Classic Cyberpunk Novels
Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that emerged in the early 1980s, characterized by a focus on high technology and low life. Here are some of the most iconic novels that have defined the genre:
- Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984) - Often regarded as the seminal cyberpunk novel, it introduces the concept of "cyberspace" and features a washed-up computer hacker hired for one last job.
- Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (1992) - A fast-paced narrative that combines elements of virtual reality and Sumerian mythology, centering on a hacker and pizza delivery driver named Hiro Protagonist.
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (1968) - The novel that inspired the movie "Blade Runner," it explores themes of humanity and artificial intelligence through the eyes of a bounty hunter.
- Count Zero by William Gibson (1986) - A sequel to "Neuromancer," this novel continues the exploration of cyberspace, corporate espionage, and the nature of artificial intelligence.
- Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan (2002) - Set in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, it blends cyberpunk aesthetics with detective noir.
These novels not only represent the cyberpunk genre but also challenge our perceptions of technology, society, and what it means to be human.