StoryBundle’s sci-fi-themed fiction bundles keep on comin’. This latest offering features modern, British sci-fi.
Britain has long held a prominent position in developing the science fiction genre within literature. From its inception in the 19th century to the present day, British authors have made significant contributions to shaping and defining the sci-fi landscape. One of the most notable figures in this regard is H.G. Wells, whose visionary novels like The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine not only captivated readers with their imaginative narratives but also introduced groundbreaking scientific concepts. Wells’ works laid the foundation for the exploration of futuristic ideas, scientific speculation, and social commentary that became integral to the genre.
British authors like Arthur C. Clarke, known for his seminal work 2001: A Space Odyssey, and J.G. Ballard, with his dystopian novel Crash, continued to push the boundaries of science fiction, blending technological advancements with philosophical themes.
Furthermore, the influence of British writers extends beyond the printed page, as many iconic science fiction television shows and films, such as Doctor Who and the Alien franchise, originated in the United Kingdom.
This proud tradition continues into modern literature, with exciting sci-fi coming from today’s writers. This StoryBundle puts contemporary talent on display.
As usual for these bundles this one is split into two tiers. The first costs $5 and will get you the four items in the top line of the image below. Name, there are:
- Greensmith by Aliya Whiteley
- Falling Dark by Tom Lloyd
- Triggernometry by Stark Holborn
- Ogres by Adrian Tchaikovsky
It’s good to see an Adrian Tchaikovsky title in here; I really like his work. Ogres is a novella about… well… ogres, innit? The story presents aan alternative world history in which, for as long as anyone can remember, ogres have assumed dominion over society. These landlords exert authoritative control over production, governance, and all spheres of power, while humans are subjected to their whims and desires. Tensions escalate to a breaking point when Torquell, the son of a human leader, and Gerald, the son of a landlord, clash during a landlord’s visit to a subjugated village, leading into a compelling narrative of concealed truths, revelations, and the pursuit of justice.
The second tier is priced at $20. For this, you get the previous four titles, plus all of the ‘bonus’ titles from the image above, including:
- The Last Blade Priest by W.P. Wiles
- The Coral Bones by E. J. Swift
- Selkie Summer by Ken Macleod
- Paper Hearts by Justina Robson
- Stealing For the Sky by Adam Roberts
- The Vanishing Kind by Lavie Tidhar
Stealing for the Sky grabbed my interest here. I really like Adam Roberts, ever since his 2009 novel, Yellow Blue Tibia. Based on books like this and New Model Army, I’d be very keen to read this novella about Starman/Fosse, a man who steals spaceships to order.
As a fan of alternate history stories, Lavie Tidhar’s The Vanishing Kind also appeals. It’s the classic Nazi-occupied Britain scenario, mixed with some conspiracy, crime, and mystery.
This seems like a great bundle that celebrates some well-known and relatively unknown British sci-fi authors.
You can click here to visit the bundle page over at StoryBundle.
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