Are strange new worlds scary or good?

My world's not feeling as good as it might--job uncertainties, aging, insurance all rearing their heads. So perhaps it's a good time to escape into a strange new world, seek out new lives, new civilizations... or something. Which I suppose answers my question, "Are strange new worlds scary or good," because Star Trek sought out some pleasing ones as well as scary ones.

Anyway, many worlds reside in good books, so here are three, all science fiction based, and all truly intriguing.

First is Wate...