Books Like...

In the book 'An Excess Male' by Maggie Shen King, the story is set in 2030 China, where the country is grappling with the effects of its one-child policy, resulting in an excess of 40 million unmarriageable men. The protagonist, Wei guo, seeks to become the third husband of May Ling, navigating a complex family dynamic involving her two very different brothers as husbands. The dystopian China portrayed in the book serves as a character in itself, observing and influencing the characters' actions as they navigate a potentially dangerous situation. The writing style is engaging and captivating, delving into themes of family dynamics, relationships, gender roles, and societal control in a futuristic setting.

In 2145, during the 4th wave of the Tiger Flu, the stories of two young women, Kora Ko and Kirilow Groundsel, intersect in a dystopian future. Kora is struggling to survive in a quarantine ring around Salt Water City, while Kirilow must save the Grist Sister's forest commune. The book switches between the perspectives of Truong and Kung, offering distinct voices that blend to create a unified reality. The narration delves into elements of different cultures, history, and surreal dystopian themes, provoking thoughts on science, morality, and politics.

The Tiger Flu by Larissa Lai is a sci-fi novel set in a future where genetically grown humans, dystopia, and chaos reign. It features a Chinese Canadian main character, Haida characters, and kid characters, targeting an adult readership. The book is described as a horrifying and fascinating vision of the future, exploring the consequences of embracing wrong technologies and shaping an unconventional narrative that leaves a lasting impact on readers.

In an alternate near future Berlin, Anja and Louis, a young couple, live in a malfunctioning eco house while being part of a world controlled by corporations. Anja works as a scientist until being promoted into a consultant role, while Louis works on developing a new drug that has some repercussions. The novel delves into a dystopic vision of leftism taken too far, where efforts to promote equality become mutated into selfish patronization and mindless philanthropy, all set in a near future Berlin rife with issues and a crumbling relationship between the main characters.

'The End of Men' by Christina Sweeney-Baird is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where a deadly pandemic wipes out 90% of the male population. The story explores the aftermath of this catastrophic event, focusing on the experiences of women who are left to pick up the pieces and navigate a society without men. Through multiple viewpoints, the book delves into themes of grief, resilience, societal changes, and the evolving dynamics between genders in a world where women become the majority.

The writing style of the book is described as compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking. The author weaves together personal narratives, scientific explanations, and societal reflections to create a narrative that is both engaging and impactful. The plot unfolds through various perspectives, offering a glimpse into the individual struggles and triumphs of the characters as they grapple with loss, survival, and the reshaping of their world.

The Book of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch is a futuristic dystopian feminist retelling of the Joan of Arc story set in a world ravaged by environmental factors and war. The plot revolves around a small colony of privileged human beings living in space under a corrupted leader, while a rebel figure named Joan emerges as a symbol of hope and resistance. The writing style is described as bold, visceral, and philosophically searching, with elements of creation and destruction, nature and technology, and gender and the body interwoven into a complex narrative.

In 'Moxyland' by Lauren Beukes, readers are introduced to a near future South Africa where a society heavily reliant on technology is controlled by a merging of the security state and corporate entities. The story follows four young individuals navigating this dystopian world where access to everything is linked to their phones, and disobedience can lead to severe legal consequences. As the characters deal with constant surveillance, extreme body modifications, and corporate sponsorship, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their environment while attempting to pursue their own goals and ideals.

The narrative in 'Moxyland' is structured around the intertwining perspectives of the main characters, each with their own motivations and struggles against the oppressive system they live in. Lauren Beukes presents a chillingly realistic portrayal of a future where technology divides society into distinct classes, raising thought-provoking questions about power, privacy, and the impact of corporate control on individual lives. Through elements of cyberpunk storytelling and dystopian world-building, the novel explores themes of activism, rebellion, and the consequences of living in a tech-centric society.

Glory Season by David Brin is a science fiction novel set on the planet Stratos, where women have genetically altered themselves and the minority of men in their society. The story follows Maia, a vars (variant), who is discriminated against in their society and goes away to sea with the men. The book explores a society where men are few and genetically altered to be interested in women only during specific times, keeping them docile. The plot delves into the ramifications of such a society and the struggles faced by non-clone women and men who are oppressed minorities. The writing style presents a mix of traditional adventure storytelling with a focus on social backgrounds and gender roles.

In the not so distant future, California and the Southwestern part of the United States are plagued by a catastrophic drought, leading to the collapse of civilization. Luz and Ray, two survivors, find themselves in a starlet's mansion and decide to escape with a neglected baby to seek a better life. Their journey through the Mohave Desert and the Dune Sea is filled with challenges, leading them to encounter rebel survivors and a cult-like leader in a radically changed landscape. The book is described as a dystopian and realistic storyline that delves into themes of survival, adaptation, and uncertainty in a post-apocalyptic world.

"A Song for a New Day" by Sarah Pinsker is a near-future science fiction novel that envisions a world where social isolation laws are in place after a pandemic and terrorist attacks. The story follows two women, Luce the musician and Rosemary the recruiter, as they navigate a society where live music has been forced underground, and commercial music is produced holographically. explores themes of music, community, freedom, and the impact of mega corporations on society, all set in a dystopian backdrop that feels eerily plausible given recent events.

Flowertown by S.G. Redling is a suspense thriller novel set in a rural Iowa town that has been quarantined by the US Army due to a toxic chemical spill. The story follows Ellie, a protagonist stuck in the town for seven years after the spill, as she navigates the conspiracy surrounding the pharmaceutical company responsible for the disaster. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, involving mysterious motives, underground movements, and a cast of intriguing characters like Rachel, Bing, and Guy. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on suspense, mystery, and the development of a bleak yet determined protagonist in a dark and cynical setting.