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Half Past Human - The Hive by T.J. Bass
Half Past Human
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Book 1 in the series:The Hive

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.

If you liked Half Past Human, here are the top 35 books to read next:

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  1. #1
    Dayworld
    Book 1 in the series:Dayworld

    Dayworld - Dayworld by Philip José Farmer
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    In a future world where overpopulation is managed by putting most of the population into stasis for six days a week, the novel "Dayworld" by Philip Jose Farmer explores a society where people only live one day a week, each day having its own culture and identity. The protagonist, Jeff Cairns, lives seven different lives on seven different days, but his carefully constructed world is threatened by an insane man who aims to expose his illegal activities and bring him to authorities' attention. The book delves into themes of identity, government control, and individual freedoms in a society where conformity is enforced through conditioning and strict regulations.

    At the moment, he could not hear anything because he was standing in a soundproof cylinder. If he had been outside it, he still would have heard nothing. Except for himself and a few organics, firefig...

  2. #2

    The World Inside by Robert Silverberg
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    'The World Inside' by Robert Silverberg is a futuristic novel set in a world where the human population has reached 75 billion, and people live in skyscraper cities where promiscuity is compulsory and fertility is a religious obligation. The novel explores the concept of a utopia versus a dystopia, focusing on personal frustrations within society, sexual freedoms, and the consequences of living in a highly controlled environment.

    URBAN MONAD 116: A lofty spire a thousand stories high where 880,000 souls live out their perfectly regulated lives in peace and plenty. But inside this glorious world are a few who dare to doubt and ...

  3. #3

    Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison
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    Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison is a dystopian novel set in a future New York City in 1999 where overpopulation has led to severe shortages of food, water, clothing, and living space. The story follows the lives of various characters, including a detective trying to solve a murder case, against the backdrop of a society in decay due to unchecked population growth and lack of resources. The writing style is described as bleak and realistic, portraying a nightmarish vision of a world packed with people struggling to survive in desperate conditions.

    The August sun struck in through the open window and burned on Andrew Rusch’s bare legs until discomfort dragged him awake from the depths of heavy sleep. Only slowly did he become aware of the heat a...

  4. #4

    This Perfect Day by Ira Levin
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    'This Perfect Day' by Ira Levin is a dystopian novel set in a future where a central computer authority named Uni controls every aspect of people's lives. The protagonist, Chip, starts questioning this controlled society and eventually joins a group of rebels aiming to overthrow Uni's tyranny. The book explores themes of individuality, freedom, and rebellion against a totalitarian regime. The writing style is described as engaging, with a plot that includes plot twists and suspenseful elements.

    A city's blank white concrete slabs, the giant ones ringed by the less giant, gave space in their midst to a broad pink-floored plaza, a playground in which some two hundred young children played and ...

  5. #5
    The Rain
    Book 1 in the series:Rain

    The Rain - Rain by Joseph A. Turkot
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    The Rain trilogy by Joseph Turkot follows the story of a female protagonist who embarks on an epic journey in a world where it rains 24/7 nonstop every day. The series explores a post-apocalyptic setting where the main characters face the challenges of relentless rain, survival, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as descriptive and immersive, allowing readers to feel and visualize the cold and damp environment vividly.

    The thing that always comes to mind first isn’t the how though, it’s the how much. Back when they were taking measurements still, according to Russell, the numbers to know were 15 and 5,400. Now he’s ...

  6. #6

    We by Yevgeny Zamyatin (Eugene Zamiatin)
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    'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin is an early dystopian novel that presents a futuristic society known as the One State, where individuality is eliminated, and people are referred to as numbers. The protagonist, an engineer named D 503, finds his world turned upside down when he meets a rebellious woman named I 330 who challenges the uniformity of the One State. The story unfolds through D 503's diary entries, showcasing his journey of questioning the society he lives in and the ultimate conflict between order and rebellion. The book delves into themes of totalitarianism, revolution, and the suppression of emotions in a society governed by rationality and control.

    Zamyatin's writing style in 'We' is described as vivid, innovative, and ahead of its time. The narrative is presented in a diary format, offering a unique perspective on the protagonist's inner thoughts and struggles. The book is praised for its multi-sensory metaphors, stilted prose, and brilliant commentary on a mechanized future where nature is subjugated for the collective good. The story not only serves as a significant precursor to dystopian classics like '1984' and 'Brave New World' but also as a thought-provoking exploration of individuality, rebellion, and the impact of totalitarian rule on human nature.

    It’s spring. From beyond the Green Wall, from the wild plains out of sight in the distance, the wind is carrying the honeyed yellow pollen of some flower. This sweet pollen dries the lips—you keep run...

  7. #7
    Dies the Fire
    Book 1 in the series:Emberverse

    Dies the Fire - Emberverse by S.M. Stirling
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    'Dies the Fire' by S.M. Stirling is a post-apocalyptic novel where a mysterious event disables all modern technology, throwing the world back into a pre-industrial era. The story follows different groups of survivors as they navigate a world without electricity, guns, or machinery, focusing on their struggles to adapt to the new reality and rebuild society. The book explores themes of community, survival, and the impact of historical models on shaping the new post-technological world. The writing style includes detailed descriptions and complex character development, with a mix of pagan and historical elements woven into the narrative.

    The plot of 'Dies the Fire' revolves around how society copes with the sudden loss of technology and the shift to a more primitive way of life. The characters face challenges in food production, defense, and medical care, leading to a reconfiguration of social structures and power dynamics. The book delves into the personal journeys of individuals as they navigate the aftermath of the apocalyptic event, highlighting themes of resilience, adaptation, and the exploration of different responses to a changed environment.

    Michael Havel pulled his battered four-by-four into the employees’ parking lot, locked up and swung his just-in-case gear out of the back, the strap of the pack over one shoulder and the gun case on t...

  8. #8

    American War by Omar El Akkad
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    In the future, America descends into civil war after climate change and other disasters lead the national government to try to ban fossil fuels. Sarat, a refugee girl, becomes a terrorist after a massacre at her refugee camp, recruited by a man funded by a foreign empire that wants the civil war to keep going. American War brilliantly captures what a second Civil War could look like if the south rose again at the end of the twenty-first century. The novel is the story of one woman, whose actions shape America's history in the future. Tomboy Sarat Sara T. and her family live in Louisiana, one of the border states to the Red Southern zone of the US. The Free Southern States are a group of only 4 states that are defying the order to not use fossil fuels. This will lead to the Second American Civil War.

    A HUNDRED FEET from the western riverbank, the Chestnuts lived in a corrugated steel container salvaged from a nearby shipyard. Wedges of steel plating anchored to cement blocks below the ground held ...

  9. #9

    Zone One by Colson Whitehead
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    'Zone One' by Colson Whitehead is a literary zombie novel set in post-apocalyptic New York City. The book follows the protagonist, Mark Spitz, as he navigates the aftermath of a zombie pandemic and struggles with Post Apocalypse Stress Disorder (PASD). The narrative weaves in and out of flashbacks, exploring themes of isolation, family dynamics, and the rebuilding of society in a world overrun by zombies. The writing style is described as cerebral, with a focus on character development and introspection, rather than typical horror elements.

    He always wanted to live in New York. His Uncle Lloyd lived downtown on Lafayette, and in the long stretches between visits he daydreamed about living in his apartment. When his mother and father drag...

  10. #10
    Borne
    Book 1 in the series:Borne

    Borne - Borne by Jeff VanderMeer
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    In a biogenetic post-apocalyptic world, the book "Borne" by Jeff VanderMeer follows the journey of Rachel, Wick, and the shape-shifting entity named Borne as they navigate their relationships while fighting for survival. VanderMeer's imaginative storytelling delves into themes of love, identity, and the blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity. The narrative is described as a mix of dystopian elements, philosophical musings, and a focus on found families in a world overrun by biotech and monstrous creatures.

    The book explores the strange and haunting cityscape created by an evil corporation's biotech experiments gone wrong, where characters encounter giant flying bears, shape-shifting entities, and deadly biotech creations. Through the eyes of the scavenger Rachel and her bond with Borne, the story delves into themes of survival, evolution, and the complexities of relationships in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.

    I found Borne on a sunny gunmetal day when the giant bear Mord came roving near our home. To me, Borne was just salvage at first. I didn’t know what Borne would mean to us. I couldn’t know that he wou...

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