Books Like...

'The Invincible' by Stanisław Lem is a hard science fiction novel that follows the story of a military spaceship named Invincible sent to investigate a world where her sister ship has been destroyed. The plot is described as solid hard SF, with the conclusion portraying the hero facing the ruthless and mysterious ecology of the cosmos, reminiscent of something out of Camus. explores man confronting the unknowable immensities and features an alien encounter scenario where experts try to solve the mysteries of the alien presence on a foreign world.

'Our Missing Hearts' by Celeste Ng is a dystopian novel set in a future world where a movement protests against an American law allowing children to be removed from parents with unAmerican views. The story follows Bird, the main character, as he searches for his mother, Margaret, who is involved in the protest movement. The narrative explores themes of fear, social injustice, and the power of storytelling, with a writing style that is compelling, imaginative, and filled with beautiful prose. delves into the complexities of family relationships, loss, and the impact of authoritarian regimes on individuals and society.

'Revelation Space' by Alastair Reynolds is a space opera that delves into a complex universe filled with alien civilizations, advanced technologies, and mysterious ancient artifacts. The story follows characters like Dr. Dan Sylveste, Ana Khouri, and Sajaki as they navigate through a plot that involves lost civilizations, rogue AIs, and interstellar conflicts. The writing style of the book is often described as imaginative and intricate, with a focus on detailed descriptions of futuristic settings and technologies.

In this wacky sci-fi comedy, May, a waitress, finds herself abducted by aliens and forced into space-faring food service. When she sees a chance at escape, she jumps on it, but things don't go according to plan. Now a passenger aboard the rocket ship The Audacity, alongside an alien with a longstanding I Love Lucy obsession, May needs to find a way to pay the bills and rescue planet earth from a Chaos Goddess with an expansive tooth collection. The book features a delightful cast of characters, including Xan, a blue-skinned alien who adores I Love Lucy, and May, a Sonic employee who just wants to get home using her 'Key Fist'. The plot is constantly moving, filled with insane grammar due to time travel, and May emerges as a superhero while trying to foil Chaos and keep Xan in line and alive.

The Audacity series by Laura Carmen Loup is a comedic sci-fi adventure filled with humor, weird concepts, outlandish but endearing characters, and a writing style reminiscent of Douglas Adams. The book lovingly pivots from familiar set-ups into unique tales, with bright, colorful, and snarky characters, and a fun, insightful voice that rings true to fans of comedic sci-fi fantasy.

In a future where medical science has eradicated most diseases, 'The Continuous Katherine Mortenhoe' explores the life of Katherine Mortenhoe, a middle-aged woman diagnosed with a rare terminal illness. As she faces her impending death, she becomes the target of a reality TV show, highlighting the voyeuristic nature of society. The book delves into themes of mortality, privacy, and the exploitation of human suffering for entertainment. Through well-developed characters like Katherine and Roddie, the author, D.G. Compton, presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges societal norms and explores the impact of technology on human relationships.

The writing style in 'The Continuous Katherine Mortenhoe' is engaging and filled with deep and resonant ideas. Compton skillfully weaves together themes of voyeurism, human dignity, and the necessity of death and grief in our lives. The plot, set in a near-future world, offers a prescient commentary on reality television and the loss of humanity in a society obsessed with fame and voyeuristic sensationalism.

'Saturn Run' by John Sandford and Ctein is a science fiction novel set in the near future, specifically in the year 2066, focusing on the competition between China and America to reach Saturn. The story involves space exploration, political implications on Earth, and features technology that is within reach, making it a believable and intriguing read. The plot revolves around the race to Saturn, with well-developed characters and an engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked till the end.

In "Neptune's Brood" by Charles Stross, readers are taken on a journey through a world of more human than human computerized people, exploring the impact of interstellar movement on time, family, and business. The story delves into a complex narrative of intrigue, loyalties, and betrayal, all set in a universe where posthumanity has colonized many worlds at sublight speeds, financing their expansion through a unique blockchain lending and debt system. The protagonist, Krina Alizond, a clone daughter of a prominent financier, embarks on a quest to uncover a dangerous secret, facing financial scams, religious zealots, pirates, and law enforcement along the way.

Stross skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, addressing themes of financial fraud, interstellar space travel, body modification, and deep-sea diving. The narrative is punctuated with moments of wry humor and unexpected twists, creating a captivating space opera that challenges readers to contemplate the complexities of running a currency across vast distances when limited to slower-than-light travel.

The Moon and the Other by John Kessel is a speculative social commentary wearing sci-fi drag, exploring the complexities of a matriarchal society on the moon and its interactions with patriarchal colonies. The novel delves into themes of feminism, societal reform, and the differences between men and women, all set within a political science fiction narrative. The book presents a beautiful and tragic story with flawed, human characters navigating relationships and societal challenges, ultimately reflecting on themes of morality, meaning, and humanity.

In 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood, readers are introduced to Olive Smith, a PhD student in biology, who navigates the challenges of being a woman in STEM while trying to prove a scientific theory about attraction and relationships. The story follows Olive's journey as she grapples with her insecurities, self-discovery, and professional ambitions, all while engaging in a strained professional partnership turned romance with the charming Dr. Adam Carlsen. The book expertly blends elements of romance, humor, and academia, offering a heartwarming and sweet narrative that explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

The novel shines in its portrayal of relatable and multifaceted characters, particularly Olive and Adam, whose chemistry and interactions leap off the pages. Ali Hazelwood's writing style is engaging, filled with witty banter and authentic dialogues that create a delightful rapport between the characters. The story unfolds through Olive's unique perspective, allowing readers to witness her moments of vulnerability, self-doubt, and eventual growth, all while experiencing a perfect blend of humor, heart, and a touch of academia.

'And Then I Woke Up' by Malcolm Devlin is a unique take on the zombie genre, exploring the blurred lines between reality and perception. The book delves into a post-apocalyptic world where a plague causes individuals to believe others are turning into monsters, leading to horrifying consequences. Through engaging narration, the story unfolds to reveal the challenges of living with the knowledge of causing harm and the allure of conspiracy theories. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of social and political allegory, questioning how easily perceptions can be manipulated by the information people are exposed to.

The storytelling style of 'And Then I Woke Up' adds depth to the narrative, with vivid characters sharing their experiences in a way that reflects contemporary issues. The book presents a thought-provoking exploration of trust, reality, and the impact of belief systems on individual actions. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey that challenges their understanding of truth and raises questions about the nature of reality itself.