Science Fiction

What is Science Fiction?
In literature, it is very hard to apply a specific definition to the term science fiction. There are works of fiction that are based in solid science. Some works take current science fact and theory and work out possible or probable future applications. Yet other works design technologies that simply can not exist without some type of fantastic "breakthrough" or "discovery" such as star drives that use "Jump Space" or time travel.
To confuse the issue even more, marketing forces tend to lump Fantasy and Science Fiction together into a broad category, then divide it into many sub-genres. There are also authors that blend science and fantasy together, or present fantasy in a methodical, scientific manner such as describing magic as a set of natural laws similar to physics.
So what is Science Fiction? Rod Serling probably used the best broad definition - "fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science Fiction is the improbable made possible."

Whatever the definition, Science Fiction is a wonderful gathering of ideas put into story form to take the reader into a fantastic universe, to other worlds, times, and places.

Other Worlds, Times, and Places

There are a great many works in Science Fiction and Fantasy, some of which are simply great stories, some that are really good, and some not so good. What a person thinks of any work is a personal impression and may or may not go along with the impressions of others who read the same work.
The authors and works that are recommended here are those that I have enjoyed over the years. So buy your ticket and embark to the far reaches. Visit the Foundation of the First Galactic Empire, travel to Belarus to meet Baba Yaga and dance with the Enemies, ride a sandworm on the planet Arrakis, or make contact with the inhabitants of Mote Prime. Explore the ruins left by Forerunners or float on the oceans of Pandora. Where ever you journey, have fun, and enjoy the ride.