Fictional science and natural history
Like nonfiction natural history, but with more dragons
(These are books I’ve read and recommend, but I’m open to suggestions!)
created by Leaflizard
last updated September, 2026
Comments
Fantastic niche!!!!
If you're okay with recs (and totally okay to disregard if not), I feel that Our Hideous Progeny would fit very nicely here! It's not about dragons but it's very heavy on natural science!
That’s on my list to read, so I’ll add it once I do. Thanks!
Oooh awesome, I hope you enjoy it! 💃
Ooh what a neat niche!
What a great list! What did you think of Monster Portraits? I haven’t read anything by Sofia Samatar yet, but Stranger in Olondria and The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain are both high on my TBR. Her book concepts are all so interesting!
I liked Stranger in Olondria, but didn’t love it (I’m wondering if I should give it another chance) and I didn’t particularly care for The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain. I really enjoyed Monster Portraits, her short story collection Tender is one of my favorites, and I learned so much from The White Mosque. I have The Winged Histories on my shelf and I always keep an eye out for new things from her.
I love short story collections, so I’ll definitely be looking for Tender! Is she one of those authors that’s better at vignettes and atmosphere than narrative?
I would say so. I think she really shines in short form!
oh i absolutely love this niche of books, thanks for the list! so so so cool
Oh, I adore this concept! It’s such a fun niche. I’d recommend Creatures of Near Kingdoms by Zedeck Siew too.
Ooh I’ll look into that! Thank you!
Okay this is so cool! It’s somewhat a focus on epistolary kind of novels
such a cool list!
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