The Nerd Series

Four new cool science fiction books about the future

Sci-Fi May, 11, 2025

Today I want to tell you about four super interesting science fiction novels that imagine what the future could be like. These books are really thought-provoking and will make you think about what might happen in the years to come. Let's dive in!

The first book is called "The Songs of Betty Baach" by Glenn Taylor. It's about a 300-year-old woman named Betty Baach who tells her life story in the year 2038. Betty is not your typical grandma - she's a rebel a nudist and even a former murderer! The story takes place in West Virginia where the author is from and it jumps around in time revealing how Betty's life connects to the world of slavery and the chaos caused by climate change. This book is unique because it doesn't follow a straight timeline but instead gives us different pieces of Betty's life puzzle. It's like putting together a complex jigsaw puzzle that slowly reveals the truth. There are also some cool sayings throughout the book like "Imagination is like memory only stronger. It is equal parts mercy and hurt.” Trust me this book is a roller coaster ride you won't want to miss!

Next up is "The Ten Percent Thief" by Lavanya Lakshminarayan. This is the author's first book and it's all about a dystopian future. In this future version of Bangalore known as Apex City the top 20 percent of people live in a world with virtual reality wonders while the rest live in poor conditions. The book tells different connected stories about characters who are trying to find their place in this strict society. One story shows how a virtual program can change someone's opinions about pop culture to help them move up in society. Another story explores how a brain implant influences a character's decision to break up with their boyfriend. This book makes you question what we call "meritocracy" and whether it's really just about conforming to societal norms. While it doesn't have one main hero don't worry; the clever world-building and sarcastic humor more than makeup for it!

Let me introduce you to "World Running Down" by Al Hess. This book is set in Salt Lake City which has become a futuristic paradise. But outside the city there's a wasteland full of bandits and scavengers. In this gloomy setting a touching romance blossoms between Valentine a transgender scavenger and Osric an artificial intelligence who has been forced into an android body. Both characters struggle with their own insecurities about their bodies making their flirtation all the more interesting. But this book isn't just a love story - it also explores the ethical dilemmas of treating artificial intelligence as property. As Valentine and Osric search for missing android sex workers they unravel the complexity of identity in a world where there are winners and losers. This book will keep you intrigued until the very end.

Finally we have "Feed Them Silence" by Lee Mandelo. This novella is a mind-bending exploration of our relationship with nature. The protagonist Sean is a scientist who undergoes an experimental procedure that connects her brain with a wolf's. She literally becomes a wolf! It's all fun and games until winter arrives and the wolves start to starve. This book really makes you think about scientific ethics and the impact humans have on the natural world. The author doesn't give easy answers or neat solutions - they want you to ask questions and think about how we can prevent worst-case scenarios. Get ready for an emotional and thought-provoking read!

In conclusion these four incredible science fiction books offer exciting visions of what the future might hold. They tackle important themes like climate change societal hierarchy identity and our relationship with nature. So if you're a fan of science fiction or just want to explore thought-provoking stories make sure to check out "The Songs of Betty Baach" "The Ten Percent Thief" "World Running Down" and "Feed Them Silence." These books will transport you to other worlds and make you ponder what lies ahead. Happy reading!