The Art of Imagination: The Leftovers

The topics I've covered the last couple weeks have been the major sub genres of speculative fiction, or at least the ones I know best. Today, in the final instalment of this... thing, I'll just list the smaller genres, or the sub-sub genres.

Humour

Fool's Tavern by Ned Resnikoff

This book is a mish mash of poorly done memes and some very odd and often stupid humour. In my opinion, it's one of the worst books I've read. (It ranks third just under Heart of Darkness and On the Road) However, that is my opinion, and I know there are a lot of people who like funny stories that make no sense and often have no logic. This book combines modern day elements, such as department stores and RPGs, with the typical medieval fantasy genre. I can't even remember what the plot was. The book does show good planning though, when small and easily overlooked details come up later and are suddenly very important.

War

The Farsala Trilogy by Hilari Bell

This series was one of my favourites when I was in middle school, and even now I would probably really enjoy it. This series, along with many others, are under this category because the plot revolves around war. A lot of the time this can be really poorly done, as writing a war story set in medieval times is fairly unknown. The strategies, characters and settings in this series are amazing though. Very well thought out and very smart. Many of them I have not seen repeated in other stories.

Erotica

Firethorn by Sarah Micklem

Alright, so this story is probably the most tame erotica there is, so much that it can barely be called that. I don't read that type of stuff. I've never even considered reading 50 Shades of Grey, even before I found out what it was about. This story follows the life of a young woman who eventually becomes the concubine of some Lord, and possibly even more. I'm sure there's more, but I can't really remember. It didn't pique my interest too much.

Dystopia/Post-Apocalyptic

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

This is my all time favourite literary book. It's just so eerie, and full of tension at just the right moments. I liked it so much that in grade 12 I did my research paper on it. According to Atwood, this story is not a prophecy of what the US will become, but a warning for what it may become. (exaggerated, of course) Unlike most literature, the symbols in this book are not overdone and pondered upon for too long. They are slipped in for a few seconds and left to simmer in your mind, then hinted back to again a little later. Because of this, you don't start rolling your eyes when the symbol is referenced to for the fifth time in one chapter, or when that symbol has a whole page devoted to just how it looks. It's great for anyone who likes action, rather than thought.

(You should also know that Dystopia and post apocalyptic books are more of a larger genre, but I rarely read them, so I don't have many examples)

Fandoms

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Anyone who has read Wicked will probably want to yell at me that it's not a fandom, because fandoms are generally done by amateur writers that want their secret sexual fantasies to come alive through their favourite characters in a popular book. But yes! Wicked is a fandom! At least, that's how it started. The Wizard of Oz was the original story, and Wicked it taking that world and those characters to make a new story. The difference is tat Gregory Maguire is a professional author who is an amazing writer. 

The finale

For the moment those are some of the highlights of the multiple genres in speculative fiction. There are hundreds of ways you can sort them, and these are just my ways. And of course, everything is bias towards me, as I cannot review or suggest I book I have not read, nor can I give an accurate opinion on a book that does not interest me. 

So thanks for putting up with these posts that may or may not have persuaded you to start reading speculative fiction. I do hope that you have a higher regard for it though, because even if it does not have much relevance to real life, it's a great and beautiful artform. (and honestly, does the Mona Lisa have any relevance to real life? It's beautiful, but that's pretty much it)

I will also be adding to my list of book book series at the bottom of my page, so that if you're in need of a good speculative fiction book, all you have to do is glance down there.

The Art of Imagination: Animal Fiction

Before I start the regular blog, I've got some news! My picture book (without the pictures) has been selected to be published in my college's anthology. That means I'll have two stories published. Unfortunately, I don't get paid for this, it's all for glory.

And back to the blog. I'm pretty sure there is no real category in speculative fiction called animal fiction, so I'm pulling a Netflix and doing my own thing. Animal fiction is when animals are the main characters, fairly obvious. The thing is, pretty much all animal fiction is speculative fiction, since it's clear that no animal could live a live human enough to have a story written about it. I mean, you can follow the life of a house cat, but that'll just entail it eating, sleeping and pooping all day. In addition, I don't read this type of stuff anymore, so what I post today will likely be more for your adults or kids.

Warriors

These books were actually so good that I might even consider re-reading them today. If I did, I would probably realize how childish they are, but it's still a little nostalgic to see them again. As the covers suggest, this series revolves around the world of feral cats, living in four different clans. The world is so detailed and fleshed out that it surpasses many books written for adults. Furthermore, the characters are very well developed, and the drama and tension is some of the best I've read. Honestly, one of the only things that makes this a young adult or children's book is the fact that it's about cats. 

The Kiesha'Ra series

Okay, I'm cheating a bit here by using shapeshifters instead of actual animals. The first two books of this series are amazing. It's probably a little too cliché for my taste now, but I read them in grade eight, so honestly I didn't care back then. The last three books feel like squeals to a movie; the first couple did well, so more were made to see how long they could float on the success. But, they're all fairly good. The idea with this series is that everyone is a shape shifter. There are four species that are described within the books; Avians, Serpentines, Falcons and Wolves. (Falcons and Wolves came in by the third and fourth books. You can see by how uncreative the names are that the author probably wasn't considering them seriously in the first couple books.) What eally drew me in was the cover art. You can't see it in this picture, but it's kind of metallic, or like a holograph, so that when you move the book, the colour and sometimes picture change. It sounds cheesy, but it's very beautiful.

Ad once again I find myself lacking in knowledge on this subject. Animal fiction is generally aimed more toward younger readers, and although I know I read more than just these two when I was younger, I can't remember any more at the moment.

The Art of Imagination: Modern Ficton

I personally see modern fiction more as teen fiction, because it seems like most of the time it's aimed toward teens. By this I mean that the whole plot revolves around some love triangle, or love octagon, because you know, the more love interest there are, the more interesting the book becomes *sarcasm*. I don't have much respect for these books, but there are a few that are less teen drama and more interesting drama.

Inkheart

I'm sure many of you have heard of this series, either because of the books or the movie. You should also know that the books are amazing and the movie is terrible. But that's a rant for another day. The books start off in modern times, with some people that have the ability to bring characters and things to life from a book, simply by reading it out loud. But when this happens, something from out world must replace what was taken out of the book. In doing so, someone can read themselves into a book. By the second and third book, the setting is more in the world of Inkheart, the book inside the book, so it's not quite considered modern fiction by then.

Harry Potter

I really shouldn't have to remind anyone what this series is about. It's actually very basic. The magic structure makes no attempt to explain how it works, and in several places in just the first book there are major flaws in logic, the most obvious being: how does not one notice people vanishing into a brick wall? But of course, this series was written for children, and children do not normally care for this breaks in logic. It's certainly a popular book series, but in all honestly, it's not even close to my favourite. 

As I've said, I don't read this type of speculative fiction often. I've recorded every book I've read since grade nine, and excluding all books for school, the only modern fiction books I've read have been Twilight (shut up, I was in grade nine), Harry Potter and Inkheart. But once again, make suggestions!

The Art of Imagination: Historical Fiction

Historical fiction normally is not actually considered speculative fiction, as many of the novels are actually based on real people, and sometimes real events. However, every once in a while you will stumble across the novel that is based in medieval England, or Ancient Rome, or some other historical period and place, and that is speculative fiction. I have not read many of these, though I really would love to. Most historical fiction books I have read are not considered Speculative fiction, but I'll give them a brief mention at the end.

Dragonsword by Gael Baudino

This is a delightful book that I found at a library book sale many years back. I was hesitant to start it because  it looked so tacky. But for once, the phrase 'don't judge a book by the cover' is actually true. It starts out as a little confusing. It seems like there should be a book before it, but eventually everything is sorted out, and you get into the real story. Most of the novel takes place in an alternate Ancient Britain. It revolves heavily around Stonehenge and any magical properties it's believed to have. It's very interesting, even if it's not very historically accurate. Unfortunately, I have yet to read the rest of the books.

Stravaganza series by Mary Hoffman

The covers for these books are pretty awesome, even if they do romanticize the stories a bit. This is an amazing book series that (yet again) I have not finished. I bought the second book in a used book store, and then went on the read the first and third from the library. At that point, the fourth had not come out yet, and when it did, I had moved onto other books. The premise for this series is that an object, called a talisman, is brought from one world to our world and given to someone, therefore allowing them to travel between worlds in their sleep. The other world is a mirror to medieval Italy, with fantasy elements appearing, but not overpowering it. It has a great sense of intrigue and, as far as I know, is fairly historically accurate when it comes to the fighting between higher powers.

Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice

Finally, one you're probably recognize! It's been a while since I've read this, and I'm going to admit that it was a little confusing, and at some parts a little boring. But hey, anything beats Twilight, right? So this is speculative fiction for the obvious reason. I can't quite remember what time it was set in. It starts off in modern times and goes into massive chunks of dialogue that tells the story of the vampire. I believe his story starts off several centuries ago, but it's hard to remember. Either way, it's a fairly good read if you're into literature. I wouldn't advise it for anyone who likes a ton of romance or a ton of action.

And as promised, a few non-speculative fiction historical fiction novels that I've enjoyed:

The Mistress of the Art of Death series by Ariana Franklin

The Light Bearer and The Lady of the Light by Donna Gillespie

Just about anything by Paul Doherty

The Eagle and the Raven by Paula Gedge

The Art of Imagination: Science Fiction

Sorry for another late post, yesterday was busy with work and... well, sleeping in. And before I forget, this blog is now at 2,000 views! Not that impressive, I know. I've been slacking the last couple months. Anyway! Onto the next Speculative Fiction post!

I don't read science fiction often, so this may be more limited than the last post. In fact, my version of sci-fy is more like steampunk-ish. In other words, what I read may have modern elements, such as machines, but much of it is set in Victorian or older eras. Because of my more limited knowledge, I'll just give some examples, rather than try to explain it. Again, please know that this is not true sci-fy, but rather what I know.

Brandon Sanderson (who I mentioned in my last post) is a genius when it comes to interweaving fantasy, medieval and science. This can be seen mostly in his novel The Alloy Of Law, which is the first book in a trilogy that he has yet to write. It also happens to be the second trilogy in a trilogy of trilogies that he has not finished. A little confusing, I'm sorry. The Alloy of Law is set in a kind of Midwestern era, probably a little before the stereotypical time of cowboys. It's fairly steampunk, with the use of trains and guns. What makes it unique is the use of 'magic', or metals. Basically someone can have a power that is activated when they swallow a certain type of metal. In the first trilogy (Mistborn), humans used basic metals, and could either use one, or all, never two or three. In The Alloy of Law, humans can use two (maybe more, I can't remember). the second is associated with another race though, you have to read it to understand. No matter the magical elements, the books, and most of his books and series, has a type of murder mystery feel to it. Maybe not murder, but definitely a riddle that has to be solved. Sanderson handles this very well, giving away tiny hints that seem like they would be overlooked. Kind of like Sherlock Holmes.

The Bartimaeus Trilogy is another good example. I have only read the first book, so I really should not be using it as an example, but hey, I don't have many other options. It's difficult to say when it's set. I would say it's like an alternate modern, but where everyone is always at a Victorian Faire. There are many modern elements, such as cars, but there is also the idea of balls and lavish parties. And of course, there is magic. It's more the well known magic, like in Harry Potter, but it's used through drawings and circles, like the pentagrams associated with witchcraft. It's very well written, and although I have only read the first book, I will definitely get around to buying and reading the second book.

And that's it for today. I apologize for how short it is, but as I've said many times, this isn't my forte. Feel free to suggest though! I'm always happy to add more book to my ever growing list of things to read. (Seriously, it's at least fifty books long now...)

The Art of Imagination: Medieval Fantasy

While listening to the radio on my way home today, my mom turned to a station that was talking about books. Now you would think this would peak my interest, but every time I listen to this radio show, or any other talk show or media that has anything to do with books, I never know the authors or the books, and most of the time I have no interest in them. The truth is, I'm rooted in speculative fiction. I hate non-fiction, especially biographies, I don't have much interest for teen fiction (though you don't find that being talked about much either), and my interest in literature has been in a steep decline ever since entering college. I find myself fascinated when someone does not like the same genre as I do, as I have grown up reading such things as Chronicals of Narnia, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Ranger's Apprentice, Tamora Pierce, and all number of other YA fiction. Furthermore, it seemed like back then everyone I talked to back then knew exactly what those books were (to a degree). They had all read them, enjoyed them, and kept reading similar books. At some point this ended. people 'matured' and grew out of these 'childish' novels. I am going to advocate for these overshadowed pieces of art.

Speculative Fiction is a genre that means the subject matter could never be real, or has a 99.99% chance of never coming true. It is dragons, unicorns and magic, wizards and superhuman knights. It's flying cars that run on nothing but air and humans with super powers. It's extra terrestrial beings that look suspiciously similar to humans and long dead creatures coming back to life. It is the real escape, because with anything else, there is always that possibility that the fiction will become non-fiction. Speculative Fiction is the only genre where you can truly escape from reality. 

Now that I've caught your attention, I should steer you in the right direction. I personally like medieval fantasy the best. I would say that 90% of my book shelf is medieval fantasy. This sub genre is, obviously, set in a medieval era world, whether it's Earth or otherwise. 

One of the most well known examples is George R. R. Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire (adapted into the TV series A Game of Thrones). This series is good for getting the realistic effect while combined with a tad of fantasy. In fact, I think it would be better if the dragons were taken out completely. It's well written and the plot makes you think, but it's not my favourite series. 

For something more high fantasy, definitely go with Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. With this one you have to be careful that you're not too used to the movies though, as that was severely affect your opinion of the books. I'll admit that I was never able to finish the books, because I could not stop thinking about all the differences between the books and the movies. 

If that difference turns you off, then I would suggest Robert Jordan's A Wheel of Time series. It's much like Lord of the Rings, but almost five times longer, with a more complicated plot that branches out several dozen times and (mostly) comes back to tie into a neat bow at the end. Many people who have read it will say that it's not worth it past the sixth book. This is definitely untrue. I highly suspect those people never bothered to finish reading the series, as by the twelfth book it definitely picks up. This is also when Brandon Sanderson took over the series after the death of Robert Jordan.  The Wheel Of Time is one of my favourite series, and although it may get a little slow at some points, by the end of each book you will be itching to pick up the next.

Those are the top three Medieval Fantasy series that I have read, but there are definitely plenty more. Medieval Fantasy is defined not only by the time era, but by characterization. These books will typically portray knights, kings, queens, royalty, thieves, assassins, farmers, shepherds, mages, and any number of people associated with medieval times. Along with them will often (but not always) be mythical creatures, such as dragons, unicorns, Minotaurs, elves, dwarves, mermaids, centaurs, and so on. And finally, to truly make it a speculative fiction piece, is the magic. This can come in unexplained forms (such as in Harry Potter), or in ways that are attempted to be explained using religion or science (such as in Elantris). Not all cases of speculative fiction need to have magic though, as Tolkien proved in his books, which although contain mythical creatures, never really had magic (aside from the wizards, who were rare and kept magic very exclusive, to the point that it was part of being a race, rather than a knowledge, much like immortality to elves.)

Anyway, enough of my babbling! I'll continue on Wednesday, going over another sub genre of Speculative Fiction.

The Emperor's Soul review *SPOILERS*

Sorry for another late post, my mom and I are visiting my sister and aunt and uncle for the weekend, so I have not had much time on the computer. (Except when I was watching Netflix for three hours... that doesn't count...)

Anyway, I finished an amazing novella on Thursday night and I thought I would do a bit of shameless advertisement for it. The novella is called The Emperor's Soul, and it's written by Brandon Sanderson, the same author who finished writing The Wheel of Time series, and who has written some other amazing work, only a small fraction of which I have yet read. The Emperor's Soul is only about 160 pages, thus why it's a novella, so it's a very quick read. The brilliant thing about it is that the world building is very strong. It explains everything enough to not confuse the reader, but also so as not to make the reader lose interest.

*SPOILERS* The plot is simple (obviously). The idea is that there is some sort of magic that is placed into stamps. It allows the stamp to change the history of something or someone. For example, at one point in the book, the main character changed the history of a table so that it was taken care of, transforming it from a run down and old table into a beautiful, ornate table. That's simple and easy to understand. Now the main character is considered a Forger, and was caught trying to steal a very famous painting. She was tasked with rebuilding the Emperor's Soul after he was attacked and suffered great brain damage, or else she would be executed.

The plot sounds a little boring, but it's the prose that brings it to life. The main character, Shai, is a genius when it comes to her trade. She can read anyone and anything better than a book. The POV is limited (mostly) third person omniscient, meaning that we can see the thoughts of Shai, and on occasion will switch to the thoughts of other characters. Because we can see her reasoning for what she does. It's like Sherlock, how he connects every little detail to form a larger picture. Amazing, simply amazing.

As I mentioned before, Sanderson is able to create a strong world. Actually, that's not quite the right word. He has created one empire, and has mentioned other countries or kingdoms in the world, and he could have explained the politics better, although that might be my complete ineptitude at understanding any sort of government. But the government that is currently in control is very detailed, along with many laws. The most important thing is, of course, the magic, and that is explained in great detail, using both showing and telling. There was only one point which I rolled my eyes, because it was clearly a conversation used just to explain the magic. But it was effect, if a little cliché.

All in all, I would give it 4.5 stars out of five, simply because it ended rather abruptly and felt like it should have been longer. However, Sanderson has shown his ability to create long, complicated plot lines that stretch out through three books. I would definitely suggest him to anyone who likes a mystery novel combined with fantasy, medieval and even a bit of sci-fy.