The best 39 Cyberpunk books

Burning Chrome is a collection of science fiction short stories by William Gibson. Set in a dystopian future, the book explores themes of technology, virtual reality, and the blurred line between humans and machines. With gripping narratives and vivid imagery, Gibson takes readers on a mind-bending journey through a world where the boundaries of reality are constantly being redefined.

City of Golden Shadow is a gripping science fiction novel by Tad Williams. Set in a future where virtual reality has become indistinguishable from real life, the story follows a group of characters who become trapped in a virtual world called Otherland. As they navigate this complex and dangerous realm, they uncover dark secrets and must fight to escape before it's too late.

River of Blue Fire is the second book in Tad Williams' epic fantasy series, Otherland. It continues the story of a group of people who are connected through a virtual reality network called Otherland. As they navigate through different worlds within the network, they uncover dark secrets and face unimaginable challenges. The book delves into themes of identity, consciousness, and the power of technology.

Diaspora by Greg Egan is a science fiction novel that delves into the concept of digital consciousness and explores the vast possibilities of existence beyond the confines of our physical world. Set in a future where humans have the ability to upload their minds into virtual realities, the story follows a group of sentient beings known as "polises" as they embark on a journey across the universe, encountering mind-bending phenomena and questioning the nature of their own existence.

Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge is a thought-provoking science fiction novel set in a near-future world where technology has advanced to the point of seamlessly integrating with everyday life. The story follows a washed-up poet who is given a second chance at life through medical advancements, but soon finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue and technological manipulation. As he navigates this new reality, he must confront the ethical implications of a world where virtual and physical realities blur.

Synners by Pat Cadigan is a thought-provoking cyberpunk novel that delves into the intersection of technology and human consciousness. Set in a future where virtual reality and neural implants have become the norm, the story follows a group of individuals who are connected in a complex web of relationships and secrets. As they navigate the dangers of a new form of media, the narrative raises profound questions about identity, communication, and the power of the mind.

Halting State is a science fiction novel by Charles Stross that takes place in the near future where virtual reality and online gaming have become an integral part of everyday life. When a bank robbery occurs in a virtual world, three unlikely heroes must navigate through a complex web of conspiracy and corporate espionage to uncover the truth. Blending elements of cyberpunk and thriller, this book offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of technology and its impact on society.

Count Zero is a science fiction novel by William Gibson that delves into a world where artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and corporate espionage collide. Set in a dystopian future, it follows the stories of three individuals whose lives become intertwined as they navigate a world dominated by powerful corporations and advanced technology. With its gripping plot and thought-provoking themes, the book offers a fascinating exploration of the potential consequences of our increasingly interconnected world.

The Electric Church by Jeff Somers is a gripping science fiction novel set in a dystopian future. It follows the story of Avery Cates, a skilled assassin who is hired to kill the leader of a powerful religious organization known as the Electric Church. As Cates delves deeper into the Church's secrets, he uncovers a sinister plot that could change the course of humanity. Filled with action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

All Tomorrow's Parties by William Gibson is a science fiction novel set in a near-future world where technology and society have evolved in unexpected ways. The story follows a group of characters whose lives become intertwined as they navigate a world filled with corporate espionage, virtual realities, and underground movements. As they are drawn into a mysterious event known as 'the nodal point,' they must confront the consequences of their actions and the power of the forces shaping their future.

Mona Lisa Overdrive is a science fiction novel by William Gibson that takes place in a dystopian future where advanced technology and virtual reality are a part of everyday life. The story follows multiple characters whose lives become intertwined as they navigate through a world controlled by powerful corporations and artificial intelligence. Filled with thrilling action and thought-provoking ideas, this book explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement.

Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow is a thought-provoking manga that delves into the complexities of identity, consciousness, and the impact of technology on society. Set in a future where cybernetic enhancements are the norm, the story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi as she investigates a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. Blending action, philosophy, and stunning artwork, this cyberpunk masterpiece challenges our understanding of what it means to be human.

Battle Angel Alita is a thrilling cyberpunk manga series by Yukito Kishiro. Set in a dystopian future, it follows the story of Alita, a powerful cyborg with a mysterious past. Filled with action, adventure, and thought-provoking themes, this book takes readers on an unforgettable journey as Alita discovers her true identity and fights against the oppressive forces in her world.

Schismatrix Plus by Bruce Sterling is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores a future where humanity has split into different factions, each with their own unique ideologies and technologies. The story follows the protagonist, Abelard Lindsay, as he navigates through a world of political intrigue, genetic engineering, and space travel, challenging the reader to question the boundaries of human evolution and the consequences of our choices.

Autonomous by Annalee Newitz is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical piracy. Set in a future where robots and humans coexist, the story follows a rogue scientist and a self-aware robot as they uncover the dark side of corporate greed and the fight for autonomy.

Catharsis by Travis Bagwell is a gripping LitRPG novel that follows the story of a young man named Jason who escapes his troubled real life by immersing himself in a virtual reality game. As he delves deeper into the game world, Jason discovers hidden powers and a dark conspiracy that threatens both the game and the real world. Filled with action, adventure, and a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Hardwired is a steamy romance novel by Meredith Wild that follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Erica Hathaway, a determined young woman with a promising tech startup, and Blake Landon, a wealthy and mysterious businessman. As they navigate the cutthroat world of technology and uncover dark secrets from their pasts, they must confront their own vulnerabilities and trust issues to build a future together.

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow is a thought-provoking science fiction novel set in a future where death has been conquered and society is organized around a reputation-based economy. When a group of "ad-hocs" attempt to overthrow the established order at Disney World, the protagonist finds himself caught up in a power struggle that forces him to question the value of immortality and the true meaning of happiness.

Moxyland by Lauren Beukes is a gripping dystopian novel set in a near-future Cape Town. The story follows four characters as they navigate a world controlled by a powerful corporation and a surveillance state. Filled with technological advancements, political unrest, and rebellion, the book raises thought-provoking questions about the consequences of our increasingly connected world.

Lock In is a science fiction novel by John Scalzi that takes place in a near-future world where a virus has caused millions of people to become "locked in" – fully conscious but unable to move or communicate. To cope with this, technology allows them to interact with the physical world through robotic bodies. The story follows a newly minted FBI agent as he investigates a murder that may be connected to this unique condition.

Woken Furies is a gripping science fiction novel by Richard K. Morgan. Set in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, the story follows ex-soldier Takeshi Kovacs as he seeks revenge in a world of political intrigue and advanced technology. Blending action, philosophy, and a thought-provoking exploration of identity, the book is a thrilling addition to the Altered Carbon series.

Vurt is a mind-bending novel set in a dystopian version of Manchester, England. Written by Jeff Noon, it tells the story of a group of friends who use a mysterious drug called Vurt to enter a parallel reality. Filled with surreal imagery and unconventional storytelling, the book explores themes of identity, escapism, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

Virtual Light is a science fiction novel by William Gibson that takes place in a dystopian future where the internet has evolved into a virtual reality. The story follows a bike messenger named Chevette Washington who unwittingly becomes involved in a high-stakes conspiracy after stealing a pair of high-tech sunglasses. As she navigates through a world of corporate greed, government surveillance, and underground resistance, she teams up with a former security guard named Rydell to uncover the truth behind the mysterious technology.

The Stars My Destination is a science fiction novel by Alfred Bester that follows the story of Gully Foyle, a man left for dead in the outer space. Driven by revenge, Foyle uses his newfound ability to teleport (jaunting) to embark on a journey across the universe to seek vengeance against those who abandoned him. Set in a future where teleportation and corporate power dominate the world, the novel explores themes of identity, obsession, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Warcross by Marie Lu is a gripping science fiction novel set in a virtual reality world. The story follows teenage hacker Emika Chen as she accidentally hacks into the international Warcross Championships and uncovers a sinister plot that could have devastating consequences. Filled with action, suspense, and a touch of romance, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi is a mind-bending science fiction novel that takes place in a future where quantum technology has completely transformed society. The story follows master thief Jean le Flambeur as he is broken out of prison to pull off the ultimate heist. Filled with complex concepts and a unique blend of hard science and intricate storytelling, this book will challenge your imagination and leave you questioning the nature of reality.

Zero History is a science fiction novel by William Gibson that delves into the world of fashion, marketing, and global espionage. The story follows a group of characters as they uncover a mysterious and elusive brand known as Gabriel Hounds. As they delve deeper into the secretive world of military fashion, they find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and danger.

The Peripheral by William Gibson is a mind-bending science fiction novel that delves into the possibilities of parallel futures and the power of technology. Set in two different time periods, the story weaves together a thrilling narrative that explores the consequences of our actions and the potential impact of advanced virtual realities. It's a thought-provoking and immersive read that will leave you questioning the nature of reality.

All Systems Red is a gripping science fiction novella by Martha Wells. It follows a self-aware android, known as Murderbot, as it accompanies a group of humans on a mission to a distant planet. As the group encounters unexpected dangers, Murderbot must navigate its own internal struggles and decide where its loyalties lie. With a unique protagonist and a thrilling plot, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity and autonomy.

Broken Angels by Gemma Liviero is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. It follows the lives of two women, one a German nurse and the other a concentration camp prisoner, whose paths unexpectedly cross. As they navigate the horrors of the war, they form an unlikely bond that challenges their beliefs and changes their lives forever.

Life Reset by Shemer Kuznits is a thrilling LitRPG novel that follows the story of Oren, a former high-level player in a virtual reality game who is betrayed and forced to start over as a lowly goblin. Determined to seek revenge and reclaim his power, Oren embarks on a journey filled with action, strategy, and unexpected alliances. As he navigates the game's challenges and uncovers its secrets, Oren must decide what truly matters in this new life.

Mountain of Black Glass is the third book in Tad Williams's Otherland series. Set in a future where virtual reality has become indistinguishable from real life, the story follows a group of individuals as they navigate a complex and dangerous network in search of a way to escape. Filled with rich world-building and thought-provoking concepts, this novel delves into themes of identity, consciousness, and the power of technology.

Pattern Recognition is a captivating techno-thriller by William Gibson that delves into the world of viral marketing, global surveillance, and the power of pattern recognition. The story follows Cayce Pollard, a coolhunter with an uncanny ability to spot patterns in the chaos of the internet. As she uncovers a mysterious series of film clips, Cayce becomes embroiled in a dangerous game that blurs the lines between reality and virtual reality.

Reamde is a thrilling techno-thriller that takes readers on a high-stakes adventure through the world of online gaming, international espionage, and cybercrime. Written by Neal Stephenson, this gripping novel combines complex characters, intricate plot twists, and a deep exploration of the intersection between virtual and real-life experiences. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys action-packed storytelling with a thought-provoking edge.

Raze by Dakota Krout is a thrilling fantasy novel that follows the story of Joe, a powerful mage who must navigate a world filled with magic, monsters, and political intrigue. As Joe uncovers dark secrets and faces formidable enemies, he must harness his abilities to protect his friends and uncover the truth about his own past. With its unique magic system and engaging plot, this book is a must-read for fantasy fans.

Regicide is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young man named Joe as he navigates a virtual reality game world. Filled with action, adventure, and a touch of humor, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat as Joe and his friends uncover dark secrets and face off against powerful enemies.

Ritualist by Dakota Krout is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Joe, a young man who is transported to a world filled with magic and danger. In this world, Joe discovers that he has a unique ability to perform rituals and manipulate magical energies. As he navigates through this new reality, he must learn to harness his powers and uncover the secrets of the ancient rituals in order to survive and thrive. With a mix of action, adventure, and intricate world-building, this book will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Sea of Silver Light is a captivating science fiction novel by Tad Williams. It is the final book in the Otherland series, taking readers on an epic journey through a virtual reality network. As the characters fight to uncover the truth behind this mysterious world, they must confront their own fears and desires. With its intricate plot and thought-provoking themes, this book offers a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable series.

The Difference Engine is a speculative steampunk novel set in an alternate Victorian era. Written by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, it explores a world where the computer age began in the 19th century. The story follows a group of characters as they become embroiled in a political and technological conspiracy, centered around the invention of a difference engine that can manipulate information and change the course of history.