Sci-Fi & Fantasy Girlz discussion

I read this interesting post titled Finding the Best 2016 Science Fiction Novels in 2016 on sfsignal.com.

I loved this part in his introduction:
I don’t mean to be critical, but most science fiction is derivative. The average SF novel and reader enjoys embracing a comfortably micro-genre, that tells a story that’s been told many times before.

I hadn't thought about it, but I agree. We keep reading, and enjoy, the same formula over and over.

Here's a link to the full post.
http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2016...

There is often a formula, but I don't know if formula is so much the standard as it is genre and trope that are often conflated. There certainly is an awful lot of "pulp" sci-fi that is definitely derivative and formulaic. The rules for that kind of thing are, perhaps, less deeply set in stone than in Romance (as we've discussed) but it's definitely a function of the medium/industry.

I keep seeing that Hyperion book getting slogged around. Not really a thing for this group in particular, but it seems to get of lot of attention--enough that I'm getting curious.

There are several books on that list appropriate for our purposes. Illuminae looks particularly intriguing to me. The Scorpion Rules also looks like it has an interesting premise.

Thoughts?

The challenge the author of that post gives himself is a cool one. He's pushing himself to discover new authors and expand his own horizons. What a great goal!

Goodreads itself has been good for letting me know what's coming out in the upcoming year so I can plan some of my reading accordingly. I know that the sequel to Fran Wilde's wonderful Updraft comes out in September, etc. There are always a couple of "Can't Wait Books of 20__" lists to get me excited, though those are often heavily weighted toward sequels.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8... showed me that Connie Willis and Nisi Shawl will have new novels in 2016.

I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of series. I'm much more excited by new standalone books.