If science fiction has shown us anything it has shown us that the future can be wondrous with new technologies, systems and cultures. It has also shown us what can happen when power falls into the wrong hands, the weaponry that can be misused and the viruses that can bring humanity to the brink of extinction.
It shows us that what looks like a utopia for some is a dystopia for others when laws are enacted that only benefit some to the detriment of others.
But it also shows us through these bleak and sometimes hopeless settings there is also hope. For corruption there is resistance, for the hand that holds you down there is one that lifts you up. For darkness there is light.
2112 by Rush
Chosen by Gracie
The 100
Chosen by Tracy
Bioshock
Chosen by Shawn
The Book of Etta (The Road to Nowhere #2) by Meg Ellison
Chosen by Tracy
Broken Earth series by NK Jemisin
Chosen by Eliza
Cradle and Grave by Anya Ow
Chosen by Eliza
Damnation Alley by Roger Zelazny
Chosen by Bill
Days of Hate by Ales Kot
Chosen by Lilyn
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Chosen by Eliza
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Chosen by Sam
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Chosen by Eliza
Parable of the Sower (Earthseed #1) by Octavia E. Butler
Chosen by Tracy
Priest
Chosen by JB Rockwell
The Private Sector by Leigh M. Lane
Chosen by Lilyn
Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban
Chosen by Brian
Rut by Scott Phillips
Chosen by Brian
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
Chosen by Eliza
The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfield
Chosen by Eliza
Unwind (Unwind #1) by Neal Shusterman
Chosen by Sam
The Victor’s Heritage (Jonah’s Trilogy #2) by Anthony Caplan
Chosen by Lilyn
We Happy Few
Chosen by Gracie
We also had a debate about The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. Is it folk horror? Is it post-apocalyptic? Is it dystopian? Save us from our confusion in the comments down below!
GracieKat was the first co-host of Sci-Fi & Scary, Lilyn’s partner-in-crime, and sub-head of the Kali Krew. She reviews horror books, movies, and games for the site. She also does a weekly Focus on the Frightful feature, and is the site list-maker. She is also in control of the Sci-Fi & Scary podcast which will relaunch soon.
I go for folk horror for “The Lottery.” That’s because Jackson gave it a veneer of tradition, referring to old equipment and the like. Also because we weren’t allowed to do it any longer in my home town.
I lean toward traditional as well. It also felt like it could be post-apocalyptic, too, though, because it somewhat gives the impression of something that was clung to after some ‘big’ event.
You mean your town doesn’t let you anymore? Some people, lol