Speculative Fiction

6 articles

A solitary person surveys a post-apocalyptic landscape with a submerged city skyline under a stormy sky, symbolizing climate change impacts.
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What Is Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi) and Why Does It Matter?

In his novel 'Leave the World Behind', author Rumaan Alam uses climate fiction to plunge readers into a world of information uncertainty and feeling trapped, mirroring the real-world anxieties of envi

Claire Donovan·August 16, 2026
A dynamic, swirling collage of book covers and abstract symbols representing the diverse and interconnected subgenres of speculative fiction.
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What is Speculative Fiction? Exploring Its Elusive Subgenres

To attempt to confine speculative fiction within the neat, circumscribed boundaries of traditional genre classification is akin to capturing a tempest in a teacup; its very essence, a boundless explor

Claire Donovan·July 18, 2026
A glowing artificial womb in a futuristic laboratory, symbolizing the intersection of speculative fiction and scientific advancement.
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What Is Speculative Fiction's Role in Societal Anxieties?

In the 1920s, J.B.S. Haldane predicted 'ectogenesis' – the gestation of human embryos outside the body. This concept, once confined to abstract scientific speculation, has recently moved from science

Claire Donovan·May 12, 2026
A person reading a book in a landscape subtly affected by climate change, featuring resilient nature and a dramatic sky, symbolizing the intersection of literature and environmental awareness.
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What Is 'Cli-Fi'? An Introduction to Climate Fiction

Climate fiction, or 'cli-fi,' is an urgent category of storytelling grappling with the reality of a changing planet. It explores the causes and consequences of climate change, offering narratives that help us make sense of our environmental future.

Claire Donovan·April 7, 2026
Five glowing, ethereal figures representing diverse speculative fiction authors emerging from a cosmic swirl of books and futuristic landscapes, symbolizing new literary voices.
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The Speculative Fiction That Defined 2026: From Hugo Gold to the Year's Most Anticipated Novels

The speculative fiction landscape of 2026 was defined by strong consensus between readers and critics, highlighted by Alix E. Harrow's Hugo Award win for "The Everlasting" and a slate of highly anticipated novels. The year's notable works explored themes of alien contact, personal history, and consciousness, featuring both established authors and a standout debut.

Claire Donovan·March 31, 2026
A vibrant, imaginative scene illustrating the diverse genres of speculative fiction, featuring a portal connecting a futuristic city and an enchanted forest, with characters representing sci-fi, fantasy, and alternate realities.
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A Guide to Distinguishing Speculative Fiction Genres

Speculative fiction encompasses literature that departs from consensus reality to explore "what if" scenarios. This guide distinguishes its core genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror, alongside subgenres such as dystopian and cyberpunk, and discusses their overlaps.

Claire Donovan·March 30, 2026