[Ciuva]

I have a little problem here...
A friend of mine just asked me about what's really the difference between fantasy and science fiction, and I couldn't give her an answer. I haven't read any science fiction myself, so I felt unqualified to say anything about it. Could anyone help me, please??? And give me a hint about a book she should try to read so she'll be convinced that fantasy is worth a try? She thinks that all fantasy-books are badly written, and I'm trying to convince her of the opposite...
What can I do???????

[Bond]

You should give us names of some books and stories she likes.

Off the top of my head, for fantasy I'd rent the movie The Princess Bride and afterwards tell her the book is better. That or hand her a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone or The Prophet of Akhran depending on her age.

For science fiction I'd suggest you look up a short story by Asimov called "The Last Question" or perhaps "Chicken Itza" by Robert Young and have her read it. If she liked it give her Herbert's first book on Dune.

Of course it would be interesting to have her take on movies such as The Star Wars Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

[This message has been edited by Bond (edited February 07, 2002).]

[saintjon]

I think fundamentally the difference between fantasy and sci-fi is in theme and setting. In sci-fi you will usually find different races coming from planets, in fantasy a different race probably just comes from some different geographic location ie: forest elves, mountain dwarves, etc.
In fantasy, freaky powers usually come from delving the mysterious forces of magic, whereas in sci-fi it's usually wild manipulations of science that provide powers of the freaky persuasion. The other big thing is gods, I think. In fantasy you usually have this religious presence, a pantheon of gods and such who sometimes actively involve themselves in the world.
I could go on at length about this probably and not really hit on anything shocking. I think you can boil it down to something as simple as "Do you prefer swords or lasers?"
IMO swords are more fun. Whatever.
I think in terms of reading recommendations you can't go wrong with George R.R. Martin. I've been reading fantasy for awhile now and Martin's work is pretty solid, and can grab your interest on many levels.
I think, however, you should tell your friend that bad writers are attracted to every genre. I've read some sci-fi that was pretty weak.

[Bardos]

Fantasy is about things that CANNOT happen.
SciFi is about things that COULD have happened.

Just give her your favourite fantasy book.

If it is your favourite, then it's only logical to suggest it to her! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Bardos (edited February 07, 2002).]

[Vitriol]

I've always found that short stories are the best way to corrupt someone, and bring them into the Sci-fi/fantasy flock.

Admitedly, this is more challenging for Fantasy; there are fewer collections full of great stories. I found Legends pretty good though..

For sci-fi, "Of Time and Stars" by Clarke is great, ditto "I, Robot" by Asimov.

If she wants good 'literature' Donaldson's 'Daughter of Regals' might be worth a try.

Luck!

[Aylis]

Good answer Bardos. I was going to put something like fantasy has magic and sci-fi is more futuristic and based on science.

As for what books to recommend her, it'd depend on what she wants in it - does she want more action or more description, does she like political stories, etc.

[jbcohen]

Bardos has it essentially correct, although I would change some of his choice of terms a bit. Sci-Fi deals with events where there is some sort of scientific basis for what is happening in the books. Take for instance one of the most famous Sci-Fi tales of our erra - Star Wars. There is some basis in modern technology for what they do - the light sabers and this force thing.

The fantasy novels are completely outside the realm of what can be done with modern technology.

I am essentially saying the same thing as what you did bardos just in a little different terms.

[Mithfânion]

SF explains, uses technology.

Fantasy's magic is magic because it remains unexplained.

When you start giving technological explanations for magic you're venturing into true SF territory.


EDIT:posted simultaneously there JB http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Mithfânion (edited February 08, 2002).]

[Bardos]

jbcohen: I agree with you. But do you think Star Wars is pure SciFi? I think it's more Fantasy than SciFi. Actually, I think it's Fantasy in a futuristic setting. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[MrKip]

I would agree and say Star Wars is more fantasy. The Force is a form of magic (as long as you don't believe the rubbish they spout in Episode 1) and light sabers are just magical swords.
I would say though that Star Wars is a bit of an exception, I've always ascribed to the guns=sci-fi, swords=fantasy theory but of course there are always going to be oddities that just feel like they belong to the other genre - Star Wars being a case in point.