I loved this story. It’s a science fiction dystopian story, in which we meet a small ragtag base peopled by officers and enlisted members of a political entity engaged in rebellion against a larger government/corporation that has completely taken over and controls all aspects of its members. The Big Brother-type controlling corporation is based entirely on control and profit, and have genetically engineered its children to wipe out ethnicity, disease, infirmity, and homosexuality. The citizens are wealthy and attractive, with increased intelligence and high productivity. Conformity is demanded. Rebellion means death. Those that are not corporate-raised are ostracized to live in poverty and scavenge for broken technology and struggle to find clothing and food. Our heroes are fighting to break the corporate entity and preserve free will and diversity.
The story is well-written and well-plotted, with a diverse ensemble cast of characters that provided contrast to each other. The core characters (Aiden and Kevin) were very well-developed, with lots of growth and development. It was heartwarming to watch as the crew at the base deal with being assigned a new Commander, one that they initially don’t respect or trust. The crew is very diverse: male and female, gay and straight, cis and transsexual, old and young, strong and weakened by trauma. Characters had a variety of personalities from nuturing to haughty to mischevious to hostile. There is high tension and a decent amount of humor. It felt like a plausible group of rebels – strong personalities and high emotions. They are a flawed but tight-knit “chosen family”, living under constant attack and a goal they believe in. The book reminded me of Firefly (the TV show) and also of Becky Chambers’ A Way To A Small Angry Planet.
The main relationship in the story is a gay love story, with one character being transsexual. That relationship is very deftly written – full of emotional intensity and insecurity. It’s tender and raw, and felt real to true life with discussion of poor coping mechanisms and dysphoria. While I appreciated the deft writing, it meant that the last third of the book is almost all about that emotional and physical journey, with lots of talking and graphic sex scenes. Despite liking the characters and their relationship, I got tired of all the kissing and sensitive soul-baring, and missed the more exciting action of the rebellion itself. The book ends with a bang fortunately, resolving tension via a high stakes heist that pulls the team together. I’m eager for the next book in the series!
Tearmann has carefully crafted this book. It’s not awkward in structure or plot, and the author’s ability to mange tension and conflict is almost perfect. The dialogue flows naturally. The level of representation is a bit heavy-handed, but it’s a welcome change to address topics of gender, sexuality, inclusion, and anxiety in a story that is also entertaining and engaging on its own merits. This dystopian tale espouses a utopian goal for what it means to be inclusively human, and gives us a fight to cheer for.
I got this Audible book from the author in exchange for an honest review.