"True feminism should not be about the ability of women to emulate men. Can a woman be as violent, and brutal, and heartless, and cruel as a man? Of course she can. So what?"
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The year is 2099. The world is run by women, almost 50 years after a mysterious virus killed all men on the planet. A controversial project involving the Lazarus genome aims to bring men back. When the genome goes missing, The Core (the most powerful AI on Earth) suggests using Athena Vosh to help solve the crime. But how can 19-year-old wannabe artist Athena help?
I don't know that I ever would have picked up this book had it not been for BookSirens, and honestly I thank them for that, because this is one of the best books I have ever read. For me, it was the perfect mix of science fiction, mystery, and dystopia, and I can't stop thinking about it. I loved how the aspect of a female-only planet was explored without it being made into a big deal, and appreciate that Boostrom avoided any sleezy or one dimensional tropes that could have easily guided the story.
I adored the writing. It was just descriptive enough that I could picture every moment, but not so much that the book ends up lengthy and boring. This also meant that enough was left to my imagination that I'm sure will allow every reader to have a unique perspective. I really liked that Boostrom peppered in information about the virus and the past in the form of newspaper clippings and memories, allowing the reader to get a true understanding of what was happening, without devoting a lengthy overview to futuristic science and technology. The technology in the book, mixed with dystopia from terrorist and nuclear attacks left me feeling as if this had a chance to be the actual future!
The characters were all interesting, and I absolutely adored them. They were flawed, real, and so lovable. The cast in this book is indicated to be diverse, although a lot is left to the imagination (given that it is set in a technology empowered future with genetic alterations), some aspects are explicitly stated - such as Nomi's skin colour and sexual orientation.
I loved the ending (no spoilers!), but I really liked that it wasn't open and shut. The answer to everything that happened in the story wasn't easy, but this is one of the highlights for me. It would have been very easy for Boostrom to click his fingers and give us a perfect happy ending, and I think it takes a great deal of courage to make it much more complicated than that!
If I had to make a small complaint, it would be that I would have loved to see more of the secondary characters developed and explored. This was definitely a plot-driven story, and, although I felt I knew Athena incredibly well by the end, I would have liked to feel similarly about the other characters. There were interesting aspects of their personalities and histories that were hinted at throughout the book, and I would've enjoyed seeing these explored in a little more depth!
Overall, an excellent book. I was debating four or five stars, but I have a feeling this will stay with me for a while. Because of this, it has to be a five star review! I will 100% be revisiting this book in the future, and also be keeping an eye out for anything else Boostrom publishes.
Thank you to Adam Boostrom and BookSirens who sent me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content warnings: murder, violence, death
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