Hey there, fellow bookworms! Are you ready to embark on a journey through the realms of imagination and explore some of the most captivating science fiction books of the past year? Buckle up because I’ve curated a list of four extraordinary reads that will teleport you to distant galaxies, challenge your perceptions of reality, and leave you craving for more!
Venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman
Synopsis:
In a near-future dystopia, the environmental and societal consequences of human actions are undeniable. “Venomous Lumpsucker” tells the gripping tale of Karin Resaint, an animal cognition scientist, and Mark Halyard, an executive from the extinction industry. Together, they navigate a world of toxic waste reserves, floating cities, and authoritarian landscapes in a desperate quest to find the venomous lumpsucker—a small but significantly intelligent fish whose last-known habitat they have both contributed to destroying (PenguinRandomhouse.com).
Personal Remark:
I loved this book for its masterful blend of dark humor and a chillingly realistic portrayal of our potential future. Beauman’s storytelling skillfully intertwines urgency and satire, making “Venomous Lumpsucker” not just a novel but an experience that haunts you with its profound implications about environmental conservation and human greed.
Factual Information:
- Page Count: 336 pages
- Publication Company: Soho Press
- Year of Publication: Published initially in hardcover on July 12, 2022, and subsequently in paperback on June 13, 2023 (PenguinRandomhouse.com).
GoodReads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59593576
I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane
Synopsis:
Set in a future America where the justice system assigns physical shadows as a stigma for crimes, Marisa Crane’s “I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself” delves into the life of Kris, a queer mother grappling with the societal and personal repercussions of this system. After the loss of her wife, Kris struggles with her role as a mother to a child born with an inherited shadow, navigating through a life of prejudice, surveillance, and shame. Her journey through grief and redemption is marked by a deep exploration of motherhood, queerness, and resistance against an unjust state (PenguinRandomhouse.com) (Bookshop).
Personal Remark:
This book touched me deeply with its raw portrayal of grief and the resilience of human spirit. The speculative setting added a unique layer to the very real struggles of parenting and acceptance in a society that often seeks to marginalize. Crane’s poetic prose and the rich, emotional depth of the characters made this a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Factual Information:
- Page Count: 352 pages
- Publication Company: Catapult
- Year of Publication: January 17, 2023 (PenguinRandomhouse.com) (Bookshop) (PublishersWeekly.com).
GoodReads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60679392-i-keep-my-exoskeletons-to-myself
The Deluge by Stephen Markley
Synopsis:
“The Deluge” by Stephen Markley is a dystopian epic that spans from 2013 to 2040. The novel follows several characters grappling with catastrophic climate change, including a geologist, a climate justice activist, an ecoterrorist, and a political staffer. Each faces moral dilemmas and personal risks as they combat or adapt to a world veering towards ecological and social breakdown. The narrative weaves through speculative elements and stark realities, reflecting on human resilience and the potential for societal transformation amidst disaster (PublishersWeekly.com) (Simon Schuster) (Kirkus Reviews).
Personal Remark:
I was deeply engrossed by “The Deluge” for its haunting yet vivid portrayal of a future that feels too close for comfort. Markley’s ability to blend intense character studies with a broad, sweeping narrative of environmental and political urgency was both compelling and unsettling. The novel’s exploration of themes such as accountability, survival, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds resonated strongly with me.
Factual Information:
- Page Count: 896 pages
- Publication Company: Simon & Schuster
- Year of Publication: January 10, 2023 (Simon Schuster) (Harvard Book Store).
GoodReads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60806778-the-deluge
