How do I tell the difference?
(Disclaimer – I do know (somewhat) there is a difference between science fiction and fantasy literatures. I’m just trying to avoid opening two threads on similar subjects [unless I should have?). Are there a lot of crossovers?
After re-re-re-reading LOTR and reawakening the college kid in me, I’ve decided to get back into both genres. Way back when, I read everything from H.G. Wells and Jules Verne to authors I can’t remember (prolly crud, since they obviously didn’t seem to make much of an impression).
I don’t want to waste my time with stuff that’s trite, clichéd, “the same stuff I read in the last six books by this author”, suddenly suspends my suspension of disbelief (crashing back to reality).
What makes a book good science fiction or fanatasy?
What should have the “DANGER! WILL ROBINSON!” sticker plastered on the front cover?
So who are the outstanding authors in each field?
Who are the ones whom I should avoid like the Artellian Blue-Spotted Fever (or was it Yellow-Spotted)? Or ought I read them to get an understanding of what foetid compost literature is like?
(Note: I realize there will be ‘differences of opinions’, just like some folks love Mozart’s works and some despise them. Civility, please. Unless it is completely non-sarcastic humorous – I need a good laugh right now. .)