Part sci fi, part dystopian part possible world future. This was a different book to what I normally read but I like to challenge my reading material. It was in the main an enjoyable book with interesting characters and scenario. I was hooked and eagerly read the book. through the majority. However, I found the ending a bit disappointing and also a bit confusing. It all seemed a bit rushed which was a shame.

This is a timely book about climate change, politics, technology and wealth.
2050. Many people have died. Marcus Tully loses his wife and there is an election between two candidates, one of which is non-human.
Tully needs to resolve conspiracies and find his wife's murderer.

There is a twist near the end, which many readers can find rewarding.

This was an interesting read with some interesting topics. I can see how some audiences may find it engaging.

In my personal case, I look for a different experience, with different layering of the plot, characterisation and subtext as well as the craft, but I appreciate having read this book.

I read that it was published before and picked up by Penguin, and this version contains additional content. This is a wise choice. The book deserves to be widely accessible.

The author's life story and approach to writing are intriguing too.

IF I COULD GIVE THIS SIX STARS🌟, I WOULD!!!
Part dystopian, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, and climate fiction, this debut will blow your world off its axis.

Still grieving, journalist Marcus investigates a whistleblower’s account that the death of 400 million people, his pregnant wife being one, was the result of geo-engineering failure which the American government is covering up.
This could have huge repercussions as the race for world dictatorship is counting down between the American president and an Artificial Intelligence.

<b>That was the thing about the truth. Sometimes, you were judged more harshly for revealing it than for concealing it.
“The responsibility lies with those who did the deed and those who prop them up, not the ones exposing it."
</b>
It is scarily realistic. It is 2050. The world is suffering from extreme climate change. The crisis is real. The people are rioting.

This story explores the idea of the cost of knowledge, of sharing truth, and who should be held responsible for those consequences, especially in a fiery world already fuelled with rage and fear.

If I could force the world to read it, I would.

<b>”We should be putting the resources into turning around the current situation instead of creating safe bubbles from which the rich can watch the poor die."</b>

I know this will be appealing to a lot of readers - short chapters! This kept me on my toes and the story absolutely gripping!

Like every other reviewer, I don’t want to give too much away. If anything, I would say go in completely blind. Don’t even read reviews. Obviously, you’re reading this, so sorry! But this was one of the best reading experiences I have had.

<b>"You've thrived by adapting your environment, while other animals adapt to the environment. But now you must do both, as the very fabric of the planet tears, as the continents rise up to shake you loose.”
</b>
Thank you to the author for sending me the physical copy in exchange for a review!
It’s gorgeous!


REREAD June 2025 for traditionally published version.

I still stand by my review - there is something in the book for everyone.
If you have read the indie version, there are extra scenes (even a new pov) to look forward to!

Go pre-order and buy it for your friends and families and book clubs!

Physical arc gifted by Transworld and Del Rey.

Set in a dystopian (but not unrealistic) future where the Earth climate is spiralling out of control, this is a story of a journalist who is investigating his wife's death only to be embroiled in a political conspiracy. Two candidates are vying for the position of a global leader, one of them is an ex-president of the United States, another Salomon, an artilect. Then Salomon’s creator is murdered and Tully finds himself looking for the truths he never envisaged to find.

I liked the concept of the book, I liked the mystery and the twist (yes, predictable, but ok), but the end of it just made no sense to me at all.

No idea why I was asked to review a book meant to be published in August this year when it was already published in October 2023!!!
The cover is different but the story is exactly the same. Yes it's a good story but I've already read it.
Would be lovely if the author could write something new maybe.

Having determinedly ignored the consequences of its actions over recent decades, in 2050 humanity is facing an unprecedented climate crisis.

But that is not the only existential crisis at hand. Because a choice must now be made as to whether it will be a human president who is the choice of the people in a ground breaking election or whether AI will be given a chance to save humans from their own folly.

Which begs the question, would putting Solomon - the non human candidate - in charge be a further instance of humanity's mistakes?

A well plotted, intelligent book which raises some very timely questions as we step into the age of AI. Worth a read, it easily gets 3.5 stars.