A brand new world

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A brand new world

by Ray Cummings

Ray Cummings invites you to step through the threshold of the familiar into a reality that defies every expectation. At its heart, this is a classic portal adventure, following a protagonist thrust into a strange, hidden environment where the laws of nature—and society—have been rewritten. The pacing is breathless, capturing that specific, high-energy charm of early speculative fiction where every page turn reveals a new piece of a bizarre, atmospheric puzzle. It feels less like a clinical science experiment and more like a fever dream of discovery, blending the wonder of a new frontier with the underlying tension of being a complete outsider. If you have a soft spot for pulp-era ambition, grand quests, and the thrill of exploring worlds that exist just behind the veil of our own, this will hit exactly the right notes for you.

10 Books similar to 'A brand new world'

If the sense of discovery in this story left you wanting more, our curated list bridges the gap between classic pulp adventure and the philosophical questions inherent in building a brand new world. We have selected these titles to highlight the man-out-of-time trope and the fascination with isolated, technologically advanced civilizations. Whether you are drawn to the gritty survivalism of a lost world or the intellectual weight of a speculative utopia, these books share the same spirit of curiosity and the urge to interrogate the future through the lens of the unknown.

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The Time Machine
The Time Machine

by H.G. Wells

As a foundational pillar of early science fiction, this novel shares Cummings' fascination with the evolution of humanity and the potential dangers of future societies. Readers will appreciate the similar blend of speculative adventure and social commentary regarding class structures and technological progress.

Brave New World
Brave New World

by Aldous Huxley

This classic explores the implications of a technologically controlled society, mirroring the thematic concerns about societal engineering found in Cummings' work. It offers a more cynical, intellectual examination of the 'brand new world' concept that fans of early pulp sci-fi will find deeply engaging.

The Skylark of Space
The Skylark of Space

by E.E. Smith

This seminal space opera captures the same sense of wonder, pulp energy, and rapid-fire technological innovation that defines Ray Cummings' writing style. It is an essential read for those who enjoy the adventurous, high-stakes spirit of early 20th-century science fiction.

Looking Backward
Looking Backward

by Edward Bellamy

This influential utopian novel focuses on a man waking up in a future society, a central trope that aligns perfectly with the exploration of 'new worlds' in Cummings' fiction. It provides a fascinating historical look at how early writers envisioned the transformation of civilization.

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The Land That Time Forgot
The Land That Time Forgot

by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Burroughs shares Cummings' penchant for 'lost world' adventures and the discovery of isolated, technologically or biologically unique environments. Fans will enjoy the similar pacing, pulp-adventure atmosphere, and the struggle for survival in an alien setting.

Last and First Men
Last and First Men

by Olaf Stapledon

For readers interested in the grand, sweeping scope of human evolution and future history often hinted at in Cummings' work, this book offers an unparalleled intellectual journey. It expands upon the 'brand new world' concept across millions of years, appealing to those who enjoy big-picture sci-fi.

The Coming Race
The Coming Race

by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

This proto-science fiction novel features a hidden, technologically advanced subterranean civilization, resonating with the parallel dimension themes found in Cummings' writing. It provides a similar blend of adventure and speculative societal critique.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

by Mark Twain

This book utilizes the 'man out of time' trope to critique contemporary society, much like Cummings' work uses futuristic settings to reflect on the present. Readers will appreciate the witty, observational style and the clash between modern ingenuity and historical reality.

Metropolis
Metropolis

by Thea von Harbou

Sharing the aesthetic and thematic concerns of early 20th-century futurism, this novel depicts a sharply divided society and the impact of rapid industrialization. It aligns closely with the atmospheric and cautionary tone often present in Cummings' explorations of future worlds.

The Lost World
The Lost World

by Arthur Conan Doyle

This classic adventure story captures the excitement of discovery and the thrill of encountering the unknown, which is a hallmark of Ray Cummings' narratives. It offers a perfect balance of scientific curiosity and high-stakes action that fans of the era will genuinely enjoy.