Synopsis
Kye Verex is trapped.
Due to a fluke of genetics, the decisions of the galaxy’s elite, and a lack of finances, he’s stuck on his polluted and noxious home world indefinitely. And it’s slowly killing him.
Then his more fortunate sister returns one day, bringing the promise of salvation. Kelsey has always hoped to find the means to pull him out of his desperate cycle of survival, but it has taken years. Now, she has a plan, one that will cure his genetic condition and clear him for interstellar travel.
The catch?
He has to sign over his very existence – and a portion of his humanity – to Zylar Inc., the galaxy’s most prominent and notorious corporation, in exchange for the necessary treatment. Is his cure worth the cost?
Review
The stunning cover illustration by J. Caleb Designs drew my interest to this book. With A.J. Calvin as the author, I knew I had to sign up for an Advance Reader Copy.
Kye Verex wants to get off a dying earth that will condemn him to an early painful death. A genetic mutation that makes him unsuitable for space travel keeps him planet bound. When an opportunity arises to cure him, he jumps at the chance, even if it means selling himself into cyborg servitude. However, getting off Earth doesn’t make Kye’s dreams a reality. Now cybernetically enhanced and wanted by various factions, how will Kye manage to gain his freedom and keep his humanity intact?
Kye Verex is the main character. His older sister, Kelsey, left Earth years before the start of the book. His best friend, Pablo, is about to leave to study on another planet. It is easy to feel for Kye. He is intelligent, humble, and loyal, and he accepts his sufferings with a stoical grace that belies how deeply he feels each hurt and injustice. If it weren’t for a genetic condition that makes space flight impossible, he would have left Earth years before to pursue education or job opportunities throughout the galaxy. He has a quiet intelligence and resolve that makes him good in tense situations. His moral compass and loyalty make him a worthy ally in battle.
Kye manages to leave Earth, but in a deal with the devil that threatens to take everything from him.
It is easy to see why Kelsey and Pablo love him so much. His bonding with his new teammates is realistic. The reader is given access to his inner turmoil and anxieties, but in his speech and actions he is thoughtful, measured, and strong. It is obvious why others respect him and draw such strength from him.
I love Kelsey. She has risen through the ranks in a successful off world career, but she never stops trying to save Kye from Earth. Their sibling bond is perfectly depicted. The deep caring and love, as well as the occasional moments of irritation, are realistic and relatable.
Pablo is a genius, and it is no surprise that he succeeds no matter what he does. He loves Kye deeply, and, while I felt some of his interactions with Kye at the start of the book were inappropriate, his friendship with Kye is genuine.
The writing is easy to read and conveys the complex information of the different worlds clearly.
Kye travels to many different locations, but my favorite was the fertile planet of Botanaar. The Botanaari, a humanoid species evolved from plants, place great value on living things. Botanaar is closest to the vibrant ecology of Earth-that-was. It is a breath of fresh air amongst the sterile, enclosed environments of the other settings. Even Megatropolis, with its wealth and technology, seems little different to the military compound or rebel safe house that Kye visits.
While the overarching plot concerns an exciting revolution, per the title, this is an intimate character journey tightly focused on Kye. His acceptance of being stuck on Earth, despite his desire to leave. His difficulties on becoming an indentured cyborg and coming to terms with the augments to his body. His crises of conscience at what he is asked to do. His abuse at the use of technology against him. His efforts to overcome his trauma. His struggles to reclaim his humanity and autonomy and find a place in the world.
It is a slow burn character study of one man’s struggles to survive in a brutal future world. While most readers are unlikely to become cyborg bodyguards, there is much to relate to in Kye’s journey. The difficulties of having your body betray you. The lack of control over your life that can result from genetic conditions and poverty. The hopelessness that arises from realizing you are the pawn of immensely rich and powerful companies.
I loved the varied imaginative settings. Future Earth is heart-breaking. Botanaar is intriguing and original.
Kye is a great character. I felt for him because of his inability to travel into space, as well as his strong bond with his sister. I loved that Kelsey was always there for him, no matter what.
Much as I like Kye and his struggles, I wish that he had more agency. Calvin has crafted a complex character and an enticing plot on a galactic scale. Keeping a narrow focus on Kye being a pawn in a broader story is a deliberate choice. He does the best he can under the circumstances. However, I would have loved for him to have more control over his life.
This is a beautifully presented book. I loved the character illustrations by Samantha Shaw of JustMissArt that appear between the chapters.
I’d like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC.
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