Books Like...

Set in an alternate reality where slavery is legal in four states, 'Underground Airlines' follows Victor, a black bounty hunter tasked with tracking down escaped slaves. As Victor delves into his latest case, involving an escapee named Jackdaw, he uncovers a dark secret that challenges his beliefs and forces him to question his own past. The book combines elements of thriller and detective genres, offering a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of race, history, and society in a chillingly realistic manner.

In the future world of 'Golden State' by Ben H. Winters, California has become a country where truth is the ultimate law, and lying is considered a grave crime. The protagonist, Laszlo Ratesic, works as a speculator, a truth enforcer who investigates crimes based on the concept of truth. As he delves into a seemingly accidental death, he uncovers anomalies that lead to a complex and dangerous investigation. The novel combines elements of a crime thriller with a dystopian setting, exploring themes of reality, truth, and the consequences of living in a society built on absolute truth.

'Golden State' presents a unique world where lying is forbidden, and every action is monitored to maintain the truth. The story follows Laszlo's journey as he navigates a society where fiction is unknown, and all aspects of life are recorded. The novel weaves together a mystery plot with thought-provoking questions about truth, society, and the nature of reality, creating a compelling narrative that challenges readers' perceptions.

After The End by Amy Plum is a captivating story that follows Juneau, a young girl from an isolated village in Alaska, who embarks on a journey to rescue her abducted clan members. The book alternates between Juneau's perspective and Miles', the son of a pharmaceutical tycoon, who joins her in the quest. With elements of survival, trust, and a touch of the supernatural, the story unfolds as Juneau navigates the modern world and Miles learns important life lessons through their evolving relationship.

Set in a near future totalitarian state, "Kallocain" follows the story of Leo Kall, a scientist who invents a truth serum drug named Kallocain that compels people to tell nothing but the truth. Initially naïve and loyal to the regime, Leo soon realizes the potential impact of the drug on his relationship with his wife, leading to a series of events that challenge his beliefs and loyalties. The book delves into themes of thought control, individuality, and the consequences of living in a society where every word spoken is scrutinized. Through eloquent writing and a gripping plot, the author, Karin Boye, paints a bleak yet thought-provoking picture of a dystopian world.

'The Future' by Naomi Alderman is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of power, inequality, and the consequences of technological advancements. The plot follows a group of individuals who challenge the status quo and attempt to change the world for the better. The writing style is described as complex yet engaging, with unexpected twists and well-developed characters that keep the readers hooked till the end.

'Little Eyes' by Samanta Schweblin revolves around the concept of kentukis, small robotic creatures controlled by individuals connected online. The story spans across different countries, exploring the relationships between the kentuki keepers and the dwellers. The narrative delves into the consequences of allowing strangers to have access to one's personal space through these little machines, raising questions about privacy, trust, and human connections in the digital age. Schweblin's writing style is described as original, creepy, and speculative, with a focus on interconnected tales that form a novel exploring the blurred lines between reality, virtual reality, and online presence.

'Glimmer of Hope' in the series 'Land of Tomorrow' by Ryan King is a post-apocalyptic tale that follows the journey of Nathan and his family as they navigate through survival amidst radiation, starvation, and murder in a desolate world. The plot quickly transitions into a story of peace, hope, and goodwill juxtaposed with greed, selfishness, and tyranny. The narrative unfolds in a setting where new governments are formed rapidly after a nuclear war, leading to a civil war scenario between different groups, criminal gangs, and loners. The author skillfully weaves in military tactics and details, creating a unique blend of post-apocalyptic and military genres that keep the story engaging and realistic.

Blind Faith by Ben Elton is a dystopian novel set in a future society where privacy is illegal, and every aspect of individuals' lives is meant to be shared online. The protagonist, Trafford Sewell, struggles against the oppressive state that controls thoughts and behaviors, leading him to seek a way out and find a deeper meaning to his life. The book presents a satirical take on societal issues such as self-obsession, lack of privacy, and the dominance of religion over reason, creating a darkly humorous and thought-provoking narrative.

In the future, America descends into civil war after climate change and other disasters lead the national government to try to ban fossil fuels. Sarat, a refugee girl, becomes a terrorist after a massacre at her refugee camp, recruited by a man funded by a foreign empire that wants the civil war to keep going. American War brilliantly captures what a second Civil War could look like if the south rose again at the end of the twenty-first century. The novel is the story of one woman, whose actions shape America's history in the future. Tomboy Sarat Sara T. and her family live in Louisiana, one of the border states to the Red Southern zone of the US. The Free Southern States are a group of only 4 states that are defying the order to not use fossil fuels. This will lead to the Second American Civil War.

In "Jennifer Government" by Max Barry, the story is set in an alternate present where corporations wield immense power, influencing every aspect of society. The plot revolves around a world where taxes are illegal, employees take on the surnames of the companies they work for, and the government is reduced to a figurehead, unable to challenge the dominance of corporate entities. The narrative follows a cast of characters as they navigate a dystopian society where capitalism reigns supreme, exploring themes of consumerism, corporate greed, and the consequences of a world driven by profit.

The writing style of the book is described as satirical and fast-paced, offering a clever and entertaining look at a future where big businesses control the world. The author, Max Barry, creates a believable and thought-provoking world that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, all while maintaining a sense of humor and intrigue throughout the narrative.