Books like Holy Fire by Bruce Sterling

In a near‑future world, the once–oil‑driven industrial/military complex has been replaced by a medically oriented bureaucracy established to counter man‑made plagues. Over time, this institution morphs into a culture fixated on longevity, stretching the human lifespan while entrenching a geriatric hierarchy that resists change. Amid this stagnating power structure, a new generation faces marginalization, often denied the right to “come of age.” The story follows Mia, a mid‑level bureaucrat rewarded with experimental rejuvenation treatment for exemplary service. As Mia experiences newfound youth, she must confront the very system she helped build and the consequences of unchecked life‑extension policies. Through her struggle, the novel offers a sharp critique of aging, genetic engineering, and the cost of governmental control over individual lives.

First publish date: 1996