Books matching: dystopian near future
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- #1
Save:A chilling, unputdownable eco-thriller - raw, realistic, and eerily relevant. Not for the faint of heart, but a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and climate-driven drama.
In a near future American Southwest plagued by drought and water scarcity, "The Water Knife" by Paolo Bacigalupi weaves a tale of suspense, mystery, and dystopia. The story follows characters like Angel Velasquez, a water knife, journalist Lucy, and Texan refugee Maria as they navigate a world where water has become the most valuable commodity, leading to intense battles over water rights and survival. Bacigalupi's writing style paints a vivid and realistic picture of a society on the brink of collapse due to environmental disasters and human greed, with elements of crime noir and techno-thriller adding depth to the narrative.
The sweat of a woman bent double in an onion field, working fourteen hours under the hot sun, was different from the sweat of a man as he approached a checkpoint in Mexico, praying to La Santa Muerte...2012•383 pages - #2
Save:Incredibly imaginative, beautifully written, but comes with caveats - brilliant sci-fi that’s both fascinating and, at times, deeply problematic. Worth reading for the ideas if you’re prepared for some discomfort.
'The Persistence of Vision' by John Varley is a collection of science fiction short stories set in a future where humans have been expelled from Earth by an alien force. The stories explore themes of communication, future technologies, and societal taboos. Varley's writing style is described as beautiful, poetic, and imaginative, with stories that intertwine into a vision of a remarkable future.
The medium we use to record your memories isn't the one you've probably used yourself as insurance against accidental death. As you must know, that system will store your memories for up to twenty yea...1977•332 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written, mind-bending debut that stands out in the apocalypse genre - moving, weird, and thought-provoking. Dive in if you want a fresh take on memory, loss, and survival, but expect some strange, dreamlike logic along the way.
'The Book of M' by Peng Shepherd is a post-apocalyptic novel that delves into a world where people start losing their shadows, leading to a gradual loss of memories and identity. The story follows multiple characters, including a married couple, Max and Ory, as they navigate this new reality while trying to hold on to their humanity and relationships. The narrative is filled with elements of magical realism, Hindu mythology, and philosophical musings, creating a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
The book intricately weaves together themes of memory, identity, relationships, and the human condition, exploring the significance of memories and the impact of losing them in a world where shadows hold memories. Through a blend of post-apocalyptic fiction and fantastical elements, the author crafts a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged with its originality, character development, and philosophical undertones.
The air had already turned his hands red with cold before he’d scattered the dried twigs back into place with the nose of his shotgun. The last time there had been anything snared inside had been two...June 2018•483 pages - #4
Save:Wildly entertaining, original, and unexpectedly moving - a must-read for anyone who likes time travel hijinks, superheroes, and a good laugh. Even if it's not your usual genre, it's worth giving a shot!
"The Perfect Run" follows the story of Ryan Quicksave, a character with the ability to create save points in his life and restart from them. Set in a post-apocalyptic Italy, the plot revolves around Ryan navigating time loops to uncover various plots, organizations, and characters in New Rome. The writing style is engaging and well-written, with a fast-paced and fun story that keeps readers immersed in the unique superpower mechanics and world-building lore.
He blamed the people of New Rome for this. The city’s inhabitants were as nervous as coffee addicts in the morning, and drove their cars like monkeys out for his blood. Moving on the walkway would hav...February 2021 - #5
Save:A harsh, haunting, and deeply thoughtful look at the collapse of society that feels disturbingly relevant - if you want a literary dystopia that will make you think (and maybe prep for the worst), this is essential reading.
In the book 'Parable of the Sower' by Octavia E. Butler, readers are taken on a journey through a dystopian near future California where society has collapsed due to climate change, political discord, violence, and social unrest. The story follows a young African American woman named Lauren Olamina who possesses hyperempathy syndrome, allowing her to feel the pain and pleasure of those around her. As she navigates the chaos and destruction around her, Lauren creates a new religion called Earthseed, aiming to prepare for a new society among the stars. The novel delves into themes of survival, community-building, philosophical reflections on change, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
1993•328 pages - #6
Save:A clever, atmospheric blend of survival, politics, and human nature - dark, thought-provoking, with enough original world-building to make you itch. Not perfect, but a standout for fans of literary dystopian thrillers.
In a future world divided by zones to protect against deadly ticks, 'The Salt Line' by Holly Goddard Jones follows a group of individuals who embark on an outward bound-like excursion beyond the safety of the wall and salt line. The novel delves into their survival story, unexpected twists, and the complex relationships that unfold amidst the dangerous wilderness. The writing style effectively combines elements of dystopian and apocalyptic genres, offering a suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued.
It was Day 1 of the three-week training camp, 6:00 a.m. sharp, and Edie sat with Jesse on the gymnasium floor among a circle of sleep-slurred bodies, all of them clad in the regulation black athletic...September 2017•400 pages - #7
Save:A daring, unforgettable blend of fantasy and sci-fi with brilliant world-building and powerful themes - worth reading if you’re ready for something bold and boundary-pushing.
The Fifth Season is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction set in a geologically unstable future Earth. The story follows individuals with the magical ability to control the earth's structures, known as orogenes, who are feared and oppressed by society. Through multiple perspectives, the book weaves together a tale of survival, discrimination, and the impending end of the world. N.K. Jemisin's unique writing style, intricate world-building, and complex characters create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of power, oppression, and resilience.
For the past ten years you’ve lived as ordinary a life as possible. You came to Tirimo from elsewhere; the townsfolk don’t really care where or why. Since you were obviously well educated, you became...August 2015•509 pages - #8
Save:A compelling, fast-paced sci-fi classic that mixes exciting tactics, a deeply relatable main character, and big ethical questions - well worth reading, even if you’re not normally a sci-fi fan!
'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a science fiction novel that follows the life of Ender Wiggin, a young prodigy groomed from birth to be the savior of the human race. At the age of six, he is sent to battle school, where he excels and becomes a respected and successful commander. The book explores themes of manipulation, war, leadership, and the pressure put on gifted individuals, all while following Ender's journey to save humanity in the midst of an interstellar war. The writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, with a focus on the moral questions and emotional struggles faced by the characters.
Ender did not see Peter as the beautiful ten-year-old boy that grown-ups saw, with dark, thick, tousled hair and a face that could have belonged to Alexander the Great. Ender looked at Peter only to d...1985•345 pages - #9
Save:A wickedly funny, thought-provoking dystopia that’s heavy on satire and social commentary - entertaining, but not Atwood’s most emotionally compelling novel. Approach for the clever ideas and quirky style, not for character depth or a flawless plot.
'The Heart Goes Last' by Margaret Atwood is a dark tragicomedy set in a dystopian world where an entrepreneur initiates a social experiment to stabilize a new community devastated by economic collapse. Residents of Consilience alternate between living as inmates in the local Positron prison and as community members, sharing housing and jobs. The plot careens between absurd, frightening, and very possible scenarios, creating a world where characters like Stan and Charmaine struggle with moral dilemmas and unexpected twists, ultimately leading to a bitter yet humorous conclusion.
Atwood efficiently sets up a psychological experiment and moral dilemma in the first hundred pages, gradually upping the ante and taking the narrative to its natural conclusions. The book explores themes of societal collapse, personal freedom, and the consequences of exchanging freedom for stability. With an intriguing premise and a mix of dark and light elements, 'The Heart Goes Last' delves into the complexities of human nature, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
Stan twists in the front seat, trying to get comfortable. Not much fucking chance of that. So what can he do? Where can they turn? There’s no safe place, there are no instructions. It’s like he’s bein...September 2015•367 pages - #10
Save:Unsettlingly prophetic and packed with ideas, The Jagged Orbit is ambitious, flawed, and fascinating - essential for Brunner fans and lovers of literary, daring social sci-fi.
The Jagged Orbit by John Brunner is a near-future dystopian novel set in a USA plagued by racial tension, arms sales, and societal unrest. The story follows Matthew Flamen, an investigative reporter, as he navigates through a world filled with increasing racial tensions, mental illness, and dubious practices in mental health care. The book is interspersed with real newspaper cuttings from the time period, adding to the complexity of the near future dystopia that Brunner creates. The writing style is noted for its clear prose and insightful commentary on the evils of racism, capturing the spirit of the 1960s with an optimistic tone.
January 1969•386 pages
