Books matching: corporate dominance
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- #1
A page-turning blend of hard sci-fi, survival drama, and frontier politics with a killer alien planet as the stage. Not perfect, but gripping and unique - worth a try if you like your science fiction tough and atmospheric.
In 'Outpost' by W. Michael Gear, readers are introduced to the planet Donovan, a character in its own right with a diverse and dangerous biogeography that shapes the events and people on the planet. The story follows a mix of characters from soldiers to settlers who find themselves facing disappointment and fear amidst the harsh circumstances on Donovan and the ship Turalon. The writing style brings to life the deadly creatures and landscapes of the planet, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
A strange mythology has grown about morning; it has sent its roots to twine inextricable rhizomes through the human psyche. Like all mythology, it is mostly falsehood. According to the myth, with the...February 2018•443 pages - #2
Rebelwing delivers action, heart, and a new kind of dragon - perfect for YA sci-fi fans! Expect witty writing, big emotions, and a story that’s as fun as it is relevant.
'Rebelwing' by Andrea Tang is a gripping tale set in a not so distant future where corporate interests have taken over most of the United States. The story follows Pru, a scholarship student with a rebellious streak, as she navigates a world filled with conflict and intrigue. Alongside her friends, Pru gets involved in book smuggling missions and finds herself entangled in a dangerous game involving advanced technology and political tensions. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action-packed scenes, well-developed characters, and a unique take on dragons in the form of a technologically advanced dragon suit.
Alex sighed. “Fair point.” He adjusted the setting on the plasma gun with a flick of his thumb, as the weapon lowered. Like everything else he did, it was an annoyingly graceful motion. Figured that s...February 2020•355 pages - #3
Friday is a wild, sometimes messy ride through a fractured future, bursting with ideas and a strong female protagonist - but it’s also a product of its time, with content and attitudes that may not sit well with everyone. Try it if you love old-school sci-fi and complex social commentary, but be ready for some rough patches along the way.
"Friday" by Robert A. Heinlein follows the adventures of the titular character, Friday Jones, an artificial person and top-secret courier living in a futuristic world. The story delves into Friday's journey as she navigates a society that discriminates against her kind while also exploring themes of identity, family, and societal prejudices. The plot is filled with action, political intrigue, and futuristic technology, all wrapped in Heinlein's signature writing style that blends adventure with social commentary.
I have never liked riding the Beanstalk. My distaste was full-blown even before the disaster to the Quito Skyhook. A cable that goes up into the sky with nothing to hold it up smells too much of magic...1982•378 pages - #4
A madcap, visionary cyberpunk adventure bursting with ideas and energy - flawed but essential reading for any sci-fi fan or future-thinker.
'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is a cyberpunk novel set in a future America dominated by corporations, religion, and organized crime. The story follows Hiro Protagonist, a free-lance hacker and the world's greatest swordsman, as he races against time to stop the spread of a neurological virus that threatens to enslave humanity. The book is a mix of fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking ideas about technology, religion, and society. Stephenson weaves together elements of Sumerian mythology, linguistics, and cyberpunk culture to create a unique and engaging narrative that explores the impact of viruses on human intellectual development.
The writing style in 'Snow Crash' is described as frenetic, hilarious, and thought-provoking. Stephenson's imaginative and compelling storytelling immerses readers in a futuristic society nested within the United States, where a showdown among rivaling factions unfolds in the virtual world of the Metaverse. The book is praised for its vivid characters, gripping action, and the exploration of complex themes such as memes, genes, and the programming of humans. Overall, 'Snow Crash' is a roller coaster of futuristic vision that delves into the intersection of technology, culture, and human behavior.
virus… [L. virus slimy liquid, poison, offensive odour or taste.] 1. Venom, such as is emitted by a poisonous animal. 2. Path. a. A morbid principle or poisonous substance produced in the body as the...1992•477 pages A psychedelic sci-fi classic that will mess with your head - in a good way - if you’re up for a strange, thought-provoking trip into the unknown.
"The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch" by Philip K. Dick is a mind-bending science fiction novel set in the late 21st century where Earth is plagued by extreme global warming. The story follows characters who escape their bleak reality through a hallucinogenic drug called Can-D, which transports them into a fantasy world centered around a game called Perky Pat. When a new, more addictive drug called Chew-Z is introduced by the mysterious Palmer Eldritch, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading to a complex, reality-bending nightmare. Dick's writing style is described as rich in ideas, unnerving, and capable of delivering a wild ride that challenges the reader to question what is real and what is fantasy.
His head unnaturally aching, Barney Mayerson woke to find himself in an unfamiliar bedroom in an unfamiliar conapt building. Beside him, the covers up to her bare, smooth shoulders, an unfamiliar girl...1964•279 pages- #6
Richly imagined, lyrical, and unsettling, The Year of the Flood is a must for Atwood or dystopian fans - just be ready for a slower, more reflective burn and a story best enjoyed alongside Oryx and Crake.
'The Year of the Flood' is a novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where society has collapsed due to a bio-disaster known as the Waterless Flood. The story follows two strong female characters, Ren and Toby, who are members of the eco-religious sect called God's Gardeners. Through flashbacks, the book explores their past experiences and how they navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, showcasing their survival skills and interactions with various groups in the dystopian society. Margaret Atwood's writing style brings to life a detailed and believable future world, filled with genetic engineering, environmental collapse, and societal divisions, while also incorporating elements of humor, spirituality, and thought-provoking themes.
In the early morning Toby climbs up to the rooftop to watch the sunrise. She uses a mop handle for balance: the elevator stopped working some time ago and the back stairs are slick with damp, so if sh...September 2009•458 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series MaddAddam ) - #7
A gripping, sapphic dystopian adventure with evocative prose and big feels. Best for fans of tense, emotional YA who don’t mind a little heartbreak on the journey.
Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid is a gripping dystopian novel that blends elements reminiscent of The Hunger Games with a sapphic romance. The plot follows Inesa, who is forced into a deadly gauntlet by her irresponsible mother, putting her in a fight for survival. In this world, women are valued for their appearances, and assassins must undergo cosmetic surgeries to be marketable to sponsors. The fast-paced story captures readers' attention, with high stakes and emotional struggles as Inesa and Melino, an assassin, navigate their complex relationship amidst a bleak reality where personal connections are strained by trauma and survival.
March 2025•416 pages - #8
A smart, dystopian cyberpunk adventure with a likable, capable heroine - compelling for both genre fans and newcomers. Highly recommended if you want strong world-building, tight plotting, and a dose of heart with your cyberware.
'Electric Angel' in the 'Cyber Dreams' series by Plum Parrot is a cyberpunk story set in a dystopian future Earth. The protagonist, Juliet, finds herself in possession of a cutting-edge AI implant that leads her to escape from the original owners of the technology. The book is praised for its detailed world-building, character development, and non-stop action, as Juliet navigates the dangers of a society divided between the powerful few and the oppressed many. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on cybernetic enhancements, personal AI, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters in a high-stakes environment.
Juliet let her head bounce with the music blaring through her implants—vibrating through the bones in her skull—almost like she was in front of one of the big speakers at a show. The night was hot, an...August 2023•370 pages - #9
A thoughtful, idea-driven blend of science, mystery, and social commentary - best for patient readers who love exploring big questions in their sci-fi.
The Cassandra Complex by Brian Stableford is a near-future science fiction novel set in mid-21st century England, exploring themes of overpopulation, longevity, biological warfare, and corporate control. The story follows Dr. Lisa Friemann, a forensic investigator, as she navigates a world where huge corporations rule as the "cabel," plague wars have replaced traditional fears, and logical consequences of today's biological sciences are drawn out. The plot involves a mysterious kidnapping, arson at a research habitat for transgenic mice, and the implications of a secret discovery related to immortality.
Stableford combines the elements of a detective story with speculative near-future science fiction, offering a well-thought-out and plausible world that delves into the behavior of overcrowded societies, the dynamics of power structures, and the consequences of scientific advancements. The writing style includes long descriptive passages, internal dialogues, and discussions on societal issues, presenting a complex narrative that intertwines mysteries, social commentary, and scientific exploration.
When Lisa first heard the noise, she wasn’t sure whether it was real or not. She didn’t think she’d been asleep, but she couldn’t be certain. Sometimes, like all confirmed insomniacs, she fell asleep... - #10
Queen of Teeth is a bold, bizarre, and thought-provoking body horror romp - perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ stories who crave something both gutsy and genuinely unique.
In the novel "Queen of Teeth" by Hailey Piper, the story follows Yaya, a chimera who discovers teeth growing in her vagina after a one-night stand. Yaya's body transformation, driven by a new consciousness named Magenta, forces her to flee from Alpha Beta Pharmaceuticals to avoid becoming a lab rat. The book delves into themes of bodily autonomy, identity, and societal oppression, set in a dystopian world where corporations control genetic experimentation and personal rights are trampled upon. Piper's writing style seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, horror, and romance, creating a multifaceted story filled with tension, action, and introspection.
The narrative explores Yaya's journey of self-discovery, grappling with issues of autonomy, rage, and defiance against an unjust world. Through vivid descriptions of body horror and poetic writing, Piper crafts a compelling and thought-provoking story that challenges societal norms and offers a unique perspective on self-expression and empowerment.
August 2021•199 pages










