Books Like...

'Thirteen' by Richard K. Morgan is a science fiction novel set in a future where genetically modified humans, known as thirteens, are created to be super soldiers. The protagonist, Carl Marsalis, is a thirteen tasked with hunting down other thirteens who have gone rogue. The book delves into themes of genetic engineering, societal prejudices, and the consequences of creating a subspecies of humans. The writing style is described as a mix of hard-boiled detective story and noir fiction, with elements of thriller, mystery, and dystopia.

The plot of 'Thirteen' is a fast-paced thriller that intertwines action, violence, and thought-provoking discussions on history, evolution, racism, and religion. The narrative explores a complex world where societal norms have shifted, leading to conflicts surrounding genetically modified humans and power dynamics. The book offers a blend of science fiction elements with a cop drama vibe, featuring cerebral themes alongside intense scenes of sex and violence.

George Alec Effinger's 'When Gravity Fails' is a cyberpunk detective noir novel set in a future Middle Eastern world where the protagonist, Marid Audran, navigates a dark and gritty society filled with sex, drugs, and murder. The story follows Marid as he becomes entangled in solving a mystery while exploring themes of identity, faith, and societal issues in a world where technology plays a significant role in modifying personalities.

Effinger's writing style combines elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with cyberpunk, creating a unique and immersive world that blends traditional noir storytelling with futuristic technology. The narrative delves into the complexities of the characters and the setting, offering a fast-paced and intriguing read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Hardwired by Walter Jon Williams is a cyberpunk thriller that presents a somewhat dark vision of earth's future. The novel details the attempts of a few individuals to remain free in a world dominated by evil human overlords and new technology. Set in a post-apocalyptic urban cyberpunk landscape with elements of military SF and western, the book follows deeply flawed heroes navigating through inhuman circumstances and engaging in high-octane adventures.

Change Agent by Daniel Suarez is a thrilling science fiction novel set in the year 2045, exploring the implications of advanced genetic engineering technology. The story follows Kenneth Durand, an Interpol agent who is injected with a "change agent" that alters his DNA, turning him into a wanted criminal. As Durand races against time to reclaim his original DNA, he navigates a world where genetic modification is commonplace and black market activities pose a threat to society. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, well-developed characters, and plausible yet mind-bending speculations about the future of genetic engineering.

Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan is a futuristic noir thriller set in a world where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred to different bodies. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, an ex UN envoy who is hired to investigate a suspicious suicide, leading him into a complex murder mystery. The book explores themes of power, immortality, and societal inequality in a gritty, cyberpunk setting. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and reminiscent of classic hardboiled detective novels, with a focus on action and intricate world-building.

When a private space agency embarks on a mission to colonise Mars with life sentence inmates, things begin to go wrong and a thrilling spacey locked room mystery unfolds. The book follows Frank Kittridge, a murderer offered a chance to build a station on Mars instead of spending life in prison, but the catch is it's a one-way trip with a killer among the group. The story combines near future science with human behavior, creating a unique setting for a decent thriller with a fast-paced, tense narrative.

'Red Planet' by Robert A. Heinlein is a juvenile science fiction novel set on Mars, following the adventures of young colonists as they navigate the challenges of early colonization. The story revolves around themes of rebellion, friendship, and survival as the characters face off against corrupt Company henchmen and explore the mysteries of the Martian society. Heinlein's writing style immerses readers in a world filled with flora, fauna, and strong silent Martians, creating a vivid and detailed portrayal of life on the red planet.

Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson is the final book in the Sprawl series, bringing together various storylines from the previous books. The plot involves intertwined narratives of characters like Angie Mitchell, a cyberspace celebrity, Kumiko, a young Japanese girl with a mobster father, and Slick and Gentry living in the wasteland. The writing style is described as dense, detailed, and high tech, with a focus on character development and a grand climax that ties up loose ends from the series.

Virtual Light by William Gibson is a cyberpunk novel set in a near future, dystopian California. The story follows Berry Rydell, an ex-cop turned private security guard, and Chevette, a bike messenger, whose lives intertwine after Chevette steals a pair of high-tech sunglasses with valuable data. The novel explores a divided society, with the Golden Gate Bridge turned into a squatters' paradise, reflecting themes of wealth and poverty, power and powerlessness. Gibson's writing style is described as vivid, with a focus on world-building and character development, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic San Francisco.

In the book 'Nexus' by Ramez Naam, a futuristic drug named Nexus allows individuals to link minds and share thoughts. The story follows Kaden Lane and his friends who manipulate Nexus to enhance its effects, leading to a conflict with the government. As they navigate the dangers of espionage and international intrigue, the characters grapple with the ethical implications of mind control technology. The novel blends elements of action, espionage, and science fiction, exploring the potential consequences of advanced neural technology in a world where power struggles threaten to reshape society.