Books matching: far future earth
16 result(s)
- #1
Save:Feersum Endjinn by Iain M. Banks is a science fiction novel set in a far future Earth facing extinction from an approaching cosmic dust cloud. The story follows multiple viewpoints, including characters navigating a complex cyberspace ecosystem and a rebel scientist, dead officer, and a semiliterate youth trying to access crucial knowledge from a corrupted computer mainframe known as the Crypt. The narrative weaves together different plot strands, offering a mix of high-tech speculation and post-singularity society interactions, culminating in a climactic resolution that ties all the storylines together.
Then, it was as though everything was stripped away: sensation, memory, self, even the notion of existence that underlies reality —all seemed to have vanished utterly, their passing marked only by the... - #2
Save:The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe is the third installment in The Book of the New Sun series, following the protagonist Severian on his journey from apprentice to Autarch. The book is described as a mix of episodic adventures, introspection, and metaphysical speculation as Severian wanders aimlessly through a strange and wondrous world. The narrative is rich in symbolism and offers a critical view of society, exploring themes of life, humanity, and the forces at play in the portrayed world.
ON A MOUNTAINTOP beyond the shores of Urth there once lived a lovely woman named Early Summer. She was the queen of that land, but her king was a strong, unforgiving man, and because she was jealous o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Book of the New Sun ) - #3
Save:In "Marooned in Realtime," the story is set in a distant future where a small group of survivors use advanced technology like bobbles to navigate through space and time. The plot revolves around a murder mystery where the protagonist, Wil, is tasked with solving the murder of a prominent figure trapped outside of the colony’s time jumps. The book combines elements of science fiction and detective story, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
Vernor Vinge's writing style in "Marooned in Realtime" is described as brisk and engaging, blending themes of science fiction, time travel, thriller suspense, adventure, and mystery. The interactions between characters from different eras create cultural conflicts, adding depth to the storyline. Despite being a sequel to "The Peace War," the book can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, offering a mix of mystery and science fiction that is both well-written and intriguing.
The sky was clear, but the usual sea mist kept visibility to a few kilometers. The beach, the low dunes, the sea-all were closed in by faint haze that seemed centered on his viewpoint. Wil moped along... - #4
Save:'Tales of the Dying Earth' by Jack Vance is a collection of four fantasy novels set in a distant future on Earth, during the last few decades of the Sun's lifetime. The stories feature magic, strange creatures, and unique characters, with each book presenting different adventures and themes. The writing style is described as grandiloquent, with a rich vocabulary and a mix of dark humor and contemplative moments.
The Overworld Cil The Mountains of Magnatz The Sorcerer Pharesm The Pilgrims At the Inn The Raft on the River Erze Damath The Silver Desert and the Songan Sea The Cave in the Forest The Manse of Lucou... - #5
Save:In a far distant future, on a post-apocalyptic Earth ruled from Mars, a Martian warrior named Dreams of War is tasked with protecting a young girl named Lunae who has the ability to shift through time. Meanwhile, Yskaterina of Nightworld is sent to eliminate the child, and the Kami scientists seek human hosts to explore the physical realm. The story revolves around the intertwining fates of these characters as they navigate a world where Earth is on the brink of destruction and Mars thrives under female rule. The plot is rich in original ideas and complex subplots that seamlessly merge into the main storyline, creating a powerful futuristic sci-fi novel with incredible and believable characters.
Dreams-of-War was hunting the remnants of men on the slopes of the Martian Olympus when she came across the herd of ghosts. The armor bristled at the approach of the herd, whispering caution into her ... - #6
Save:In 'The Ice Orphan,' part of the 'Rewilding Reports' series by Kathleen O'Neal Gear, readers are transported to a future world where hominin people and Ice Age animals have been brought back to life in a desperate attempt to survive a global cooling disaster. The story follows characters like Blessed Teacher Lynx and Jawbone as they navigate dangerous quests and face environmental challenges, all while unraveling the mysteries of their past and the threats of the present. Kathleen O'Neal Gear's storytelling skills shine through as she weaves intricate plot twists around her characters, blending elements of prehistoric knowledge with futuristic scenarios to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
The series delves into themes of survival, courage, compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through vivid descriptions and innovative world-building, the author paints a rich tapestry of a post-historic world where ancient beings coexist with remnants of modern technology, offering a unique blend of science fiction, climate fiction, and historical elements that appeal to readers of all ages. Gear's writing style breathes life into her characters, making them relatable and endearing, while also exploring larger themes of interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of history in a way that resonates with readers long after they finish the book.
(Also, see 7 recommendations for the series Rewilding Reports ) - #7
Save:Nifft the Lean is a collection of four longish tales set in a far future dying Earth where science and magic have merged, and demons and aliens stalk the land. The stories follow Nifft, a self-aggrandizing rogue with a flair for words, as he recounts his various thefts, rescues, and daring schemes through the narration of his good friend Shag Margold. The writing style is described as a mixture of Vance, Leiber, Moorcock, and Clark Ashton Smith, offering a blend of fantastic elements and touches of realism. Each story takes the reader on detailed guided tours through hell and otherworlds, filled with bizarre creatures and dark wonders.
They climbed up in the groin of one of the massive, wide-spreading swamp trees. Here there was room to recline, and to build a small fire which seemed scarcely to affect the tough, reptilian bark of t... - #8
Save:In 'Hothouse' by Brian W. Aldiss, readers are transported to a far future Earth where the sun is dying, leading to a world dominated by plant life and mutated creatures. The human race has evolved into small, primitive groups living in the branches of a massive banyan tree, navigating a hostile environment filled with predatory vegetation. The plot follows the journey of one such group as they encounter strange creatures, uncover the secrets of their world's history, and face calamities that force them to wander through this bizarre landscape. The writing style is described as imaginative, surreal, and filled with vivid descriptions of the fantastical ecosystem created by Aldiss.
The heat, the light, the humidity—these were constant and had remained constant for … but nobody knew how long. Nobody cared any more for the big question that begin “How long …?” or “Why …?” It was n... - #9
Save:Set in the far distant future, 'The City and the Stars' by Arthur C. Clarke follows the story of Alvin, the first child born in ten million years in Diaspar, the last city on Earth. Alvin, unique in his desire to explore beyond the boundaries of the stagnant and enclosed city, embarks on a journey that leads to seismic changes for his home city and a confrontation with its lost past. The narrative weaves through mysteries surrounding Diaspar, the fate of humankind, and the stars, presenting a tale of human superation and exploration in a decadent and futuristic setting. The book gradually transitions from a novel of mystery and investigation to a story about transcending religions and myths, with a vision of a future Earth that is thought-provoking and rich in worldbuilding.
IT HAD TAKEN them many hours to fight their way out of the Cave of the White Worms. Even now, they could not be sure that some of the pallid monsters were not pursuing them—and the power of their weap... - #10
Save:Set in a future where the sun is dying and Earth is on the brink of extinction, "The Dying Earth" by Jack Vance is a collection of interconnected short stories that explore a world filled with bizarre monsters, powerful mages, and remnants of advanced technology. The stories follow wizards seeking knowledge, humans grown in vats, and small green men known as twk men. Vance's writing style is described as lush and beautiful, evoking a sense of melancholy for a lost past while blending silliness and darkness in a unique way.
turjan sat in his workroom, legs sprawled out from the stool, back against and elbows on the bench. Across the room was a cage; into this Turjan gazed with rueful vexation. The creature in the cage re...
