Science fantasy books reviewed on FantasyBookReview.co.uk
A definition, offered by Rod Serling, is that science fiction makes the implausible possible, while science fantasy makes the impossible plausible. The meaning is that science fiction describes unlikely things that could possibly take place in the real world under certain conditions, while science fantasy gives a veneer of realism to things that simply could not happen in the real world under any circumstances. Another interpretation is that science fiction does not permit the existence of supernatural elements; science fantasy does. Even the usage of this definition is difficult, however, as some science fiction makes use of apparently supernatural elements such as telepathy. For many users of the term, however, science fantasy is either a science fiction story that has drifted far enough from reality to feel like a fantasy, or a fantasy story that is attempting to be science fiction. While these are in theory classifiable as different approaches, and thus different genres (fantastic science fiction vs. scientific fantasy), the end products are sometimes indistinguishable.
1 The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers
After I was introduced to Tim Powers through his Cold War fantasy, Declare, I attempted to track down his earlier works at libraries and used bookstores. Several proved impossible to find. Among these was the novel that first made him famous: The Anubis Gates, so eventually I gave in and bought a new copy. Now, having read it, I understand the reason for its rarity: no one in their right mind would relinquish a copy of such a marvelous book!
2 Golgotha Falls by George Udenkwo
The story is set in a metropolis of ninety million souls known as Golgotha Falls and features sixteen tales chronicling the spider-god, Desdemona, one of the city’s most feared deities. The book is a mixture of gothic, horror, science fiction and fantasy containing vivid characters, a pulsating narrative and more action than you could ever hope for.
3 Star Wars: The Clone Wars by Karen Traviss
The raging Clone Wars illuminate dark motives and darker destinies until one question must be answered: Does the end ever justify the means? It’s time the Jedi found out.
4 The Enemy’s Son by James Johnson
The Enemy’s Son is the debut novel of Derby-born author James Johnson and was first published in 2008 by Man Tor Publishing Ltd.
5 Nine Princes In Amber by Roger Zelazny
That's as good as it gets. The blurb sounded appealing and the reviews of The Amber Chronicles on Amazon are excellent. If you add to this the fact that the series comes bearing the branding that befits a "Fantasy Masterwork" the everything was in place to read books of the highest quality by an author at the top of his game.