One of the most prescient and thought-provoking books I've read in a long time. Alderman creates a dystopian-utopian dichotomy that revolves around the world coming to the brink of disaster where humankind is on the verge of extinction unless drastic changes are made. It features billionaires who create fancy-schmancy bunkers on private islands to ensure their own survival instead of addressing issues that'd help save the masses, and has doomsday preppers talking End of Days strategy in online forums.

The split the author makes between the end feeling imminent and a better way forward being possible
is understated yet powerful in that it underscores bigger issues for readers to examine. Like that of technology and the ever-evolving role AI. Like the disparity between rich and poor and how that gap can lead to a select few having unfettered access to the world's resources. Like the corruptive nature of power and status. Like the elimination of a few for the greater good of all.

It begs readers to ask the question: What would you do? Or, perhaps more compellingly, what WILL you do? Because the future is closer to arriving than we realize.

The story itself makes for delicious - albeit distressing - allegories about our world and where we could be headed if we're not careful, and I found that to be its main propulsive force. There was also something thrilling about being able to predict where some plot points would end yet then being completely gobsmacked by others. The alternating perspectives, too, which brought characters from different backgrounds and parts of the world on a collision course with each other, kept me on the edge of my seat, with me dying to know how they'd either influence, react, clash, or destroy one another.

So yeah, this one definitely left me musing. Lots to think about. A smart and electrifying speculative thriller all around!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my review.

Alderman's novel had me guessing and thinking I could figure out the twists, but really didn't until the very end. I liked her narrative structure that always kept the book moving forward but giving insights into specific moments and clues to pick up on later.

Lai Zhen is a great, well-rounded character and honestly I could have read a whole book about her and her "life." She is incredibly interesting and layered and I liked the survival aspects that she brought to the narrative.

The end was a little much and best-case scenario that felt right on the edge of being preachy. I feel like Alderman could have pared it down slightly; however, it didn't not work and I was still satisfied with how it all wrapped up.

This would be an interesting book for the classroom because of the social issues discussed, the current ethical trends (and AI), and the narrative structure Alderman chose to drive the plot.

Thank you to netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy to review.
Much like Naomi Alderman's The Power, this book brings up interesting thing to contemplate about human nature. Things like the slow isolation of people in the modern age, the point of survival without community, and the birth and manipulation of religion/cults. She does this all surrounding the fascinating phenomenon of Survivalist internet culture and secret bunkers for the ultra rich. However I did feel it dragged a bit in the middle, and without spoiling it, I don't know if I ever fully bought one of the central plot points. But that is just my own skepticism about the ability of human nature to change.

I'll admit it. This book was over my head. I wanted to get into it but I don't love this genre and I did find it difficult to keep up with the writing. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Three stars. The concept is fab but it just wasn't a book to my liking.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this novel in order to provide an honest review. The thoughts that follow are genuine reflections of my experience, and are not a mere consequence of this fact.

I knew, when the pandemic occurred, that we were living in a dystopian novel. I wasn't sure which one, but now that I've read Alderman's latest, it's clear: It's this one. It's "The Future." I inhaled this novel. I started it and finished it in the span of 36 hours. I told my daughter and my husband to fend for themselves and to leave me be as I read it, sustenance be damned. I'll try not to give too much away, here, but be wary...

To say Alderman is prescient is an understatement. Of course, I attached real people to this fiction's characters. I reveled in the allegory. It had twists that I saw coming, some that I didn't, and ultimately left me with a very grim outlook for our society's future. You can call it conspiracy, but I have spoken to people who have actually been enmeshed in the economic failure of certain countries; countries with resources that should be protected, but are instead leveraged to make some very wealthy people even wealthier. Alderman's novel proposes a potential solution to that, and makes it seem very feasible and highly attractive. Is it really? Power never really dies out... it just gets transferred. It does in the real world, and it does in this novel. It was still a very intriguing, very engaging, plot that will not leave me for some time. As we move into a world where AI writes just about everything, I really appreciated some of the perspective presented here. I learned a lot, and the novel gave me some fodder for future research that I can't help but pursue. Immediately.

Read it. Read it like your life depends on it. Then message me so we can talk about it, because I'm dying to actually talk about it.

The author of the POWER - a cutting book and mesmerizing tv series is back!

The novel revolves around the world coming close to disaster. The very powerful and wealthy are much more consumed with creating bunkers than taking steps to stave off disaster. Several characters emerge to root for including a Chinese refugee and an ex-cult member - both extremely intelligent and resourceful.

Peppered with board discussions of the end -of-days and prepper talk, the novel takes us through what could happen and honestly, very well might. In typical style, Alderman has created a perfectly paced thriller that has enough twists to entertain even those of us not interested in prepping, dystopia and tech danger. Best yet, women are still at the center of the tale, this isn't a dry spy/international doomsday story.

If you love an intelligent thriller, a prophetic cli-fi story or just want to read what's next from the author of The Power - The Future is for you!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review "The Future" by Naomi Alderman. If I'm not mistaken, this is Alderman's 2nd work, with "The Power" being their first. I was generally a fan of The Power, with a compelling (if rather ugly at times) plotline and it was a quick read. The Future goes basically along those lines- not a challenging read to get through in a weekend, though the thought points will likely stay with you for a long time after that weekend wraps up. It's easy enough to see where Alderman's IRL influences are here, and as long as you're good with the commentary on tech, billionaires, power, and the ugly ways they combine, you'll enjoy The Future.

This book was a difficult read for me. It started out fun, but required very deep thinking and included moral issues. The technology it described was difficult to conceptualize. The time line moved around, and the characters were difficult to follow and like. Sacrafice a few for the greater good is a difficult theme. Still, the ending was interesting. I won't read this book a second time; it took me a month to read it.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of THE FUTURE by Naomi Alderman in a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thanks for the early look, and have a safe and happy summer!

The best I can say about this book is if you enjoy eclectic writing that wanders, is difficult to follow and boring then this is the book for you.Many other reviewers commented that the author’s first book was way better than this one. Wish I had read that one instead of this one.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

Oh boy, hold on tight because "The Future" by Naomi Alderman takes you on an exhilarating journey that'll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew! This book is a total winner, folks, with enough twists and turns to make your head spin, and it's all served up with Alderman's signature style that keeps you glued to the pages.

In this white-knuckle tour de force, we're thrown into a world on the brink of disaster. But forget about the average Joes and Janes, because this time it's the billionaires who are calling the shots. They're not exactly saving the day, though; they're too busy splurging on fancy bunkers to ensure their own survival. Talk about priorities, right?

But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. We're introduced to a fantastic group of characters who are determined to make a difference. There's the daughter of a cult leader, a brilliant non-binary hacker, a Silicon Valley visionary who got the boot, a wife trying to rein in her dangerous CEO husband, and an internet-famous survivalist. Trust me, you'll be rooting for this motley crew as they hatch a daring plan that might just be the greatest heist ever or the end of civilization as we know it. No pressure!

What I absolutely loved about "The Future" is how it seamlessly blends boardroom discussions of impending doomsday with prepper talk. Alderman knows how to keep the tension high and the adrenaline pumping. And let's not forget that the women in this tale are front and center, making sure this isn't your run-of-the-mill spy thriller. It's refreshing to see strong, smart, and complex female characters taking charge and stealing the show.

If you're a fan of intelligent thrillers that make you ponder the future, or if you're intrigued by prophetic cli-fi stories, then this book is an absolute must-read. Alderman's writing is captivating, and her ability to create a near-future world that feels scarily plausible is downright impressive. And hey, even if prepping, dystopias, and tech dangers aren't your usual cup of tea, "The Future" will still have you hooked from start to finish.

I would have loved to see even more depth in exploring the consequences of the characters' actions. While the pacing was perfect and kept me on the edge of my seat, a bit more reflection on the aftermath would have added an extra layer of impact.

All in all, "The Future" is an electrifying read that demands your attention. Naomi Alderman has once again proven herself as a master storyteller who knows how to deliver a gripping tale. So, buckle up and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride into the unknown!

3.5/5

I was eager to get my hands on this book as a fan of Alderman's earlier work, "The Power." This new novel shares a similar structure: multiple characters across the globe whose fates intersect into a grand and explosive finale.

The story centers primarily on a group of elitist tech executives, Jeff Bezos types whose various technologies have expanded access (and thereby monitoring) of information. Their newest secretive technology, AUGR, is an advanced AI tool that will predict the end of the world early enough for its small group of users to get to safety. Implied, of course, is that the poor commonor will be destroyed in the apocalypse while the rich live out of the remainder of days in a palacial bunker. In this not too distant future (best guess is the 2050s, 2060s), survivalism is an object of fascination for religious zealots and content creators. One of these creators, Zhen, gets caught up in AUGR's web and embarks on an international chase to get to the bottom of its origins.

While the premise was fun and certainly felt relevant, the quality of the writing is what really stood out to me here. Is this the same author that racked up a slew of literary awards? The prose was so casual it almost felt comical. One line describes a character "scooching her butt" towards another. Another interesting choice: "it was like showing her his c*ck, but more more intense." The poor writing did not do this story justice and rendered it satirical and campy. Maybe that was the point?? I'll be curious to see if the TV rights get optioned for this because it read like one of those books written with the intent of becoming a movie, focusing more on quick plot advancements and not true character development (thinking of Blake Crouch here). The themes of wealth disparity were berated and on the nose. I wish Alderman had demosntrated more trust in her audience's capacity for comprehension.

As a standalone sci-fi novel, this is a fun commercial and summer popcorn read. The ending was surprising and even delightful. As the new work of an estimed and decorated novelist, much more of a disappointment.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this advanced reader copy. What an interesting premise this book offers.. I did not read the first book that everyone else is talking about called Power. Maybe I’ll add that to my list after this one.. . The tech comments in this book I totally agree with.. The book has so many things going on you really and truly have to take notes like I did too appreciate it.. Grab your copy! So informative.

Wow, this was such a lovely, innovative and thoughtful novel. Alderman has refined her writing from her previous novel "The Power" to an even finer point in "The Future." Grand ideas told through complex and real characters with an intriguing plot that keeps turning. One of the best I've read this year so far.

4.5 Really interesting book about how we influence and perceive the future. 3 companies owners are bent on maximizing profits while another person very close to them sees what could be done for good. How do you change the world? By changing someone’s future? I was guessing until the end and it was a very satisfying ending.

I read The Power in 2021 and really enjoyed it. I was excited when I saw a new book by Naomi Alderman was coming out.

I love the cover! It’s very simple but I think it matches perfectly to the story. Futuristic but old stories. I noticed the fox immediately but it took me a second glance to see the rabbit. The fox and rabbit is a common theme in the book.

Unfortunately, the story didn’t click for me. I was interested from the synopsis but it didn’t hook me in once I started reading. I also have a hard time with books where almost all the characters have sketchy personalities and few redeeming qualities.

50% in I still felt like nothing was really happening. And I kept putting off reading because I wasn’t interested. I pushed through but probably wouldn’t have if it wasn’t an ARC.

But! If you enjoy books about technology and religious backgrounds you might enjoy this more than I did! It’s always worth a try.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Naomi Alderman and Simon & Schuster Publishing for the opportunity to read The Future. I have written this review voluntarily.

3.5/5 As a huge fan of The Power, I was really looking forward to reading Alderman's latest book, but it didn't really affect me like The Power. I liked parts of this book, but other parts were just confusing and I found that I wasn't really connecting with the characters or the plot.

The Future starts slowly and builds to an increasing intensity of hope for survival and a way forward in the world. Alderman takes issues plaguing us, including climate change, economic disparity, the use of technology and artificial intelligence ruling our lives, and creates a world on the verge of destruction. Three billionaire titans of the tech industry obsessed with money and power, aware of the impending doom, have been secretly building and supplying bunkers to wait out the apocalypse. They have no regard for what will happen to the rest of humanity.

People close to the powers that be recognize the imminent threat and need to find a solution. A Chinese immigrant survivalist becomes involved with one of the players and is trying to find out why some people are trying to kill her. We are taken on a clandestine trip to find answers.

Amid all of this, we are privy to a social media chat based on the teachings of a fanatic religious leader which discusses among other things, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his wife, and how many people would God allow to survive. Survival is a key driver propelling the novel forward. But, is the survival instinct enough? Can humanity be saved? How will Alderman handle theses challenges? It may be speculative fiction, but it sure feel real to me. Outstanding!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Naomi Alderman has done it again. I read The Power years ago and have never forgotten the way that book made me feel. Thanks to NetGalley, I got to experience her newest speculative novel good and early! In The Future, Alderman's vision is vividly imagined as a tightly woven tapestry of ideas and connections, centered around a few billionaires and their inner circle. It is compulsively readable, and every new chapter reveals something about this barely futuristic world. The billionaires are thinly veiled allegories of real people, but the story is the same - the wealth disparity and unfettered access to resources drive unimaginable profit. This affects the imaginary world of Alderman's making just as it does our own. The globe is heating up, people are more captivated by their devices than ever, and the end feels close. Despite the impending apocalypse, the super-rich stay the course and continue to line their pockets, excusing themselves by funding small wildlife preserves and donating to charities. All the while, they are preparing for the end by stocking massive private bunkers and designing elaborate travel plans for the end of the world. They will spare no expense to save themselves and leave everyone else to their fate. Can their goodwill and huge fortunes be redirected to prevent the end of the world? Is it too late to turn the tide? Or when the time comes, will they retreat to their future-safe bunkers and give up everything they worked for? A wild ride from start to finish, with keen observations on the state of the world as we know it; Naomi Alderman knows what's up.

I enjoyed this novel, although not quite as much as I liked The Power. Recommended to readers of sci-fi and dystopian books.