Science fantasy worldbuilding in Phoenix 1: Establishing norms

If you're ever stuck for ideas for a science-fantasy setting, have a think about how you could turn your everyday experience into something futuristic. Instead of brushing their teeth with a toothbrush, maybe your characters zap their mouths clean with a supersonic wand. Or, instead of driving or catching public transport, they just get teleported from place to place!

Next time you read a science-fantasy story (or science-fiction / fantasy), notice how the author balances futuristic technology and magic with things that are ordinary and familiar. Do their characters follow routines similar to what we have, but with fancier props?

Phoenix is a novel by S .F. Said, with amazing illustrations by Dave McKean.

Lucky, who we met in this lesson, thinks he’s an ordinary Human boy… until he starts dreaming that the stars are singing to him, and he wakes up to find an uncontrollable power rising inside him. Lucky is forced to leave his home planet—Phoenix— on the run and in search of his father, who he hopes can give him answers.

The galaxy’s at war, there are deadly enemies among both Aliens and Humans, Lucky befriends an Alien starship crew and an Alien warrior girl who’s got neon needles in her hair… Oh, and he needs to find a way to save the galaxy. No big deal!