Strandead is fundamentally rooted in science fiction, particularly in the sub-genre of Near Future Disaster Sci-Fi.
Technological Threat: The initial conflict is caused by a plausible (though exaggerated) existing technology: the Strategic Defense Initiative (S.D.I.) satellite going haywire. This creates a global apocalypse driven by human made weaponry, grounding the early chapters in a recognizable, cautionary technological tale.
Space Travel and Mission: The inciting incident, Blue’s mission to disarm the S.D.I. and the subsequent destruction of his shuttle, places the action within the traditional framework of space based adventure.
Post Apocalyptic Element: The story starts with Earth facing instantaneous destruction, setting a high stakes, life or death tone typical of post apocalyptic narratives, even though the majority of the action takes place elsewhere.
The narrative quickly pivots into a more surreal and psychological territory once Blue reaches the planet, blending sci-fi with fantasy.
Magical Realism/Fantasy Power: The ability to conjure objects through thought is a magical, fantastical element. This power subverts the traditional hard science rules of the survival genre and introduces an element of wish fulfillment that blurs the lines of reality.
Mythological Creatures: The planet is populated by creatures like the Orange Humanoid (Bob) and the ancient, tentacled, maroon colored controller, Odin. These figures introduce a layer of deep mythology and ancient control that contrasts sharply with the technological crisis on Earth.
Temporal Distortion: The presence of James, an Earth man who crashed centuries ago and hasn’t aged, suggests that the planet operates under laws that transcend known physics, enhancing the surreal atmosphere.
Pacing: The story is characterized by rapid, urgent pacing. The crisis on Earth is immediate and lethal, and the subsequent crash landing on the planet thrusts the protagonist instantly into a series of life or death encounters with the Silver Creatures.
Dialogue Driven: The style relies heavily on straightforward, functional dialogue to advance the plot, often moving quickly between action sequences and necessary exposition.
Unreliable Reality: The most distinct stylistic feature is the subversion of reality in the final moments. The entire planetary experience, which seemed external and real, is called into question by the final scene. This lends the overall tone a sense of profound tragedy, confusion, and psychological ambiguity. The reader is left to question how much of Blue’s journey was real.
