POPULARITY OF THE FISH-OUT-OF-WATER SCIENCE FICTION GENRE: With the success of recent science fiction blockbusters such as the Avatar and Dune franchises, as well as recent bestsellers like Winter's Orbit , the soft science fiction genre involving protagonists arriving on foreign planets, exploring themes of cultural differences and moral ambiguities, and accompanied by action and romance, Forrister's Curio Citizen will appeal to a thriving audience craving likeminded stories. COMMENTARY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND DIVERSITY THROUGH AN ADVENTUROUS AND ACCESSIBLE SETTING: Carmen O'Dwyer is a strong-willed heroine struggling not to be held back by PTSD from her mother's death. Her alien ally and love interest, Inquieto, struggles with a mental health disorder that parallels aspects of the author's personal experiences with bipolar disorder. In addition, Curio Citizen celebrates the diversity of Earth's cultures, highlighted by Carmen's Mexican American heritage, while also exploring xenophobia through the aliens' homogenous culture and prejudice against humans. Forrister deftly conveys these themes within an accessible sci-fi adventure story that may connect with many readers. ELABORATE AND IMAGINATIVE WORLDBUILDING: Forrister's vivid exploration of an alien planet, species, and culture follows in the footsteps of Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness and James Cameron's Avatar , showcasing a blend of scientific and fantastical elements in an otherworldly setting that simultaneously transports readers to another world while stimulating thoughts of cultural issues closer to home. SCIENCE FICTION WITH A STRONG FEMALE PROTAGONIST: Science fiction has always had a large female audience, but only in recent years have there been more science fiction books by female authors featuring women as protagonists.
Curio Citizen aims to reach female audiences and offer them material they can connect with on a deeper level than with male-centered and male-authored science fiction books. It celebrates the strength, heroism, intelligence, and depth of character women possess.