Team L&M
As a genre, speculative fiction, has created a place for itself in the book reading market. It is an umbrella genre that encompasses the sub-genres of the fiction category. While there is still an ongoing debate about its clear definition, the genre is constantly evolving and will witness an increase in preference by book readers. This isn’t a new genre but since its adoption has been a recent phenomenon, hence, there is not much awareness about it.
In a layman’s term, it is a genre in which the story has an imaginary setting. It has no connection with reality or the real world and can have elements of supernatural, future, or imaginative elements or a combination of all. It can be termed as a combination of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. While there is a difference between speculative fiction and the other genres but in some works, there can be overlapping in the genres too.
Here are five speculative fiction novels worth reading in 2021
ILLUSIONS OF CONTROL
Author Mahesh Ratnam Rajan
Expected release February 2021
Publisher Notion Press
Price Rs 349 (tentative)
If you are a hardcore speculative fiction lover, this book will be a delight for you. Each of the seven stories in this anthology has been woven in an intriguing narrative. You might end up clenching your teeth, pumping your fists or even biting your nails as you turn the pages of this book! Marking his debut with this book, the author has left no stone unturned to ensure all the stories are from diverse walks of life and offer a plethora of emotions to the readers.
THE ECHO WIFE
Author Sarah Gailey
Expected release February 2021
Publisher Tor Books
Price Rs 446.25 (on Amazon)
The Echo Wife is a full-blown thriller novel that will grasp your attention with its twists and turns. The readers will be in for a rollercoaster. For those who have read and prefer books like Big Little Lies, Killing Eve and Westworld will love reading this one too. The protagonist, Martine, in the story is a genetically cloned replica. Prepared after in-depth research of Evelyn Caldwell, the story shows her eerie journey which she never thought of in her wildest imaginations. This one will definitely give you waves of goosebumps as you will progress through the story.
DEAD SPACE
Author Kali Wallace
Expected release March 2021
Publisher Berkley
Price $11.99 for Kindle, $15.99 for Paperback (on Amazon)
This piece from the author of Salvation Day is a must-read in 2021. It is the perfect combination of thriller and mystery. The book has elements of science fiction along with a thriller and has all the elements to keep you hooked. The story revolves around an investigator who must solve a brutal murder case on a claustrophobic asteroid mine. The protagonist, Hester Marley is on the quest to investigate about her friend’s murder at a remote asteroid mine. However, catching the criminal is just the beginning. As events unfold, revelations happen and the story takes a twisted turn.
VICTORIES GREATER THAN DEATH
Author Charlie Jane Anders
Expected release April 2021
Publisher Tor Teen
Price $10.99 for Paperback (On Amazon)
If you wish to experience adrenaline at its prime, then this is the book for you. It has elements of science fiction along with that of a thriller, enough to keep you hooked. The narrative kickstarts with Tina living on earth, waiting for aliens to come and take her away. While the story might exhibit the feeling of déjà vu, its unique plotline and characters make it worth a read.
THE BOOK OF ACCIDENTS
Author Chuck Wendig
Expected release July 2021
Publisher Del Rey
Price $13.99 for Kindle and $28.99 for hard cover (On Amazon)
This story by the bestselling author of Wanderers is worth every penny. The narrative shows a family returning to their hometown and witnessing bizarre events. Their dark past haunts them and they land in trouble. The past events recur with the couple’s son. The story depicts the fight between the family and the evil spirits along with the dark magic. However, the journey is meant to be savored and will leave you experiencing various emotions.
