Read Max

Read Max

A great cyberpunk urban fantasy novel, a throwback corporate paranoia thriller, and more

Roundup 02/08/26

Max Read's avatar
Max Read
Feb 09, 2026
∙ Paid

Greetings from Read Max HQ, and welcome to our weekly roundup column, in which I pick out some worthwhile and often overlooked books, articles, movies, and music to recommend to paying subscribers. For this week’s round-up, I’ve got:

  • A cool speculative fiction novel about work, scams, and resource politics that’s like the midpoint between cyberpunk and urban fantasy;

  • columns, articles, and newsletters about Jade Helm, Peter Attia, and how the left should think about A.I.;

  • a new throwback corporate paranoia thriller with Michael Clayton and Enemy of the State vibes;

  • four tracks I’ve been loving.

If any of that sounds interesting--and if you want to support Read Max in its continuing mission of explaining the future to relatively normal people--please subscribe below. Subscribers get access to these weekly emails and to the comprehensive Read Max Master Lists of Good Movies to Watch and Good Books to Read--as well as preferred pricing on merchandise like the Read Max “EMAIL SUPPLY” caps. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you.

I love to hear from readers who want to recommend a cool book or movie (or whatever!) to me, or from readers who are looking for specific kinds of recommendations. Just leave a comment or drop me a line at maxread@gmail.com.

Finally, please note that I may receive a small commission if you purchase books via links in this email.

Now, the roundup:

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Max Read.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Max Read · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture