Happy March everyone! This month we wanted to highlight our love of science and dystopia by reviewing fantasy and science fiction. The fanbase for both of these genres spreads across all ages, yet everyone preaches their love for them in different ways. Some enjoy the escapism fantasy provies by traveling to far-off, futuristic worlds while others delight in the scientific and technological elements of a great science fiction novel. Nevertheless, these are probably two of the most beloved genres among the high school students at SHC. Because of that, most of this month’s column will be centered around student reviews with a bit of our commentary on the side. We hope everyone enjoys this month’s terrestrial, fantastical reviews!
“Science fiction is something that could happen – but usually you wouldn’t want it to. Fantasy is something that couldn’t happen – though often you only wish that it could.”
― Arthur C. Clarke: Science Fiction Author of A Space Odyssey (2001)
Science Fiction Book Recommendations – Written by Simone Cohen and Lily Cardenas:
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Madeleine L’Engle began the revolution for female protagonists in the literary world when she won the Newbery Medal, Sequoyah Book Award, and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award shortly after A Wrinkle In Time’s publication in 1962. The main protagonist, Meg, must travel through time to locate her long-lost scientist father, but she, her brother, and friend, Calvin, are nowhere near ready for every trial and tribulation they will face. Readers enjoy many unorthodox, bizarre, and quirky plot twists, as well as even more eccentric and strange worlds throughout the novel, making this one of the original proponents of science fiction for younger demographics.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
If you are interested in alternative fiction, where classic character evolution meets the intricate, new world of a dystopian reality, this is the book for you. Matt Haig finds a way to reinvent death as a paradigm of life in books. Nora, the book’s main character, must find her way through a mysterious library of memories – past, present, and future – to discover what her life truly means.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Readers, get ready to delve into a new universe. You will travel across planets, through different kingdoms, and battle with the impossible throughout this book series. Frank Herbert’s series, Dune, encapsulates so much of science fiction without leaving room for error. Duke Leto Atredides fearlessly embraces his newfound control over one of his galaxy’s most valuable, yet lethal planets, Arrakis. However, the unique “spice” found on its surface generates conflict among royal houses and surges everyone into war.
Matched by Ally Condie
Another perfect example of soft science fiction, Matched, stands to be one of our favorite sci-fi reads. The interweaving of romance into a future filled with government oppression and heteronomy creates immense tension throughout the novel’s multiple plot twists. Ally Condie does a wonderful job of immersing you into her world, leaving you to soak up every bit of her glorious writing.
Student Reviews:
The Explorer by James Smythe, recommended by Alejandra Taylor ‘25
Students and international readers alike rave about this “psychological” science fiction novel. Alejandra Taylor ‘25 described it as “mind-boggling, and it is fun to read how all the events unravel and reveal themselves throughout the story.” Describing this story as yet another space exploration trip gone wrong falls short of its innovative concepts and unexpected plot twists. This book will definitely redefine your standards of a good science fiction novel by the time it comes to an end.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir recommended by Violet Williamson ‘28
This wonderful book written by Andy Weir uses what Violet Williamson ‘28 describes as “enthralling” literary construction to create a stupendous science fiction staple. While the world crumbles under the possibility of celestial destruction, a lone teacher must muster up the courage to reshape his memories and ascertain some final “Hail Mary” solution to save planet Earth. Violet loved “the progression of the captivating story” and that Weir explains “the science in a way that doesn’t sound boring”; rather, it kept her very “intrigued throughout the entirety of the book.”
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey recommended by Cillian Bermingham ‘26
James S.A Corey delivers a “thrilling” and unpredictable novel regarding “the story of an Ice Hauler crew in the year 2350, uncovering a mystery in an increasingly tense solar system,” says Cillian Bermingham ‘26. He loves “the book for its amazing characters, world building, and sense of scale it provides.” A great read for mystery and science fiction lovers alike!
Fantasy Book Recommendations – Written by Simone Cohen and Lily Cardenas:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Twenty-four randomly chosen children from all corners of Suzanne Collins’ post-apocalyptic society are forced to fight to the death for the title of victor among their differing regions. The protagonist, Katniss’ physical strength, mental fortitude, and perseverance will all be put to the test through eighteen days of her imprisonment. A touch of enemies to lovers’ romance alters the tense, high-stakes sense of life or death survival, making this an unnerving and intriguing series all at once.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Although we are not the biggest fantasy readers, Lauren Roberts wrote one of the most seductive and bewitching fantasy novels we’ve read to date. Her great portrayal of the enemies to lovers trope and graphic descriptions of her complex world left readers in awe of Roberts’ debut novel. An unexpected romance forms between members of opposing social classes and forces Elite Prince Kai and Ordinary Paedyn to fight their own battles while battling the budding love forming between them.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Competing for the number one slot of Sarah J. Maas’ many fantasy novels, Throne of Glass is filled with plot twists, reckless missions, and luxuriant world-building. A teenage assassin serving an oppressed kingdom must unveil her enemies, her true self, and everything in between before this intoxicating series comes to an end. If all that wasn’t enough, Maas fills this book’s pages with the enemies to lovers trope and many other captivating facets that make this fantasy novel come alive.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
If you go around asking fantasy lovers their favorite fantasy, Leigh Bardugo’s novel will most likely be mentioned. Her singularity and idiosyncrasy in her writing and world-building leave fans in awe. Six of Crows follows six characters in a dark, stygian universe, determined to pull off an impossible heist to save themselves and the rest of their world. Fantasy and adventure combine to create this unique, anomalous novel fit for any reader!
Student Reviews:
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros recommended by Molly Cannon ‘27
If you are waiting for dragons, signets, and power-wielding characters to grace the pages of your latest read, Fourth Wing is for you! Rebecca Yarros’ “exuberantly daring, enthralling and passionate read” is the perfect way to “keep readers captivated,” according to Molly Cannon ‘27. Dragons, signets, romance, and pivotal power dynamics become a part of everyday life for Violet Sorrengail in Yarros’ series. She urges readers to get ready to “laugh, cry, and wish, so terribly to sink into the ink of every word, falling through to the world of Fourth Wing.”
All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace recommended by Alejandra Taylor ‘25
This fast-paced, action packed book helped make this “one of my favorites,” says Alejandra Taylor ‘25. She also raved about its “nonstop action, characters and world that feels real.” This is a great fantasy read with “thrilling plot twists” perfect for any fantasy reader due to its high concentration of mystery, magic, and tension. Main character, Princess Amora, must vanish from the life she knew, fight her own demons and the ones everyone has set upon her – all in efforts to reclaim her crown.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas recommended by Molly Cannon ‘27
Another breakout novel by Sarah J. Maas leaves its mark on all of her readers with its captivating imagery and its inventive plot line. Molly Cannon ‘27 loved how “the enthralling world and delicious plot had [her] reading far into the night.” However, one warning: read the first book in this series, and you won’t be able to stop! Huntress Feyre, upon facing punishment for a past-crime, is forced to pilot an unknown world filled with politics, power, and love while protecting herself and the rest of her realm from the impending umbra threatening to destroy life as they know it.
Teacher Reviews:
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin recommended by Ms. Charmaine Benham
According to SHC science teacher Ms. Charmaine Benham, Zamyatin’s science fiction novel is overflowing with “intense imagery and symbolism.” She raves about Zamyatin’s “fragmented, almost mathematical writing style” being so immersive that it is constantly “mirroring the cold, mechanized world he describes.” This novel’s main protagonist “undergoes a deeply psychological and philosophical transformation, struggling between loci and emotion, conformity and rebellion,” remarks Ms. Benham, hitting on so many core themes of science fiction. “Its poetic, almost dreamlike imagery makes it not just an intellectual experience but an emotional one as well.”
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton recommended by Mr. Nicholas Thomas Mullally
Perhaps the most well known recent classic of science fiction, Jurassic Park not only excites those many sensation seekers looking for a literature adrenaline rush, but also uses enough “science that makes you wonder, ‘what if?’” articulates SHC physics teacher, Mr. Mullally. He loved the “riveting” plot and scientific elements mixed with the “actually scary” dinosaurs of the book. For anyone wanting a good scare, yet intellectual read, get ready to battle your own demons along with those peppered throughout Micheal Crichton’s own iconic creation!
We hope everyone reveled in these alluring recommendations and maybe even found your next fantasy or sci-fi read. This month’s winners: In the science fiction category, cult classic, A Wrinkle in Time, and in the fantasy category, worldwide phenomenon, Fourth Wing. Happy reading everyone! Isaac Asimov and Maya Angelou perfectly sum up these two genres, so they take the spot for this month’s quotes:
“Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinder critics and philosophers of today, but the core of science fiction — its essence — has become crucial to our salvation, if we are to be saved at all.” – Isaac Asimov (author of I Robot)
“If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform a million realities.” – Maya Angelou
