you already have written. Then do the follow on. Like the old movies. As children we lived in mining camps. To shop we had to drive to the closest town/city. Sometimes quite a drive. To prevent mental breakdown our parents dropped us off at the local cinema. There were opening cartoons, then a mid session break with games and prizes and then the movie. With bated breath we waited to see if the hero (or villain) survived the fall off the cliff.
Thanks for you very nice comment and it does appear you have a talent so get to that writing.
Ciao
Helen
This was a wealth of information and fun to read. I try to read a few books through the year when life isn’t throwing stuff in the way of my free time.
Fleur, thanks for your comment. I am so glad you had fun. Reading of any book should be fun even if the book is serious.
I can fill up my free time so easily. Too bad it is because I love to follow trails through the web. Mind you I do find some really good things but rarely what I am looking for!
Please do visit again.
Ciao
Helen
Hi, Helen,
It is a very interesting website! I will be back your site to read as much as I can. Thank you for sharing!
Hey Sophia, thanks for visiting and commenting. Yes I find science fiction and fantasy very interesting. I have read both from an early age and have seen a lot of sci fi ideas from the great writers become fact. Maybe not quite as the original writings but often pretty close.
As for fantasy, well probable only an escapism for me but you never know who or what you might in the future.
See you around.
Ciao
Helen
I am so glad to have come to this site. How nice is it here with lots of great educational information.
I also like a great sci-fi book for time to time or a good movie if it’s not to scary.
What is your favorite book? Do you like an ongoing series of books?
By far my favorite, and I am sure you have read them as well are all the Narnia books and movies. CS Lewis. What fun, my family and I try picking out the meaning of each character and scene. Are you aware of any other faith based sci-fi books?
I did not realize that the future is shaped by todays sci-fi. I have read some scary sci-fi books that I hope never come true.
Thanks for the site and all the information.
Thanks for your lovely comment.
Scary doesn’t bother me. I have had lots of friends who think they like scary but usually close their eyes at the scary bits because they know I am watching them. Just remember, in general scarier things are going on in the world today.You can’t let these change your life unless you can help make then less scary.
I don’t know how many times I have read the Narnia books. However I never did look for the religious thread through them. I believe Tolkien was pretty religious and most likely did direct some of his faith through his great books. He did in fact convert CS Lewis from paganism, but he wasn’t pleased at Lewis’ taking the Church of England trail. Well each to his own. I expect many early authors tended to be influenced by religion as for many centuries art and writing were dictated by religion.
I agree that some scary science fiction should never be realised. I don’t think my wishes will be met.
Nice of you to visit.
Ciao
Helen
I love your website. I enjoy science fiction movies but have never read sci-fi novels. Your website makes me want to! Very nice, clean, inviting layout!
Nancy, thanks for your lovely comment. I try to keep my site looking like this. There is nothing more annoying than trying to read poorly presented articles. Your comment makes me think I am succeeding.
I am sure you will love some of these novels. For a start try some I have written about. Alan Dean Foster’s books are usually a good read.
Ciao
Helen
Hey there Helen. I’m also a fan of science fiction. I’ve always had a huge imagination. What are some of your favorite reads? Mine tend to be in the form of comics.
Well Dan, when I was young comics were we kids indoor lives. Even outside we got lots of exercise racing between houses to see what comics we hadn’t read yet. Our families lived in mining camps and most of our ‘toys’ were shared around. Every once in a while we even got our own comics back!
Nowadays I tend to fantasy but I like some science fiction thrown into these. I also have some favourite sci-fi but I find a lot of authors don’t a a grip on writing these realistically. One of my favourite Science Fiction books, by Piers Anthony, is Macroscope. I haven’t read it for a while and it most likely is a bit dated but SO WHAT!
Thanks for your huge imagination.
Ciao
Helen
Great website, Helen. I really enjoy your simplistic layout and color scheme.
Your passion is front and center from the very first paragraph. It helped me connect with you immediately. While I’m not really a big science fiction fan per se, (at least with books), I have a deep respect for the imagination and creativity that goes into every piece of work.
With books, I’m always drawn to the non-fiction side of things. I have, however, spent many hours watching shows such as Travelers on Netflix and playing fantasy type role-playing games.
I can completely relate to your point about revisiting books because of reading them too quickly. I speed read everything. It would help if I actually gave myself some time to read. Then I could even dive into some sci-fi or fantasy type books as well.
Anyway, I just wanted to say great website and keep up the great work!
All the best,
Chad
Chad, you have me blushing and that I don’t usually do. Thanks for your great comments.
I find simplicity is the best as the audience comes from so many walks of life. As for colour, if I can find colour I wear it. I find the popular black so depressing especially in winter.
Please come and see me again sometime.
Cheers
Helen
I am reminded of my days as a classroom teacher when I would read to the kids everyday. Many of them actually enjoyed the science fiction genre, especially the boys. They were fascinated with books about space travel, aliens and robots. The illustrations and the blurb always seem to capture their interest, and I would often get requests to read those books to the class. Do you have some favorites to recommend for kids?
Carol, I do have some but what age are you aiming at. If you go to my ‘Fantasy Book Lists’ page you will find some books there. I must admit I really should update this as I just realised no science fiction books are there. So starting way back when, I love Wind in the Willows. You can also find a TV movie made in 2006 in which Matt Lucas (Little Britain) plays Toad. This is a great little movie but as I haven’t watched it recently you would need to determine if it is OK for kids.
Other than that, I would have a hard time choosing! Try Lloyd Alexanders books if you want another starting point. These are still available both in book form and via eReaders.
Thanks for your comment and just to let you know my real love of these books came from my second grade teacher. She read us a book called ‘The One Winged Dragon’ by Catherine Anthony Clark. Unfortunately she is out of print but I did leave a comment on the SF Gateway website re looking into getting these back into publication via eBooks. This group is working at doing this for many books currently retired.
Ciao
Helen
I don’t mind science fiction book. I am more into financial literacy and philosophy. It’s always great to learn new things though. Thanks
Frankie, unfortunately financial literacy makes my brain cringe! I have had to do a lot of this as project manager with civil design and building design management. One day I was whingeing about it in the format ‘If I had wanted to be an accountant I would have studied accountancy at university.’ Of course in coarser language and with my BOSS standing right behind me!
I don’t think a break from your preferred reading harms you at all. You have to rest and recreate sometimes.
Thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
Hi Helen,
Interesting website. I haven’t read fantasy books in decades and the last sci-fi book I read was on Kindle a few years ago. It was Wool by Hugh Howey. That was pretty a different book, for sure and might be worth a read.
I actually read all the BIG 4 JRR Tolkien books twice (once when I was in grade school and then in middle school). I loved the movies because they were actually pretty accurately portrayed. It was nice to be able to visualize what I could only imagine when I read them.
Darren, an interesting comment. I hadn’t heard of Hugh but just looked up Wool. Another tale to add to my to read list. At this rate I will get nothing else done!
I love Tolkien and my record of number of reads is such that I can’t remember how many there have been. I have many favourite bits and often, depending on my mood, I just read the appropriate bit. I bought the movies but strangely enough haven’t watched them yet. I heard a rumour that Tom Bombadil was omitted. I know the story needed fitting into the three movies but I loved Tom’s pony Fatty Lumpkin. It reminds me of a horse I once had!
As for the Hobbit, that I did see as it was a precursor tale to the Rings. And that I found quite boring. It is a small book and could have fit in one movie but they stretched it out so much that I didn’t even bother to watch the next one. Maybe one day.
Thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
Hi Helen,
What a very interesting website. I can see that I am not the only one to enjoy it judging by the number of comments posted here. I also love science fiction, but not when it is exaggerated. For me it must still be close to reality.
I am looking forward to your next post.
John
John, I expect most science fiction over the years has been considered exaggerated! After all who would have thought about books that travel through the ether to that fan-dangled eReader. But I get your drift. It’s not sci-fi but if you want to stay close to mother earth try some of Charles de Lint’s urban fantasy books. I love and recommend these. Hopefully they won’t be too fantastical for you.
Thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
Hey Helen I agree with you that Sci-Fic has helped our future take shape. Perfect example would be star trek. Captain Kerk speaking on a two way cell phone ?.
Another example Quantum Leap now that really looked like our cell phones today!
Keep up the Great Work and continue to inspire our imagination. Jesse
Thanks for your comment Jesse.
Since sci-fi is all about imagination, and invention is all about imagination (and sweat) helping the future take shape is a logical (or even illogical) step. It’s amazing how twisted (in a good way) our brains are.
Ciao
Helen
Helen,
Really you have put me thinking deep in this fiction sciences.
It’s very interesting science one can indulge with. I have not done much on this part. will still read the entire site and get something more.
Thanks a lot for this valuable site.
Regards
Damian.
Damian read on and let your imagination run wild. The great thing about this genre is how often I find a new product or idea that is now being used in practice and think, hey, I read about that in a sci fi book years ago.
Thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
I was a huge fan of sci-fi ( Heinlein, McCammon, Asimov) before I went in the service and just never got into it after I got out. King is still a big gave of mine too.
It was all about thinking differently than every one else for me.
thanks for the awesome post.
Brent, I don’t know where and what you did in the service but I could imagine many activities there could almost relate to science fiction. And I am sure many of them, people may not want to remember and they don’t go back to the writers world of Sci-fi!
I hadn’t heard of McCammon but just checked out his works and found I do know some titles. I just might go and find some to read. I am not a King fanatic but some of his I do really like.
I believe the thinking in other ways is what always brings me back to the fantasy and science fiction stories.
Thanks for your nice comment.
Ciao
Helen
This is something that I can SO relate to.
I never understood why anyone wouldn’t like science-fiction or fantasy. Often what I hear is “it’s not realistic” but I don’t take that as a valid argument. Yes, these stories range from speculation on what the future brings to full-blown only-in-your-dreams fantasy, but the best stories (and ever some of the worst) all still contain a fundamental truth about the characters and who we are as people.
Fantasy is by far my preferred genre and is what I tend to write the most of, There is tremendous value in allowing one’s mind to roam free and simply create. Fantasy and science fiction both do that and I am very grateful to the various authors I have loved over the years for sharing their visions with me.
If nothing else, these stories allow us to ask “what if”, and as you have pointed out, that has inspired people to find a way to make those imaginings a reality. How much of our modern technology do we owe to Star Trek, for example? Some of that technology would likely have developed over time, but perhaps not as quickly, and Star Trek has certainly influenced form and function.
I think this could be a great site and expect to check in here periodically. It’s always great meet someone who shares an interest in these topics!
Craig, let me know what you have written so I can take a peak at it. I am always looking for new books to get stuck into.
Something I find quite intriguing is how some people who have religions are against science fiction and fantasy. But they believe in miracles and these could easily be classified in either of these two categories. Oh well each to their own.
Hi Helen,
You have a very interesting site! SciFi was my first love, and remains my true love. In fact, I believe science fiction is just science fact from future. So many things that seemed impossible, are now part of our lives.
I also love the idea of time travel and used to relish books where the heroine opened a door in the house, and stepped back into the distant past! I also have this feeling that time is circular. Remember that space/time continuum episode in Star Trek Next Generation? I really resonated with that.
Anyway, great site and thanks for sharing.
Pat, thanks for your comment. Time travel bring it on. I have always thought I was born way too soon. Out in space I would like to be.
I am currently reading a book called Outlander. I am amazed that this book (and the sequels) escaped my interest until now. But here is time travel at its best. I am thoroughly enjoying it and will do a review when I finish.
Ciao
Helen
Good morning,
To start with I have to tell you that I like that cat on your lap, good that this dear companion is real, I have a few myself you see as I do love CATS.
As a child I was fascinated by the pictures of Leonardo da Vinci and I think I have read most of the Julius Verne books. Now, in our time all these things have happened, amazing. I love science finction films and have seen quite a few.I think your website is useful in many ways, keep up the good work.
Regards, Taetske
Taetske, I like the cat on my knee too. Her name is Katie. She is the most disobedient cat in town. She loves shredding paper, getting on the counter, on the table and ‘cleaning’ the plates and BBQ grill. By the way she isn’t allowed to do any of these things. We have yelled, spoken firmly and used a water pistol to try and educate her. Well as she is still doing it I know that didn’t work!
I too grew up with da Vinci and Verne along with HG Wells and the like. Even though dated their books still hold up with the best of them. If you have any film recommendations I would love to hear them. I am always out for a good film.
Ciao
Helen
Since my chilhood I was amazed by science-fiction and mostly fantasy. I am not a reader but I do adore movies of these 2 genre and games that are related. I once thought about creating a fantasy story with dragons and knights but I thought I couldn’t do it or hadn’t the motivation. Maybe some day…
I actually started a sci-fi story which the “foundation” ideas are there and the characters but I just need to… write it lol.
From what I have read here, I can feel your passion and you seem to be a really passionate person. I wish I had more time to escape reality and go into those amazing “worlds”.
JP, I have often thought of writing in this thread and did have some interesting ideas. By the time I was about to write tales around these ideas, I had taken so long that the ideas had been used and in fact one of them was developed into reality. This was bionics for animals other that the 60 million dollar man! Now I watch the series The Bionic Vet about vet Noel Fitzpatrick. And this goes to show never put off until tomorrow what you can do today!
Reading has its great rewards and I tend to read a story before watching the movie as things are often changed. Sometimes so much the story is lost. One of my currently favourite book series is about Peculiar Children. You might like this as it is written around those old odd photos you sometimes seen. The movie has come out and fortunately only a few things were changed. I did pick them up right away though!
That’s my next proposed post.
Thanks for your comment.
Ciao
Helen
Hi Helen
Science fiction, and fantasy. My favourites of all time. When I was young, I read Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, been hooked ever since. I was so excited when they made movies of the books. Loved Harry Potter series. Good idea for a website. I am going to read it all. Put it my bookmarks to come back often. Yay you.
Linda, you wonderful lady in that we are kindred spirits. Added to those two books are the Narnia series, the Chronicles of Prydain, the Dark is Rising sequels and so on.
In fact there was an exceptional auther who actually lived very close to us in British Columbia, on the shores of the mighty Kootenay Lake. The area must have been her inspiration. Our teacher read us the ‘One Winged Dragon’ as a school reading. After that I got all her books but now they can’t be found. And although a bit lighter on than JK Rowling’s work they were really good and gripping. Unfortunately children’s and young adult’s books became pretty bland for quite a while. Rowlings certainly put a stop to this!
Now I have to get going with more posts for you to come and read. And comments as you feel.
Ciao
Helen
Hey,this site made me to remember my history teacher 20 years ago,i enjoyed every line,and wish i can continue reading over again. I have never read about science fiction before,now i have an knowledge about it. Very insightful. Keep it up.
Johnson, sites like this actually remind me of my English and English literature teacher. She was in fact an archaeologist and I am sure that in today’s world she would have written marvellous tales of science fiction.
Please do visit again and continue reading and have a look at some of the stories available for you to read.
Ciao
Helen
Hi Helen,
I am also a fan of science fiction and I used to read a lot. I struggle with the less scientific authors like Tolkien though although I do enjoy the movies for some reason. I don’t read so much now as my other business activities keep me busy but when I am on holiday I still like to read a good book. My favorite authors would probably be Ian Rankin due to the Scottish themes in his books and Harlan Coben. I’ll be popping in and out of your site to keep in touch and check out your articles. I look forward to it.
Hi Craig, nice to see you here having a gander at my site. Ian Rankin rings a bell but I read so much sometimes it is hard to dredge names from my storage cells. And I have read some of Harlan’s books. I don’t mind a good detective/crime book along with my scifi and fantasy reading. In fact a lot of these overlap. I read Tolkien when quite young so really got stuck into his works. The movies, I haven’t actually seen the Lord of the Rings as so many time the movie lets me down after the book/s have been so good. I saw the first Hobbit, decided that too much had been added (after all it was such a slim book) so didn’t watch further.
I think my bigget bugbear is the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. I have been through the radio plays, the TV series and the books. When the shorts of the movie came out, Marvin looked resembled the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man in metal form. That did it; I didn’t even go to the movie. I just couldn’t picture a manic depressive robot as a mechanical marshmallow! I look forward to intercommenting with you when you visit again.
Ciao
Helen
Very nice post. I have to admit, I have yet to read a sci-fi novel although I think I might just give one a try. Any recommendations on which one to start with?
Rachel, are you talking of straight scifi or of fantasy too. I have a number of favourites (quite a large number in fact) You might like to start with an Urban Fantasy called the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong. In fact I have just finished re-reading this for the umteenth time. As I always start at the beginning of a series when ever I buy the latest book, my first book (in this case Bitten) always looks well weathered!
As for Science Fiction I always enjoyed David Brin’s books (not so much his latest though). You might try the Postman or if you can get it The Practice Effect. This last one didn’t get his usual critical acclaim but I found it screamingly funny! Let me know how you go when or if you do read these and what you think of them. I still aim to do some blogs about them.
Drop in for more reading entertainment whenever you wish for some imaginative fun.
Ciao
Helen
Hi Helen, Your website is just wonderful! I’ve particularly enjoyed the great list of recommendations. There are many I’m not familiar with so it’s given me some ideas to check out (especially during the upcoming winter months). It made me smile to see the Douglas Adams books. It brought back many memories of the fun times reading them with my boys when they were growing up.
I’ll definitely be bookmarking your site and stopping back in from time to time!
Anita, I am glad you enjoyed my website. If you ever get a chance to listen to the radio play, the original start to this fun, do so. Here is a link but I don’t know how it works or even if I can put it here. Let me try anyway.
http://www.thegeektwins.com/2015/01/how-to-listen-to-original-hitchhikers.html#.WBgLAPl97cs
We all like different kinds of stories and I tend to do the ones that remain with me but I am sure there are plenty other ones. If you have any yourself let me know so I can increase my scope of fantasy and science fiction reading.
And I look forward chatting with you again.
I like the idea of your site. I know the science fiction and fantasy genre is something many people enjoy and has a loyal following. My sister likes fantasy books and movies. Do you enjoy those types of movies as well? I can never seem to get into that type of book but I can see the draw, all the imagination behind it and the fact that anything could really happen. And as you mentioned, what they talk about could possibly predict things in the future…I never thought about that before but it is an interesting point and I can see it to some degree! Good site, many people will benefit from it!
Summerly, thanks for dropping in. With fantasy why don’t you try some Urban Fantasy. It combines ‘real’ life with fantasy elements and can be quite cutting. I think it is my favourite category. I do like Science Fiction a great deal too but some of it is really far fetched. The good stuff is, however, fantastic. I would suggest trying Raymond Feist’s Faerie Tale, Charles de Lint’s Moonheart, Tanya Huff’s Keeper series and I am just ploughing my way through Kelley Armstrong’s ‘Women of the Otherworld’ series. Start that series off with Bitten.
Happy reading and see you around the web.
Ciao
Helen
This seems to be a promising site, Helen. I too enjoy Science Fiction and agree that a lot great inventions can come from it.
I haven’t gotten to read much of it, to be honest, but I do like to see it on the big screen. You spoke about reading, but do you also enjoy Sci-fi movies, if so which are your favourites?
P.S. Sci-fi is one of my favourite movie genres because I believe a movie should take you to another world.
Kamari, to another world; yes I totally agree. I love escapism that is entertaining, mind stimulating and totally different from the real world. Some movies are really good. I tend to like the old ones better as there is often too many unnecessary special effects and lots of them are now all looking the same. Logan’s Run, Soylent Green, Silent Running and (one of my all time favourites) Close Encounters of the Third Kind – the first release. They made some changes in subsequent releases and cut out a few scenes that, unfortunately for me, left some following scenes completely pointless.
Don’t get me wrong about new movies. I loved Avatar and as for fantasy the 3D version of Alice with Johnny Dep was captivating even though the critics didn’t like it
Now all you have to do is get to reading. There are many great stories that have never been made into a movie. Do what I did – get an eReader so you can have a quick read before you go to sleep and you don’t even have to get out of bed to turn the light off. Don’t do what I did last night. I got so engrossed I read until the book was finished. Now I am really tired!
Thanks for your comment and I look forward to more.
I am quite sure that Katie, your cat, likes science fiction books like you do, Helen. She doesn’t need WORDS, she gets the whole story telepathically, and she is happy to sit in your lap and enjoy the stories together with you. miao…..
Well Heidi, she loves them. She takes big bites out of them or sharpens her teeth while shredding them. So far only a few have suffered and I have managed to tape them back together. And nothing we do or have done breaks this habit. In fact if we are reading our Kobo eReaders she sits on them. It takes ages to find out where we were in the book!
Ciao (to rhythm with miao!)
Helen
I am proud to say I LOVE Sci-Fi! How can you not?! Star Trek (all), Star Wars, Dr. Who, Galaxy Quest, Avatar–all of it! And it’s not all fantasy–as we know much of it is based on science. Well, I am glad to have read your post and will definitely revisit your site!
Lainey, I am delighted you love science fiction. Does that run to fantasy also. I am not bipartisan between the two. It also appears that a lot of science is seemingly based on science fiction. Or those past writers were pretty good prophets!
Thanks for visiting and see you again soon.
Cheers
Helen
I’ve always been a fan of sci-fi. My favorite Star Trek series is Voyager and I’m actually watching it through for the ump-teenth time right now. 🙂
I loved the original Star Trek series. After that I travelled around so much I didn’t seem to watch very much TV so missed the other series. I did however manage to find a TV to watch all the Dr Who shows! And I even have a Tom Barker scarf to keep me warm. And it does as it is huge!
Thanks for your comment and I look forward to reading any future ones you may make.
Ciao
Helen
A great article, filled with great content! It definitely shows how much passion you have for all of this. It’s the best thing when you can easily hold a conversation with someone else holding a similar interest! Keep up the great content!
It’s funny Jeremiah but years and years ago I watched a movie on our international channel. I believe it was from the Slavic area. It was corny and extremely twisted-ly funny. No one I know could actually explain it to a non-watcher. But just mention it to someone who saw it and even now we end up in hysterical laughter. I love those sort of things.
Thanks for your comment and I would love to hear from you again.
Hi Helen
I Love watching the syfy channel on tv, In fact that’s what I watch most of the time. You have given me many great authors and books that I have to read. Thank you so much!
Jeremy we don’t subscribe to pay TV so I can’t watch this sort of channel. But it is a certainty if I ever do join up. I watch few movies now as many of them are senseless and boring. Science Fiction and Fantasy can never be boring if it is well done. Confusing yes. Dark yes (ie Blade Runner). I am afraid that some new ones that depend almost totally on special effects do leave me wondering why the movie was made but you can’t win them all. Now sit down and start reading because the list is never ending.
Thanks for commenting and feel free to come back anytime.
Cheers
Helen
What a great site for science fiction fans! I know what you mean, I always wonder why people are not interested in the mysteries of the universe! Science Fiction can be so much fun, love it too. It is so much fun to take a vacation from life and go take an adventure somewhere! Thanks for sharing your ideas and resources!
You’re welcome Debbie. I often think I must branch out into other literary topics. I go to bookstores, spend an hour or so in them and walk out with, wait for it, science fiction and fantasy books. I must admit though I like my fantasy with sharp edges.
Taking a vacation from life is a necessary relaxation for me.
See you around and feel free to visit anytime.\
Cheers
Helen
Helen,
Thank you so much for taking me back 3 decades to my teens when I used to read tons of sci-fi stories. They influenced my creativity and imagination, and helped me push the limits of what can be done waaay ahead of many people who had not read any of those stories.
I don’t know now, but back then in Italy (where I come from) it was mandatory to read classical books at school, things like the Divina Commedia of Dante Alighieri – which could be labelled as sci-fi from a certain point of view 😉 however I think that young people should be made to read books from different kinds of literature, and sci-fi should definitely be one of them.
I’ll be coming back to check out on your updates.
Cheers, Alma
Alma, thanks for visiting and commenting on my site. Yes I too read Dante and many classics, including many children classics that can only be classified as fantasy. Some are frowned upon now, such as the Water Babies, but when written were on ‘the signs and styles’ of the time.
I like a big variety of literature so don’t limit myself to this topic. And as long as there is a touch of humour I am hooked.
See you around and look forward to any return visit and comments.
Hi, Helen, It´s amazing indeed how things showing up in sci-fi stories, sometimes happen for real ages or even only decades later. For example the tricorder in Startrek and the cell phone since the nineties. I enjoyed watching Startrek as there was no soap type of drama in it. The crew would coöperate to solve problems instead of scheming to create only more. Also loved reading M.K. Wren´s Phoenix Rebellion and the series about the Remillard family by Julian May. Both were so exciting I´d keep reading through the night lol.
Best of luck with your website!
Tessa, you have really hit the nail on the head. I hate the scheming in anything. It is one reason I never watch soap operas or most talk back shows. Boring! Now Julian May is a big favourite of mine. After reading this I went and Googled her. And she is still alive, 85 now, so maybe another book or two will hit the market. I do hope so. Now I must look up MK Wren.
Thanks for visiting. I must make a list of all the websites I like so I visit them again. My memory won’t stretch quite that far!
Great website Helen…I really enjoyed reading your articles…very informative, I especially like the bit about how past inventions can predict the future…
Your Review post was very informative, as well…I’ll be back soon…keep up the good work!!
Florence
Florence thanks for visiting and commenting. Yes it is amazing how much we are discovering now is in fact a repeat. Either of Science Fiction or just plain history. For instance I believe the Chinese had bitumen (or similar) hundreds of years ago. We readers of Science Fiction are often forewarned about potential inventions as the authors have such good imaginations that the actual item can become fact.
Helen, I just loved your website!! It’s obvious of your genuine love of reading- esp. in the the Science Fiction and Fantasy category. My husband and I love to read also (just about anything). Recently, timewise, we mainly read to our daughter. What with my new job and still doing my stuff online. Keep up the great work!! Really appreciate your efforts. You are an inspiration! Sherry
Sherry I love your comment. I too actually read just about anything. No Mills and Boon sort of stuff though unless I am marooned in the bush in the middle of a flood and they are the only books available. As I lived in Queensland bush during the devastating Cyclone Tracy in 1974 I certainly got rained in (although we lived far from Darwin) therefore I have read some of them but not by choice but by boredom.
If you like reading and haven’t already done so I suggest you get a copy of a book by Gerald Durrell called Rosy is My Relative. It has nothing to do with my website but is a huge laugh. And I will say no more so not to ruin it.
Please feel free to visit anytime and I look forward to commenting back and forth with you.
I love what you have written here, you have very similar interests to mine. I would like to add I am also a fan of Warehouse 13, Farscape and such like TV series…there aren’t enough of them. Thanks for your posts!
Michael, where do you watch these shows. We don’t seem to get them in Tasmania, unless they are on pay TV. We don’t have this as we read more than we watch TV. However we record as many others as we can and as a bonus we don’t have to watch the ads! Thanks for your comments.
Oh my nephew will LOVE this site. I am bookmarking it now! Thank you for the list of books. His birthday is around the corner so I might just have to get him one 🙂
Rachael, I am sure one of the books on the lists, or maybe, more would suit him. And books are wonderful birthday presents. I do have a Kobo eReader but still really like books better. At least with the eReader I can read at night without 1) getting out of bed and 2) turning the light on as my eReader is set on really low light. No shock to the eyes.
Thanks for commenting and come for another visit and some potential discussions.
Cheers
Helen
Hi – Love your site, and yes, I was once a science fiction nut. I grew up in the 60’s, and some of my fav. shows were Lost in Space, and, of course, Star Trek! …Yes.. I was an original Trekkie. lol… But, then … reality tends to set in, and these things took a backseat to reality.
You’re right about the gadgets though! Even Dick Tracy had the ability to speak to his watch.. lol… Maybe this is why I’m kind of a nut about gadgets.. hmm.. Anyway, your site is interesting and informative, and yes, there are many products – especially art – that allows us to transcend our self-imposed limits. Good Stuff!
You Trekkie, Me too! Thanks for your comment I empath with it totally. I think the old shows were the best as the producers etc had to work without modern special effects equipment.
On the other hand now-a-days we might as well be living Science Fiction with all these new gadgets. Prior to the 20th century people might have burned us all as witches!
Here’s to new ideas and gadgets.
Hi Helen !
Very interesting Site ! I used to be a very big reader and sci-fi got some that time ! Hoping this works out great for you and I know subjects that you are passionate about make it much easier to work on them. They are also much more engaging for your readers ! Keep up the great work !
Regards !
Mike
Mike I am glad you find my site interesting. Now maybe I can inspire you to change that ‘used to be’ to ‘am’! This niche suites me to a T. I have travelled extensively in my life so far. I always spent time browsing science fiction and fantasy sections of book stores and libraries. Always as a matter of interest and also a way of constructively filling in time to wait for excitement to begin. I will welcome any future visit and comments from you.
Cheers
Helen
This site is like a history lesson from my favourite History Teacher… such far-ranging topics, all handled with knowledge and passion.
Although he was bashed by Fantasy aficionados, I’m still a sucker for David Gemmell’s Druss The Legend series. Nothing too deep or complex… just good fun stories.
Your site is now bookmarked, and I shall be checking back for another lesson soon 🙂
Fray, thanks for the David Gemmell suggestion. There are so many authors out there that without suggestions I miss a lot. So now I will go and investigate David. Visit any time. I really appreciate construction comments.
A very good-looking site… Can serve an example. Easily navigated , and interesting content, too..I will still have to do all this…(WA, of course…)
I am glad you liked my site Vera and thanks for commenting. I am sure once your site is up and running it will be an interesting read too. Visit me any time and if you have any suggestions for what you would like to read about just let me know. Cheers, Helen
Hi Helen!
I’ve found very interesting information on your site. I already bookmarked a few books for reading. I think it is great that you created your website using your passion for science fiction. I’ve also shared your site with my friends! Waiting for the new posts.
Zhanna, thanks for your comment. I do try to keep things interesting and tantalising. There is nothing worse than wanting to read a book or see a movie and then having someone who has done either or both telling you all about it. Thanks for sharing my website. I have two posts in the wind so hope to finish them for your reading leisure.
Past inventions predict the future! How true. I’m a lover of sci-fi fantasy myself. My husband has tagged my love for it as “cheesy”. Well then…I LOVE CHEESE! I look at all the futurist candy and know that it either already (secretly) exists, or it will soon…or maybe never; and who cares. Worm holes, teleportation, living on distant galaxies, flying objects using surveillance techniques (see what I mean…already doing it), and the wonderment of fantasy creatures; what is better than that! 🙂
I just finished reading Debra Chester’s trilogy “The Alien Chronicles” for the 3rd time. I’m still waiting for the movie! Come on Hollywood! Imagine the special effects you could use. 🙂
Love your site!
Sheila, me too. Give me cheese any day. I just looked up Deborah and this series isn’t on Kobo. I can actually buy from Kindle but have to do a fandangle to get it onto my Kobo eReader. But now I will try this out. I will let you know how I find the tales. And as for the past, once you read some of the history it is absolutely amazing on how many modern things have been predicted. Some might be primitive but the others are pretty advanced. Thanks for commenting and giving me another author to chase up.
Have you read the Elemental Assassin Series by Jennifer Estep ? Excellent series read, and hard to put down…She was my November Author of the month on my site! …Are you a member of WA ?….you asked about the way my site is setup with all my bookstores on one page and how it works for me….I’ve had a lot of compliments on it being that way….but I’m kind of torn for that way or my blog for a landing page….fiction books is a very broad niche to get 1st page rankings and I haven’t got past page 12 YET!
I’m delighted you found my site. Yes I am a WA member and I am following you. I find it hard to remember who I am following. I think I can only manage to count on my fingers these days – my brain is cluttered and stuffed full.
I hadn’t heard of Jennifer before but just had a quick look at her works. Looks like another purchase from Kobo. I will do it through you if I can. Have you read any of Kelley Armstrong’s books. She has several in a series about a hit woman. The first is ‘Exit Strategy’. She writes a good tale.
Just from learning about how affiliates work I think your way is good as you can link everyone back to one page so “Google” doesn’t get excited over too many affiliate links.
I find this site very interesting, enjoyed reading. As time is, I bookmarked for a later return. I love the information you have shared here, again very interesting read. Positives, Chris
Thanks Chris for your comment. As I tending to mix up my sequences with both new and old stories I am hoping people do find it interesting. So again thanks. I am working on more and will publish them soon.
Nice Information on your Website that many people can use.
Michael thanks for this. I am so far behind with everything I just realised I hadn’t made any responses. Silly me. I will be most happy if people do use this information as so many stories disappear into oblivion and lots of them are really good ones. Cheers and see you around.