120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 We’ve moved into our new bookstore and warehouse 🎉

84K

'An eerily plausible dystopian masterpiece' Emily St John Mandel
By Claire North
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.24 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 5,495 ratings, 884 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
84K by Claire North offers a gripping vision of a dystopian future where the value of a life is determined by the government, and crimes can be wiped clean if the price is paid. The protagonist, Theo, works for the Criminal Audit Office, ensuring these payments for crimes, but his routine life changes when he's drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. Amidst a world where morality is commodified, Theo embarks on a journey questioning justice and the worth of a human life.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of 84K. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy dystopian storytelling and speculative fiction that challenges moral and societal norms. Set in a world where life has a price, it delivers a gripping narrative exploring the implications of such a system, providing an intense blend of suspense, drama, and ethical dilemmas.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The stunning new novel from the award-winning Claire North, one of the most original voices in modern fiction

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'AN EERILY PLAUSIBLE DYSTOPIAN MASTERPIECE' Emily St. John Mandel, author of Station Eleven

'AN EXTRAORDINARY NOVEL . . . with echoes of The Handmaid's Tale' Cory Doctorow

SHORTLISTED FOR THE PHILIP K. DICK AWARD

From one of the most original new voices in modern fiction comes a startling vision of a world where you can get away with anything . . .

Theo Miller knows the value of human life - to the very last penny. Working in the Criminal Audit Office, he assesses each crime that crosses his desk and makes sure the correct debt to society is paid in full.

But when his ex-lover is killed, it's different. This is one death he can't let become merely an entry on a balance sheet. Because when the richest in the world are getting away with murder, sometimes the numbers just don't add up.

From the award-winning Claire North comes an electrifying and provocative new novel which will resonate with readers around the world.

Praise for 84K:

'Another captivating novel from one of the most intriguing and genre-bending novelists' Booklist

'Claire North goes from strength to strength . . . A tense, moving story' Guardian

'Absolutely breath-taking... An early and compelling candidate for best novel of 2018' SciFi Magazine

'A dystopian anthem for the modern activist . . . 84K is an important book but also a cracking thriller . . . Quite simply, North's best book so far' Starburst

'North is an original and even dazzling writer' Kirkus

'North's talent shines out' Sunday Times

Works by Claire North

Novels:

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

Touch

The Sudden Appearance of Hope

The End of the Day

84K

The Gameshouse

The Pursuit of William Abbey

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book by Claire North has received widespread acclaim for its eerily plausible depiction of a dystopian future, drawing comparisons to classics like The Handmaid's Tale and Fahrenheit 451. Critics praise it for being both a thrilling narrative and a thought-provoking examination of capitalism taken to chilling extremes. North's imaginative storytelling and rich, provocative ideas have been highlighted as exceptional, marking this book as both a significant addition to the genre and a compelling read.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356507408

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 September 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 179.0mm

Height: 201.0mm

Weight: 321g

Pages: 480

Collections

Claire North Dystopian Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Claire North is a pseudonym for Catherine Webb, who wrote several novels in various genres before publishing their first major work as Claire North, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. It was a critically acclaimed success, receiving rave reviews and becoming a word-of-mouth bestseller. They have since published several hugely popular and critically acclaimed novels, won the World Fantasy Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and been shortlisted for the Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Philip K. Dick Award. They live in London.

Also by Claire North

View all
  • Slow Gods
    ★ Best of the Year at Gizmodo, Library Journal, and more! "An astonishing, thought-provoking and above all touching story of found meaning and lost humanity." —Adrian Tchaikovsky, Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of Children of Time Slow Gods is the galaxy-spanning tale of one man's impossible life charted against the fate of humanity amongst the stars—a powerfully imaginative space opera...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    $5300
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • As We Fall Through Time
    Pre-order
    As We Fall Through Time
    'WONDERFUL - A PROFOUND ACCOMPLISHMENT' Max Gladstone 'AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE' Adrian Tchaikovsky 'ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR' Kate Quinn From the multi-award-winning Claire North comes an extraordinary and epic tale of time travel, betrayal and a love that echoes through the centuries. In the beginning, the world will end. This is the story of what happens next....
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    Pre-order
    Out 13 Oct 2026
  • Slow Gods
    Slow Gods
    'ASTONISHING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING' Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time From the million-copy-bestselling Claire North - one of the most original and dazzling voices in speculative fiction - comes an intergalactic tale of conspiracy, war, and the fall of empires. Shortlisted for the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel My name is Mawukana na-Vdnaze, and I am a very...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Last Song of Penelope
    CLAIRE NORTH BRINGS A POWERFUL, FRESH AND UNFLINCHING VOICE TO ANCIENT MYTH — Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne Following the critically acclaimed Ithaca and House of Odysseus comes the final novel in Claire North's Songs of Penelope trilogy — an exquisite, gripping tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca,...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Ithaca
    'Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca's shores, the whims of...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
    The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August begins with Harry on his deathbed. Again. No matter what he does or the decisions he makes, when death comes, Harry always returns to where he began—a child with all the knowledge of a life he has already lived a dozen times before. Nothing ever changes. Until now. As Harry nears the end...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Gameshouse
    Everyone has heard of the Gameshouse. But few know all its secrets . . . It is the place where fortunes can be made and lost through chess, backgammon — every game under the sun. But those whom fortune favours may be invited to compete in the higher league . . . where the games played are of politics and...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • House of Odysseus
    CLAIRE NORTH BRINGS A POWERFUL, FRESH AND UNFLINCHING VOICE TO ANCIENT MYTH - Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne From the author of the critically acclaimed Ithaca - A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year - comes an exquisite and gripping new tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • House of Odysseus
    'CLAIRE NORTH BRINGS A POWERFUL, FRESH AND UNFLINCHING VOICE TO ANCIENT MYTH' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne From the author of the critically acclaimed Ithaca - A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year - comes an exquisite and gripping new tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca,...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Notes from the Burning Age
    'ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ IN RECENT YEARS . . . PACKS A HELL OF AN EMOTIONAL PUNCH' Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time From one of the most imaginative writers of her generation comes an extraordinary vision of the future. Ven was once a holy man, a keeper of ancient archives. It was his duty to...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Touch
    He tried to take my life. Instead, I took his. It was a long time ago. I remember it was dark, and I didn't see my killer until it was too late. As I died, my hand touched his. That's when the first switch took place. Suddenly, I was looking through the eyes of my killer, and I was watching...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Slow Gods
    'ASTONISHING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING' Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time From the million-copy bestselling Claire North – one of the most original and dazzling voices in speculative fiction – comes an intergalactic tale of conspiracy, war, and the fall of empires. My name is Mawukana na-Vdnaze, and I am a very poor copy of myself. In telling my story, there...
    By Claire North
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy

View all
  • He Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer
    New Release
    He Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer
    He Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer Book Two in Shirtaloon's wildly popular LitRPG series. The path from retail middle management to interdimensional wizard adventurer wasn't easy, but Jason Asano is settling into his new life. Now, a contest draws young elites to the city of Greenstone, competing for a grand prize. Jason must gather a band of companions if he...
    By Shirtaloon and Travis Deverell
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Scion
    ‘Scion’ is an electrifying sci-fi thriller that follows a contract killer tasked with protecting a scientist from assassination, only to find himself in the crosshairs. My name’s Azure. I kill rich idiots for a living. All completely legal, of course, even if it does still make the old-fashioned crowd a bit uncomfortable. Once the ultra-wealthy realised they had a way...
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Massif
    New Release
    Massif
    Caught me a mountain Rode it to the stars It's business as usual for Ship Leader Parnell Shi-Sawahla and the crew of the corvette Sassafras. Ride a Massif to a new system, fight the enemy, repeat. For more than two hundred years, humans have been hitching rides on these sentient, starfaring mountain ranges, colonising planets and exporting an on-again, off-again...
    By Garth Nix
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Project Hail Mary
    Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...
    By Andy Weir
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    (5)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Strength of the Few
    The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Red Rising
    The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...
    By Pierce Brown
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    10% off
    Crossroads of Ravens
    THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...
    By Andrzej Sapkowski
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Ministry of Time
    One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...
    By Kaliane Bradley
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Assassin’s Apprentice
    Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...
    By Robin Hobb
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • I Who Have Never Known Men
    A haunting, heartbreaking tale of female friendship and intimacy that evokes the chilling atmospheres of The Handmaid's Tale and the desolate landscapes of The Road, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. This gripping narrative takes us deep underground, where thirty-nine women are held in isolation...
    By Jacqueline Harpman
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    19% off
    The Colour Illustrated Hobbit
    The Colour Illustrated Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless classic that has enchanted readers for generations. This beloved tale follows Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit from the quaint and picturesque Shire, who finds himself thrust into an epic journey far from the comforts of his cosy home. Charming and lively illustrations by Jemima Catlin breathe new life...
    By J. R. R. Tolkien
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    18% off
    Blood Over Bright Haven
    A riveting dark academia fantasy about the limits of truth and power, from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. For twenty years, Sciona...
    By M. L. Wang
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all