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Books matching: underground society

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Memoirs Found in a Bathtub - Ijon Tichy by Stanislaw Lem
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    "Memoirs Found in a Bathtub" by Stanisław Lem is a Kafkaesque tale set in a post-apocalyptic world where a cataclysmic paper blight has wiped out all existing knowledge. The story follows a nameless protagonist navigating through a massive underground bureaucracy, trying to uncover a mysterious mission while being surrounded by double agents, bureaucratic obstacles, and a sense of paranoia. The writing style involves wordplay, satire, and a circuitous path that leads the reader through a labyrinth of espionage and absurdity, leaving the protagonist and the reader questioning reality and purpose.

    . . . I couldn’t seem to find the right room—none of them had the number designated on my pass. First I wound up at the Department of Verification, then the Department of Misinformation, then some cle...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ijon Tichy )

  2. #2

    Veniss Underground by Jeff VanderMeer
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    Veniss Underground by Jeff VanderMeer is a captivating and surreal tale set in a futuristic world where cities have become high tech city states. The story follows Nicholas and Nicola, siblings born in the same vat but now leading different lives. As Nicholas goes missing after a failed art deal with the enigmatic Quinn, Nicola sets out to find him with the help of Shadrach, a friend to both siblings. The narrative unfolds through different perspectives, showcasing unique writing styles from first person to second to third limited, immersing readers in a world filled with grotesque creations, underground mysteries, and a quest for love and redemption.

    The book is praised for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and experimental writing techniques. From the vivid descriptions of the futuristic city of Veniss to the deeply surreal underground levels, the author paints a captivating and immersive world that blends elements of horror, wonder, and dystopia. Readers are drawn into a journey filled with evocative imagery, haunting themes, and a narrative that seamlessly transitions between different viewpoints, keeping them engaged from start to finish.

    Let me tell you why I wished to buy a meerkat at Quin's Shanghai Circus. Let me tell you about the city: The city is sharp, the city is a cliché performed with cardboard and painted sparkly colors to ...

  3. "The Mole People: Life in the Tunnels Beneath New York City" by Jennifer Toth delves into the hidden world beneath the bustling streets of New York City, exploring the lives of individuals living in the underground tunnels. Through detailed descriptions and firsthand accounts, Toth uncovers a diverse society of people ranging from those suffering from mental illness and drug abuse to individuals with advanced degrees, all living in unconventional conditions below the city. The book paints a vivid picture of the subterranean realm, revealing communities, mysteries, and the resilience of those who call the tunnels their home.

    HE’D HEARD ABOUT THE TUNNEL. SOME MONTHS EARLIER A corpse was found in it, not far beyond the tracks, its face half-eaten by rats, one eye scratched out and punctured with small teeth. The fleshless c...

  4. #4

    Tunnels - Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
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    'Tunnels' by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams is a dark and mysterious tale that delves into a hidden world underground. The story is filled with brutality and violence, where people are tortured and killed, and vicious dogs attack with deadly intent. The plot unfolds slowly, with the first 170 pages lacking compelling characters, but eventually, the writing improves as the protagonists, Will and Chester, venture underground and encounter interesting characters.


  5. #5

    Sunrise Alley - Sunrise Alley/Charon by Catherine Asaro
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    In Sunrise Alley, Dr. Samantha Sam Bryton, a renowned researcher in biomechanical constructs, discovers an unconscious man on a raft after a shipwreck. This man, Turner Pascal, claims to have been reconstructed by an underground figure known as Charon. As Sam and Turner go on the run across the country, pursued by Charon, they seek help from an underground organization called Sunrise Alley, which is made up of rogue AIs and EIs. The novel delves into the ethical implications of evolved intelligences, the blurred line between humanity and technology, and the struggle for freedom and identity in a world where EIs are both feared and sought after for their capabilities.

    Sunrise Alley combines elements of action romance and action thriller, creating a story that explores civil liberties for non-humans, similar to other science fiction tales by authors like Heinlein and Asimov. The book weaves together themes of ethics, technology, and human emotion, as Sam and Turner navigate a world where androids seek their freedom and hidden agendas lurk within cybernetic outlaws.


  6. #6
    Underland
    Book 1 in the series:Underland

    Underland - Underland by Maxime J. Durand
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    'Underland' by Maxime J. Durand is a dark fantasy novel set in an underground world populated by humans who have fled the frozen surface of their planet. The story follows Valdemar, the last living descendant of a family eliminated for cult-like activities, as he becomes the apprentice to the Dark Lord Och. As the plot unfolds, readers encounter sorcerers, swordplay, dark lords, dark elves, troglodytes, the undead, and Lovecraftian creatures from another dimension, all skillfully woven together. The writing style is described as dark, imaginative, and excellently paced, with well-written characters and an atmosphere reminiscent of Lovecraft.


  7. #7
    Tunnels
    Book 1 in the series:Tunnels

    Tunnels - Tunnels by Roderick Gordon
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    The 'Tunnels' series by Roderick Gordon is a young adult series that follows the adventures of a 14-year-old boy as the main character. The series starts with a slightly slow first book but gradually introduces darker themes and unexpected twists, including the sudden shift to aliens in the second book. The story revolves around a father and son duo involved in archaeological digs who stumble upon an underground colony. As the plot progresses, new characters like a Swiss army knife guy with various skills are introduced, adding depth to the narrative. The writing style is conversational, with detailed descriptions that sometimes slow down the pace but add complexity to the characters and their motivations.

    Dr. Burrows crawled forward in the cramped tunnel. Sweating and breathing heavily in the confined space, he began feverishly clawing at the dirt, his breath clouding in the damp air. Under the combine...

  8. #8

    Dark Universe by Daniel F. Galouye
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    'Dark Universe' by Daniel F. Galouye is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where people live underground in total darkness. The story follows the protagonist, Jared, as strange events start to unfold in their underground society. The author's writing style is described as classic 60s, with a focus on clever use of language to paint a vivid picture of a world devoid of light and the struggles faced by its inhabitants.

    Ahead were no more needles of rock he could conveniently tap. The last echoes had told him that much. So he produced a pair of clickstones from his pouch and brought them together sharply in the hollo...

  9. #9
    Half Past Human
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:The Hive

    Half Past Human - The Hive by T.J. Bass
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    Half Past Human by T.J. Bass is a classic science fiction novel set in a dystopian future where humanity has evolved into four-toed underground dwellers living in a highly controlled society known as the hive. The story follows characters like Tinker and Mu Ren who must escape the hive to join the savage wild humans on the surface. The book paints a convincing and plausible picture of a future where overpopulation and automation have created a world where humans are bred for specific tasks only with permission, leading to a struggle between conformity in the hive and survival in the wilderness above ground.

    The writing style of Half Past Human is described as quirky, engaging, and filled with biological and medical terminology that adds to its charm. The novel offers a chilling view of the future of humans under totalitarian control, while also providing hope through characters like 'Olga' who aim to save the five-toed humans from the Big ES. Despite its flaws, such as casual sexism and excessive medical terminology, the book presents thought-provoking themes of freedom vs. safety, authority vs. free will, and the impact of overpopulation and ecological destruction on society.


  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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