Books Like...

'Zoo City' by Lauren Beukes is a unique urban fantasy novel set in a near-future Johannesburg where individuals, known as "animalled," are linked to an animal companion due to past criminal acts. The protagonist, Zinzi December, is linked to a sloth and possesses the ability to find lost objects. Reluctantly roped into a search for a missing child pop star, Zinzi uncovers a series of murders and delves into the criminal underworld. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, true crime, and magical realism, offering a fresh and edgy portrayal of a wired, gritty Johannesburg.

The novel explores themes of guilt, identity, and the consequences of past actions through a hard-hitting and humanistic lens. The world-building is vivid and immersive, depicting a corrupt and dingy future South Africa where criminals have acquired animal familiars, reminiscent of Philip Pullman's dæmons. The plot twists and turns, weaving a complex narrative that delves into the criminal underworld and the protagonist's personal struggles, culminating in a fast-paced and shocking conclusion.

'Synners' by Pat Cadigan is a cyberpunk novel set in a future where individuals called synners have surgically augmented their brains to interface with computers. The book explores themes of technology, capitalism, and human-machine interfaces through a complex narrative involving a large cast of characters. Despite some initial confusion and a slow start, the story eventually picks up momentum, leading to a climax involving a rogue AI in the datasphere.

After a devastating pandemic kills off most of the male population, 'Afterland' by Lauren Beukes follows the story of Cole and her son Miles, who is one of the few remaining males immune to the virus. The novel explores their journey as they try to escape captivity in the United States and make their way back to South Africa. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dealing with a religious cult, dodging authorities, and navigating a world where women are now in charge. The alternating points of view between Cole, Miles, and Cole's sister Billie provide insight into their struggles and motivations as they navigate a post-pandemic world.

In the near future South Africa, 'The Prey of Gods' by Nicky Drayden combines demigods, the robot revolution, and a blend of various genres including fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and mythology. The book follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate through a complex plot involving ancient gods, awakening demigods, and the challenges of a society filled with superpowers, genetic engineering, and robots achieving sentience. Despite some pacing issues and a multitude of POVs, the book offers a unique and imaginative story set in a futuristic South Africa.

'Arrow of God' by Chinua Achebe follows the encroachment of British colonialism on two small Igbo villages, exploring the complexities of interactions between white men, tribal chiefs, and others with subtlety and humor. The book delves into the conflict between the traditional African tribal society and the influence of the white man and Christianity, focusing on the Chief Priest of the tribe, Ezeulu, and his struggle to maintain his power as the colonial structures become more prevalent.

The narrative skillfully portrays the clash of cultures, the impact of colonialism on traditional ways of life, and the tensions between the native people and the colonists. Through vivid storytelling, Achebe weaves a tale of tragedy, power struggles, and the inevitable changes brought about by the arrival of the white man in early 20th-century Nigeria.

Virtual Light by William Gibson is a cyberpunk novel set in a near future, dystopian California. The story follows Berry Rydell, an ex-cop turned private security guard, and Chevette, a bike messenger, whose lives intertwine after Chevette steals a pair of high-tech sunglasses with valuable data. The novel explores a divided society, with the Golden Gate Bridge turned into a squatters' paradise, reflecting themes of wealth and poverty, power and powerlessness. Gibson's writing style is described as vivid, with a focus on world-building and character development, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic San Francisco.

All Tomorrow's Parties by William Gibson is the final installment in the 'Bridge' trilogy, weaving together multiple storylines and characters from the previous novels, Virtual Light and Idoru. The plot revolves around a nodal point in history that various characters are drawn towards, including a down and out cop, a bike messenger, and a Tao warrior. The narrative explores themes of technology, societal trends, and the convergence of different paths, set in a near-future San Francisco where the Golden Gate Bridge has become a makeshift community. Gibson's writing style is described as distinctive, with sparse prose that creates a vivid and believable world, leading to a complex yet exciting storyline that culminates in an explosive but ambiguous ending.

Hardwired by Walter Jon Williams is a cyberpunk thriller that presents a somewhat dark vision of earth's future. The novel details the attempts of a few individuals to remain free in a world dominated by evil human overlords and new technology. Set in a post-apocalyptic urban cyberpunk landscape with elements of military SF and western, the book follows deeply flawed heroes navigating through inhuman circumstances and engaging in high-octane adventures.

Nalo Hopkinson's 'Midnight Robber' is a Caribbean-flavored sci-fi novel following the life of Tan Tan, a young girl living on the planet Toussaint. Forced into exile with her father to the prison planet New Half Way Tree, Tan Tan grows up amidst exotic surroundings, facing hardships and struggles as she navigates her way through a world filled with folklore, adversity, and self-discovery. The plot delves into themes of survival, deception, incest, and patricide, ultimately focusing on Tan Tan's journey towards overcoming her past and shaping her own destiny as the Robber Queen.

The novel is praised for its rich world-building, unique writing style, and the psychological depth of its protagonist, Tan Tan. Readers appreciate the blending of sci-fi elements with Caribbean folklore, the complex character development, and the exploration of themes such as resilience, folklore, and the power of storytelling. Despite the dark and challenging aspects of the story, the book is commended for its ability to captivate readers and offer a thought-provoking narrative that goes beyond traditional genre conventions.

George Alec Effinger's 'When Gravity Fails' is a cyberpunk detective noir novel set in a future Middle Eastern world where the protagonist, Marid Audran, navigates a dark and gritty society filled with sex, drugs, and murder. The story follows Marid as he becomes entangled in solving a mystery while exploring themes of identity, faith, and societal issues in a world where technology plays a significant role in modifying personalities.

Effinger's writing style combines elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with cyberpunk, creating a unique and immersive world that blends traditional noir storytelling with futuristic technology. The narrative delves into the complexities of the characters and the setting, offering a fast-paced and intriguing read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.