Tor adds to web's towering pile of fantasy and science fiction

The world of science fiction, graphic novels, and other literature dealing in high technology and fantasy is so broad that there's huge scope for discovering hidden gems and literary treasures.

Up till now, Amazon has populated that realm with big numbers, but now another hub for recommendations and catalogues is providing new avenues for finding fantasy fiction.

The Tor.com site has made its name for its aim to "provoke, encourage, and enable interesting and rewarding conversations with and between its readers, and it now has a new store." Crucially, it doesn't limit discussion recommendations to its own catalogue from Tor Books, something that's giving it credibility online.

Where the site is getting some attention is for its "special picks", where authors and site contributors select their favourites, including Ursula K. Le Guin 1969 novel Left Hand of Darkness, and the 1970s classic Dhalgren.

The range includes more than 7,000 titles listed under the science fiction, and nearly another 7,000 in the manga category, among other sections.

In all, it's a handy companion to sites like Goodreads.com, if you're looking for a place to get turned onto new science fiction and fantasy titles.