Apr 202026
 

Chicago Review of Books: “This is a savvy release by Tor and a smart and engaging work by Walton and Palmer.”

The genre of science fiction has been stereotyped and maligned for too long, and two of its contemporary champions, Jo Walton and Ada Palmer, would like to set the record straight.

It’s hard to imagine a pair better suited to the job. They are decorated science fiction authors in their own right. Walton won Hugo and Nebula Awards for Among Others and Palmer earned the Astounding Award for Too Like the Lightning. Only a select few have been so knighted by the science fiction gods, and that alone gives them a unique perspective. But, as they handily demonstrate in their passionate defense of science fiction, Trace Elements: Conversations on the Project of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Walton and Palmer deserve honorary accolades for their voluminous experience as readers. In point of fact, these tremendously well-read authors proudly identify as science fiction and fantasy (SF&F) fans and draw liberally from the well of fandom throughout this rousing and strikingly candid broadside.