3.57
Part of "The Merchant Princes" series
"The Hidden Family" by Charles Stross is a thrilling science fiction novel that combines elements of spy fiction, alternate history, and technology to create a unique and engaging story. The book is the third installment in the "Merchant Princes" series, but it can also be read as a standalone novel. The story follows Miriam Beckstein, a journalist who discovers that she is the descendant of a family of interdimensional traders. Miriam is suddenly thrust into a world of intrigue and danger as she tries to navigate the complex web of relationships between the various branches of her family, each of which is based in a different world with its own unique culture and technology. Stross's world-building is exceptional, and he creates a rich and detailed alternate history that is both fascinating and terrifying. The family's homeworld, Group 77, is a grim and oppressive place where technology has stagnated, and the ruling class maintains its power through brutality and fear. In contrast, the family's other worlds are more advanced and offer a glimpse into what humanity could achieve if it were able to harness its full potential. Miriam is a compelling protagonist, and her struggles to come to terms with her newfound heritage and the dangerous world she has entered are both relatable and engaging. Stross also does an excellent job of exploring the moral and ethical implications of the family's ability to travel between worlds and the impact it has on the various cultures they encounter. Overall, "The Hidden Family" is a thrilling and thought-provoking science fiction novel that will appeal to fans of alternate history, spy fiction, and technology. Stross's writing is sharp and engaging, and his world-building is exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and exciting new read...
Scott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora
If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and clever twists of 'The Hidden Family', you'll love 'The Lies of Locke Lamora'. This fantasy heist novel follows a group of con artists known as the Gentlemen Bastards as they pull off elaborate scams in a corrupt and decadent city. The characters are witty, the cons are intricate, and the worldbuilding is rich and detailed.
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The City & the City
Fans of Charles Stross's blending of science fiction and fantasy will enjoy 'The City & The City', a unique and mind-bending novel that explores the idea of two cities occupying the same physical space, but existing in separate realities. The prose is dense and rewarding, and the plot is full of twists and turns.
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The Night Circus
Fans of the magical realism and intricate plotting of 'The Hidden Family' will enjoy 'The Night Circus'. This enchanting novel follows a magical circus that appears without warning and the two young magicians who are bound together in a competition that spans decades. The prose is lush and evocative, and the story is full of twists and turns.
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The Ghost Brigades
If you enjoyed the science fiction elements of 'The Hidden Family', you'll love 'The Ghost Brigades', the second book in John Scalzi's Old Man's War series. This military science fiction novel follows a group of soldiers who are created from the consciousnesses of deceased humans, and their battles against alien threats. The book is known for its fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and engaging characters.
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The Yiddish Policemen's Union
Fans of the noir elements and alternate history of 'The Hidden Family' will enjoy 'The Yiddish Policemen's Union'. This novel is set in an alternate history where Jewish refugees founded a sovereign state in Sitka, Alaska, in 1941. The book follows a detective as he investigates a murder and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the existence of the Jewish state. The prose is sharp and witty, and the worldbuilding is rich and detailed.
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The Scar
Fans of the imaginative worldbuilding and dark themes of 'The Hidden Family' will enjoy 'The Scar'. This novel is set in the same world as 'The City & The
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