Books matching: cyberpunk influences
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- #1
In "The Body Scout," Lincoln Michel presents a near future New York City where corporations control professional baseball, games are played in massive stadiums, and the world is plagued by pandemics, wealth inequality, and climate change. The story follows an investigation by an adopted brother into the mysterious death of a ball player, leading him through the ruins of New York City filled with dystopic elements like smog, underground tenements, and ocean walls. The book marries the tropes of cyberpunk and noir, reinventing familiar themes with a science fiction twist, creating a fast-paced and entertaining read that explores new ideas and fresh concepts.
When I couldn’t fall asleep, I counted the parts of the body. I used the outdated numbers. What they’d taught me back in school when only the ultrarich upgraded. Two hundred and six bones. Seventy-eig... - #2
Queen of Angels by Greg Bear is a futuristic sci-fi novel that delves into complex themes of consciousness, identity, and societal structures. The story follows multiple characters, including a police investigator, a poet, and an artificial intelligence, as they navigate a world where therapy is prevalent and crime is a shock. The plot weaves together a murder mystery, exploration of the mind, and the awakening of self-awareness in an AI, creating a multi-layered narrative that challenges readers with its intricate storytelling and thought-provoking concepts. The writing style varies, with some readers finding it convoluted and challenging to read, while others appreciate the experimental and ambitious nature of the prose.
Picture a pattern of trees, stark and black against an ashen sky. Their branches are etched sharp against the drab neutrality. Their pattern is fixed and will not change. The gray has no quality, not ... - #3
'Ronin' by Frank Miller is a futuristic dystopian tale that follows a disgraced samurai, or ronin, who is reborn in 21st century New York City where he must face off against his arch nemesis, the demon Agat. The story weaves elements of feudal Japan, cyberpunk, and action as the ronin navigates a world filled with corporate security, local gangs, and the demon he has been reincarnated to destroy. Miller's writing style is described as pulpy, action-packed, and visually driven, with a focus on the art complementing the narrative.
- #4
Monstrocity by Jeffrey Thomas is a blend of horror and science fiction set in the eclectic city of Punktown. The protagonist, Christopher Ruby, delves into a horrifying discovery related to a mysterious recording from The Necronomicon, leading him to uncover secrets of downfallen Gods and the occult within Punktown. As the plot unfolds, Christopher's journey through alienation and mayhem is guided by Lovecraftian themes, subverting traditional concepts while maintaining a tone of intimate isolation and chaotic climax.
They seem to dream, patiently, waiting for the right time to be awakened. Their tentacles are tightly coiled inward, hiding the inner nest of white tendrils, as spiders will clench their bodies in dea...
(Also, see 91 recommendations for the series Punktown ) - #5
Vacuum Flowers by Michael Swanwick is a futuristic cyberpunk novel set in a solar system populated by bizarre societies transformed by wetware technology. The protagonist, Rebel Elizabeth Mudlark, is an artificial persona who escapes from the corporation that owns her and embarks on a journey across the solar system with her companion Wyeth. The novel explores themes of identity, corporate control, and the impact of technology on society, all presented in a bright, energetic, and inventive writing style that sets it apart from traditional cyberpunk novels.
She had, in fact, died twice—by accident the first time, but suicide later. Now the corporation that owned her had decided she should die yet again, in order to fuel a million throwaway lives over the... - #6
'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester is a classic science fiction novel set in the 24th century where mankind has evolved with mental abilities like jaunting and teleportation. The story follows Gully Foyle, a man seeking revenge after being marooned in space, as he navigates through a society transformed by these abilities. The book explores themes of vengeance, societal impact of advanced technology, and the evolution of humanity, all wrapped in a fast-paced and imaginative writing style that keeps readers engaged.
He was one hundred and seventy days dying and not yet dead. He fought for survival with the passion of a beast in a trap. He was delirious and rotting, but occasionally his primitive mind emerged from... - #7
'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 ... - #8
In a post-apocalyptic United States of America, ex-cop Deirdre McMannus finds herself in a world where everyone has the LINK implant, which is now controlled by a theocracy. Deirdre, convicted of a crime she did not commit, gets entangled in a mystery involving beings that may be angels, leading her to question faith and divinity. The book blends elements of cyberpunk, paranormal genres, and detective fiction, set in a hyper-connected world after a third world war, with a focus on religion and politics in an American context. Morehouse's writing style is described as quick-witted, with viable characters, intriguing world-building akin to Blade Runner, and intellectual depth that challenges readers' concepts of faith.
My hairline itched where the dead receiver lay just under the skin. I reached up to caress the hard almond-shaped lump at my temple. Maybe if I squeezed just right, the implant would eke out some last... - #9
In a future society where Espers, individuals with telepathic abilities, have made murder seemingly impossible, Ben Reich sets out to commit the perfect murder in 'The Demolished Man'. The book is a murder mystery with a unique twist as the protagonist navigates a world where thoughts can be read, leading to a thrilling and fast-paced narrative. Author Alfred Bester's writing style is commended for its clever storytelling, engaging characters, and imaginative world-building that explores the conflicts of a society filled with Espers and the consequences of attempting the impossible.
Night, noon, summer, winter… without bothering to think, Reich could have rattled off the time and season for any meridian on any body in the solar system. Here in New York it was a bitter morning aft... - #10
"Dangerous Visions" by Harlan Ellison is a groundbreaking collection of speculative fiction stories by various authors, showcasing a new wave of science fiction that deviates from the traditional hard science approach. The anthology includes tales from notable writers such as Lester del Rey, Robert Silverberg, and Larry Niven, presenting a mix of thought-provoking and sometimes controversial narratives. Ellison's introductions to each story, along with the afterwords by the individual authors, provide a unique perspective on the evolution of science fiction writing and offer a glimpse into the cultural context of the time.
The stories in "Dangerous Visions" were considered shocking and revolutionary when first published in the late 1960s, challenging the conventions of the science fiction genre. Despite some stories feeling dated, the collection still resonates with modern readers due to its well-written narratives that explore themes of morality, society, and human nature. Ellison's curation of these stories, accompanied by his witty and concise introductions, adds depth to the anthology and highlights the diverse range of speculative fiction included.
Yes, there was a particular moment in the history of imaginative fiction that changed everything for the better and forever. We came from the West and we came from the East. We met at Damon Knight's h...