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'The Coming Race' by Edward Bulwer-Lytton is a 19th-century novella that delves into the discovery of an underground civilization called the Vril ya. The story follows an encounter between the unnamed narrator and this advanced race who possess a limitless source of power called vril, which enables them to do anything they please, whether creative or destructive. The narrative primarily focuses on the culture and societal structure of the Vril ya, where women dominate intellectual life and courtship rituals, presenting an intriguing alien mindset that allows exploration of contemporary issues like evolution and women's rights. Despite being a seminal piece of 19th-century science fiction, the book is critiqued for its slow pacing and lack of incident, with the plot serving as an extended description of the unique civilization rather than a traditional adventure narrative.

If you liked The Coming Race, here are the top 12 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 12 
  1. #1

    Land under England by Joseph O'Neill
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    'Land under England' by Joseph O'Neill is a dystopian novel set in a Roman society that has survived underground in England. The story explores mind control, totalitarianism, and the dichotomy between communal society and individual effort. The plot involves the protagonist's entry into the underground world, where he discovers a lost civilization that adheres strictly to a social system. The writing style is described as creative, interesting, and worthwhile, with a deep psychological examination of the dystopian elements and the development of the underground society.

    THESTORY that I have to tell is a strange one—so strange indeed that many people may not believe it, and the fact that the events related in it happened in Great Britain itself will, probably, make it...

  2. #2

    The Green Child by Herbert Read
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    'The Green Child' by Herbert Read is a unique and eccentric novel that blends elements of fantasy, political idealism, and philosophical exploration. The story follows the protagonist Olivero, who returns to England after a long absence spent in South America, leading to encounters with mysterious green-skinned characters and fantastical realms. The book is structured in three distinct sections, each delving into different themes such as political revolution, mystical dimensions, and existential quandaries.


  3. #3

    Journey to the Center of the Earth - Extraordinary Voyages by Jules Verne
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    Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne follows the adventure of Professor Otto Lidenbrock, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans, as they descend into a volcano in Iceland to reach the center of the Earth. The story is a classic tale of exploration, filled with scientific explanations, fantastical elements, and a mix of excitement and boredom during the journey. The book is praised for its imaginative storyline and the way it combines science fiction with adventure in a captivating manner.

    The writing style of Jules Verne in this book is described as a mix of archaic grammar with surprisingly modern elements. The book starts off slow but picks up pace once the actual journey begins, taking the readers on a thrilling adventure through the Earth's core. Verne's ability to blend scientific knowledge of his time with fantastical storytelling creates a unique reading experience that keeps readers engaged despite some shortcomings in character development and plot execution.

    I was left alone. But arguing with the most irascible of professors was out of the question for someone of my somewhat undecided turn of mind. Just as I was cautiously retreating to my handsome room u...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Extraordinary Voyages )

  4. #4
    The City of Ember
    Book 1 in the series:Book of Ember

    The City of Ember - Book of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
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    The City of Ember is an adventure story of two twelve year old kids who are desperate to escape their dark, dead end city. When the two classmates receive their job assignments and are disappointed, they switch placements. Their respective jobs lead them to discover a new hope for the City of Ember, a town built underground. The city of Ember was founded and stocked with supplies centuries ago by The Builders as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When 12 year old Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever. An intriguing premise for a book where an underground city is established just in case humans destroy themselves above ground. The story follows two kids as they use clues found throughout their dying city to help keep it from going dark.

    In the city of Ember, the sky was always dark. The only light came from great flood lamps mounted on the buildings and at the tops of poles in the middle of the larger squares. When the lights were on...

  5. #5

    The Mysterious Island - Extraordinary Voyages by Jules Verne
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    In "The Mysterious Island," five prisoners of war escape during the American Civil War by hijacking a hot air balloon and crash-land on an unknown island in the South Pacific. The diverse group of characters, including an engineer, a sailor, a former slave, a journalist, and a young boy, work together to colonize the island, utilizing their individual skills to survive and thrive. The book details their resourcefulness, ingenuity, and teamwork as they face mysterious events, construct various technologies, and establish a community on the island. The story combines elements of adventure, suspense, and mystery, with a touch of optimism and possibility characteristic of Jules Verne's writing style.

    The novel follows the castaways as they navigate through challenges, discover the island's abundant resources, and encounter unexplained phenomena that hint at a mysterious benefactor watching over them. The plot unfolds with detailed descriptions of the group's engineering feats, from building shelters to creating tools and even manufacturing nitroglycerin. As the characters adapt to their new environment, they unravel the island's secrets and work towards finding a way back home, all while showcasing Verne's imaginative storytelling and his ability to blend science fiction with elements of survival and exploration.

    "Are we rising again?" "No. On the contrary." "Are we descending?" "Worse than that, captain! we are falling!" "For Heaven's sake heave out the ballast!" "There! the last sack is empty!" "Does the bal...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Extraordinary Voyages )

  6. #6

    Gregor the Overlander - Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins
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    Gregor the Overlander follows the story of an eleven-year-old boy named Gregor who, while searching for his missing sister Boots, falls into the Underland - a mysterious world beneath New York City. In this underground realm, Gregor discovers a prophecy that he is destined to fulfill, involving a quest to save his long-lost father from the clutches of menacing creatures like rats, spiders, and cockroaches. The book combines elements of fantasy and adventure, drawing parallels to classic tales like Alice in Wonderland but with a unique twist that appeals to young readers.

    The plot unfolds as Gregor embarks on a journey through the Underland, encountering a mix of fantastical creatures and engaging in epic battles while unraveling the mysteries of the prophecy. Suzanne Collins' writing style weaves together themes of bravery, friendship, and heroism, creating a captivating narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. The book's world-building, character development, and suspenseful storytelling keep readers on the edge of their seats, setting the stage for a thrilling series that explores themes of family, destiny, and the power of courage.

    Gregor had pressed his forehead against the screen for so long, he could feel a pattern of tiny checks above his eyebrows. He ran his fingers over the bumps and resisted the impulse to let out a prima...

  7. #7
    Metro 2033
    Book 1 in the series:Metro

    Metro 2033 - Metro by Dmitry Glukhovsky
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    Metro 2033, written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, is a post-apocalyptic novel set in the Moscow subway metro system after a nuclear war devastates the world. The story follows the journey of a young protagonist named Artyom who possesses a special ability to communicate with dark spirits in the tunnels. As Artyom embarks on a mission to deliver a secret message to the station at Polis, he encounters mutant creatures, dangerous situations, and various factions within the metro system. The book explores themes of survival, society, and the consequences of a post-nuclear world. The writing style is described as dark, captivating, and immersive, with vivid imagery that creates a bleak yet intriguing setting for the story.

    Artyom rose reluctantly from his seat by the fire and, shifting the machine gun from his back to his chest, headed towards the darkness. He stood right at the edge of the lighted area and then, as lou...

  8. #8

    A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick
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    'A Scanner Darkly' by Philip K. Dick is a dark semi-autobiographical journey into drug abuse and the loss of identity, with subtle science fiction elements woven throughout the story. The book follows the undercover agent Fred and drug house owner Bob, as the line between their identities blurs, leading to a dissolution of self and a series of dark, sad turns. The narrative explores themes of drug culture, identity loss, addiction, and the profound impacts of substance abuse on individuals.

    Once a guy stood all day shaking bugs from his hair. The doctor told him there were no bugs in his hair. After he had taken a shower for eight hours, standing under hot water hour after hour suffering...

  9. #9
    Oryx and Crake
    Book 1 in the series:MaddAddam

    Oryx and Crake - MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood
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    Set in a dystopian future, "Oryx and Crake" tells the story of how the world was all but destroyed from the perspective of Snowman a.k.a. Jimmy, whose best friend Crake is the person responsible for that destruction. Through flashbacks, Snowman recalls what led up to Crake's decision to obliterate mankind and populate the new earth with genetically engineered creatures known as The children of Crake. The book bounces back and forth between a dystopia and a post-apocalyptic setting, using flashbacks and oblique references to narrate a story that challenges beliefs and ideas ingrained in society. Margaret Atwood crafts a well-written science fiction morality play that does not dumb down the story with exposition or hokey explanations, asking big questions without answering them directly.

    Snowman wakes before dawn. He lies unmoving, listening to the tide coming in, wave after wave sloshing over the various barricades, wish-wash, wish-wash, the rhythm of heartbeat. He would so like to b...

  10. #10
    Neverwhere
    Book 1 in the series:London Below

    Neverwhere - London Below by Neil Gaiman
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    In "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman, readers are taken on a fantastical journey through the parallel worlds of London Above and London Below. The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, finds himself invisible to the people of London Above after helping a woman named Door, leading him to navigate the dangers and mysteries of London Below. The book is described as a dark fantasy filled with creepy and atmospheric elements, featuring a cast of eccentric characters and a captivating storyline that delves into power struggles and hidden realms beneath the surface of the familiar city.

    SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING for four days now, a harum-scarum tumbling flight through passages and tunnels. She was hungry, and exhausted, and more tired than a body could stand, and each successive door was...

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