Books Like...

Night Sky Mine by Melissa Scott is a science fiction novel set in a society where computer programs have their own biology and biosphere, leading to strict regulations and a black market for these programs. The story follows Ista, an apprentice hypothecary, who gets entangled in a case involving illegal wild breeding of programs after meeting two men investigating mineship disasters. The plot, although interesting, serves as a framework for exploring the universe created by the author, where the background world setting is more captivating than the actual storyline. The writing style is subtle and requires readers to accept the presented information without much interpretation, gradually building up the narrative to a satisfying conclusion.

"Trouble and Her Friends" by Melissa Scott is a cyberpunk novel set in a future where hackers, known as crackers, operate in a virtual world where cracking has become illegal. The protagonist, Trouble, is being impersonated and hunted by the authorities, leading her to search for NewTrouble to clear her name. The story revolves around the adventures of Trouble, her partner Cerise, and their group of LGBTQ community women as they navigate the virtual reality and the challenges it presents. explores themes of identity, gender politics, and relationships within the hacker community, all set against the backdrop of a futuristic internet landscape.