Meet New Books

Books matching: dark future

100 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Brother to Dragons by Charles Sheffield
    Save:

    Brother to Dragons by Charles Sheffield is a dark and dystopian science fiction novel set in a post-successful USA. The story follows Job Napoleon Salk, an unlucky individual who rises from the bottom to achieve a goal, which remains unknown until the final and most drastic decision is made. The book portrays a bleak future of America, focusing on social issues such as the downspiral of social spending on education and health, concentration camps for scientists, and the preservation of status by the richest families. Despite the absurd premise of a world economic collapse caused by pollution and decay, the novel is described as fast-moving and gripping, following Salk's life from a deformed, radiation-poisoned child to a protagonist who brings about a significant change in the world.


  2. #2
    The Electric Church
    Book 1 in the series:Avery Cates

    The Electric Church - Avery Cates by Jeff Somers
    Save:

    In a rough and seemingly hopeless future, Avery Cates is a hired assassin who uncovers a conspiracy involving a growing religion called the Electric Church, where converts become immortal cyborgs. The novel is described as dark, intense, and suspenseful, with a gritty noir feel and a lot of action. The story follows Cates as he navigates through a world filled with cyborg Monks and suspenseful surprises, guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

    The writing style of the book is praised for being witty, biting, and engaging, drawing readers into a cool, future noir setting with a post-war disaster backdrop. The main character, Avery Cates, is well-developed and interesting, adding depth to the fast-moving plot filled with action and suspense. Despite some criticisms, such as repetitive dialog and comparisons to video game-like scenes, readers find the story cinematic and exciting, with a unique blend of cyberpunk and hard-boiled detective elements.

    I wasn’t really listening to Nad. I never listened to Nad, actually. We were standing in a shadowy doorway on Bleecker—just a doorway, a rectangle of ancient brick melting away to dusty rubble on eith...

  3. #3

    The Green Futures of Tycho by William Sleator
    Save:

    Eleven-year-old Tycho discovers a time-travel device in the shape of an egg, leading him on a journey to alter his past and future. With each trip through time, Tycho faces darker and scarier futures, compelling him to prevent the horrifying outcomes he witnesses. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, regret, and the consequences of one's actions, keeping readers engaged with its thrilling and thought-provoking narrative. The writing style immerses readers into the different timelines Tycho explores, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue as the protagonist navigates through the complexities of time travel.

    TYCHO WAS THE YOUNGEST OF FOUR CHILDREN. His parents, who insisted on being called Bobby and Judy, had named each of their children after a famous person. They had planned what each child would be whe...

  4. #4
    Half Past Human
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:The Hive

    Half Past Human - The Hive by T.J. Bass
    Save:

    Half Past Human by T.J. Bass is a classic science fiction novel set in a dystopian future where humanity has evolved into four-toed underground dwellers living in a highly controlled society known as the hive. The story follows characters like Tinker and Mu Ren who must escape the hive to join the savage wild humans on the surface. The book paints a convincing and plausible picture of a future where overpopulation and automation have created a world where humans are bred for specific tasks only with permission, leading to a struggle between conformity in the hive and survival in the wilderness above ground.

    The writing style of Half Past Human is described as quirky, engaging, and filled with biological and medical terminology that adds to its charm. The novel offers a chilling view of the future of humans under totalitarian control, while also providing hope through characters like 'Olga' who aim to save the five-toed humans from the Big ES. Despite its flaws, such as casual sexism and excessive medical terminology, the book presents thought-provoking themes of freedom vs. safety, authority vs. free will, and the impact of overpopulation and ecological destruction on society.


  5. #5
    After Atlas
    Book 2 in the series:Planetfall

    After Atlas - Planetfall by Emma Newman
    Save:

    After Atlas is a sci-fi murder mystery novel set on Earth, forty years after the starship Atlas left with humanity's brightest minds. The story follows detective Carlos Moreno as he investigates the gruesome murder of a cult leader, a case that intertwines with his personal history. The book delves into a dystopian cyberpunk world ruled by powerful government corporations, exploring themes of injustice, inequality, and the impact of advanced technology on society. The narrative is described as a hard-boiled detective story with a high-tech twist, featuring a complex protagonist and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged until the surprising and impactful ending.

    IT’S TIMES LIKE these, when I’m hunkered in a doorway, waiting for a food market of dubious legality to be set up, that I find myself wishing I could eat like everyone else. I watch them scurry past, ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Planetfall )

  6. #6

    Parable of the Sower - Earthseed by Octavia E. Butler
    Save:

    In the book 'Parable of the Sower' by Octavia E. Butler, readers are taken on a journey through a dystopian near future California where society has collapsed due to climate change, political discord, violence, and social unrest. The story follows a young African American woman named Lauren Olamina who possesses hyperempathy syndrome, allowing her to feel the pain and pleasure of those around her. As she navigates the chaos and destruction around her, Lauren creates a new religion called Earthseed, aiming to prepare for a new society among the stars. The novel delves into themes of survival, community-building, philosophical reflections on change, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

    I HAD MY RECURRING dream last night. I guess I should have expected it. It comes to me when I struggle—when I twist on my own personal hook and try to pretend that nothing unusual is happening. It com...

  7. #7
    Oryx and Crake
    Book 1 in the series:MaddAddam

    Oryx and Crake - MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood
    Save:

    Set in a dystopian future, "Oryx and Crake" tells the story of how the world was all but destroyed from the perspective of Snowman a.k.a. Jimmy, whose best friend Crake is the person responsible for that destruction. Through flashbacks, Snowman recalls what led up to Crake's decision to obliterate mankind and populate the new earth with genetically engineered creatures known as The children of Crake. The book bounces back and forth between a dystopia and a post-apocalyptic setting, using flashbacks and oblique references to narrate a story that challenges beliefs and ideas ingrained in society. Margaret Atwood crafts a well-written science fiction morality play that does not dumb down the story with exposition or hokey explanations, asking big questions without answering them directly.

    Snowman wakes before dawn. He lies unmoving, listening to the tide coming in, wave after wave sloshing over the various barricades, wish-wash, wish-wash, the rhythm of heartbeat. He would so like to b...

  8. #8

    The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
    Save:

    'The Bone Clocks' by David Mitchell is a complex and multi-layered novel that spans several decades, following the life of protagonist Holly Sykes and intertwining various characters and storylines. The book combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian fiction, exploring themes of immortality, psychic battles, and the battle between good and evil. Mitchell's writing style is described as mind-twisting, thought-provoking, and marvelous, with vividly memorable characters and a plot that is both gripping and full of mystery and imagination.

    I FLING OPEN MY BEDROOM CURTAINS, and there’s the thirsty sky and the wide river full of ships and boats and stuff, but I’m already thinking of Vinny’s chocolaty eyes, shampoo down Vinny’s back, beads...

  9. #9

    Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
    Save:

    Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel set 20 years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The story weaves together the lives of various characters before, during, and after the outbreak, exploring themes of survival, hope, community, and the importance of art in a devastated world. The narrative jumps between different timelines, offering glimpses into how individuals adapt to the new reality and find connections amidst chaos.

    The novel is praised for its beautiful writing style, rich character development, and intricate plot structure that moves back and forth in time. It incorporates elements like theater, Shakespeare, a symphony, a comic book, and intertwining storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and resilience in the face of catastrophe.

    THE KING STOOD in a pool of blue light, unmoored. This was act 4 of King Lear, a winter night at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Earlier in the evening, three little girls had played a clapping game ons...

  10. #10
    Worm
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Parahumans

    Worm - Parahumans by Wildbow
    Save:

    "Worm" by Wildbow is a web serial that delves into the world of superheroes, exploring complex moral choices, grey morality, and the consequences of having superpowers. The story follows a teenage girl named Taylor who starts out wanting to be a hero but ends up forging her own path, transitioning from a hero to a supervillain and exploring themes of the ends justifying the means. The plot is vast, dark, and addictive, with a focus on the struggles and setbacks faced by the protagonist and the world around her.

    The writing style of "Worm" is described as excellent, with great character development, intricate world-building, and a gripping plot that keeps readers engaged. The story is known for its realistic portrayal of superheroes, exploring themes of honor among villains, complicated moral choices, and a bleak outlook on the superhero genre. Despite its dark and intense nature, the book is praised for being engrossing and thought-provoking, offering a unique take on the superhero society and the consequences of having superpowers.

    Since the start of the semester, I had been looking forward to the part of Mr. Gladly’s World Issues class where we’d start discussing capes. Now that it had finally arrived, I couldn’t focus. I fidge...

Page 1 of 10Next Page