Books Like...

"Mickey7" by Edward Ashton is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of human cloning and identity. The protagonist, Mickey 7, is reset over and over again, leading to intriguing and sometimes uncomfortable thought experiments. The book presents a world with sentient aliens and advanced technology, raising questions about the future and the nature of humanity. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, tension, and inventive world-building, keeping readers engaged with unique scenarios and twists. However, some readers felt that the story had slow spots and lacked in-depth exploration of certain fascinating concepts, leaving them wanting more depth and action.

'Antimatter Blues' is a sequel to 'Mickey7' by Edward Ashton, continuing the story of Mickey, a character who is living a good life until a crisis arises, forcing him to retrieve a bomb left with the creepers from the first novel. is praised for its fast-paced nature, well-layered characters, and the focus on aliens and clones in a comedic sci-fi setting.

In the book Gemsigns by Stephanie Saulter, the plot revolves around genetically modified humans known as Gems, who are bred for specific purposes by gemtech industries. The story delves into themes of acceptance, belief, corporate and legal responsibility, all while exploring societal biases and discrimination. The narrative style is clever and engaging, with different points of view layered seamlessly to present a compelling dramatization of big themes without feeling clumsy. The book presents a futuristic story that resonates with contemporary social issues, blending elements of science fiction with political intrigue and ethical dilemmas.

'In the Quick' by Kate Hope Day follows the life of June, a gifted young engineer trained in a school for astronauts, as she embarks on a mission to save a missing crew in space. The novel intricately weaves together June's journey from childhood to adulthood, showcasing her determination and intelligence in solving complex problems to rescue the lost crew members. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on character development and the emotional experiences of living in space, rather than just a typical space rescue mission plot.

Dr. Cherijo Grey Veil, a brilliant surgeon, flees Earth to work at a Free Clinic on Kevarzangia Two, a planet with a diverse alien population. As she navigates challenges like hostile co-workers, a deadly plague, and her own past catching up to her, Cherijo must use her medical skills to save lives and uncover dark secrets. The book blends medical drama with science fiction, creating a thrilling adventure with complex interpersonal relationships and a touch of romance.

The writing style of 'Stardoc' by S.L. Viehl is engaging and detailed, immersing readers in a world filled with alien species and medical mysteries. The protagonist, Cherijo, is a strong and intelligent female heroine who defies traditional gender roles, making the story refreshing and empowering for readers.

'The Worldship Humility' in 'The Code Trilogy' by R.R. Haywood is a fast-paced science fiction novel set in a fantastic world where characters embark on a thrilling journey. The book features vivid characters, humorous dialogues, and a unique storyline that keeps readers engaged. The author's writing style captures the essence of a dystopian future while incorporating elements of action, humor, and good character development. Despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects of the book, readers praise the creativity and captivating nature of the story.

After faking her death to escape life as heir to the galaxy's most brutal empire, Eris thought she was finally free. But it doesn't take long for her to become involved in the Novantaen Resistance, a group determined to stop the empire no matter what. Her newest mission is simple, gather intelligence about the cargo being carried on one of the empire's spaceships and return to the resistance with the information. But Eris and Cloelia, her partner on the mission, are in for a surprise when they board the ship and find three fugitives with the knowledge to take down the empire. Together the group has the ability to stop the empire in it's tracks but if they can't pull it off, millions may die. The world the authors created was incredibly interesting and I found myself wanting to learn more about the history of the empire. We get some flashbacks to Eris's past showing some of the innerworkings of the empire and I particularly enjoyed these chapters. Throughout the book, the characters travel to a number of locations within the galaxy and I thought the decision to keep the group moving around was a great choice as it helped the pacing of the story. The tension in the book increases drastically as we get closer to the end and the group puts their plan into motion. The ending surprised me as there were several things I didn't see coming. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where things pick up in Seven Mercies and how the events at the end of the book affect the group.

Yume Kitasei's debut novel, 'The Deep Sky', takes readers on a journey through space aboard an interstellar, generational spaceship where tensions rise after an explosion disrupts the crew's mission. As main character Asuka investigates the attack, alternating flashbacks reveal the crew's training from childhood, the desperate state of Earth due to climate change, and the political conflicts leading to global turmoil. Through intimate character development and a blend of psychological thriller and space adventure, the story explores humanity's hopes, dreams, and destructive potential.

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 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.