Stories with a Mix of Genres

Running out of books to read? How about mixing it up?

Sometimes, we all get a little burnt out by the books we enjoy reading. Storylines blur and become too formulaic, and we just need a change that will surprise us.

Oftentimes, it is hard to define the genre of a book. From Historical Fiction to Science Fiction to Mystery and more, books can not only fit into one genre, but be a mix of multiple genres.

This is where blending genres can help.

Like war historical novels but have run out of stories to read? Or maybe you are just tired of the same old song and dance of characters? Try a fantasy novel with a touch of the historical genre, such as the series Temeraire by Naomi Novik.

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, a Royal Navy Captain finds himself suddenly thrust into the Royal Aerial Corps of the day. However, this Aerial Corps isn’t with planes. No, this Corps is with dragons, all with minds of their own. Written between 2006 and 2016, with nine books completing the series, it gives an interesting look at the past but with a twist. Like other historical fiction set in the same period, there is still royal intrigue, along with spies and other staples of the genre, but now with the added fantasy element. It feels like reading about an era in a whole new way.

Or maybe you are more of a mystery fan. How about adding a pinch of science fiction to the mix? For this combination, we can go all the way back to the classic science fiction and science fact writer, Isaac Asimov, and check out his Robots series, wherein a hard-boiled detective finds himself solving mysteries surrounding the science of the story alongside a robot partner that he doesn’t fully trust. Encounter mysteries that you may never have seen before and be surprised at the twists that you will find. Or try Asimov’s Foundation series if you are interested in the rise and fall of an empire.

If you would prefer a more modern take on a mystery with a science fiction twist, look no further than the In Death series by J.D. Robb, a long-running series set in the future with more advanced technology, where murder is still a problem to solve, and a little romance is found along the way.

There are many more interesting combinations out there as well. If you would like to learn about more stories with a twist, feel free to call LAMP and talk to one of our Reader Advisors today!

His Majesty’s Dragon, Book 1 of the Temeraire Adventures by Naomi Novik – Historical Fantasy Fiction | DB 64445 BR 21433

English naval captain Will Laurence discovers a dragon egg aboard a captured French frigate. Once the creature, Temeraire, hatches, Will harnesses it and bonds immediately and irrevocably with it. The pair trains in the art of airborne combat before joining the Aerial Corps to battle Napoleon’s forces. Commercial audiobook. 2006.

The Caves of Steel, Book 1 of the Robot Series by Isaac Asimov – Science Fiction, Mystery| DB 44325

A thousand years in the future, Earth’s teeming billions are crowded into huge, enclosed cities. New York City detective Elijah Baley is forced to team up with an android to solve the murder of a prominent spacer from the outer worlds. Failure will jeopardize any hope of Earth’s overcrowded population reaching out to the stars.

Naked in Death, Book 1 of In Death Series by J.D. Robb – Mystery, Romance| DB 59555

Veteran New York police lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates the brutal rape and murder of hooker Sharon DeBlass, granddaughter of a powerful U.S. senator. Her attraction to prime suspect Irish billionaire Roarke envelops Eve as the case becomes a serial killing. Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. 1995.