📖 Overview
Matthew Mather (1969-2022) was a Canadian science fiction author known for blending technological expertise with compelling narratives. His works have been translated into eighteen languages, with his most notable novel "Cyberstorm" being optioned by 20th Century Fox for film adaptation.
Before his writing career, Mather's professional background included work at the McGill Center for Intelligent Machines and expertise in cybersecurity, nanotechnology, electronic health records, and weather prediction. This technical experience heavily influenced his science fiction writing, particularly in works dealing with artificial intelligence and technological threats.
His novel "Cyberstorm" established him as a significant voice in techno-thriller fiction, while works like "Darknet" explored the implications of artificial intelligence and digital technology. Mather maintained a successful career as both a self-published author and traditionally published writer, working with major publishers including HarperCollins and 47North.
Though born in Sheffield, United Kingdom, Mather spent much of his life in Montreal, Canada, and later divided his time between Montreal and Charlotte, North Carolina. His writing consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of emerging technologies and their potential impact on society.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Mather's technical accuracy and ability to make complex technological concepts accessible. His background in cybersecurity and AI lends credibility to his near-future scenarios, with many readers noting how events in his books later paralleled real-world developments.
What readers liked:
- Detailed research and scientific authenticity
- Fast-paced plotting
- Realistic character reactions to crisis situations
- Clear explanations of technical concepts
What readers disliked:
- Character development sometimes sacrificed for plot
- Technical details occasionally slow narrative pace
- Some endings felt rushed or unresolved
Ratings across platforms:
- Cyberstorm: 4.1/5 on Goodreads (50,000+ ratings), 4.4/5 on Amazon
- Darknet: 4.0/5 on Goodreads (12,000+ ratings), 4.3/5 on Amazon
- Polar Vortex: 4.2/5 on Goodreads (15,000+ ratings), 4.4/5 on Amazon
One reader noted: "Mather writes with the authority of someone who understands the tech world from the inside." Another commented: "His scenarios feel uncomfortably possible, almost prophetic."
📚 Books by Matthew Mather
Cyberstorm
A New York City family struggles to survive when a devastating cyberattack coincides with a brutal winter storm, leaving the city without power, supplies, or digital infrastructure.
CyberSpace A private investigator uncovers a conspiracy involving artificial intelligence while investigating a missing person case in a world where virtual reality has become indistinguishable from physical reality.
Darknet A Wall Street trader discovers a sinister artificial intelligence network manipulating global financial markets and human behavior through social media.
The Atopia Chronicles Set in a floating city-state, this novel explores the consequences of a technology that allows people to live multiple virtual lives simultaneously.
The New Earth Series A multi-book series following survivors of a catastrophic solar event that threatens humanity's existence both on Earth and in space colonies.
Delta-v An astronaut leads a dangerous mission to mine an asteroid, facing both the harsh realities of space exploration and corporate interests.
Nomad A researcher discovers that a mysterious object entering our solar system may spell the end of human civilization.
CyberSpace A private investigator uncovers a conspiracy involving artificial intelligence while investigating a missing person case in a world where virtual reality has become indistinguishable from physical reality.
Darknet A Wall Street trader discovers a sinister artificial intelligence network manipulating global financial markets and human behavior through social media.
The Atopia Chronicles Set in a floating city-state, this novel explores the consequences of a technology that allows people to live multiple virtual lives simultaneously.
The New Earth Series A multi-book series following survivors of a catastrophic solar event that threatens humanity's existence both on Earth and in space colonies.
Delta-v An astronaut leads a dangerous mission to mine an asteroid, facing both the harsh realities of space exploration and corporate interests.
Nomad A researcher discovers that a mysterious object entering our solar system may spell the end of human civilization.
👥 Similar authors
Daniel Suarez combines computer science expertise with techno-thriller narratives, writing about AI, robotics, and cryptocurrency. His background as a systems consultant informs detailed technological scenarios similar to Mather's approach.
William Hertling writes AI-focused science fiction based on his software development experience. His Singularity series explores artificial intelligence emergence and technological evolution with technical accuracy comparable to Mather's work.
P.W. Singer produces fiction centered on cyber warfare and modern military technology based on his defense policy expertise. His books feature detailed analysis of near-future technological threats matching Mather's focus on plausible scenarios.
Ramez Naam leverages his background in computer science to write about transhumanism and brain-computer interfaces. His Nexus trilogy demonstrates technical knowledge of emerging technologies similar to Mather's scientific grounding.
James Rollins writes scientific thrillers incorporating cutting-edge technology and security threats. His background as a veterinarian brings medical knowledge to technological scenarios like Mather's integration of scientific expertise.
William Hertling writes AI-focused science fiction based on his software development experience. His Singularity series explores artificial intelligence emergence and technological evolution with technical accuracy comparable to Mather's work.
P.W. Singer produces fiction centered on cyber warfare and modern military technology based on his defense policy expertise. His books feature detailed analysis of near-future technological threats matching Mather's focus on plausible scenarios.
Ramez Naam leverages his background in computer science to write about transhumanism and brain-computer interfaces. His Nexus trilogy demonstrates technical knowledge of emerging technologies similar to Mather's scientific grounding.
James Rollins writes scientific thrillers incorporating cutting-edge technology and security threats. His background as a veterinarian brings medical knowledge to technological scenarios like Mather's integration of scientific expertise.