Books Like...

'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is a science fiction novel set in a future where humans have colonized the galaxy and space ships have humans directly controlled by ship AI as workers and soldiers. The protagonist, Breq, is the last remaining ancillary of a destroyed starship AI seeking revenge, navigating through interplanetary politics and exploring unique ideas of a possible future. The book delves into themes of identity, artificial intelligence, gender neutrality, and complex world-building, challenging the reader to interpret the intricacies of the narrative.

The writing style of 'Ancillary Justice' is described as compelling, with excellent world-building and intricate storytelling that slowly unfolds the plot. The use of female pronouns as the standard in a gender-neutral society, the concept of ancillaries, and the multiple POVs presented in a unique manner contribute to the richness of the narrative, making the reader ponder on themes of humanity, individuality, and culture in a thought-provoking manner.

In the book 'A Memory Called Empire' by Arkady Martine, Mahit is a young diplomat from a small space station who is sent to a colonizing empire after the mysterious death of her predecessor. Equipped with a brain implant that contains her predecessor's memories, Mahit finds herself immersed in palace intrigue and political complexities, struggling to navigate a world obsessed with language and cultural nuances. The story unfolds as Mahit questions her loyalty to her own people while trying to uncover the truth behind her predecessor's death and the empire's hidden agendas.

'A Memory Called Empire' is a complex science fiction saga that delves into themes of political intrigue, cultural identity, and personal relationships. The book follows Mahit's journey as she grapples with the complexities of the Teixcalaanli Empire, where every action and conversation holds deeper meanings, and trust is a scarce commodity in a world of shifting allegiances and hidden motives.

A Desolation Called Peace is a multi-layered political thriller that follows military leader Nine Hibiscus as she prosecutes a war instigated by Ambassador Mahit Dzmare. The narrative delves into the complexities of palace politics, deadly alien incursions, and the challenges of communication across cultural boundaries. With a focus on identity, culture, and society, the book explores themes of colonialism and relationships between individuals from differing backgrounds.

In a future world where interstellar travel is possible but time dilation leaves colonies stranded, 'The Vanished Birds' follows the story of a woman mathematician hoping to revolutionize space travel, a boy with a mysterious genetic mutation, and a spaceship crew navigating vast distances through time and space. The novel delves into themes of trauma, dehumanization, and the consequences of greed, offering a poignant exploration of love in its various forms amidst a backdrop of capitalism, colonization, and corporations.

In 'On Basilisk Station', Honor Harrington, a competent and determined naval officer, is sent to a remote station as punishment. Despite facing challenges from incompetent superiors and outdated equipment, Honor rises to the occasion to tackle smuggling and avert an enemy's plan to claim the Basilisk system. The book blends elements of military science fiction with a focus on leadership, space battles, and character development, set in a universe where traditional naval terms are applied to a starship navy.

Aster lives on a generational space ship that resembles the antebellum south, where dark-skinned residents are confined to lower levels and controlled through brutal violence. She navigates through a world of trauma, power systems, and societal conflicts, seeking to uncover secrets that could save them all. The story unfolds on the spaceship Matilda, where the characters grapple with themes of slavery, brutality, hope, and rebellion, set against the backdrop of a dystopian society on a journey through space.

'The Space Between Worlds' by Micaiah Johnson is a sci-fi novel set in a world where traversers like Cara can jump between parallel universes as long as their doppelgangers are deceased in that world. Cara, a protagonist with a complicated past, is hired to collect information from different worlds. However, when she uncovers unsettling truths, she begins to question her role and the organization she works for. The book explores themes of choices, luck, and the impact of different realities on a person's life, all wrapped in a fast-paced plot with complex characters and a unique world-building concept.

The writing style of 'The Space Between Worlds' is praised for its precision and craft in world-building, creating a stunning and immersive multiverse. The novel delves into the intricacies of parallel worlds, relationships, social commentary, and character development, offering a fresh take on the concept of multiple realities and the complexities of human existence across different dimensions.

Ammonite by Nicola Griffith is a science fiction novel set on a planet called Jeep where only women live due to a virus that is fatal to men. The story follows anthropologist Marghe as she navigates the challenges of this world, including competing for resources, resisting change, and exploring the cultural differences between her Earth background and the new society she finds herself in. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, identity, and building a society out of the ruins of the old, all while addressing the unique reproductive mechanisms and social dynamics of the female-only planet.

The Traitor Baru Cormorant follows the journey of Baru, a brilliant and complex protagonist, who is plucked from her native family to be educated by an empire that is taking over her homeland. As she rises through the ranks of the empire, she navigates a world of political intrigue, betrayal, and difficult choices. Baru's ultimate goal is to gain enough power to potentially liberate her home, but the central question remains: is she a traitor, and to what exactly? The book delves into themes of morality, sacrifice, and the cost of trying to change a system from within, all while exploring a society undergoing colonization, economic manipulation, and cultural suppression.

The writing style of The Traitor Baru Cormorant is described as intellectually devastating and emotionally rigorous, blending elements reminiscent of authors like Guy Gavriel Kay and KJ Parker. The story unfolds with intricate plot twists, deep character studies, and a focus on political and economic intrigue. Despite being a fantasy novel without traditional magic elements, the book captivates readers with its complex characters, well-built world, and a narrative that challenges readers to question the boundaries of power and loyalty.

The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley is a bio horror space opera novel that takes place in a world of organic technology and all-female characters. The story follows Zan, who wakes up with no memory and must navigate the decaying world ships of the Legion to confront the horrors within, all while trying to uncover the mysteries of her past and the ultimate goal of reaching the ship called Mokshi. The writing style of the book is described as intricate, with detailed world-building that creates a unique and immersive setting, while exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and the complexities of female relationships in a brutal and unforgiving world.