Book cover of The Shockwave Rider

Book description

He was the most dangerous fugitive alive, but he didn’t exist!

Nickie Haflinger had lived a score of lifetimes . . . but technically he didn’t exist. He was a fugitive from Tarnover, the high-powered government think tank that had educated him. First he had broken his identity code—then he…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Shockwave Rider as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I dug out this gem from my library and sat down to read it again, a tumbler of bourbon at my side to lubricate the pages.

Written decades ago, the book uncannily reflects today’s use of the Internet and the creeping control by governments and media corporations on how we access information and what we’re doing with it. I sympathized with the main character’s struggle to establish his identity in an authoritarian society, using their tools against them. I was totally captivated by this prophetic story filled with vivid imagery and troubled relationships. I could read this novel over and…

If you love The Shockwave Rider...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like The Shockwave Rider?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 64 books like The Shockwave Rider.

Browse books like The Shockwave Rider

Book cover of Parasite
Book cover of Double Helix
Book cover of Deal with the Devil

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

186

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Shockwave Rider, you might also like...

Book cover of Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration

Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration by Mark Doherty,

I have woven numerous delightful and descriptive true life stories, many from my adventures as an outdoorsman and singer songwriter, into my life as a high school English teacher. I think you'll find this work both entertaining as well as informative, and I hope you enjoy the often lighthearted repartee…

Book cover of AcClaim

AcClaim by Jean Thesquare,

AcClaim is a dark, high-society romance about Beatrix Winslow-Hale, a successful romance author who believes desire can be negotiated and controlled—until enigmatic billionaire Dorian Wolker crosses the line between consensual surrender and violation. Publicly humiliated and emotionally shattered, Beatrix turns to Manon de Rochemaure, her fiercely loyal best friend and…

5 book lists we think you will like!