Do You Know Where You're Going To? Quiz

Answer: Sherri S. Tepper

First published in 1989 "Grass" is typical of Sherri S.Tepper's writing. Her books are often pro feminist, pro ecology and anti male dominated religion, and all of those themes are found here. However, they are not overpowering. The descriptions of the planet, and the way she handles the psychology of the small human enclaves, spread out and isolated in this alien world with strange species, are mesmerising, and the sense of evil permeating the story line makes this one of those books that keep you up to the wee small hours finishing it.

Answer: Pern

The world of "Pern" as created by Anne McCaffrey is an earth-like planet, almost Utopian, but spoilt by a strange rain that comes in cycles and kills everything it comes into contact with, including humans. To combat it humans take a local species, and genetically engineer it into fire breathing dragons that have a telepathic link with their riders.

The "Dragonriders of Pern" series are good, old fashioned, adventure stories set on an alien world. There are heroes and villains, and some of the heroes just happen to be telepathic dragons. Read one and you will want a dragon of your very own.

Answer: Helicon

In Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series Hari Seldon is the inventor of psychohistory, a discipline designed to predict the actions of large groups of people. He uses it to predict the actions of the Galactic Empire and the future development of humanity.

Originally a trilogy, the series expanded into seven books, all closely linked, covering a span of around 500 years. Although each one can be read in isolation it is better to read them in order, as otherwise a lot of background knowledge will be missing.

Answer: Chapterhouse

The "Dune" series of books by Frank Herbert were continued after his death by his son. "Dune" has been hailed as the greatest Science Fiction book ever written. Chapterhouse first appears in "Heretics of Dune" which takes place some 5000 years after the events appearing in "Dune".

It is the main base of operations for the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, who are gradually changing it into a desert planet, and breeding sand-worms to renew the spice cycle. This will give them complete control of the drug, melange, which is essential for interstellar travel, longevity and, in some people, certain psychic abilities.

Answer: Discworld

In Terry Pratchett's "Discworld" series the giant turtle Great A'Tuin swims through space supporting four elephants and a world on his back. The books parody mythology, folklore, fairy tales, modern life and politics, all set on a self contained world where magic is normal and witches are respected, if somewhat feared, members of society. Luggage walks on its own several hundred feet and imps operate cameras and mobile phones. Death talks to you and wants to be human.

The books are always best sellers and each new one is eagerly anticipated.

Answer: Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy

According to Douglas Adams, Alpha Centauri is the nearest planet to Earth, being only 4.1 light years away. It houses a local planning department of the Galactic Hyperspace Planning Council and the biggest duty free shopping mall in the universe. It is also the best place to buy a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, a cocktail that burns holes in the floor and which no-one, except Zaphod Beeblebrox, can drink more than three of.

Answer: Laurell K. Hamilton

Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake Vampire Hunter" books are set in an alternative world where vampires are legally recognised, run businesses, have their own communities within cities, and interact with werewolves and other were animals. Anita tracks down and slays any vampire who kills humans, solves various supernatural crimes and mysteries, all whilst having a relationship with Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of St Louis, Richard, who is a werewolf, and various other vampires and were people.

Answer: The Nightside

Simon R.Green's series of "Nightside" tales feature private detective Jim Taylor. He works in the Nightside, a hidden part of London where men and supernatural beings work, live and socialise with each other. Jim Taylor however has enemies, and his magic draws them to him, so as well as solving his cases he also has to find out who wants him dead and why, and why he is the catalyst that will decide whether or not Nightside is destroyed.

Answer: Stranger In A Strange Land

"Stranger In A Strange Land" by Robert Heinlein was first published in 1961 and tells the story of Valentine Michael Smith, a human raised by Martians, who returns to Earth when he is a young adult. With themes of sexual freedom, personal liberty and self responsibility, as well as the way organised religion has shaped governments and culture, the book was enthusiastically adopted by the hippie generation.

It became widely known outside of the normal science fiction readership and gained something of a cult status.

Answer: The Mount

"The Mount" by Carol Emshwiller looks at a time in the future when we have been invaded. The Hoots are small creatures with weak legs, but very strong weapons. Their legs fit perfectly around our necks, so they decide to keep mankind as a sort of combination of large pet and transport.

The book examines what happens when, instead of rising up in revolution against this as might be expected, we actually start to like being used in this manner.