Books

The dangerous beast known as the “attack novel.” It seizes you and will not let go until it’s been deposited on paper, as Charles Stross explains. If you see one, do not call the authorities.

Read The First Chapter Of Jeff VanderMeer’s Authority Right Here!

Authority, the second volume in Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy, just came out. Givenhow much Annihilation thrilled us, that’s exciting news. So we’re stoked to be able to bring you the first chapter of Authority, exclusively at io9. 000 In Control’s dreams it is early morning, the sky deep blue with just a twinge of…

We Need A New Literary Movement With A Slightly Ludicrous Name

When I first obsessed about the idea of being a science-fiction writer, I was captivated by the Slipstream movement, which aimed to bust genre boundaries and shatter expectations. And reading about 1975’s science fiction boom makes you realize how great the New Wave was. So maybe it’s time for a new movement with a zany…

What Common Medieval Fantasy Tropes Have No Basis In Actual History?

Fantasy doesn’t necessarily have to be historically accurate, but some tropes are so entrenched in Medieval-style fantasy that people come to mistake them for historical fact. What is based on real history and what is just a convincing fiction? reddit’s r/AskHistorians subreddit is a particularly fascinating and well moderated forum, where commenters are expected to…

The Absolute Worst Trope In Science Fiction Romance Novels

There’s a lot to celebrate about science fiction romance novels — apart from anything else, they’re one of the fastest-growing areas of the genre, and they’re getting a lot of people reading science fiction. But there’s one trope in the genre that writer C.E. Kilgore finds really repulsive: “dubious consent.” Top image: Manuhell on Deviant…

18th Century Naval Warfare Hits The Asteroid Belt, In Enceladus Crisis

Last year, webrought you an excerpt from The Daedalus Incident by Michael J. Martinez, where an 18th century frigate did battle around Mercury. Now here’s an excerpt from the sequel, The Enceladus Crisis. The HMS Fortitude sails into the asteroid belt, chasing a French vessel heading for Saturn, perhaps with the Count St. Germain aboard.…

Which Characters Do You Wish Were In The Same Universe Forever?

Every once in a while, we get to see Star Trek cross over with Doctor Who, or the X-Men. Or RoboCop fighting the Terminator. But which universes do you wish would be combined forever? So that, for example, Star Trek becomes the official future of the Marvel Universe? Please include a picture of at least…

In 1975, Newsweek Warned that Science Fiction Was Taking Over

These days, we’re used to seeing articles about how science fiction has gone mainstream, or how the geeks rule the world. But back in 1975, this was still a relatively new idea — and it kind of terrified Newsweek Magazine. In December 1975, Newsweek’s book critic Peter S. Prescott began a feature on the science…

Hilarious Ebook Scanning Error Replaces “Arms” With “Anus”

Well, this is awkward. You’re reading a 19th-century romance novel where the plucky heroine is finally reunited with her lover, so she joyously flings “her anus around his neck.” Wait, what? It turns out this is a surprisingly common turn of events in Google Books search. OCR, you sure have some kinky tastes. These hilarious…

Chuck Wendig’s Novel Blackbirds Is Heading To Starz

Are you excited about the news that Starz is developing Blackbirds as a TV series? No? Then go read our review of Wendig’s marvelous book, about a tough hitchhiker named Miriam Black who can see exactly how and when you’re going to die, and then come back and be excited with us. Folks who have…

An Actual Recording Of Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Spirit” From A 1934 Séance

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle often wished that he would be remembered for his writings on Spiritualism rather than his Sherlock Holmes novels. That didn’t happen. But he would no doubt be pleased that the British Library has provided a unique public service — posting rare recordings of the author, both before and after his death.…

Little-Known Stephen King Book Gets A Movie Deal

It’s good to be the King. Back in March, horror author Stephen King released a little ebook titled Bad Little Kid, specifically for his German and French fans. So it was, naturally, released in German and French. But clearly someone translated it, because Bad Little Kid is getting a movie deal. THR is reporting that…

“I Liked That Character Better Before They Became A Fan Favorite”

Sometimes a character is so awesome, you can’t help loving him or her. And then everybody else starts loving that character, too. Soon, your beloved character is anointed as a “fan favorite,” and starts getting more exposure. Which character was better before he or she broke out and became a big deal? Please include a…

Are Kurt Vonnegut’s Drawings Quirky Or Just Horrifying?

Kurt Vonnegut was a compulsive doodler — and at least some of his books contain the author’s weird illustrations. Including, famously, his anus. But now, a new book collects many of his doodles — some of which are kind of unnervingly weird. The Guardian has a complete collection of Vonnegut art — head over there…

10 Great Authors Who Disowned Their Own Books

Science fiction and fantasy publishing is a tough game. Even the best novels get rejected by publishers who don’t understand their brave new worlds. But some authors wind up rejecting their own books. Here are 10 great authors who disowned their own creations after they’d already seen the light of day. Top image: The Spy…

We Finally Got An Answer To Game Of Thrones‘ Oldest Mystery!

You have to be patient when it comes to Game of Thrones. This show takes its time unspooling its mysteries and revealing its dark secrets. Case in point: Last night’s episode, “First of His Name,” revealed the answer to a question that bedeviled us back in season one. Spoilers ahead… Way back in the show’s…

These ads explain why books are always better than movies

Everyone with wrinkles on their brains knows that the book is almost always better than the movie. The book can do so much more! Your personal vision is only limited by your imagination! The little details and subtleties are allowed to breath better! These ads explain it rather perfectly saying, “a big part of the…

Neal Asher’s Done It Again! Read An Exclusive Excerpt From Jupiter War

The final installment in Neal Asher’s fantastic Owner trilogy is coming out in the United States soon — but you don’t have to wait to get your first taste of the action. We’ve got an exclusive excerpt right here. Here’s the official synopsis of Jupiter War: Meet Saul: half human, half robot, and all he…

Which Character Do We Really Need To Meet In Game Of Thrones Season 5?

Every year, Game of Thrones introduces a few new characters to its massive cast. This year, it’s Prince Oberyn, the Magnar of Thenn, and a couple others. But which book character absolutely must be introduced in season five, for the whole thing to work? And who do you want to play him or her? Please…

Author of Book Titled Gravity Sues Makers of Film Titled Gravity

Tess Gerritsen wrote a book titled Gravity about a female astronaut stranded in space when the rest of her crewmates are killed. Alfonso Cuaron wrote and directed a movie titled Gravity about a female astronaut stranded in space when the rest of her crewmates are killed. Uh-oh. Gerritsen is now suing Warner Bros. for copyright…