Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I read about 30% before moving on. The writing was great, but the story was a little too cultish for me. I’m a little disappointed because I LOVED The Power, but it’s not the books fault.

Really, really liked this. Did not expect certain things, and was pleasantly surprised by a lot of them. The very first part is a bit off-putting, but it’s that way for a reason, so give it a few chapters—this book really only kept getting better and better. And I honestly loved how transparent the author is about who the people/companies are supposed to allude to.

It’s a surprisingly satisfying story given some of the main characters. Maybe it’s just wish fulfillment, but it does leave you feeling a little bit better about the world and the future. Which I really need lately.

This book surprised me! By the time I picked it up I had forgotten the premise, and decided to dive in blind, and what a ride I had ahead of me. The story follows Lai Zhen, a tech-survival influencer, and Martha, the assistant to a Zuck-type tech CEO. Both women have a history, and the relationship they form reflects that. At the core of the story is an app that contains a sophisticated AI that can predict the end of the world before it happens, leaving the billionaire investors with enough time to get to their secret bunkers to wait it out while the rest of us suffer through it. This book is about the future but not in the ways I expected, really fun read. I wish more of my friends had read this so we could talk about it!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a copy of the ebook in exchange for this honest review!

4/5 stars. I didn't love The Future as much as I hoped I would. I'm a big fan of The Power, and I've frequently called it the most uncomfortable book I've ever read. The Future has a lot of the same building blocks and I hoped to recreate that adoration, but it didn't quite hit for me in the way I'd hoped. Much like The Power, The Future chops the story up into bite-sized chunks of action-y story following several different points of view. Somehow it felt stilted and like I never really got my feet underneath what was happening, and I think this is what knocks this particular book down for me.

Worth it for the premise. It feels very current events. I'm not sorry I read it.

Naomi Alderman's "The Future" is a thought-provoking and masterfully crafted novel that delves into the complexities of our rapidly evolving world. This book is a compelling blend of speculative fiction, social commentary, and thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Alderman's storytelling prowess shines through as she weaves a tale that is both imaginative and eerily plausible. The characters are richly developed, each with their unique perspectives and struggles, making their journeys deeply relatable and captivating. The plot is intricately layered, exploring themes of technology, ethics, and the human condition in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

The world-building in "The Future" is nothing short of extraordinary. Alderman paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of transformation, with all its uncertainties and possibilities. Her attention to detail and ability to create a believable and immersive setting is truly commendable.

What sets this novel apart is its ability to provoke critical thinking and reflection. Alderman raises important questions about the direction our world is heading and the impact of our choices on future generations. Her writing is both insightful and accessible, making complex ideas approachable and engaging.

In summary, "The Future" is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of technology, society, and humanity. Naomi Alderman has once again proven herself to be a visionary author with a unique ability to challenge and inspire her readers. Highly recommended!

If you enjoyed The Power, Naomi Alderman's The Future is similarly excellent. In the not-too-distant future, a small group of billionaires are looking for a way out of the apocalypse they are responsible for.

Alderman's writing is immediately engaging and even her more philosophical passages are still entertaining. I appreciate that real, practical solutions to our real-world environmental crisis are proposed throughout the text, which offers hope for the readers getting a glimpse at their dystopian future. The whole book feels a little like it was written by the Ghost of Christmases Yet to Come.

The story features an eccentric (but in this day and age, not unrealistic) cast of characters who are full of surprises to keep you on your toes. Equal parts action, mystery, and musings on the human condition, The Future is a worthwhile read!

It was really hard for me to get into this book. I wasn't connecting with the characters and it was hard to focus. That said, the progression of the story was great and I liked all the ways it surprised me. I think I went in expecting something else and that's probably what threw me off at first.

This book has a lot of big ideas and they most likely landed, so it is worth recommending a book. This book had a lot of twists and turns that kept my interest. I need to go back and read Alderman's previous book--The Power.

Very engaging, i couldn't put it down!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

Have you ever wondered what Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, the Leah Remini of weird fundamentalist cult, and a famous survivalist YouTuber would do if the apocalypse was coming? Look no further (answer: they will be having a fun, sexy time in a bunker while your body is hemorrhaging out of both ends due to pigeon flu, but these are morally bankrupt people, what did you expect?!?) This book was preparing for the end of the world akin to Foundation by Isaac Asimov or the show Extrapolation (but make it super contemporary and add a sapphic romance subplot). We’re talking prescient technology, luxury/self-sustaining bunkers and multifunctional life support suits made from recycled VR sex suits. Most of the characters were shitty people, so I found it hard to care about ones other than Zhen and Martha. Some of the comments about emojis, current pop culture and internet trends were very relatable, but took me out of the future setting , and will not age well for future readers. This is so far from the typical book I read, but I enjoyed it more than I expected considering I went in blind. Naomi Alderman has an interesting way of weaving various thoughts, opinions and monologues into blog posts with people commenting etc. that was innovative and made it digestible. There are thoughts on religion, current society and how technology/social media are affecting our psyche, culture and the essence of what makes us human. This took me a while to get through because the POV shifts and interludes made reading this clunky and a bit disorganized. Also, many of the themes revolves around really bleak views of the world (and I am an escapist at heart) and it was A LOT of build up and very little action. The plot twist at the end was more heartening thankfully.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

In this dystopian novel, the characters were well developed with a deep history, so you felt like you really knew them. They were also intricately woven together, but left the reader to uncover that slowly as the book edged on. A lot of twists and turns, leaving the reader hopeful for a positive future for ourselves.

This premise was promising, but ultimately did not reliever in the same way The Power did. I had a hard time staying focused on this one. With so many books about similar topics, this one just does not stand out to me.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this advanced reader's edition. Unfortunately, I will not be able to give it the time required to write a thorough review and will be unable to read it for this purpose.

I want to thank the publisher, netgalley, and the author for the free copy of this book. Unfortunately this story just wasn’t for me but I will be trying books from this author again in the future.

The Future by Naomi Alderman is a really thought-provoking book that totally made me rethink the way we see technology and society. The story is set in the near future, where a bunch of different characters are dealing with the impact of new tech and how it’s changing their lives in big ways. The plot weaves between personal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of pushing boundaries with innovation.

What I liked about this book is how it explores some super relevant and real issues. It’s not just about cool gadgets or futuristic stuff, it digs into questions about power, control, and what happens when technology starts to take over parts of our lives. The characters are pretty complex, each dealing with their own version of the future and what it means for their world.

The pacing can be a little slower at times, but it’s a good kind of slow, where you really get to think about what’s going on. It’s one of those books that makes you look at the world around you a little differently, especially when it comes to the role technology plays in our lives. There’s also a mix of emotional moments and twists that kept me hooked, even when the topics were heavy.

This book hits a little too close to home in some aspects, especially things that have happened quite recently and/or are expected to happen soon. It took some turns I absolutely did not see coming, and everything is woven together so well that even when it got a bit too "tech-y" for me, I could still follow along and figure out what was happening. I'm definitely interested in reading more by this author!

4 stars

In 1513, Niccolo Machiavelli wrote the words, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” He was speaking of the de Medicis in particular, but those four words convict leadership across the centuries. Naomi Alderman’s The Future is another novel that deals with this concept, but like The Power, she uses unlikely leaders to tell her tale. The Power flips gender norms on their heads by presenting a world where women rise to power over men. In The Future, a group of environmentalists bamboozle IT industry giants (you can easily identify Bezos, Musk, and the like) to save the environment. The problem is power hunger isn’t exclusive to men or heads of major corporations. It can corrupt women and environmentalists, too. Both novels would have benefitted from exploring this theme. The Future is a fun read, but if you want the TL;DR version, stick with The Prince.

3.75/5✨
Sci-fi. Multi-POV. LGBTQIA+. 2023 release.

In a near-future world dominated by a few powerful tech giants who control society’s every move and decision, the end of the world looms. As a group of unlikely heroes bands together to challenge this monopolized control, they uncover disturbing truths about technology, power, and the cost of progress.

The Future, a bold exploration of humanity’s relentless march forward, features complex, morally ambiguous characters that pull readers into a world that feels unsettlingly close to our own, forcing us to question the ways in which innovation shapes society—and whether we are fully prepared for the consequences.

The writing was razor-sharp, with a clear message about the potential dangers and responsibilities that come with technological advancement. However, at times, the book’s themes felt overly emphasized, with some points repeated to the point of detracting from the story’s natural flow. While the author’s message is clear and thought-provoking, the heavy-handedness in certain sections felt slightly overbearing, as if hammering the same points to ensure they’re not missed.

Overall, The Future is an ambitious, impactful novel that tackles crucial questions about our relationship with technology and the consequences of unchecked power. With compelling storytelling, despite some moments of overemphasis, the book offers a thrilling, cautionary tale for anyone curious—or concerned—about the future.

[Note: Check Trigger Warnings]

I really was excited about this one after reading Power but it fell a little short for me. I am excited for future works though!

Thank you to NetGalley and the published for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Future by Naomi Alderman is a provocative dystopian novel that imagines a world dominated by tech moguls whose control over society reaches unsettling heights. The story follows a group of characters as they navigate a reality shaped by wealth, power, and extreme technological advancements, leading to a suspenseful and thought-provoking rebellion. Known for her bold storytelling, Alderman explores themes of power, surveillance, and societal inequality, crafting a near-future that feels disturbingly plausible. It’s a gripping and fast-paced read with a satirical edge, likely to leave readers questioning the trajectory of our own tech-driven world.