K.J. Parker's darkly humourous stories poke a lot of holes in the ideas of empire and history. But first, who is this author anyway?

Speculating about the future of Seth Dickinson's Masquerade series, Renascent's potential identities, the lightning in the east and more.

Seth Dickinson's Masquerade novels explore the reach and influence of empire and colonialism, and attempt to show how we might break free.

Susanna Clarke's Piranesi is an incredible novel of curiosity and wonder, with important lessons to impart beneath the surface. Why read it?

Jacqueline Holland's novel explores many essential vampire themes while telling a tale of a young woman grappling with her newfound agency.

When the collective imagination of a fandom diverges from the future of the work itself, and how to prepare for possible disappointment.

The importance of history and education, through the lens of a song about losing it all.

Inside Out 2 offers some great lessons, but they need a little expanding upon. Mentopolis offers similar themes from an adult perspective.

Art imitates life, and vice versa – can we do better with the stories we tell? Comparing rulers of GRRM, Robin Hobb and real life.

Adam-Troy Castro’s short story draws you in and never lets go. What does this horror/fantasy tale have to say about obsession and meaning?

Getting to the heart of the vampiric condition, in order to learn about the human one. The hunt, memories and mind, bliss and redemption.

'Dracula' is a cultural phenomenon with few rivals. What can we learn about ourselves through the stories and voices which surround him?

Vampires are more than silly Halloween costumes. Their nature and depictions in media have a lot to teach us about our societal fears.

Does great worldbuilding entail comprehensive structure or minimal hints which feed the imagination? I'll offer my take on a few novels.

A Multimedia dive into one of the greatest works of speculative fiction ever written. The future is Red, the future is Blue; what is love?

'The Magicians' says a lot about growing up and engaging with the world from an adult perspective. Or Quentin trying desperately not to!

Frank Herbert's Dune explores humanity under pressure. His books come to a lot of fascinating conclusions, but one is easy to miss.

Exploring consciousness and transhuman ideas in Seth Dickinson's "The Masquerade" series and Vernor Vinge's "A Fire Upon the Deep".

Exploring transhuman journeys and experiences through Adrian Tchaikovsky's depiction of Avrana Kern in his 'Children of Time' sci-fi series.

What does it mean to exist beyond our natural lifespans, in forms different from our current bodies? Brandon Sanderson's books offer a look.