The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi (2010)

Complex, inventive, and unapologetically cerebral, The Quantum Thief throws you headfirst into a futuristic solar system full of post-human societies and encrypted identities. Its protagonist, Jean le Flambeur, is a master thief on a mission to steal back his own memories — but even that simple goal unfolds through layers of mystery, physics, and philosophy. Rajaniemi never pauses to explain his universe; he expects you to keep up, and somehow, you do. It’s a puzzle box of a novel — stylish, brilliant, and deeply rewarding for readers who like their science fiction with teeth.

Rating: 4.5/5