Best Futuristic Books December 2024

The Scorch Trials

Escaping the Maze was only the beginning. Now Thomas and his fellow Gladers face an even more treacherous challenge on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Their quest for answers about their past leads them to WICKED, a powerful organization with shocking secrets. As they navigate a world ravaged by sun flares and a deadly virus, Thomas must confront his own identity and make heart-wrenching choices. Dashner’s gripping sequel keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending suspense, friendship, and the struggle for survival in a dystopian world that feels all too real.

Four: A Divergent Collection

Delve into the world of Divergent through the eyes of its enigmatic hero, Tobias Eaton. This collection of four short stories offers a glimpse into his past, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his character. Roth’s crisp prose and keen insight into human nature shine as we witness Tobias’s struggles, fears, and triumphs. I found myself captivated by his journey, feeling every punch and revelation as if I were right there with him. A must-read for fans craving a deeper understanding of this complex and compelling protagonist.

Allegiant

Tris and Tobias face their toughest challenge yet as they venture beyond the city walls, uncovering shocking truths about their world. As loyalties are tested and sacrifices made, they grapple with questions of identity, love, and what it truly means to be human. Roth’s gripping finale to the Divergent trilogy delivers heart-pounding action and gut-wrenching twists that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

Armada

Zack Lightman’s life changes forever when he spots a UFO identical to one from his favorite video game. Suddenly, his gaming skills become crucial as Earth faces an alien invasion. Cline’s nostalgic sci-fi romp blends ’80s pop culture with thrilling space battles, creating a world where gamers are humanity’s last hope. As Zack uncovers shocking truths about his father and the invasion, he must confront his own fears and step up to save the planet. A heart-pounding adventure that’ll make you question reality and reach for your controller.

Ready Player Two

Diving back into the OASIS, Wade Watts faces a new quest that will change everything. As he grapples with unexpected power and a hidden threat to humanity, the stakes are higher than ever. Cline’s sequel delivers a thrilling mix of ’80s nostalgia, mind-bending technology, and heart-pounding adventure. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to find out what happened next. It’s a rollercoaster ride that’ll leave you breathless and craving more.

Ready Player One

Dive into a thrilling virtual reality quest in Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One.” Wade Watts, a teenage gamer, hunts for an Easter egg hidden in the OASIS, a vast online world. The prize? Unimaginable wealth and power. As Wade deciphers ’80s pop culture clues, he faces ruthless competitors and corporate villains. This nostalgic adventure blends dystopian reality with digital fantasy, exploring friendship, love, and the human spirit in a world where escape is just a headset away.

Project Hail Mary

Ryland Grace wakes up alone, millions of miles from Earth, with no memory of how he got there. As fragments of his past slowly return, he realizes he’s humanity’s last hope. Armed only with his wit and a handful of improvised tools, Ryland must unravel the mystery of an alien threat and find a way to save not just Earth, but two civilizations. Weir’s trademark blend of humor and hard science shines in this gripping tale of survival and discovery that kept me up way too late, frantically turning pages.

Artemis

Jazz Bashara, a small-time smuggler on the lunar city of Artemis, stumbles into a conspiracy that could change everything. Weir’s witty prose and meticulous research bring the moon to life, complete with its unique challenges and opportunities. As Jazz navigates the high-stakes world of lunar politics and economics, readers are treated to a thrilling adventure that’s equal parts science and suspense. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and dream of life beyond Earth.

MaddAddam

In this gripping finale to Atwood’s dystopian trilogy, we return to a world ravaged by corporate greed and genetic engineering. Toby and Ren struggle to survive among the Crakers, while Zeb’s past unravels, revealing the origins of the God’s Gardeners. Atwood’s prose is as sharp and witty as ever, weaving together threads of hope and despair. I found myself captivated by the complex characters and their fight for humanity’s future. A haunting, yet oddly uplifting, exploration of resilience in the face of catastrophe.

Oryx and Crake

Atwood’s haunting vision of a post-apocalyptic world unfolds through the eyes of Snowman, possibly the last human survivor. As he struggles to survive, memories of his past life as Jimmy flood back, revealing a world of genetic engineering gone awry. Atwood’s prose is both lyrical and chilling, weaving a tale that’s part cautionary fable, part love story. Her exploration of scientific hubris and human nature lingers long after the final page.