In the realm of Young Adult (YA) science fiction and fantasy, authors craft worlds of boundless imagination, where the impossible becomes possible. Yet, the most compelling stories are often those that root their fantastical elements in the fertile ground of real science. This grounding not only enhances the believability of the narrative but also sparks curiosity among readers about the scientific principles that underpin their favorite fictional creations. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the real science behind some of the most beloved YA sci-fi and fantasy novels, examining the plausibility of the technologies and magical systems they employ.
First on our exploration is Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. This thrilling space opera unfolds through hacked documents, emails, and military files, telling the story of two teenagers fleeing from an interstellar war. Central to its plot is the concept of artificial intelligence (AI). The AI in Illuminae controls spacecraft, engages in warfare, and even exhibits signs of consciousness. While the AI presented in the book might seem like a distant future technology, today’s advances in machine learning and neural networks suggest that such sophisticated AI could become a reality. Researchers are already developing AIs capable of learning, adapting, and making decisions in ways that were previously thought to belong solely to the domain of human intelligence.
Next, we dive into the enchanting world of A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, where four parallel Londons exist, each boasting its own brand of magic. The novel’s magical system, based on color—Grey for the magic-less city, Red for the vibrant, Black for the dangerous, and White for the starving—invokes the question of alternate realities and parallel universes. While magic itself remains a fictional concept, the idea of parallel universes is a legitimate scientific hypothesis. Theoretical physicists propose the multiverse theory, suggesting that our universe may be just one of an infinite number of universes existing simultaneously. Though we lack the means to access these alternate dimensions, A Darker Shade of Magic captures the imagination with a possibility that echoes real scientific conjectures.
A Darker Shade of Magic on Amazon
In Cinder by Marissa Meyer, a futuristic reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, we encounter a world where humans coexist with androids and cyborgs. Cinder, the protagonist, is a cyborg with a mechanical hand and foot, highlighting themes of bioengineering and cybernetics. The field of cybernetics, which studies the control and communication in the animal and the machine, is rapidly advancing, making the cyborgs of Cinder increasingly plausible. Prosthetics controlled by neural impulses are already a reality, offering amputees mobility and functionality that were once the stuff of science fiction.
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness introduces us to a planet where all living creatures can hear each other’s thoughts in a stream of images, words, and sounds called “Noise.” This novel’s premise invites reflection on the neuroscience of thought and the potential for telepathy. While the exact scenario of The Knife of Never Letting Go is fictional, research in neuroscience has made strides in understanding how thoughts and speech can be decoded from brain activity. Controversial experiments with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have demonstrated the potential to communicate thoughts or control devices directly with the mind, suggesting a future where forms of telepathy could become scientifically viable. When we consider that Google scans our emails for opportunities to advertise to us, it give me a shiver to think that one day our thoughts might be scanned to deliver the perfectly targeted advertisement…perhaps directly into brains. Mind control anyone?
The Knife of Never Letting Go on Amazon
Lastly, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard presents a society divided by blood—red and silver, with the latter possessing god-like superpowers. While the idea of humans with superpowers challenges the limits of scientific plausibility, the concept of genetic mutation and manipulation offers a tangential connection to reality. Advances in genetic editing, particularly CRISPR technology, have opened the door to altering DNA to tackle various diseases or even enhance physical abilities. Again this also has its dystopic side. GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in our food supply pose health risks that have not been addressed by large industrial agricultural companies. (Which is why I eat organic as much as possible). Genetically engineered mosquitoes have been released into the wild with no way of knowing what their real world effects might be.
Tinkering with our genes is more likely to cause disease than it is to cure disease (or confer superpowers)…but it is a fun subject to explore in fiction! Just keep them out of my body, thank you. 🙂
These examples illustrate how YA sci-fi and fantasy novels blend the fantastic with the plausible, even if not desirable. This grounds their most imaginative elements in the principles and theories of real-world science. This blend not only entertains but educates, sparking curiosity about the scientific underpinnings of our universe and the potential for both harmful and hopeful futures.
The science behind the fiction in YA novels is more than just a backdrop for thrilling adventures and fantastical tales. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and provoke thought. As we navigate the complexities of our own world, the fusion of science and fiction in YA literature serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie at the intersection of imagination and reality. These stories encourage us to dream, question, and explore, pushing the limits of what we believe to be possible and reminding us that, sometimes, the line between science fiction and science fact is thinner than we think.
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