Well, traditional science fiction typically aims to be somewhat believable within the framework of scientific possibility. It might extrapolate from current science. Surrealist science fiction, on the other hand, goes way beyond that. It might mix up different time periods, realities, and concepts in a very random way. For instance, a character in a surrealist sci - fi book could be a combination of a human, an alien, and a mythological creature all at once, which is not something you'd often see in traditional science fiction. The focus in surrealist sci - fi is more on creating a mind - boggling and dream - like experience rather than strict scientific accuracy.
Surrealist science fiction novels often focus more on the exploration of the mind and the subconscious. For example, in traditional science fiction, the plot may be centered around technological advancements or space exploration. But in surrealist ones like 'The Cyberiad', it's more about the wild and imaginative ideas that don't always follow strict scientific logic. It's about creating a world that is both strange and thought - provoking.
Science fiction detective books often have a different setting. Instead of the usual urban or rural settings in traditional detective books, they are set in future worlds, on other planets, or in virtual realities. For example, in a traditional detective book, the detective might be chasing a criminal through the streets of London. But in a science - fiction detective book, like 'Altered Carbon', the detective could be chasing the suspect across different planets or in different bodies. Also, the motives and crimes in science - fiction detective books can be related to advanced technology or alien species, which is not the case in traditional detective stories.
Psychedelic science fiction books often focus more on the inner mental states of characters and how they perceive reality. Regular science fiction may be more about technological advancements or exploring new worlds in a more straightforward way. For example, in psychedelic science fiction, the narrative might jump between different states of consciousness, while regular science fiction might be more linear in its storytelling.
Smutty science fiction books often include more sexual or adult - themed content. Regular science - fiction books focus more on scientific concepts, technological advancements, and space exploration. For example, a typical science - fiction book might be about colonizing Mars, while a smutty one could be about a sexual relationship on a spaceship.
Paranormal science fiction books often include elements that are beyond the normal understanding of science, like psychic powers, ghosts, or other supernatural phenomena. Regular science fiction usually focuses more on scientific concepts such as space travel, advanced technology, and alien life based on scientific speculation. For example, a regular science - fiction book might be about colonizing Mars using advanced rockets, while a paranormal science - fiction book set on Mars could involve ancient Martian spirits.
Battle science fiction books often feature military strategies, advanced weaponry, and large - scale warfare. In contrast, other science fiction might be more about scientific discovery or social change. In battle science fiction, you'll see things like space battleships engaging in combat, troops being deployed on alien planets. Other types of science fiction could be about things like developing a new form of energy or how society adapts to new technology without the battle elements.
Pure science - fiction books tend to explore the implications of scientific advancements, technological breakthroughs, and their impact on society or the universe. They might be more cerebral in nature. For example, 'Neuromancer' delves deep into the concept of cyberspace. In contrast, science fiction fighting fantasy books are action - packed. They feature characters engaged in combat, whether it's with swords, lasers, or superpowers. 'Dragonlance' is a good example. It has magic - using characters fighting in a world that has some science - fiction - like elements such as dragon mounts. The pacing in fighting fantasy is often faster due to the constant battles, while pure science - fiction can have a more measured pace focused on scientific discovery.
Character - driven ones focus more on the characters' development, emotions, and relationships. In other science - fiction books, like some hard science - fiction, the focus might be more on scientific concepts and technological advancements. For example, in a character - driven book like 'The Time Traveler's Wife', the relationship between the time - traveling husband and his wife is central. Whereas in a more concept - driven book like 'A Brief History of Time' by Stephen Hawking (which is more about scientific ideas, not really a novel but for comparison), the focus is on explaining scientific theories.
The main difference lies in the mood and the focus. Traditional science - fiction novels can range from optimistic tales of future progress to cautionary tales about technology gone wrong. But science fiction noir novels are rooted in a sense of noir, which means a sense of doom, moral decay, and a focus on the individual's struggle in a corrupt world. In terms of plot, traditional sci - fi might follow the discovery or development of a new technology, while science fiction noir might follow a detective - like character as they navigate a world full of lies, corruption, and strange technology that often serves to make the world a more dangerous place.
Weird science fiction novels often break more rules. Traditional sci - fi might focus on scientific plausibility and technological advancements. But weird sci - fi can have really strange concepts like time that behaves in illogical ways or creatures that defy normal biological understanding. For example, in traditional sci - fi, a spaceship's design might be based on some scientific principles, but in a weird sci - fi novel, the spaceship could be a living, breathing entity.