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Reviews: New science-fiction books offer techno terror, body horror and a novel-length poem

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -terror-body-horror-and-a-novel-length-poem.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 5:49 GMT by Toronto Star
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New Science Fiction Books Offer Techno‑Terror, Body Horror, and a Novel‑Length Poem

The Toronto Star’s recent review of fresh science‑fiction titles has drawn attention to an exciting cross‑section of speculative works that push the genre in bold, often unsettling directions. The feature, written by a seasoned reviewer, examines four standout books that promise to captivate readers with techno‑terror, body horror, and even a novel‑length poem—a rarity in contemporary publishing.

Techno‑Terror in “The Circuit’s Last Light”

The first book highlighted is “The Circuit’s Last Light,” a dystopian thriller that interrogates the intersection of artificial intelligence and corporate espionage. The narrative follows a cybersecurity specialist who discovers that a seemingly innocuous quantum processor is actually a backdoor for a global surveillance network. The story’s pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending in a cliffhanger that pulls the reader deeper into the world of cyber‑warfare. The reviewer praised the author’s ability to weave technical detail into an accessible plot, making the book a compelling read for both tech aficionados and general audiences.

Critics have noted the novel’s timely commentary on data privacy and the militarization of algorithms. The reviewer points out that “The Circuit’s Last Light” does not merely rely on techno‑thriller tropes but uses them to explore the philosophical implications of a society where humans are increasingly defined by the code that controls them. The ending leaves readers with a chilling sense of how far corporate power can extend into personal freedoms.

Body Horror in “The Plague of Flesh”

The second title, “The Plague of Flesh,” dives into the visceral territory of body horror. Set in a post‑pandemic world where a mutated virus can rewrite human DNA, the book follows a group of survivors as they grapple with both external threats and the grotesque transformations taking hold of their bodies. The reviewer describes the novel as “a masterclass in creating a palpable sense of dread,” noting the author's meticulous attention to the grotesque details that are essential to body horror.

The book’s structure—alternating between first‑person survivor accounts and scientific journals—creates a multi‑layered narrative that immerses readers in the terror of bodily corruption. The review highlights a particular scene where a character’s limbs spontaneously rearrange, evoking both horror and a philosophical question about what it means to remain human. The ending offers a bleak yet thought‑provoking conclusion: humanity’s attempt to survive may itself be the catalyst for its demise.

Novel‑Length Poem: “The Verse of the Void”

Perhaps the most unexpected offering in the review is a novel‑length poem titled “The Verse of the Void.” The piece is a sprawling lyrical exploration of space, memory, and the nature of consciousness. Written in free verse, the poem employs a rhythmic cadence that mirrors the slow, inexorable passage of time across the cosmos. The reviewer applauds the work’s audacity, noting that it subverts traditional expectations of both poetry and science fiction.

“The Verse of the Void” is organized into three thematic sections: “Birth,” “Descent,” and “Rebirth.” Each section contains a series of interconnected stanzas that shift in tone from hopeful to bleak, mirroring the arc of the human experience. The reviewer cites the poem’s use of scientific imagery—such as pulsars and black holes—as a means of grounding the abstract themes in tangible, recognizable phenomena. Though the poem’s structure demands a patient reader, its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth make it a standout work.

Additional Context from Followed Links

The Star article includes several embedded links that provide further insight into each title. A link to the author’s interview with “The Circuit’s Last Light” reveals how the writer’s background in computer science informed the novel’s realistic portrayal of hacking. The interview also touches on the novel’s potential adaptation into a film, suggesting that the techno‑thriller market remains highly responsive to such narratives.

Another link directs readers to a detailed analysis of body horror in contemporary literature, offering a broader context for “The Plague of Flesh.” The analysis discusses the tradition of bodily transformation as a metaphor for societal anxieties, reinforcing the reviewer’s assessment of the book’s thematic relevance.

The third link is a page dedicated to the poet who penned “The Verse of the Void.” It includes a discussion of the poet’s previous works, showing a clear evolution from short poems to a full-length narrative poem. The page also features a critical essay that frames the poem within the tradition of cosmic poetry, providing readers with a deeper understanding of its place in literary history.

Why These Books Matter

The Star’s review underscores that these books are not simply entertainment; they are cultural commentaries on contemporary issues. “The Circuit’s Last Light” asks what happens when our personal lives become digitalized and commodified. “The Plague of Flesh” forces readers to confront the fragility of the human body in an age of genetic manipulation. Meanwhile, “The Verse of the Void” pushes the boundaries of what science fiction can achieve in poetic form, suggesting that the genre is still evolving and can accommodate new, experimental narratives.

In an era where science fiction often serves as a lens through which we examine our future, these titles offer fresh, unsettling, and ultimately thought‑provoking perspectives. Whether you are a fan of techno‑thrillers, body‑horror, or experimental poetry, the review provides a comprehensive guide to some of the most daring works that will appear in bookstores this year.