I thought I’d put up a quick bit of information about myself before I get to the actual bulk of the review. As both a reader, writer, and newsletter compiler, I’ve been involved in the original slave fiction niche/subgenre for years. As a whole I’ve written several serials that included this theme (albeit under a pen name), and enjoyed many more. When it comes to the theme of slavery in fiction, I’m not easily put-off.

Why is this relevant? Because, as the summary touches on, slavery is a pretty huge issue in this novel. It’s something that’s regularly brought-up, pondered about, and ultimately becomes a pivotal plot point. So if fiction that ponders slavery, even if it’s of genetically altered humans, is a squick for you, this probably isn’t a novel you should read. For everyone else, I can’t recommend it enough. I read the entire thing in two sittings, braving a blizzard so that I could go to the nearest internet location to finish downloading the story.

Despite not typically venturing into the world of science fiction, I found the story delectable. Sure, it had some parts that were a bit technical for me, but they were short and explained in small-enough words that even a non-scifi fan got the drift. The prose was fluid, simple, and yet enticing, and despite not knowing much about the character from the get-go, I found myself rooting for him.

Perhaps it’s the underdog status of Alex and Evan through-out the story that makes it really click for me. Alex would give anything but his morals away to be able to explore and be free, to be able to fund his dreams. Evan wants to be safe and to help make someone happy, even if that means giving away the only world he’s ever known. Both of them have an interesting mind-set and history, so when paired-up their conflicting desires and needs makes for a great story.

I also love it when they have their little quarrels about free will—yes, I know that some readers’ll find it repetitive, but Evan’s POV is usually so interesting that it always has a different, unique, and fun twist on it. Which is strange, because usually when there’s a plot anvil in a story (like in ‘House MD’ when the cast points out that House isn’t mean, he’s just troubled fifty times each episode), I rip my hair out in frustration. But this somehow works, on a level that some of the business professionals could take tips from. Do I notice the repetition? Sure. Do I care? Nope. In fact, I look forward to it. Because gosh-darn it if Evan doesn’t have the best replies to counter Alex’s concerns.

The biggest disappointment in the whole novel for me was that it was over. I don’t know if I can expect to ever see these two again, and I really wish I could. So perhaps the author will humor me with a sequel? No? Well, a girl can hope.

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