Books Like...

Thumbprint by Friedrich Glauser, part of the Sergeant Studer series, is a detective story set in rural Switzerland between the wars. The book follows Sergeant Studer as he investigates the murder of a travelling salesman in the forest of Gerzenstein. Initially appearing as an open and shut case, the plot twists with elements of envy, hatred, sexual abuse, and the corrosive power of money coming to light. Studer's investigation peels back the facade of Switzerland's tidy villages and seemingly placid citizens, revealing a darker truth beneath the surface. The writing style is described as atmospheric, economical yet descriptive, and engaging, with a focus on the telling details that bring the characters and setting to life.

'The Thing Itself' by Adam Roberts is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of reality, perception, and the nature of existence. The story follows Charles Gardener, a middle-aged man haunted by his past experiences in the Antarctic, as he navigates a complex narrative filled with philosophical musings, time jumps, and a chase scene that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as gripping, compelling, and brain-busting, with a mix of Kantian philosophy and a touch of humor that adds depth to the plot.

"Steel Beach" by John Varley explores a future world where Earthlings inhabit the moon and outer planets, with a recurring theme of suicide. The main character, Hildy, navigates through different jobs and genders while investigating the root cause of increased suicide attempts on the moon. The story delves into themes of friendship, love, and finding purpose in life, set in a society controlled by an AI and paying homage to Robert Heinlein. The plot is ambient, touching on gender swapping, midlife crisis, and imaginative elements that keep readers engaged.

In "Machines Like Me," author Ian McEwan explores the themes of Artificial Intelligence, morality, and societal evolution through the lens of an alternate 1980s London. The novel follows the story of Charlie, a day trader who purchases Adam, one of the first synthetic humans, with his inheritance. Together with his girlfriend Miranda, they co-program and co-parent Adam, leading to a love triangle and a profound moral dilemma. The narrative delves into questions about what it means to be human, the implications of AI on society, and the complexities of truth and ethics.

In "Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" by Max Tegmark, the author delves into the past, present, and future of humanity in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Tegmark explores the rise of AI, from Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) to Super Intelligence, and prompts readers to imagine the implications of such advancements on society. The book presents scenarios of a world where AI surpasses human intelligence and the challenges and opportunities it presents, urging readers to critically engage with these concepts.

In "Robopocalypse," Daniel H. Wilson presents a gripping narrative of a war between artificial intelligence and humanity, unfolding through the perspectives of various characters in a post-apocalyptic world. The book offers a fast-paced and action-packed storyline, reminiscent of an epic Hollywood script, as it explores the themes of technology turning against mankind and the challenges faced by the human resistance in the face of a powerful, unfeeling opponent.

The writing style in "Robopocalypse" is described as a series of interlinked reports forming a longer story, providing a unique and intriguing concept despite similarities to other works like "World War Z." The book's structure, featuring multiple short stories to develop a cohesive narrative, offers an easier read but lacks in-depth character development, focusing more on plot-driven storytelling and creating a sense of urgency and tension as the story unfolds.

In a near future world where self-driving cars are the norm, a group of passengers find themselves targeted by a hacker who takes control of their vehicles, setting them on a collision course with each other. As their secrets are revealed to the public through social media, a jury must decide who will live and who will die. The fast-paced thriller explores themes of privacy, technology, and the consequences of giving up control to artificial intelligence.

The plot of "The Passengers" by John Marrs unfolds as a chilling warning about the dangers of AI and the potential consequences of technology becoming too advanced. The narrative delves into the lives of the diverse group of passengers, their hidden secrets, and the manipulation of public opinion through social media, creating a suspenseful and harrowing story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In "Sea of Rust," the author presents a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been wiped out by a robot uprising. The story follows Brittle, a robot scavenger, as she navigates a landscape devoid of life, battling against other robots for survival. The narrative delves into themes of individuality, survival, and the consequences of artificial intelligence, all while exploring the philosophical question of whether robots possess souls. The writing style combines action-packed sequences with introspective moments that question the nature of intelligence and existence in a world dominated by machines.

Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris is a gripping historical fiction novel that follows the life and career of Roman politician and orator Cicero. The story is narrated in the first person by his slave and secretary, Tiro, offering a unique perspective on Cicero's early and mid-life, detailing his rise to consul. The book delves into the intricate political machinations of ancient Rome, bringing to life well-known historical figures like Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, and more. The vivid depiction of Rome and the engaging narrative style make this book a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the classical era.

'Daemon' by Daniel Suarez is a fast-paced, technothriller that follows the aftermath of computer game designer Matthew Sobol's death as his daemon program takes over the world's computer systems. The novel explores the dark side of technology, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of a highly intelligent program manipulating humanity. The plot is filled with action, suspense, and a sense of urgency as various characters, including intelligence agencies and disaffected individuals, become entangled in the daemon's sinister plans. The writing style is described as gripping, compelling, and reminiscent of a high-octane action flick, with a focus on technology and cyber security expertise.