I tried for a full two months to read this book, and I just could not get into it! I loved The Power, and thought I would love this one as much. I felt disconnected from the characters, and it was difficult for me to engage with the book. I ended up DNFing this book at about 50%. I just couldn't do it anymore.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

to be honest, i had a tough time with this book. i don’t know if i wasn’t giving it my all, but it never caught my attention how the description did & i found it slightly difficult to wrap my head around. idea was really cool & maybe i’ll try it again when i’m in the mindset.

The premise of the book was intriguing, and I was interested in the plot. But it was a little hard to follow and a bit too long.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Simon&Schuster for a free copy #TheFuture by Naomi Alderman.

In a not-so-distant future, after billionaires have enriched themselves for generations, they prepare to save themselves in an apocalypse. As the rich hatch their survival plan, is there another solution other than destroying the Earth?

FUTURE covers various topics, including big tech, climate change, social media, and survivalism. The writing is beautiful and world-building expansive. My main qualm is its uneven pacing due to alternating POVs, jumping timelines, and tangential backstories. At times, it was incredibly tough to follow on audio. Fans of literary SSF not looking for a fast-paced story might appreciate the story more than I did.

This book hit way too close to home in my opinion. With whats going on in the world, she spoke about all of the different current themes and what could happen if things were to go wrong. I love a good book about a dystopian future and look forward to reading her other books.

This book was really difficult to get into, and to finish. This book was honestly super slow, and way longer than it needed to be. A little too many twists and turns that maybe I just missed but made us deter a little too much from the main storyline and made it more confusing than it needed to be. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.

I wasn’t a big fan of The Power but was willing to give this author another chance. Once I found out it was a dystopian novel, I was excited since this is my favorite genre. But, ugh, this book was a slog.

The story follows several characters, but mostly on Martha and Lai, who are random lovers but look back fondly upon their time together. Martha gives Lai a “gift” that turns out to be a valuable piece of tech. The story is also about several billionaires and their contributions to society. I was just so bored. I wanted to like the story, but it was just not interesting at all.

This book was very outside of my normal type of read, and I struggled a bit to get into it. It is a mix of a dystopian/utopian novel. "The Future" explores themes of power, corruption, and resistance in a world where technology reigns supreme (which feels eerily familiar to our current reality). It was very thought-provoking and I think those who enjoy dystopian-type of stories would appreciate this one, but unfortunately it was just not in my wheelhouse.

Really loved this. Complex yet kept me coming back for more. Lots of commentary on politics.. survival… morals. Loved!

“The Future” by Naomi Alderman propels readers into a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s destiny. Alderman’s visionary storytelling skillfully weaves together multiple narratives that span continents and centuries, offering a captivating glimpse into possible futures shaped by technological advancement, societal shifts, and human ambition. Through her vivid prose and rich character development, Alderman challenges readers to contemplate the consequences of our actions today on the world of tomorrow. From the profound to the poignant, each storyline unveils layers of complexity, leaving readers pondering the ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries posed by a rapidly evolving world. “The Future” is a masterful work that transcends genres, blending elements of science fiction, speculative fiction, and social commentary to deliver a compelling and unforgettable reading experience. Alderman’s insights into power dynamics, human nature, and the fragility of civilization make this novel a timely and essential addition to the literary landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of speculative fiction or a newcomer to the genre, “The Future” promises an enthralling journey that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the final page.

An interesting, fictional look at where the world could be heading. Naomi Alderman's work is not to be missed!

I was initially quite intrigued by this synopsis, especially since I enjoyed The Power by the same author. And while I love the main themes and overall message of this book, I do feel the writing style made it feel much more sterile than I would have liked.

I wanted to be able to fall into the story and FEEL what the characters felt, but unfortunately everything I felt was very surface level. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a near genius futuristic tech heavy scifi, but sadly I think it went a little over my head.

I absolutely loved The Power and was so excited for this but I struggled to get into it. I think it’s a bit too sci-fi for me, and that’s not a usual genre. There’s literally nothing that’s not worth recommending but I just didn’t care.

"The Future" by Naomi Alderman presents a gripping tale of power, technology, and resistance in a world dominated by tech giants and social media moguls. Martha Einkorn, a former member of an isolated cult, finds herself working for a powerful social media mogul who seeks to control everything. Meanwhile, in Singapore, Lai Zhen, an internet-famous survivalist, finds herself targeted by an assassin and receives a mysterious piece of software on her phone that offers her a way out.

As Martha and Zhen's worlds collide, they find themselves caught in a web of intrigue and danger, with the fate of civilization hanging in the balance. While a few billionaires wield power unchecked, Martha's determination and Zhen's curiosity drive them to uncover the truth and challenge the forces threatening the world.

"The Future" explores themes of power, corruption, and resistance in a world where technology reigns supreme. With its thrilling pace, sharp wit, and thought-provoking insights, this novel offers a compelling vision of a future where the choices we make today shape the world to come.

I wanted to like this book so badly as her other works had been highly recommended to me. I am never going to be able to care what happens to a bunch of Silicon Valley billionaires. Too many characters, too many POVs, too much bouncing around, not enough editing.

Thanks for the opportunity to read but this didn’t do it for me.

Great, but somewhat disturbing, story...disturbing because I could see things actually happening in real life that happened in the story. The characters were well written and story gripping.

I didnt get a chance to leave a full review before the publication date, however I did read this one and gave it 4.5 stars

A glimpse into what our future might look like if things don't change. Overall, I struggled with this book, but I did like the futuristic thriller aspect of it.

Naomi Alderman's "The Future" presents a world transformed by advancements in medical technology, where individuals have the ability to predict their future health outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. Alderman skillfully explores the ethical dilemmas inherent in this scenario, prompting readers to consider the implications of such knowledge on personal autonomy, healthcare systems, and societal norms. For students interested in bioethics, the novel serves as a springboard for critical discussions about the ethical responsibilities of scientists, the rights of individuals, and the role of technology in shaping our future.

However, while the novel excels in its exploration of bioethical themes, it lacks the depth and complexity characteristic of other dystopian classics. The world-building feels somewhat superficial, with limited exploration of the societal structures and cultural dynamics that underpin the dystopian society portrayed in the novel. As a result, students may find it challenging to fully immerse themselves in the narrative and grapple with its implications beyond the surface level.

Furthermore, the character development in "The Future" is somewhat lacking, with many of the characters feeling one-dimensional and lacking depth. While this may be intentional to underscore the dehumanizing effects of the society depicted in the novel, it detracts from the overall impact of the narrative and limits students' ability to empathize with the characters' struggles and experiences.

Despite these shortcomings, "The Future" still holds value as a supplementary text in a unit on dystopian fiction and medical bioethics. Its exploration of timely and relevant themes provides fertile ground for classroom discussions and critical analysis. Paired with other texts that offer more nuanced world-building and character development, "The Future" can contribute to a comprehensive exploration of the ethical implications of scientific progress and the complexities of dystopian societies.

This felt very much like a sophomore slump. The Power was so creative, so propulsive. The Future fell totally flat for me. I felt no urge to pick it up. The characters lacked depth, the plot felt unevenly paced, it just wasn’t very readable to me.