The definition of slipstream fiction has evolved since the
term was coined. In current usage, it commonly refers to “novels not
categorized as strictly under science fiction, fantasy, or horror,” but some
combination. In relation to space opera, space opera romance, and science
fiction romance, it encompasses a growing group of novels that reside at the
intersection of science fiction and fantasy or the paranormal: shaping shifting
aliens, vampires from the stars, and other paranormal creatures.
But what of the grayish
areas? Veronica Scott’s Danger in the Stars features an empathic heroine who is not human.
Is it fantasy or an acceptable projection of an alternate evolutionary path?
Does a character with paranormal abilities make Danger in the Stars any
less science fiction than the winged aliens in Lea Kirk’s Silverstar Intergalactic Dating Agency novels or the telepathic bond that forms
between mates in Tasha Black’s Stargazer Alien Barbarian Brides?
Then there is the flip side
of slipstream, where paranormal fiction intersects science and science fiction.
Rebecca Zanetti’s paranormal Dark Protector series explains the vampires’ ability to
teleport and perform other ‘magic’ through advanced genetics and physics.
With so much potential for
creative storytelling available within the classic boundaries of science
fiction and paranormal fiction, why the merging? What is the appeal of the
genre mash-ups? Veronica Scott likes to include a touch of the inexplicable in
her stories since science cannot explain everything. It is a sentiment I share.
My space opera romance series The Twelve Systems Chronicles, includes elements of what may or may not be
divine intervention.
Conversely, even in the
most fantastic of magic-driven stories, there is a desire to ground it in the
known; to recognize physics, chemistry, and biology. My newest release, Elemental Fire, is an urban fantasy, but I could not resist
speculating on science, and science fiction.
Sin Marston is a rare human who can see
through glamor. With the veil with the treaty of 2010, the magical visitors,
known as the Hidden, flowed into the Terran realm. With her unique talent,
Sin's services are in demand from businesses and law enforcement with Hidden
problems. She also has a growing clientele of Hidden visitors wishing to avoid
confrontation with the Human Protection Society and other anti-Hidden Terrans.
After thwarting a daring art heist, Sin
encounters a stunning fire elemental who reveals the theft was something very
different. Everything she thought she knew changes.
Radzik Cray has lived for centuries,
building his magical and political power base. The appointment as the Elders’
Council Warden for the Eastern United States comes with untold wealth and
power, as well as untold danger. When he meets Sin Marston, he is interested in
a pleasant distraction. Instead, he discovers that Sin is not all she appears
and his control over his territory is not as absolute as he thought.
***Excerpt***
My fingers laced with Rad’s, I take in the starlit night. “Space
travel. Are there Hidden on the moon? Mars? Is there a magical version of faster
than light speed?”
Rad’s laugh is a deep, rich rumble that sends shivers down my
spine. “There is no magical passage through the void of space. As I understand the
theory of spacetime, it is not so much a matter of faster-than-light engines, but a mechanism to bridge between two points long
enough for the transit. I know of no Hidden magic with such capability. Although,
it is possible some undiscovered realm has the ability.”
“How is the void of space different from the veil? I don’t breathe
when we pass through.” We turn off the riverwalk toward his building. “What do you
mean, ‘undiscovered realms’?”
Rad’s step slows, his expression suggesting he is searching for
words. “Are you familiar with the multiverse theory?”
“Parallel planes of existence coexisting side by side?”
“Think of those planes as not parallel so much, but
as beads suspended in liquid. The liquid is the veil. Some of the beads are quite
close,
and transit is a simple jump. A dozen are close enough to Terra for the Hidden
to cross. Beyond those, there is another score of realms within control of the Elders’
Council. A dozen more that will not join and do not permit passage into their realms.
What lies beyond those realms is unknown.”
“So, there’s truth to the multiverse concept, but it’s not exactly
as science fiction portrays it?”
He swings my hand as we start walking. “Because Terra has so
little ambient magic, you have developed your science to compensate. When physics
becomes far enough advanced, it may well match magic in its capabilities.”
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from
magic.”
He chuckles. “I like that. One of your scientists?”
“Science fiction writer. Arthur C. Clarke. You are so watching
Star Trek Voyager with me this weekend.”
“If you insist.”
“Three episodes. If you hate it, we’ll do something else.”
His sexy half smile emerges. “I will plan to hate it.”
Purchase links: https://books2read.com/u/bP7y5x
EG
Manetti
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I think a lot of sci-fi romance these days falls under the definition of slipstream fiction. Elemental Fire certainly does. Congrats on the release!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release! I must confess I sometimes get annoyed when cliche fantasy elements like vampires and werewolves are used in science fiction. But I loved your description of Elemental Fire and the snippet of dialogue. This sounds like another great read!
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