This theme always gets to me. Aquatic environments are central to each. Treason , Orson Scott Card Characters struggle to leave their planet against overwhelming odds. As a result, they reject their current home, always looking for something better. Technology exists, but people's knowledge and understanding of its nature seems to have been lost.
Religious themes are very prominent.
Neal Stephenson Both are archetypal cyberpunk dominated by gadgets and computers. While Gibson tends to focus on the dark side of human nature, Stephenson's humor makes light of it. The Reluctant Swordsman , Dave Duncan Modern men find themselves in a fantasy world and refuse to accept its reality. Site last updated September 10, 2001.