CHECK IT OUT:

Science fiction and fantasy fiction can be either utterly engrossing or ultra-cheesy. Say “sci-fi” to most adults and, depending on age, “Star Wars,” “Godzilla vs. Mothra” or “Flash Gordon” images are conjured a la the big screen.

But adult preoccupations and themes do dominate in thoughtful sci-fi and fantasy books.

Think of the fascination with classic titles like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne or “The Illustrated Man” by Ray Bradbury.

Compelling fantasy should create another world, a world outside the laws of physics and engineering, a world that does not exist except in the most fertile imaginations.

If you haven’t read any good science fiction or fantasy lately, take a look at these titles. Many of their authors continue their characters’ lives and stories into a series collection.

“Dune” by Frank Herbert: The one, the only. This is a modern masterpiece. The movie didn’t do it justice, but the sound recording is as mesmerizing as the book — the perfect commuter antidote to Southern California traffic congestion.

“Time Traveler’s Wife: a Novel” by Audrey Niffenegger: Chrono-Displacement Disorder. It can happen to anyone! Can Henry and Clare’s marriage survive when Henry is thrust into the world of time travel? And what will happen to their vows of eternal love?

“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West: a Novel” by Gregory Maguire: Ever think that Oz’s wicked witch got a bad rap? Here’s the book that sets the record straight to reveal the real Elphaba, struggling to find an answer to her sister’s death amid her animal-rights activism. This was also made into a Broadway musical and the CD is delightful. Author Maguire continues the journey into the famed Emerald City with the aptly named “Son of a Witch.”

“Blade Runner: (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep)” by Philip K. Dick: Former Santa Ana resident Dick died four months before the movie “Blade Runner” was completed. Now his stories seem to be unlimited fodder for countless Hollywood films. Read the tales that started the legend. Have you seen California’s then-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie “Total Recall?” That was based on Dick’s short story, “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale.” How about the film “Minority Report?” Yup, also his. These are challenging, completely original books.

“The Stolen Child” by Keith Donohue: The changeling theme is an ageless tradition in fairy and fantasy tales. It reappears and is updated here as psychological fiction dealing with identity and kidnapping. Follow the Aniday/Henry Day character as a gifted child prodigy pianist into another world featuring the eerie “evil twin” known in German as a ‘doppelganger.”

“A Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin: The first book in the “Song of Fire and Ice” series deals with the Kingdom of the royal Stark Family. And the kingdom seems to be totally deteriorating with marauding barbarian hordes, unruly Neverborn demons, bad winter weather that literally lasts forever and those no-good, rival neighbors, the Lannisters. It even includes a neat map covering the disputed Stark territory.

“Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon: Claire Randall time travels back to the Scotland of 1743. This fabulous series begins with the Battle of Culloden, the Jacobite Rebellion and Clare’s growing feelings for a young soldier named James Fraser. Part historical fiction, part war story, part fantasy and romance, follow these characters throughout centuries for tales well-told. For added spice, check out Gabaldon’s “The Outlandish Companion: in Which Much is Revealed Regarding Claire and Jamie Fraser, Their Lives and Times, Antecedents, Adventures, Companions, and Progeny, with Learned Commentary (and Many Footnotes) by Their Humble Creator.”

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach staff member Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.