Tim Hawken's Blog

It’s my pleasure to announcing that my cyberpunk novella, Killware, has now been translated into Italian by the amazing Raffaella Maria Prenza.

For those who speak Italiano, here is the blurb and links…

Un noir-cyberpunk da friggerti il cervello...

L’Ispettore Bram Tedeschi preferirebbe malmenare criminali che digitare su tastiere. Ma quando due giocatori-RV muoiono folgorati nelle tute tattili, è costretto a investigare un mondo a lui ignoto.

Coadiuvato da Vancy, collega esperta-tecnologica, Bram interverrà per rintracciare un hacker che è più leggenda che realtà – il misterioso Psyren.

Risolveranno il caso prima di trasformarsi nel prossimo bersaglio? O le loro vite diventeranno un inferno, dove i loro peggiori incubi verranno impiegati per condurli alla follia?

Killware: novella incalzante, 100-capitoli x 100-parole, affiancati dall’incredibile arte di Megan Mushi. Ambientata nell’Universo Thrill Switch di Tim Hawken.

Find it on Amazon here.

Un noir-cyberpunk da friggerti il cervello...

What’s the difference between cyberpunk and dystopian fiction?

Dystopian fiction and cyberpunk often get thrown into the same bucket. Both genres paint grim visions of the future, filled with corruption, oppression, and the fight for freedom. But while they share some DNA, they’re not identical twins. If dystopia is the broader canvas, cyberpunk is the neon-splattered corner where rebels, hackers, and megacorporations collide. I often get asked what is the difference between dystopia and cyberpunk. the short answer is: all cyberpunk is dystopian, but not all dystopian fiction is cyberpunk. To unpack that a little bit, here’s a rundown of each, with some examples and then comparisons.

What is Dystopian Fiction?

Dystopian fiction is a genre that explores societies where something has gone horribly wrong. These worlds are often the result of:

• Totalitarian governments (think Orwell’s 1984)

• Environmental disasters (like Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale)

• Technological oppression (Brave New World, anyone?)

A dystopia doesn’t have to be futuristic—though many are. The defining feature is a broken system that controls people’s lives, often disguised as something that was supposed to “help” society. Whether it’s through fear, surveillance, or even the illusion of pleasure, dystopian worlds show us what happens when power goes unchecked.

The tone of dystopian fiction is often bleak, cautionary, and deeply philosophical. It forces us to ask: How close are we to becoming this world? And can we stop it before it’s too late?

Famous dystopian books include:

• 1984 by George Orwell

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

• The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Some might mistakenly include something like Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future as dystopian because it’s climate fiction that kicks off very, very horrifically. However, the book ends on a very optimistic note. Not only are the main characters in a much better place, but the system that has made the world so terrible to live in is being dismantled and the characters have a real hope at a better, long lasting future. That’s not dystopian.

What is Cyberpunk?

Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that blends high-tech futures with low-life realities. If dystopia is about power crushing society, cyberpunk is about the rebels fighting back—often in the dirtiest ways possible with tech as their weapons.

Cyberpunk worlds are hyper-technological but deeply broken. Think:

• Giant megacorporations running everything

• Hacking, cybernetic enhancements, and AI

• Dark, neon-lit cities drowning in rain and corruption

Where dystopian fiction often follows the masses suffering under oppression, cyberpunk focuses on rogue individuals—hackers, mercenaries, and punks—who use the system’s own tools to fight back. Instead of asking, How do we stop this future from happening?, cyberpunk shrugs and says, We’re already here. Time to jack in and survive.

Classic cyberpunk books and films include:

• Neuromancer by William Gibson

• Blade Runner (based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick)

• The Matrix (a modern take on cyberpunk themes)

• Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan

• Ghost in the Shell (anime & manga)

Cyberpunk worlds are grimy, dangerous, and filled with hackers, mercs, and antiheroes. The themes often explore humanity vs. technology, asking: At what point do we stop being human?

Key Differences Between Cyberpunk and Dystopia Feature Dystopian Fiction Cyberpunk Setting Oppressive, often totalitarian High-tech, neon-drenched, urban sprawl Themes Political control, social decay Technology, AI, hacking, rebellion Power Structures Governments, dictators, thought control Megacorporations, AI overlords Characters Regular people caught in oppression Hackers, mercs, antiheroes Tone Grim, bleak, cautionary Fast-paced, rebellious, punk energy

Sometimes, a story blends both genres. Take Black Mirror—some episodes lean dystopian (Nosedive, Fifteen Million Merits), while others lean cyberpunk (San Junipero, Striking Vipers).

Or consider The Matrix. It’s a cyberpunk world (hacking, AI, virtual reality), but it’s also dystopian (humans enslaved by machines).

The lines blur, but the core difference remains:

• Dystopia asks how the system keeps people in line.

• Cyberpunk asks how we can break it.

Why Cyberpunk and Dystopian Fiction Matters Today

Cyberpunk and dystopian fiction aren’t just entertainment—they’re blueprints for reality. Many dystopian nightmares (mass surveillance, algorithmic control, political propaganda) are already here. And cyberpunk? We’re living in a world where AI, corporations, and hackers have more power than governments. I mean, damn. An AI even helped me write and clean up this blog post. I feel like I should leave a typo in hear just to be ruthlessly human. How long until it’s writing our fiction too? Not mine anytime soon at least.

Understanding these genres, however, helps us see where we’re headed. Cyberpunk might give us a roadmap for rebellion. Dystopia might give us a warning. Either way, they remind us to stay awake, stay sharp, and stay human.

What’s your favourite dystopian or cyberpunk story? If you’re looking for a world that blends the best of both, check out my books Thrill Switch and Killware .

If you’re a fan of urban fantasy novels, then chances are you’ve heard of Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim book series. The series follows the adventures of James Stark, a magician who has escaped from Hell and returned to Earth seeking revenge against those who betrayed him. With the twelfth and final novel in the series already out, plus more companion novellas, it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of Sandman Slim. But with so many Sandman Slim Books to consider, it can be tough to know where to start. Fear not! In this post, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to reading the best Sandman Slim reading order.

What Is The First Sandman Slim Book?

Sandman Slim. This is the first book in the series that gives it its name. It’s also definitely the first book you should read in the series, if you want to read the Sandman Slim Books in order. It’s important to start with this book to fully understand the background and motivations of the protagonist, James Stark. In this book, we learn that Stark was a talented magician who was sent to Hell by a group of fellow magicians, and spent 11 years there fighting in the gladiator pits. He eventually manages to escape and return to Earth to seek revenge against those who wronged him, all while navigating the hidden supernatural world of Los Angeles. 

Start the series here.  

(Note: I recommend the audiobook, which perfectly captures the noir voices of James Stark)

Sandman Slim Books Reading Order (The Novels)

Now you’re sorted with the first book in the Sandman Slim series, here’s a list of all of the full length novels. I recommend you blaze through them like fiery bat outta hell…

Sandman Slim (2009)

Kill the Dead (2010)

Aloha from Hell (2011)

Devil Said Bang (2012)

Kill City Blues (2013)

The Getaway God (2014)

Killing Pretty (2015)

The Perdition Score (2016)

The Kill Society (2017)

Hollywood Dead (2018)

Ballistic Kiss (2020)

King Bullet (2021)

Sandman Slim Book Order – Remember Devil in the Dollhouse

For those who are right into the Sandman Slim, there is also a novelette to complement the series. Called Devil in the Dollhouse, this story of 100 pages (or just over an hour on Audible) sits between books 3 and 4 in terms of the Sandman Slim reading order. You’ll see it labelled as Sandman Slim #3.5 in a few places. Find that one here for just 99c on Kindle.

If you want to go super hard, dive into the full Sandman Slim Kindle Bundle which will give you all of the full-length novels in fell swoop.

There you have it! A complete guide to reading the Sandman Slim book series in order. While the novella in the series is worth reading too, I recommend starting with the main books. The Sandman Slim series is a wild, action-packed ride filled with humor and heart.

And, if you like them and are yearning for more, try my Hellbound Trilogy. A wild journey through the underworld like you’ve never seen it before.

I’m proud to announce that my latest novel Thrill Switch recently finished runner up at Hugh Howey’s SPSFC event. Judged by bloggers and sci fi lovers, it’s an incredible honour to hit the podium out of 200+ titles entered.

Massive congratulations to SPSFC3 winner Dave Dobson with his sci-fi masterpiece Kenai. Very well deserved.

In other award news, Thrill Switch’s prequel novella Killware was also shortlisted for an Aurealis Award this year too. It’s been a good 2024!

If you’re up for some fast-paced cyberpunk, check out both books here.

Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files is a stunning urban fantasy series that has captivated readers since the first novel was published in 2000. If you’re new to the series, you might be wondering where to start and how to navigate the constantly expanding world of Harry Dresden. With 17 books and counting, it can be overwhelming to know which is the best Dresden Files book order. But don’t worry, in this article, I’ll provide you with the ultimate guide to reading The Dresden Files books in order.

Dresden Files Book Order - Start with Storm Front 

The first book in The Dresden Files series is Storm Front. Harry Dresden is introduced as a detective and a wizard who uses his magic to solve supernatural crimes in modern-day Chicago. In this book, we see Harry Dresden taking on his first case, involving a double murder that points to the supernatural. Storm Front is the perfect place to start if you want to get a feel for the world that Jim Butcher has created.

As a personal note, I really like the Audiobook of Storm Front . The narrator, James Masters, perfectly captures the noir crime feel of the world.

Follow up with Fool Moon

Fool Moon is the second book in the series and follows Harry Dresden as he investigates a string of murders linked to a pack of werewolves. This book expands on the world introduced in Storm Front and introduces us to new characters such as Karen Murphy, a police officer who becomes Harry’s friend and ally.

Move on to Grave Peril

In Grave Peril, the third book in the series, Harry Dresden is summoned to a deadly vampire ball, where he discovers a conspiracy between the vampire courts and a powerful demon. This book delves deeper into the mythos of The Dresden Files and explores the supernatural politics that exist in Chicago.

Pro tip: if you’d like a box set of the first 3 books, here’s a good one .

Take a break with Side Jobs - Best Dresden Files Book Order

Side Jobs is a collection of short stories set in the world of The Dresden Files. It’s the perfect book to read after the first three books as it provides a break from the main narrative and explores some of the smaller cases that Harry Dresden solves. Side Jobs is also a great way to get a taste of Jim Butcher’s writing style before delving back into the main series. This one’s probably best to grab on Kindle.

Keep going with Summer Knight

In Summer Knight, the fourth book in the series, Harry Dresden is hired by the Summer Queen to find out who killed the Summer Knight. This book takes us deeper into the politics of the supernatural world and introduces us to the Fey courts and their intricate power struggles.

Continue with the rest of the Dresden Files series in publication order

From this point on, the rest of the books in The Dresden Files series should be read in publication order. This is the order in which they were written and released and is the best way to experience the story as it unfolds. The next Dresden file book order for the series is:

5. Death Masks

6. Blood Rites

7. Dead Beat 

8. Proven Guilty

9. White Night 

10. Small Favor

11. Turn Coat

12. Changes

13. Ghost Story

14. Cold Days

15. Skin Game

16. Peace Talks

17. Battle Ground

Dresden Files Books In Order - Bonus Books

Once you’ve nailed the entire series of main titles (along with your ‘Side Jobs’ break), there are some other Dresden File books to add into your reading guide. These are:

Working for Bigfoot (2015) - The three Dresden Bigfoot novellas all rolled into one tome .

Brief Cases (2019) - A cracking short story collection of 12 new cases, well worth digging into.

The Law (2022) - This novella thrusts Chicago’s only professional Wizard, Harry Dresden, back into battle–both a legal one…and the kind with explosions.

The Dresden Files series is a modern classic of urban fantasy that has captured the hearts and minds of anyone who loves magic, mystery, and supernatural crime-solving. By following this guide and reading the books in order, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in Harry Dresden’s world and enjoy all of the twists and turns that Jim Butcher has in store. Happy reading!

And, for those true fans looking for a Dresden Files box set, go here .

If you’re a fan of urban fantasy novels, then chances are you’ve heard of Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim book series. The series follows the adventures of James Stark, a magician who has escaped from Hell and returned to Earth seeking revenge against those who betrayed him. With the twelfth and final novel in the series already out, plus more companion novellas, it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of Sandman Slim. But with so many Sandman Slim Books to consider, it can be tough to know where to start. Fear not! In this post, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to reading the Sandman Slim books in order.

What Is The First Sandman Slim Book?

Sandman Slim. This is the first book in the series that gives it its name. It’s also definitely the first book you should read in the series, if you want to read the Sandman Slim Books in order. It’s important to start with this book to fully understand the background and motivations of the protagonist, James Stark. In this book, we learn that Stark was a talented magician who was sent to Hell by a group of fellow magicians, and spent 11 years there fighting in the gladiator pits. He eventually manages to escape and return to Earth to seek revenge against those who wronged him, all while navigating the hidden supernatural world of Los Angeles. 

Start the series here.  

(Note: I recommend the audiobook, which perfectly captures the noir voices of James Stark)

Sandman Slim Books Order (The Novels)

Now you’re sorted with the first book in the Sandman Slim series, here’s a list of all of the full length novels. I recommend you blaze through them like fiery bat outta hell…

Sandman Slim (2009)

Kill the Dead (2010)

Aloha from Hell (2011)

Devil Said Bang (2012)

Kill City Blues (2013)

The Getaway God (2014)

Killing Pretty (2015)

The Perdition Score (2016)

The Kill Society (2017)

Hollywood Dead (2018)

Ballistic Kiss (2020)

King Bullet (2021)

Sandman Slim Book Order – Remember Devil in the Dollhouse

For those who are right into the Sandman Slim, there is also a novelette to complement the series. Called Devil in the Dollhouse, this story of 100 pages (or just over an hour on Audible) sits between books 3 and 4 in terms of the Sandman Slim reading order. You’ll see it labelled as Sandman Slim #3.5 in a few places. Find that one here for just 99c on Kindle.

If you want to go super hard, dive into the full Sandman Slim Kindle Bundle which will give you all of the full-length novels in fell swoop.

There you have it! A complete guide to reading the Sandman Slim book series in order. While the novella in the series is worth reading too, I recommend starting with the main books. The Sandman Slim series is a wild, action-packed ride filled with humor and heart.

And, if you like them and are yearning for more, try my Hellbound Trilogy. A wild journey through the underworld like you’ve never seen it before.

It’s no surprise I’m a massive fan of cyberpunk audiobooks. Cyberpunk is a science fiction sub-genre that takes place in a dystopian future. Technology and humans have intertwined in an unwanted and often dangerous way. It imagines a world that is dark, gritty, and often apocalyptic. While it may be a daunting experience to maneuver the complicated themes that coincide with this genre, listening to a cyberpunk audiobook can be an immersive experience. Dive into the best cyberpunk audiobooks that will leave you with a new sense of appreciation for this genre.

Neuromancer by William Gibson

William Gibson’s Neuromancer is an excellent start if you are new to cyberpunk. It’s the book the basically founded the entire genre. The story follows the Case, a former hacker who finds himself stripped of his ability to jack into cyberspace. That is until a mysterious employer comes along and makes him an offer he can’t refuse. The cyberpunk audiobook production narrated by Robertson Dean brings the world to life. Its electrifying energy transports the listeners into the dystopian world. Find it on Audible here.

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (our top recommended best cyberpunk audiobooks)

Snow Crash is a satire on the corporate and societal aspects in a cyberpunk world. Our protagonist, Hiro Protagonist, works as a swordfighter in a virtual reality. When a new drug called “Snow Crash” hits the market, Hiro must go on a wild ride to save the world from a dangerous virus. Jonathan Davis narrates the audiobook, who gives voice to the humor and vivid descriptions scattered throughout the story. Undoubtedly one of the best cyberpunk audiobooks ever. Find it on Audible here.

Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan

Altered Carbon was a game-changer in cyberpunk and brings up the concept of “sleeving” as a means to immortality. Set in a future where death has lost all its meaning, we follow Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier who is brought back to life to solve a mysterious crime in exchange for a second chance at life. This best cyberpunk audiobook narrated by Todd McLaren is a perfect blend of slow-revealing and action-packed thriller. Find it on Audible here.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In an overpopulated and dark future, people spend most of their time playing a virtual reality game called the OASIS. The creator of the game, James Halliday, died and left his immense fortune to whoever solves the riddles hidden in the game. We follow the protagonist, Wade Watts, as he becomes the first person to solve the first riddle and sets off a dangerous competition to solve the rest. The audiobook , narrated by Wil Wheaton, adds an enthusiasm that brings the world of OASIS fully to life. Find it on Audible here.

36 Streets by T.R. Napper (best cyberpunk audiobook you’ve never heard of)

36 Street is an ultra-violent whirlwind set amongst a futuristic world of organized crime in Vietnam. We follow outsider Lin “The Silent One” Vu – a gangster and private investigator living in Chinese-occupied Hanoi. It’s a paranoid world full of deception with more twists and turns than a VR circuit board. Sexy and breathtaking in equal measure, this is an uncovered gem world worth digging up. Definitely one of the best cyberpunk audiobooks you’ve never heard of. Find it on Audible here.

And finally, my latest cyberpunk audiobook…

Thrill Switch by Tim Hawken (my own best cyberpunk audiobook)

Thrill Switch is a new cyberpunk audiobook that is an absolute earbender. It follows foul-mouthed, rooked detective Ada Byron into the dark side of The Holos (a contemporary version of The Metaverse). Slated as Silence of the Lambs meets Ready Player One, this pick in our best cyberpunk audiobooks list has been getting wildly high praise online. Destined to become a true classic. The perfectly noir narration of Molly Secours is a must listen. Find it on Audible here. 

Cyberpunk is unlike any other sub-genre of science fiction. Its bleak settings and dark tones paint a dystopian world in which everything has to go wrong, but still manages to hook the reader from start to finish. The audiobooks bring an added dimension of immersion that increases the stakes and makes the world’s danger feel all too real. These picks can be a great place to start your journey into cyberpunk and fall in love with the genre. Listen to them on a dark night, and you will feel like you have peeked into a different, but oh so familiar future.

For those audiophiles like me out there who love a good audiobook, my latest novel, Thrill Switch, is now on Audible!

Even better, I have a handful of free codes for UK and USA listeners who want to try it totally free!

Just follow this link to get yours: https://www.freeaudiobookcodes.com/bo...

Happy listening!

Cheers

Tim

I’ve been a little obsessed over the last few years with what the best cyberpunk books are. That’s partly because I was writing my own cyberpunk novel. It’s partly because I simply love the genre. But, what is cyberpunk? Is it simply a techno thriller novel with edge? Isn’t it a video game? Is it similar to LitRPG books? Before we dive into what I think the best cyberpunk books ever are, it’s probably worth stopping for a second to define the genre.

What Is Cyberpunk?

Put simply, cyberpunk is a sub genre of science fiction that takes place in a gritty setting but with hi-tech, often with virtual reality as a core element. Cyberpunk also often showcases other distinct features like an interest in Asian culture, swordplay, and cybernetic body modifications. Cyberpunk crosses over with LitRPG books which feature virtual reality roleplaying games as their central focus. However, LitRPG can be more focussed on fantasy elements, which are not typically found in pure cyberpunk. Finally, Cyberpunk with a capital C is the name of a video game/TV franchise, not to be confused with the genre itself.

What Are The Best Cyberpunk Books?

In my mind there are three clear GOATs when it comes to discussing the best cyberpunk books. A lot of the time Ready Player One is also mentioned, but I’d personally class that as LitPRG, so will leave it here out with an honourable tip of the VR helmet. I’ll start with the godfather of cyberpunk - William Gibson.

Neuromancer - the most influential cyberpunk novel

This isn’t even an argument. Neuromancer by William Gibson pretty much spawned the entire cyberpunk movement. While the word cyberpunk was coined by Bruce Sterling, Gibson was the one who cemented it as an actual full-tilt genre. The Matrix took major cues from the book. So did a raft of other novels, short stories and more.

The story of Neuromancer itself centres on Case, a ‘cowboy’ who jacks into cyberspace to thieve, spy and generally be a cyberpunk ratbag. It’s the first book in The Sprawl Trilogy, but can be easy read as a stand alone story.

Check out more on Neuromancer here.

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Another epic cyberpunk book is Snow Crash. Written by possibly the greatest living sci fi writer today, it coined the term ‘metaverse’ to explain an interconnected online reality. If that name sounds familiar, Mark Zuckerberg renamed the parent company of Facebook, Meta, in its honour. My personal favourite cyberpunk book, Snow Crash is gritty, fast-faced and packed with incredible ideas. It follows the main character, Hiro Protagonist and skateboard pizza delivery ‘kourier’ Y.T. as they try to shut down the maniac villain Raven (among other things). If there’s just one cyberpunk novel you read from this list, choose this. The audiobook version is an absolute cracker too.

Have a listen here.

Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan

Some of you might be familiar with the Altered Carbon Netflix series. In typical bibliophile form, I’m going to state right now: ‘the book is better’. That’s saying something too. The series is fricking incredible. The story follows convict Takeshi Kovacs who has had his consciousness and skills downloaded into the body of a nicotine-addicted ex-thug and presented with a catch-22 offer - discover who murdered his last body. If that doesn’t hook you I don’t know what will. Easy one of the best cyberpunk books ever. Read it here.

Best New Cyberpunk Books

Now that you know the top cyberpunk novels ever, I have two brand new releases for you. Both are, strangely, by Australians. There must be some chrome in the water here or something. While new, they contain all of the highlights the top cyberpunk books of all time are known for: dystopian undertones, virtual reality madness, hi-tech low lifes and more.

The first cyberpunk new release is an ultra-violent romp through the underbelly of future Vietnam…

36 Streets by T.R. Napper

I was recommended this one by a friend who’s into all things tech and it blew my circuits apart. Like Altered Carbon meets Apocalypse Now it is an intelligent, action-driven cyberpunk book that probes questions of memory, identity and the power of narratives. Get your mechanical eyeballs onto 36 Streets here.

Thrill Switch by Tim Hawken

You were waiting for this one weren’t you? Well, I obviously had to end with this one so here it is. My new cyberpunk book Thrill Switch. Rather than rabbit on about it myself, here’s a couple of quotes from 5-star reviews of the work…

“Welcome to the Sci-Fi version of Silence of the Lambs.” - Gordon A. Long

Actor Molly Secours absolutely knocked the narration of this one out of the metaverse, so if you’re after a good cyberpunk audiobook, listen to a free sample here.

My latest book, Thrill Switch, has just launched!

It's a cyberpunk thriller a bit like Ready Player One meets The Silence of the Lambs.

Positive reviews are already coming in. Check out the book and what people are saying about it here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

Cheers

Tim