Out-of-This-World Reads: The Folio Editor's Top Fantasy and Sci-Fi Picks
James Rose - Head of Editorial
You’ve come to the perfect place! We’ve asked our Head of Editorial to share his top picks for the best sci-fi and fantasy reads from our collection.
From enchanted castles that roam the countryside to mind-bending realities that challenge everything you know, our blog invites you to explore worlds beyond your wildest dreams.
The Road - Cormac Mcarthy
Perhaps the greatest post-apocalyptic novel ever written. The Road follows a father and son as they pass through a desolate, ravaged landscape. I read this novel at university, and it was the first time I truly appreciated the deep, galvanising power of hope. It is hope that propels these characters on as they attempt to survive in a forsaken world – a world that is expertly distilled by artist Gérard DuBois in his poignant and haunting illustrations.
Illustrated by Gérard DuBois
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
In 1816, in a competition to write the best horror story, an eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley created one of the most recognisable characters in all literature – Doctor Frankenstein's 'creature'. Often imitated and never bettered, Shelley’s tale of ‘the creature’ and the ‘mad scientist’ has become part of our culture and represents our fears whenever we think scientific advances have gone too far, or when we worry about Man playing God. Brought to life in the vignettes, borders and illustrations of Angela Barrett, this Folio edition is a must-have for any fan of the genre.
Illustrated by Angela Barrett
Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones
Utterly enchanting from the very first page, I defy anyone not to fall in love with Sophie Hatter and Wizard Howl. Marie-Alice Harel’s illustrations perfectly capture the fairy-tale world of Ingary and its inhabitants, from evil witches and talking fires to living scarecrows.
Illustrated by Marie-Alice Harel
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell - Susanna Clarke
1800s England. Magic has long since abandoned this land, but two amateur magicians are determined to bring it back into the fold. However, power comes at a price, and although Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell are facing battles amongst themselves there is a much bigger threat from the Raven King, who isn’t willing to let power go as easily. This is the perfect mix of a magical and fantastical romp with an Austenesque disposition. Susanna Clarke’s infamous novel was a tour-de-force since its original release and this Folio edition is the finest available. With stunning illustrations from acclaimed fantasy author, Charles Vess and ultimate approval from the author herself, I couldn’t think of a better set to curl up with and imagine that the wind is howling on the moors outside...
Illustrated by Charles Vess
Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
A postmodern satire that references not only man’s innate need to always discover the next best thing in technology, but also the threat and danger of great knowledge, Cat’s Cradle is a classic of the genre that I find myself returning to again and again. Although not perhaps explicitly sci-fi in its content, Vonnegut manages to extract elements of sci-fi writing in a way that gives it a cult-like status. This is a book quite unlike any other books out there, examining the end of the world as we know it with just the right level of black humour. Michael Dirda’s introduction is warm and knowledgeable, examining his own relationship with the text as well as the man behind it and Joonho Ko’s illustrations are both otherworldly and humorous in the best way possible.
Illustrated by Joonho Ko
Best Selling Adventures in Fantasy and Sci-Fi
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Discover Frank Herbert's Dune Saga with The Folio Society's stunning collection of the original trilogy. Featuring beautiful illustrations by acclaimed artists Sam Weber and Hilary Clarcq, each volume brings Herbert's epic science fiction world to life. Enjoy masterful storytelling and exquisite artistry in this must-have set for Dune fans.
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Abdullah dreams of adventure, but dreams can be big trouble in Castle in the Air, Diana Wynne Jones’s delightful sequel to Howl’s Moving Castle. This Folio edition is illustrated by Marie-Alice Harel.
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Relish the thrilling horror of Frankenstein in Folio’s stunning new edition. Mary Shelley's darkly disturbing tale is illustrated by Angela Barrett and newly introduced by Richard Holmes.
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The book that launched a phenomenal global franchise, Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park is a rip-roaring, fact-filled, rollercoaster read and this illustrated Folio Society edition is the T-Rex of them all.
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The sci-fi adventure that launched a global franchise, Planet of the Apes is given a timely Folio release with David de las Heras’s spectacular artwork and a thought-provoking introduction by primatologist Frans de Waal.
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A beautiful edition of Tolkien’s classic children’s story. Leaving his comfortable hobbit hole Bilbo Baggins goes on a reluctant adventure to defeat a dragon, and along the way he encounters the vile, but pathetic Gollum, and his ‘Precious’ – a ring to rule them all.
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Successive generations have been spellbound by the exploits of Frodo, Gandalf and their comrades as they journey towards Mordor to do battle with the Dark Lord Sauron.
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Featuring the phenomenal work of award-winning illustrator Dave McKean, this Folio edition of Roadside Picnic is a design-led celebration of the Strugatsky Brothers’ sci-fi masterpiece, which also includes a fascinating new introduction by the artist.
