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vN by Madeline Ashby

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Love vN but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for vN below.

In vN, did you enjoy ...

... a driven AI protagonist’s quest for autonomy?

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

If you were drawn into Amy's relentless journey to survive and define herself in vN, you'll love following Murderbot—a self-aware security android—on its mission to protect humans while secretly yearning for freedom. The fast-paced action and clear objectives keep the tension high, making this a gripping, goal-driven adventure in a world of artificial intelligence.

... morally complex characters navigating questions of autonomy and ethics?

Autonomous by Annalee Newitz

If you appreciated the complicated, not-always-heroic choices Amy faces as a self-replicating android, Autonomous offers a rich cast of protagonists—both human and AI—grappling with exploitation, consent, and what it means to be free. You'll find characters whose motivations and ethics are as provocative and ambiguous as those in vN.

... deep, personal transformation arising from trauma and survival?

The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

If Amy’s evolution from naive child to survivor resonated with you, Emiko’s journey in The Windup Girl—from exploitation toward self-assertion—will be equally compelling. The novel explores the profound growth and resilience of engineered beings struggling to find agency in a harsh world.

... futuristic societies with detailed technological and cultural landscapes?

Idoru by William Gibson

If you admired the intricate world of androids and layered societies in vN, Idoru will immerse you in a richly detailed near-future Tokyo where virtual idols and advanced AI shape culture, identity, and reality. Gibson’s worldbuilding is vivid and immersive, providing the same sense of technological wonder.

... philosophical explorations of identity, consciousness, and free will?

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi

If the questions of sentience, personal autonomy, and what it means to be ‘human’ in vN intrigued you, The Quantum Thief dives even deeper into these themes with mind-bending concepts of memory, identity, and morality in a technologically advanced society. Prepare for a thought-provoking, idea-rich read.

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