Books Like...
'Perfect State' by Brandon Sanderson explores a futuristic world where humanity exists as brains in jars living in personalized virtual worlds. The protagonist, Emperor Kairominas, is faced with the task of procreation, leading him to interact with another liveborn human in a border state. The novella delves into themes of self-discovery, human relationships, and the concept of reality in a thought-provoking and engaging manner. The writing style combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, offering a unique take on the idea of simulated universes and individual satisfaction.
If you liked Perfect State, here are the top 23 books to read next:
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Save:'Snapshot' by Brandon Sanderson is a science fiction novella set in a world where entire cities can be recreated virtually for detectives to investigate crimes. The story follows detectives Anthony Davis and Chaz as they uncover a larger crime while investigating a murder. The concept of a 'Snapshot' where a virtual copy of the world from a few days ago can be created is central to the plot, reminiscent of movies like Source Code and The Matrix. explores the consequences of living in a 'fake' world and the challenges faced by the characters in solving the crime within this unique setting.
Chaz grinned, showing perfect white teeth. They were fake. After taking that bar stool to the face two years back, he’d gotten one replaced, but had insisted that the dentist make it too perfect to ma... - #2
Save:'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... - #3
Save:Illegal Alien by Robert J. Sawyer is a science fiction novel that delves into the intersection of legal systems and alien encounters. The story follows the trial of an alien named Hask, who is accused of murder after a human scientist is killed during the aliens' visit to Earth. The book intricately weaves together elements of courtroom drama, mystery, and science fiction, exploring themes of justice, trust, and deception. Sawyer's writing style captivates readers with compelling characters, detailed world-building, and a surprise ending that keeps them intrigued until the last page.
Francis Nobilio, a short white man of fifty with wavy hair mixed evenly between brown and gray, was sitting in a vinyl-upholstered metal chair. He was wearing a two-piece dark-blue business suit and a... - #4
Save:Red Planet Blues by Robert J. Sawyer is a sci-fi detective novel set in a future Mars colony where prospectors hunt for Martian fossils, reminiscent of a frontier gold rush. The story follows the hard-boiled private investigator, Alex Lomax, as he navigates through a plot filled with twists, betrayals, and identity theft involving transfers of consciousness into android bodies. The narrative combines elements of hard-boiled noir detective fiction, science fiction, and frontier storytelling, creating a unique and engaging blend of genres.
The book explores themes of human transference into artificial bodies, the pursuit of immortality through technology, and the consequences of identity theft in a futuristic setting. With a backdrop of a domed city on Mars and a society driven by the discovery of valuable Martian fossils, the story mixes humor, suspense, and mystery, offering a fast-paced and entertaining read for fans of noir and science fiction.
The door to my office slid open. “Hello,” I said, rising from my chair. “You must be my nine o’clock.” I said it as if I had a ten o’clock and an eleven o’clock, but I didn’t. The whole Martian econom... - #5
Save:'Legion' by Brandon Sanderson follows the story of Stephen Leeds, a genius private investigator with schizophrenia who sees and converses with hallucinatory people in his mind, known as aspects. These aspects help him solve cases by providing him with knowledge and skills he doesn't consciously possess. The novellas in the series explore Stephen's unique condition, his evolving capabilities, and the mysteries he investigates, all while delving into the depths of belief and reality. The writing style of the book is described as imaginative, fun, and engaging, with a touch of humor and a noir feel to it.
Ivy rolled her eyes, but Tobias—an African American man who was growing a little unsteady on his feet, now that he was getting on in years—just laughed a hearty, full-throated laugh. He climbed out of... - #6
Save:"Starplex" by Robert J. Sawyer is a hard science fiction novel that explores deep space exploration, alien cultures, first contact, and cosmological mysteries. The story follows the crew of a far-future space station as they encounter races of intelligent beings, grapple with time travel, and navigate complex relationships while uncovering unexpected truths about the universe. The writing style is described as reminiscent of a captivating Star Trek episode, filled with neat ideas, good characters, and thought-provoking philosophical elements.
It had been like a gift from the gods: the discovery that the Milky Way galaxy was permeated by a vast network of artificial shortcuts that allowed for instantaneous journeys between star systems. No ... In Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell, Brandon Sanderson crafts a dark and gritty novella that follows Silence Montane, an innkeeper with a secret, who navigates a dangerous world filled with creepy Shades and strict rules. As a bounty hunter and a grieving widow, Silence must protect her children and her inn, facing dangerous criminals and threats that emerge within the dangerous forest. Sanderson's writing style is captivating, with compelling characters, a gripping story, and an imaginative fantasy world that defies contemporary tropes.
Silence Montane closed the door to the common room, then turned and pressed her back against it. She tried to still her racing heart by breathing in and out. Had she made any obvious signs? Did they k...- #8
Save:'Sixth of the Dusk' by Brandon Sanderson is a Cosmere novella set in a world with unique world-building elements. The story follows Dusk, a trapper specializing in catching magical birds that grant powers, as he navigates dangerous islands filled with deadly creatures. The plot delves into the complexities of the fading native trapping culture, the advances of civilization, and the arrival of an advanced alien race known as The Ones Above.
The writing style of 'Sixth of the Dusk' is praised for its originality, intricate world-building, and engaging storytelling. The novella explores themes of mystery, adventure, and the clash between traditional practices and technological advancements in a captivating manner.
Death hunted beneath the waves. Dusk saw it approach, an enormous blackness within the deep blue, a shadowed form as wide as six narrowboats tied together. Dusk’s hands tensed on his paddle, his heart... - #9
Save:In 'Fuzzy Nation', Scalzi revisits the classic science fiction tale of encountering a race of small, fuzzy humanoids on a planet being exploited by a large corporation. The story follows Jack Holloway, a contractor who stumbles upon these creatures and must fight against corporate greed to prove their sentience. The narrative is fast-paced, featuring elements of legal drama, humor, and engaging characters like the lovable rogue Jack and the adorable Fuzzies.
The book combines witty sci-fi storytelling with a legal thriller theme, exploring the consequences of corporate exploitation and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the discovery of sentient life forms. Scalzi's writing style is described as accessible and humorous, making the story both enjoyable and thought-provoking for readers. The plot unfolds with surprising twists, presenting complex ideas in a fluid and entertaining manner, ultimately delivering a tale that balances action, humor, and social commentary.
“I can’t believe we have to go through this again,” Holloway said. “It’s not that I don’t value you as part of this team, Carl. I do. Really, I do. But I can’t help but think that in some way, I’m jus... - #10
Save:In a near future world where a virus has caused a condition known as 'lock in', where individuals are fully conscious but physically paralyzed, rookie FBI agent Chris Shane, who is a Haden, navigates a murder case with his partner Leslie Vann. The book combines elements of science fiction, police procedural, and thriller genres, exploring the societal implications of the disease and the use of technology to integrate locked-in individuals into society. The plot unfolds as Shane and Vann unravel a complex murder mystery intertwined with high-stakes political and corporate interests, set against the backdrop of a world grappling with the aftermath of a devastating pandemic.
The narrative delves into themes of identity, prejudice, power struggles, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology and healthcare in a post-pandemic society. John Scalzi's writing style blends intricate world-building, fast-paced action, and thought-provoking concepts, creating a gripping story that challenges readers to contemplate the consequences of advanced technology on humanity and individual autonomy.
MY FIRST DAY on the job coincided with the first day of the Haden Walkout, and I’m not going to lie, that was some awkward timing. A feed of me walking into the FBI building got a fair amount of play ...
