booksMonday, September 14, 2026

Optimistic sci-fi and dystopian fears

Today in books, the conversation splits between two poles: the call for optimistic science fiction and a review of a book about fighting fascism. A new Carrie adaptation premieres, while thriller readers get a curated list and comic fans get a Kylo Ren preview.

Sources

Imagining better futures

Two pieces argue for what fiction should do: one makes the case for hopeful sci-fi, the other for a progressive fight against real-world threats.

#01honisoit.comSep 14

Writing a better reality: The case for optimistic sci-fi

An argument for optimistic sci-fi, pushing back against the glut of dystopias and asking for worlds we'd actually want to live in.

by andsoitis3 min readRead original

#02www.theguardian.comSep 14

End Times Fascism by Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor review – the fightback starts here

Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor's End Times Fascism gets reviewed as a toolkit against right-wing nationalism, not just a diagnosis.

6 min readRead original

Screen to page

A familiar story gets a new adaptation, and a preview lands for a comic book continuation.

#03www.thewrap.comSep 14

‘Carrie’ Creator Mike Flanagan Also Wasn’t Sure About the Streaming Series

Two outlets cover the Carrie series premiere at TIFF, with creator Mike Flanagan admitting he was initially unsure about the project.

#04bleedingcool.comSep 14

Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 Preview

A preview for The Fall of Kylo Ren #2, showing Hux and Pryde conspiring against the Supreme Leader ahead of its September release.

What to read next

Guides and recommendations dominate the rest of the day.

#05ft.trib.alSep 14

Battlefield realism and cosy espionage — our pick of the latest thrillers

A curated list of new thrillers, from realistic war zone stories by Simon Conway to cosier spy fiction from Mark Ezra.

#06readafterthis.comSep 14

Read After This | Find Your Next Favorite Book

A new book recommendation service, Read After This, analyzes tone and themes to suggest eight tailored titles.

Also today11

The Beauty of Dragons – Book Sale on Itchio!rebeccacrunden.com
LINK If you like dragons, get on this incredible book sale bundle! Just $15 for twenty great dragon-centric reads!
The writer who left the biggest impression on Shirley Manson and Liz Phair: “The dawning of the age of emo”faroutmagazine.co.uk
Famous across generations. The post The writer who left the biggest impression on Shirley Manson and Liz Phair: “The dawning of the age of emo” first appeared on Far Out Magazine .
‘TMNT: Casey Jones’ Is Yet Another ‘TMNT’ Title That Fans Will Celebratephilspicks.wordpress.com
It goes without saying that Casey Jones, the hockey mask-wearing friend of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is one of the most famous antihero figures in the history of comics (and animation). Known for his short temper and fixation on … Continue reading →
Book Review: Daggerbound (Swordheart, #2) by T. Kingfisherbookshelffantasies.com
Title: DaggerboundSeries: Swordheart, #2Author: T. KingfisherPublisher: BramblePublication date: August 25, 2026Length: 436 pagesGenre: FantasySource: PurchasedRating: Learned Edmund, a disillusioned scholar, is transporting yet another precious relic from one stuffy temple to a
Restore Me Paperback Deluxe Limited Editioncitylights.com
Lose yourself in the thrilling story of an unforgettable heroine who reminds us to hold on to our humanity even in a broken world. This stunning collector's deluxe limited edition of the fourth book in the globally bestselling Shatter Me: Series One features: Shimmery cover with