As the latest series of the multi-award-winning Black Mirror becomes our latest TV obsession, we’re on the lookout for what to read next to feed that addictive mix of the power of human emotion and the dystopian impact of technology. Award-winning author Josh Silver is on hand, channelling his inner Charlie Brooker to bring us his top five terrifying technological reads, including his own novel for both young adults and adults – TraumaLand, publishing in May...
The Loop by Ben Oliver
A dystopian YA novel set in a future where the protagonist, Luca, is trapped in a high-tech prison known as ‘The Loop’, where the inmates are subjected to some truly sinister scientific experiments in the name of technological advancement. With a plot that barrels along at breakneck speed, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a devastating exploration of the consequences of mass surveillance and government control.
You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne
”The Handmaid’s Tale for the Insta generation” – this is a blazing dystopia where girls must chose to become Pretty and follow the rules of the doctrine, or Objectionable and fight the rules. Girls have sacrifices to make if they want to be perfect – but what if the cost of sacrifice is each other? A fantastically furious feminist commentary on a ‘post-equality’ world where beauty standards are impossibly high and self-esteem is low. This book perfectly captures how patriarchy can be disguised as female empowerment in a world where choice is an illusion. A must-read for girls (and everyone!) everywhere.
TraumaLand by Josh Silver
This is the story of Eli, who is left emotionally numb following a car crash, and winds up an underground club called TraumaLand, where crowds of people are seeking to experience a new thrill through virtual reality simulations of nightmarish scenarios. A deliciously dark thriller that delves into a dystopian world where big tech looms large and virtual reality provides a shortcut to feeling.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a world where death has been conquered, society uses technology to manage population control. The very foundations of human existence – the delicate balance between life and death – are determined by human-made decisions. Except humans are unpredictable, and the cost of mistakes can be high. An ingenious concept paired with an addictively immersive world makes for a book that will have you hooked from the very first page.
Warcross by Marie Lu
In this novel, Warcross isn’t just a virtual reality experience, it’s an entire lifestyle. People all over the world are desperate to escape from their real, boring lives, so they turn to this game. But where there’s demand, there’s a profit to be made. Powerful corporations have sunk their claws into the digital world and will stop at nothing to watch their earnings soar. Is there such thing as being too immersed in technology? Warcross will definitely make you think so. This book will drag you into a world of dark motivations and endless greed – and refuse to let you go.
