Ep. #9 — Science Fiction and Fantasy

In our ninth episode we are talking all things science fiction and fantasy! If you’re not familiar with either genre that’s okay because some of the recent reads that Jill, Quinton, and Rachel K. mention include some non-genre picks as well before discussing the differences between science fiction and fantasy. From there, they offer their best picks for those new to either genre and the differences between hard and soft science fiction. Quinton offers some readalikes for those who enjoyed The Martian and the trio share their favorite fantasy novels before discussing the forthcoming titles they are most excited to read. 

Featured OverDrive Staff

Jill, Rachel K., and Quinton

Intro (0:00-4:09)

Recent Reads (4:10-10:09)

A Mother’s Reckoning by Sue Klebold

American Housewife by Helen Ellis

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel  

Shadows of Self by Brian Sanderson

Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams

Differences Between Science Fiction and Fantasy (10:10 – 16:29)

Star Wars 

Interstellar by Greg Keyes

Genre Intro Books and Our Favorites (16:30-25:51)

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

Android’s Dream by John Scalzi

Storm Front by Jim Butcher, Book 1 in the Dresden Files

Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey, book 1 of the Expanse series

Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan, Book 1 in the Wheel of Time series

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, Book 1 in A Song of Ice and Fire series

The Sheriff of Yrnameer by Michael Rubens

The Weirdness by Jeremy P. Bushnell

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Hard Science Fiction v. Soft Science Fiction (25:52-29:15)

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

The Martin Readalikes (29:16-34:41)

Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi

Lock In by John Scalzi

Love in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Judd Trichter

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson

Our Favorite Fantasy Novels and Other Books (34:42-40:25)

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, Book 1 in the Kingkiller Chronicle series

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, Book 1 of the Stormlight Archive series

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, Book 1 of the Sookie Stackhouse series

Midnight Crossed by Charlaine Harris, Book 1 of the Midnight, Texas series

Red Rising by Pierce Brown, Book 1 of the Red Rising Trilogy

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, Book 1 of the All Souls trilogy

Books Coming Soon (40:26-End)

Try Not to Breathe by Holly Seddon

Evicted by Matthew Desmond

Mechanical Failure by Joe Zieja

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

Arkwright by Allen Steele

Cursed Child script

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Music

“Buddy” provided royalty free from www.bensound.com 

Podcast Overview

We’re not just book nerds: we’re professional book nerds and the staff librarians who work at OverDrive, the leading app for eBooks and audiobooks available through public libraries and schools. Hear about the best books we’ve read, get personalized recommendations, and learn about the hottest books coming out that we can’t wait to dive into. For more great reads, find OverDrive on Facebook and Twitter.