Books Like...
In 'Anyone' by Charles Soule, a new technology called 'the Flash' allows people to transfer their consciousness into another living person for a period of time, leading to societal transformations in areas such as employment, travel, and even war. The story follows a scientist, Gabrielle White, who discovers the technology accidentally and sets out to protect her discovery, while also exploring a future world where the technology has both positive and dark implications. The narrative alternates between Gabby's discovery and a future where the technology, known as 'flash,' has become widespread, leading to a cautionary vision of the future.
If you liked Anyone, here are the top 20 books to read next:
- #1
Join by Steve Toutonghi is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of merging consciousness and memories while retaining separate bodies. The story follows Chance and Leap, two groups of individuals who undergo a surgery to connect their minds and become a single consciousness. Chance, a respected doctor, is diagnosed with a rare cancer, while Leap faces tragedies within their group. As the story unfolds, the novel delves into the complexities of identity, social issues, and the consequences of joining minds.
Toutonghi's writing style intricately weaves together engaging and varied characters, thought-provoking plot points, and a richly developed world where technology and human nature collide. The narrative skillfully balances individual struggles with broader societal implications, creating a compelling exploration of what it means to be human in a world where consciousness can be shared.
Chance Two flicks off her retinal display, even as her broadcast gets its first sympathetic response—a glowing exclamation mark briefly suspended in the sunlight that’s warming the plane’s cockpit. Th... - #2
"The Last Day" by Andrew Hunter Murray is a dystopian novel set in a future where the Earth has stopped rotating, leading to extreme weather conditions. The protagonist, Dr. Ellie Hopper, navigates a world of mystery and intrigue as she uncovers secrets that could bring down the totalitarian government of Britain. The book is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with suspense, keeping readers hooked until the very end. Despite some inconsistencies in the world-building, the novel presents a unique concept that explores the consequences of a catastrophic event on society.
The writing style of Andrew Hunter Murray in "The Last Day" is described as cinematic, with vivid details that bring the post-apocalyptic world to life. The plot is centered around Dr. Hopper's quest for truth, highlighting themes of survival, government control, and the resilience of the human spirit. While some readers found the ending lackluster and certain aspects predictable, the overall narrative is captivating and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read for fans of dystopian fiction.
This one looked like it had been drifting for decades. It hung low in the water, its former use impossible to tell: the paint on the hull was almost all gone, the lumps of iron scattered on the deck r... - #3Airby:
'Air' by Geoff Ryman is a science fiction novel that explores the societal and interpersonal implications of a telepathic Internet called Air, set in a rural village in Central Asia. The story follows Chung Mae, a peasant entrepreneur, as she navigates the arrival of new technology and the challenges it brings to her community. The book delves into themes of adaptation, change, community, and the impact of modern technology on traditional ways of life.
Mae would sketch what was being worn in the capital. She would always add a special touch: a lime-green scarf with sequins; or a lacy ruffle with colorful embroidery. A good dress was for display. “We... - #4
The Oracle Year by Charles Soule is a science fiction novel that follows Will Dando, a struggling bassist in NYC, who wakes up one day with 108 predictions from a dream. Will starts sharing these predictions on a website he creates, causing major social upheavals and attracting the attention of both rich individuals and the government. As chaos mounts and the death toll rises, Will must navigate the consequences of his newfound ability while trying to keep a low profile.
The novel is praised for its engaging plot, intriguing premise, and well-developed characters like Will, Leigh, Miko, Hamza, and The Coach. The writing style is noted for its fast pace, high stakes, and superior world-building, making it a solid and enjoyable read for fans of science fiction.
He tipped his beer up, finishing the last few swallows. He set about the task of getting the bartender’s attention, which looked like it could be an ordeal. The bar hadn’t been crowded when he’d arriv... - #5
Greg Egan's 'Quarantine' is a sci-fi detective story set in the year 2067, where the protagonist, Nick Stavrianos, investigates a kidnapping mystery in a world where Earth is quarantined by an impenetrable gray shield. The plot delves deep into quantum mechanics, eigenstates, and the implications of humans observing reality, all woven into a complex narrative that challenges the reader's understanding of physics and consciousness. Egan's writing style is described as a blend of hard science fiction and noir elements, with detailed exploration of futuristic technologies like nanobots for brain modifications and quantum computing.
Of course, nobody wants a sensitive call electronically decoded and flashed up on the screen of an ordinary videophone; even if the room isn’t bugged, radio-frequency spillage from the unscrambled sig... - #6
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 ... - #7
The novel 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow' by Tom Sweterlitsch is set in a dystopian future world where Pittsburgh has been decimated by a terrorist attack, leaving it in ruins. The story follows John Blaxton, a traumatised survivor, who becomes involved in a mystery surrounding the deletion of parts of the Archive, an online record of everyone's recorded videos. The narrative is filled with intense moments of tension, a diverse cast of characters, and a haunting description of apocalyptic events. The author's writing style is described as lyrical, with deeply drawn characters and a dark, often claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged.
Her body’s down in Nine Mile Run, half buried in river mud. Time-stamped late April, the rains must have exposed her. Or maybe the rain-swollen river rose around her, the current rinsing away the foot... - #8
In "Version Control" by Dexter Palmer, the story revolves around the central piece of scientific apparatus called the causality violation device, which is explored as a means to prove time travel is possible. The plot delves into the consequences of tiny experiments towards this goal and questions the ability to recognize success. The novel provides an in-depth look at the life of Rebecca, the wife of the head physicist running tests on the device, who senses a change in reality but struggles to prove it. The narrative intricately weaves together themes of marriage, optimism, choice, and possibility, all while maintaining a focus on the characters' development and their interactions.
For months now, Rebecca had felt what she could only describe as a certain subtle wrongness—not within herself, but in the world. She found it impossible to place its source, for the fault in the natu... - #9
The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart is a science fiction novel that delves into the concept of time travel and its consequences. Set in a future where the ultra-wealthy can travel into the past to ensure no disruptions in the future, the story takes a twist when dinosaurs escape into the hotel and time itself goes awry. The protagonist, January Cole, must unravel the mystery of the disrupted timeline, leading to a thrilling adventure filled with complex characters and unexpected plot twists. The writing style combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and detective noir, creating a unique blend of genres that keeps readers engaged throughout the story.
Droplets of blood pat the blue carpet, turning from red to black as they soak into the fibers. The drops come slow at first, before turning to a trickle as the bones of my skull squeeze like a hand ar... - #10
'Only Forward' by Michael Marshall is a mind-bending science fiction novel that follows the protagonist, Stark, a fixer who is hired to solve a mysterious disappearance. The book starts with a futuristic detective story set in a surreal sci-fi world, where each neighborhood has its own unique theme. The narrative takes unexpected turns, transitioning into dreamworlds and exploring different realities, keeping the readers on edge. The writing style is a mix of genres, blending elements of horror, comedy, fantasy, and thriller seamlessly, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The book delves deep into themes of identity, reality, and the human condition, challenging readers to suspend their disbelief and go on a rollercoaster journey with Stark. As the plot unfolds, the story becomes enthralling, with moments of intense emotions, unexpected twists, and a satisfying yet heart-wrenching resolution. The author skillfully weaves together diverse elements into a cohesive narrative that keeps readers engaged till the very end, leaving a lasting impact with its haunting atmospheres and profound observations.
I got up, crawled out of the maelstrom of sheets, at 9.30 this morning. I took a shower, I drank some coffee. I sat on the floor with my back to the wall and felt my muscles creak as they carried a bu...