SciFi and Fantasy eBook Club discussion

I'm looking for sci-fi books (preferably hard SF) in which the protagonist (or at least a major character) possesses "nano-technological talents" which, perhaps, would emulate magic were it fantasy (instead of SF). I've read Michael Crichton, Vernor Vinge, Neal Stephenson among others, but I am yet to encounter a book that satisfies what I am really looking for. Any suggestions?

Also, I'm not sure if this question agrees with the "folder", although I hope it does.

I haven't read the book, but from what I've heard, Nexus might be close to what you're describing...?

Check out the Complete Atopia Chronicles by Matthew Mather

Also watch for fan fiction on kindle worlds based on Bloodshot, he is a nanite blood infused hero/anti-hero

Alastair Reynold's Century Rain has various characters who rely on nanotech, but not in an overt 'fantasy' way. It's a really good read though.

Possibly Charles Stross's Singularity Sky ?

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I should have mentioned that I'm sort of averse to female protagonists. It isn't because of some deep seated psychological trauma either, rather, I have in my short lifetime discovered that such books (with females in the lead) do not offer the variety of "food" (for thought) as is common in male dominated compositions. Now, it might be that I have read all the wrong books and now nurse a stereotype that has severely handicapped the scope of my tastes-- and I believe this is the case, however, not much can be done about it since the damage is done.

Having said that, I think 'One Jump Ahead' might be a good read, although it doesn't look much literary in scope.

Nikhil wrote: "Thank you all for your suggestions.

I should have mentioned that I'm sort of averse to female protagonists. It isn't because of some deep seated psychological trauma either, rather, I have in my s..."

Altered Carbon and some of the other works by the same author are pretty close to what you are looking for.

Derrick wrote: "One Jump is definitely NOT literary :)

Neal Asher is also writing another series, the Owner series, that deals with nano-tech. I happen to love Asher, which is why I keep suggesting him :D"

Be that as it may, I have nearly completed said book and it has turned out to be quite a delightful story. I was rather exasperated after perusing intensely character driven/descriptive books (Mervyn Peake, Lord Dunsany, Susanna Clarke-- even Scott Lynch and Neil Gaiman happen to stray into heavy imagery). I thought I'd read China Mieville but it turned out to be too much effort at the moment.

I am really thankful for that particular recommendation. And I'll definitely look into Neal Asher as well.

-N

Here's another one that fits the bill. Sadly, due to weak promotion, this book is flying under the radar and deserves more attention.

Kevis wrote: "Here's another one that fits the bill. Sadly, due to weak promotion, this book is flying under the radar and deserves more attention.

"

Are you sure nanotechnology plays a major part in this book?

Nikhil wrote: "Are you sure nanotechnology plays a major part in this book?"

Nikjil, my suggestion was based off of your request for recommendation of new scifi books "in which the protagonist (or at least a major character) possesses "nano-technological talents". If a male nanotech warrior who was genetically engineered to possess human, alien, and robotic abilities doesn't pass that litmus test, then it probably isn't what you're looking for.

Of course, you can always try the sample feature to see if the book is what you're looking for. But I thought you might want to take a look. If not, then hopefully someone else will suggest something more suitable to your request. Good luck.

Derrick wrote: "Kevis...you've read it, so I ask, does it deal with nano-tech?..."

Derrick, I agree that the blurb is a little cryptic. I'll see if I can explain this without giving away any spoilers. Imperfect Weapon features a main character who has what it refers to as "huma-nanites." Nanites as we know refers to nano-robotics. So my claim that this book concerns itself with a protagonist who possesses superhuman abilities as a result of nanotechnology is correct. I cannot, however, say that the book is about nanotechnology in particular.

With that said, I do think this book is an intelligent and well-written one with well-thought out science and interesting characters. Whether it will satisfy every reader who turns its pages is beyond my domain to predict. But I still recommend it.

You might be interested in Nexus, it's one author's idea of how the birth of nano augmentation could bring about transhumanism.

Slant, by Greg Bear deals with some of the lighter and darker sides of nanotechnology, in a world suffused with the stuff.

and might suit you.

Nanotech Magician: A magician's path Part 1