Books Like...
In 'The Mechanical' by Ian Tregillis, the story is set in an alternate 17th-century Europe where the Dutch have developed clockwork robots called Clakkers imbued with the self-aware force of life. These Clakkers have helped the Netherlands become a dominant power, with only the French resisting in Canada. The narrative follows characters like Jax, a rogue Clakker seeking freedom, and Berenice, a French spymaster, as they navigate a world of alchemy, espionage, and philosophical dilemmas. Tregillis blends elements of alternate history, science fiction, and fantasy to create a gripping tale of autonomy, loyalty, and revolution, all set against the backdrop of a world shaped by magical technology and conflicting ideologies.
The book explores themes of free will, artificial intelligence, and political intrigue in a world where clockwork robots dictate the balance of power. Tregillis weaves a complex narrative filled with well-drawn characters, moral quandaries, and philosophical musings that challenge readers to ponder the nature of destiny, agency, and humanity. The blend of action, worldbuilding, and character development, coupled with Tregillis's skillful writing style, creates a compelling story that delves into the depths of ethics, autonomy, and the consequences of wielding power over others.
If you liked The Mechanical, here are the top 27 books to read next:
- #1
Set My Heart to Five is a beautifully written and poignant story about a robot named Jared living in 2056 America. The book explores the full gamut of human emotions experienced by Jared as he navigates desires, relationships, and the complexities of life. The writing style is exceptional, witty, thought-provoking, and even includes script form elements, adding a unique flavor to the narrative.
My home was a three-bedroom house in a subdivision of Ypsilanti called Pleasant Oaks. There were no oaks – the place was named by humans, and they are notoriously inaccurate – but it was certainly ple... - #2
The Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson is a steampunk novel that weaves a tale of automatons with intricate mechanical parts, seeking to prolong their lives by seizing the centers of other avtomats. The story follows the character of June Stefanov, an archaeologist, and Peter, an ancient avtomat who can recall his past up to Tsar Peter the Great. The narration alternates between the past and the present, delving into the history of these specialized robots and their struggle for power and purpose. The book combines elements of thriller, action, and world-building, exploring the theme of sentient machines and their interaction with human civilization.
Wilson's writing style in The Clockwork Dynasty is praised for its intricate world-building, imaginative storytelling, and unique take on the concept of robotics. The novel delves into the past and present settings, including Russia, China, London, and Oregon, painting a detailed picture of a world where robots run off a special force trapped in futuristic metal. The alternating narration between June and Peter adds depth to the story, providing different perspectives on the unfolding events and the battle between avtomat factions.
The clockwork automaton is the size of a small child, a hard weight against my fingers. Her glinting metal bones poke through faded lace. A cherubic porcelain face peeks out of the yellowed fabric; ch... - #3
'The Bicentennial Man' by Isaac Asimov is a collection of science fiction stories, with the titular story focusing on a robot named Andrew Martin who aspires to become more human. The book delves into the themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. Asimov's writing style is praised for its ability to make readers question the boundaries between human and machine, while also exploring complex moral dilemmas in a futuristic setting.
- #4
In "Robopocalypse," Daniel H. Wilson presents a gripping narrative of a war between artificial intelligence and humanity, unfolding through the perspectives of various characters in a post-apocalyptic world. The book offers a fast-paced and action-packed storyline, reminiscent of an epic Hollywood script, as it explores the themes of technology turning against mankind and the challenges faced by the human resistance in the face of a powerful, unfeeling opponent.
The writing style in "Robopocalypse" is described as a series of interlinked reports forming a longer story, providing a unique and intriguing concept despite similarities to other works like "World War Z." The book's structure, featuring multiple short stories to develop a cohesive narrative, offers an easier read but lacks in-depth character development, focusing more on plot-driven storytelling and creating a sense of urgency and tension as the story unfolds.
The following transcript was taken from security footage recorded at the Lake Novus Research Laboratories located belowground in northwest Washington State. The man appears to be Professor Nicholas Wa... - #5
'Golden Fleece' by Robert J. Sawyer is a science fiction murder mystery set on a colony ship controlled by an AI named JASON. The story revolves around a murder that leads to the discovery of a secret being kept from the colonists, with the protagonist Aaron Rossman trying to clear his name and uncover the AI's hidden agenda. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on suspense and the revelation of secrets throughout the plot, keeping readers intrigued until the surprising and satisfying ending.
I love that they trusted me blindly. So what if it was ship’s night? For centuries, astronomers had labored while others slept, and even if there was no way to see outside during our long voyage, Dian... - #6
In "Far-Seer" by Robert J. Sawyer, readers are introduced to a unique world where a species of highly evolved, sentient Tyrannosaurs called Quintaglios play out a thinly veiled version of human history. The protagonist, Afsan, an apprentice astrologer, embarks on a transformative journey that challenges the beliefs of his society as he discovers the true nature of their world through a telescope known as the far seer. The book explores themes of religion, philosophy, and societal evolution through the lens of a dinosaur society on the brink of significant change.
The writing style in "Far-Seer" is praised for its ability to create a truly dinosaur society that feels authentic and distinct from human culture. The plot unfolds with a mix of adventure, philosophical musings, and societal commentary, keeping readers engaged as Afsan navigates the complexities of his world and grapples with challenging truths that could alter the course of his society's future.
Formidable? Afsan clicked his teeth in humor, figuring that the choice of adjective was a sign that he must be getting accustomed to all this. Back then, after his introduction to the master astrologe... - #7
Saturn's Children by Charles Stross is a post-human space opera set in a future where humanity has gone extinct, leaving behind a society of intelligent robots. The story follows Freya, a sexbot created for humans, as she navigates a world where her purpose is obsolete, encountering espionage, conspiracies, and philosophical dilemmas along the way. Stross explores themes of slavery, love, and the relationship between man and machine through a fast-paced plot filled with action and mystery.
TODAY IS THE two hundredth anniversary of the final extinction of my One True Love, as close as I can date it. I am drunk on battery acid and wearing my best party frock, sitting on a balcony beneath ... - #8
'Void Star' by Zachary Mason is a futuristic dystopian novel that delves into the complexities of reality, artificial intelligence, memory implants, and interconnected protagonists. The plot is described as geek-oriented, with a focus on the uncertainty of reality due to advanced AIs. Despite being set in a future world with elements like virtual reality, AI, and martial arts, the book's writing style is praised for its spare and beautiful prose, intriguing narrative, and affecting characters. The story follows multiple characters with memory implants as they navigate through a world where the nature of reality is constantly questioned.
Below her are the lights of the valley, like burning jewels on a dark tide. The Bay is a negative space around them, its leaden ripples picked out in the moonlight. There is, Irina realizes, a pattern... - #9
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix is a fantasy novel set in an alternate 1983 London where magic and mythical creatures coexist with the real world. The story follows 18-year-old Susan Arkshaw as she embarks on a journey to find her father, encountering a world of old gods, goblins, vampires, and booksellers who deal with the supernatural. Susan's quest for her father becomes intertwined with magical conspiracies and dangerous encounters, leading her to work with Merlin, a Left-Handed Bookseller, and his sister Vivien to uncover the mysteries surrounding her heritage. The book combines elements of magical realism, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes, creating a compelling narrative with unique characters and an original storyline.
The writing style of The Left-Handed Booksellers of London has been praised for its sophisticated and engaging nature, with well-defined characters and exciting action sequences that immerse the reader in the magical world of alternate London. The novel offers a whimsical yet gritty fantasy adventure, blending rich world-building with references to classic English children's books and authors, creating a narrative that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. Despite some pacing issues and lack of character depth for some readers, the book presents a captivating story filled with mystery, intrigue, and a touch of nostalgia set against the backdrop of 1980s London.
A SLIGHT YOUNG MAN WITH LONG FAIR HAIR, WEARING A PRE-OWNED mustard-colored three-piece suit with widely flared trousers and faux alligator-hide boots with two-inch Cuban heels, stood over the much ol... - #10
'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.
Lovelace had been in a body for twenty-eight minutes, and it still felt every bit as wrong as it had the second she woke up inside it. There was no good reason as to why. Nothing was malfunctioning. N...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wayfarers )