Books Like...

In 2145, during the 4th wave of the Tiger Flu, the stories of two young women, Kora Ko and Kirilow Groundsel, intersect in a dystopian future. Kora is struggling to survive in a quarantine ring around Salt Water City, while Kirilow must save the Grist Sister's forest commune. The book switches between the perspectives of Truong and Kung, offering distinct voices that blend to create a unified reality. The narration delves into elements of different cultures, history, and surreal dystopian themes, provoking thoughts on science, morality, and politics.

The Tiger Flu by Larissa Lai is a sci-fi novel set in a future where genetically grown humans, dystopia, and chaos reign. It features a Chinese Canadian main character, Haida characters, and kid characters, targeting an adult readership. The book is described as a horrifying and fascinating vision of the future, exploring the consequences of embracing wrong technologies and shaping an unconventional narrative that leaves a lasting impact on readers.

The Book of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch is a futuristic dystopian feminist retelling of the Joan of Arc story set in a world ravaged by environmental factors and war. The plot revolves around a small colony of privileged human beings living in space under a corrupted leader, while a rebel figure named Joan emerges as a symbol of hope and resistance. The writing style is described as bold, visceral, and philosophically searching, with elements of creation and destruction, nature and technology, and gender and the body interwoven into a complex narrative.

In the book 'An Excess Male' by Maggie Shen King, the story is set in 2030 China, where the country is grappling with the effects of its one-child policy, resulting in an excess of 40 million unmarriageable men. The protagonist, Wei guo, seeks to become the third husband of May Ling, navigating a complex family dynamic involving her two very different brothers as husbands. The dystopian China portrayed in the book serves as a character in itself, observing and influencing the characters' actions as they navigate a potentially dangerous situation. The writing style is engaging and captivating, delving into themes of family dynamics, relationships, gender roles, and societal control in a futuristic setting.

After a devastating pandemic kills off most of the male population, 'Afterland' by Lauren Beukes follows the story of Cole and her son Miles, who is one of the few remaining males immune to the virus. The novel explores their journey as they try to escape captivity in the United States and make their way back to South Africa. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dealing with a religious cult, dodging authorities, and navigating a world where women are now in charge. The alternating points of view between Cole, Miles, and Cole's sister Billie provide insight into their struggles and motivations as they navigate a post-pandemic world.

Far from the Light of Heaven by Tade Thompson is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Michelle Shell Campion, the captain of the starship Ragtime, who discovers a murder mystery onboard involving 31 passengers on their way to the colony world Bloodroot. As the investigation unfolds, the narrative blends elements of a locked room mystery with space opera, featuring intriguing characters, including AI entities, and a well-thought-out world-building that feels realistic. The writing style is described as compelling, with a mix of action, mystery, and exploration of complex themes such as corporate power, government, and colonialism.

'The Women Could Fly' by Megan Giddings is a unique blend of magic and realism, set in a world where women are oppressed due to suspicions of witchcraft. The story follows Josephine, a woman facing societal expectations and challenges as she navigates a world where women must marry by a certain age or face consequences. The narrative is filled with thought-provoking questions about power dynamics, freedom, and the struggles faced by women and marginalized groups.

Through a mix of flashbacks and a dreamlike writing style, the book explores themes of feminism, race consciousness, and the power dynamics between individuals. The plot unfolds with a slow-moving yet captivating pace, leading readers through a world that mirrors our reality in unsettling ways, making them question societal norms and the impact of oppression on growth and freedom.

In 'Hummingbird Salamander' by Jeff VanderMeer, the story follows Jane Smith, a security consultant who receives a mysterious note and key from an eco terrorist named Silvina, leading her to a storage locker containing a taxidermied hummingbird. As Jane delves deeper into the clues left by Silvina, she uncovers a dark conspiracy that puts her in danger, testing her both physically and mentally. The novel is described as a twisty eco thriller with a noir vibe, blending intrigue, climate ecology awareness, and a sense of impending doom as the world around Jane begins to unravel.

The narrative of 'Hummingbird Salamander' is intricately woven, with complex characters and a carefully plotted storyline that keeps the tension high as the action unfolds. The writing style is praised for its unique twist on the thriller genre, offering a blend of mystery, suspense, and a reflection on society's treatment of nature. The protagonist, Jane Smith, is depicted as a strong and capable woman, physically and mentally, who navigates a dangerous world filled with unseen enemies and dark conspiracies, ultimately leading to a series of revelations that challenge her perceptions of reality and morality.

"Stand on Zanzibar" by John Brunner is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future world of overpopulation, governmental control, and societal chaos. The plot follows multiple characters, such as Donald Hogan and Norman House, as they navigate a world where human reproduction is heavily regulated, and global events unfold in a fragmented and interconnected manner. The writing style of the novel is described as experimental, combining different narrative techniques like snippets of popular culture, newsreel-style chapters, and interspersed source material to create a rich and immersive reading experience.

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline is a dystopian novel set in a future Canada where indigenous people are hunted for their bone marrow, the key to dreaming which the rest of the population has lost. The story follows Frenchie, a 16-year-old Metis boy who joins a group of indigenous people fleeing north to escape the recruiters. Through a nonlinear narrative, the book explores themes of survival, loss, family, and the exploitation of indigenous cultures in a post-apocalyptic world.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a beautiful and magical book that weaves together the stories of characters in London and Cyprus across different time periods. The narrative starts with young Amy's traumatic day at school and explores the tension between the Turkish and Greek communities in Cyprus. The unique aspect of the book is the narrator being a fig tree, offering a fresh perspective on the unfolding events. Through vivid writing and language, the book transports readers to the island, making them feel like they are part of the story. The story delves into themes of love, war, colonialization, and the impact of past wounds on future generations, all while incorporating elements of magical realism seamlessly.