Books matching: genetically engineered creatures
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- #1
Save:Imaginative and full of heart, Leviathan is a steampunk adventure with brilliant world-building and energy to spare. If you want a fun, visually rich romp with inventive alternate history and plucky teen heroes, this is your ticket. Just be ready for a cliffhanger!
In an alternate history version of World War I, 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld follows the stories of Alek, the young heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British air fleet. The narrative explores their encounters as they navigate the war between the Clankers and Darwinists, featuring giant mechanical monsters and genetically engineered creatures. The book is praised for its vivid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and the dual narrative approach that offers a fresh perspective on the historical events.
'Leviathan' is noted for its fast-paced, action-packed storyline set in a steampunk alternative history of WWI. The book introduces a rich and imaginative universe where the Darwinists and Clankers clash with their distinct war machines, providing a unique twist on the familiar historical setting. The dual perspectives of the main characters, Alek and Deryn, offer a compelling narrative that blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and humanity, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for young adults.
Alek turned back to his desk and began to move the cavalry forward, grinning as the battle neared its climax. The Austrian walkers had completed their bombardment, and it was time for the tin horses t...September 2009•444 pages - #2
Save:A gorgeously written, unsettling, and darkly funny cautionary tale - perfect for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone pondering where unchecked ambition might take us. Not light, not cheerful, but absolutely unforgettable.
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...2003•400 pages - #3
Save:A thought-provoking, action-packed sci-fi story with heart - and a very good dog at its center. Perfect if you want smart, emotionally resonant science fiction that sticks with you long after you finish.
'Dogs of War' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding bioforms, genetically engineered creatures designed for war. The story follows Rex, a bioform with sentience and integrated weapons systems, as he navigates questions of identity, morality, and free will. Through multiple first-person perspectives, the narrative explores themes of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of technological advancements.
I am coming close to the enemy now. I am coming from downwind. I can smell them: there are at least thirty human beings in their camp. I can smell guns. I cannot smell explosives. I cannot smell other...November 2017•340 pages - #4
Save:A dark, richly imagined eco-dystopia that’s both unsettling and eerily relevant. Unflinching, complex, and rewarding, but not for everyone.
'The Windup Girl' by Paolo Bacigalupi is a dystopian tale set in a future Thailand where genetic engineering of plants, animals, and humans has led to a world ravaged by epidemics, food scarcity, and environmental disasters. The story follows a diverse cast of characters including an undercover calorie man, a genetically engineered windup girl, and a civil servant amidst political corruption as they navigate through a dark and complex world. The author's writing style is described as intense, well-written, and fast-paced, creating a richly detailed world full of political and cultural clashes.
Anderson turns the fruit in his hand, studying it. It's more like a gaudy sea anemone or a furry puffer fish than a fruit. Coarse green tendrils protrude from all sides, tickling his palm. The skin ha...September 2009•431 pages - #5
Save:'Hunger' by William Dantz is a thrilling sea-faring adventure novel that follows the story of genetically engineered Mako sharks with the intelligence of dolphins escaping from a lab and wreaking havoc in the Florida region. The book features a unique and exciting plotline where the sharks hunt in a pack, making them even more deadly for the characters involved. Readers are drawn into the fast-paced narrative that includes elements of suspense, danger, and unexpected twists, reminiscent of classic shark-themed stories like 'Jaws' and 'Deep Blue Sea'.
The author, William Dantz, skillfully crafts a narrative with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the world of these intelligent sharks. The book is noted for its well-developed characters, particularly the villains known as the Beautiful Six, who provide a unique edge to the story and are surprisingly likable. With a mix of action-packed sequences, intriguing characterization, and a thrilling finale, 'Hunger' offers a gripping and enjoyable read for fans of undersea thrillers and suspense stories.
1992•352 pages - #6
Save:A must-read cornerstone of dragon-themed sci-fi/fantasy that shows its age when it comes to gender politics and character development. Worth it for the world and dragons, but go in with eyes open.
'Dragonflight' by Anne McCaffrey is the first book in the 'Dragonriders of Pern' series, introducing readers to the world of Pern where telepathic dragons bond with their riders to protect the planet from a deadly alien threat known as Threads. The story follows characters like Lessa and F'lar as they navigate through political intrigue, time travel, and the responsibilities of being dragonriders, all set against a backdrop of a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. McCaffrey's writing style is described as easy to read, with a focus on world-building and character development, creating a captivating and original narrative that has stood the test of time.
LESSA WOKE, COLD. Cold with more than the chill of the everlastingly clammy stone walls. Cold with the prescience of a danger stronger than the one ten full Turns ago that had then sent her, whimperin...1968•312 pages - #7
Save:A short, explosive sci-fi romp with a psychic antiheroine, loads of action, and a dash of darkness - perfect for anyone craving a quick, adrenaline-charged space escape.
Killing Gravity by Corey J. White is a fast-paced space adventure novella following Mariam Xi Mars, a powerful voidwitch on the run from a military research unit. Gifted with extraordinary psychic powers, Mars, along with her genetically engineered creature Seven, navigates a world filled with action, violence, and betrayal. The story is told from Mars's perspective, showcasing her journey to uncover her true identity while evading capture and seeking revenge on those who wronged her.
The writing style of Killing Gravity is characterized by its high-octane pace, unapologetic space adventure theme, and strong character development. Mars is portrayed as a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, challenging traditional gender roles in the genre by embodying the hard-boiled, super-powered antihero archetype typically associated with male characters. The novella features a richly built world, intriguing side characters, and a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Control panels glow in fuchsia panic. Low steady hiss of oxygen. I’m floating in what used to be the cockpit of the battered Oxeneer-class corvette I called home these past few years. Now it’s a coffi...May 2017•176 pages - #8
Save:A rollicking, imaginative, and accessible steampunk adventure - perfect for fans of alternate history, action, and inventive world-building. Start with Leviathan and buckle up for a wild ride!
In the series 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld, the book 'Behemoth' takes readers to an alternate history of WWI where Darwinists with genetically fabricated creatures clash with Clankers and their mechanical inventions. The story follows the adventures of Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the military, and Alek, a prince in hiding after his parents were assassinated. Set in Istanbul, the plot involves diplomacy, sabotage, revolution, and tricky decisions about loyalties. The narrative is filled with epic battles, shocking twists, and a blend of historical facts altered to fit the steampunk world created by Westerfeld.
Deryn hefted her own weapon, studying Alek’s pose. His feet were splayed at right angles, his left arm sticking out behind like the handle of a teacup. His fencing armor made him look like a walking q... - #9
Save:Monster mayhem, WWII experiments, and plenty of sea-creature chaos make this a wild ride - not Benchley’s best, but definitely worth it for fans of schlocky, entertaining horror.
'White Shark' by Peter Benchley is a sea monster thriller that follows a science experiment gone wrong, involving a Nazi biologist twist. The book combines elements of horror, science fiction, and marine facts, keeping readers glued to the pages with its compelling storyline and well-developed characters. While some readers found similarities to Benchley's earlier works like 'Jaws,' others appreciated the unexpected twists and turns, making it a great summer read with plenty of action.
A small rubber boat was waiting when Kruger reached the pebble beach. One man sat at the oars, another stood on shore. Both were dressed entirely in black — shoes, trousers, sweaters, woolen caps — an...1973•348 pages - #10
Save:A fun, bloody, and action-packed monster romp - perfect if you want adventure, suspense, and sharks with serious bite. Not perfect, but definitely entertaining if you love the genre.
"Helicoprion" by Michael Cole is a thrilling creature feature novel. The story revolves around Detective Luke Jansen and marine biologist Elise Sheldon as they investigate violent shark attacks along the northern California coast, linked to the mysterious and prehistoric Helicoprion. This genetically engineered creature brings suspense and gore, paired with action-packed scenes and unexpected twists.
The writing style is fast-paced and easy to read, with well-developed characters who undergo growth throughout the story. While the plot may follow familiar horror tropes, it adds unique elements like a subplot involving a spreading disease from the creature, making it timely and relevant. Readers looking for a mix of horror, action, and engaging characters will find this book enjoyable.
July 2021•340 pages
