Mara Franzen

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. There are really only two types of science fiction out there. One where everything is shiny, goes fast, and works well. The other where everything is covered in a thick layer of grime. As much fun as it is to read about a future where everything is comfortable and clean, I much prefer sci-fi with a little bit of gunk stuck in the seams.

1 day ago Science fiction writers and artificial intelligence researchers have long feared the machine you can’t turn off. The story goes something like this: A powerful A.I. is developed. Its designers are thrilled, then unsettled, then terrified. They go to pull the plug, only to learn the A.I. has copied …

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love books with wild and unique magic systems as much as the next fantasy nerd. But sometimes, the magic use becomes a whole subplot of the book, and it can be hard to keep track of what’s happening. Sometimes, it’s just easier to read about simple magic that’s a lot more straightforward. I’m such a fan of characters like Gandalf, who just mutters some words, and magic happens because he’s a wizard. That’s all you need to know, and I think that’s incredible.