Books matching: future earth
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- #1
Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod is a science fiction novel that intricately weaves together two separate timelines - one set on Earth in the mid-21st century and another on the distant planet Mingulay within a remote interstellar polity called the Second Sphere. The story follows characters involved in the human achievement of interstellar travel and their encounters with extraterrestrial intelligences. MacLeod's writing style alternates between first and third-person narratives, creating suspense and cliffhangers throughout the novel. The book explores themes of politics, religion, technology, alien cultures, and the complexities of human relationships across different timelines.
A god stood in the sky high above the sunset horizon, his long white hair streaming in the solar wind. Later, when the sky’s colour had shifted from green to black, the white glow would reach almost t... - #2
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... - #3
'The Unteleported Man' by Philip K. Dick follows the story of Rachmael ben Applebaum, the heir to a bankrupt company involved in teleporting colonists to other planets. Applebaum becomes suspicious of the teleportation scheme and hires a private security firm to investigate. The plot unfolds in an overcrowded future Earth of 2014, where a monopolistic corporation teleports colonists to a distant planet, creating a one-way trip scenario. explores themes of corporate control, altered reality, and unanswered questions as the protagonist delves into the mystery behind the scheme.
- #4
'Century Rain' by Alastair Reynolds is a science fiction novel set in a future where Earth has been destroyed by a technological catastrophe known as the Nanocaust. The story follows Verity Auger, an archaeologist exploring the wastelands of Paris, who becomes involved in a dangerous mission involving time travel and alternate realities. The book combines elements of noir romance, transhumanism, and space technology, creating a complex and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds' writing style is described as smooth, with deft characterizations and a tone that seamlessly shifts between different timelines and settings.
The river flowing sluggishly under Pont de la Concorde was flat and grey, like worn-out linoleum. It was October and the authorities were having one of their periodic crackdowns on contraband. They ha... - #5
Nightwings by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novel set in a far distant future where Earth is on the brink of a foretold alien invasion. The story follows the journey of an aging Watcher as he scans space for signs of impending danger, accompanied by unique companions like a Flyer and a Changeling. Through three linked novellas, the narrative explores themes of conquest, societal collapse, and redemption, creating a richly detailed world with elements of beauty and darkness.
ROUM IS A CITY built on seven hills. They say it was a capital of man in one of the earlier cycles. I did not know of that, for my guild was Watching, not Remembering; but yet as I had my first glimps... - #6
'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.
- #7
Existence by David Brin is a dense and complex novel that explores various futuristic concepts such as ubiquitous AI, virtual reality, elevated sea levels, economic inequality, and the Fermi Paradox. The story involves multiple characters and time jumps, leading to a narrative that delves into themes of alien contact, survival beyond Earth, and the impact of technology on society. The writing style is described as intelligent, idea-packed, and lexically clever, with elements of universe-building and intricate world-building.
Like a fetus in its sac, Gerald floated in a crystal shell, perched at the end of a long boom, some distance from the space station Endurance. Buffered from its throbbing pulse, this bubble was more s... - #8
A Scientific Romance by Ronald Wright is a literary science fiction novel that combines elements of time travel and post-apocalyptic fiction. The story follows David Lambert, an archaeologist who travels to the future in search of a cure for the disease that killed his girlfriend and is now killing him. Using H.G. Wells' time machine, Lambert finds himself 500 years into the future, alone and isolated, exploring a world where humanity has vanished. The narrative is rich with descriptions, literary allusions, and explores themes of isolation, community, and the consequences of human actions on the planet.
Dear Bird: A message in a bottle. Well, a disk in a jar. Hope you find it all right. Should be easy enough to spot, bobbing in my wake. For your eyes first but not necessarily your eyes only. Do what ... - #9
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
'Farmer in the Sky' by Robert A. Heinlein is a juvenile science fiction novel that follows the story of Bill Lermer and his family as they leave an overpopulated Earth to start a new life as farmers on Ganymede, one of Jupiter's moons. The book is filled with details on the selection process, the journey to Ganymede, the challenges of settling in a new colony, and the dangers of everyday life on the untamed world. Heinlein weaves in elements of scouting, terraforming, and alien technology, creating a sense of adventure and discovery throughout the narrative.
The writing style in 'Farmer in the Sky' is characterized by meticulous attention to scientific and practical details, offering a sense of verisimilitude and plausibility to the story. The protagonist, Bill, struggles with personal conflicts, including feelings of betrayal towards his father, adapting to a new family dynamic, and the loss of his mother. The book explores themes of pioneering spirit, resilience, and the challenges of starting anew in a harsh and unfamiliar environment.
Our troop had been up in the High Sierras that day and we were late getting back. We had taken off from the camp field on time but Traffic Control swung us way east to avoid some weather. I didn’t lik...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Heinlein's Juveniles )