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Mere Mortal: YA Dystopian Science Fiction
BEING HUNTED BY IMMORTALS IS BAD ENOUGH. BEING SIXTEEN MAKES IT WORSE.
The immortals have taken Mila’s sister.
Mila is determined to save her, despite the risks to the only life she's has ever known. She'll have to face her fears, her insecurities, and her stupid crush on the boy who friend-zoned before they overwhelm her.
Because if Mila can’t save her sister and the secrets she carries, the Immortals will take her tribe, her family, and everything it means to be human.
BUY NOW to see what readers are calling "beautifully written", and "a poignant discussion around . . . the value of life and death".
The immortals have taken Mila’s sister.
Mila is determined to save her, despite the risks to the only life she's has ever known. She'll have to face her fears, her insecurities, and her stupid crush on the boy who friend-zoned before they overwhelm her.
Because if Mila can’t save her sister and the secrets she carries, the Immortals will take her tribe, her family, and everything it means to be human.
BUY NOW to see what readers are calling "beautifully written", and "a poignant discussion around . . . the value of life and death".
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 19, 2024
It's not typical for me to choose a dystopian book to read, but the moment I saw the cover, I was hooked. Something about those neon colors and sci-fi themed designs caught my eye and wouldn't let go. So, I plucked up the courage and started reading.
Oh, what emotions! I don't know where to begin—the content of the book or the reading experience itself. I'm proud to say that this is the first book in years that I could read while traveling without feeling sick. In the past, I've envied anyone who could read on the move without getting nauseous. But something miraculous happened this time—I devoured the book! It was nearly impossible to put down. I was eager to follow the main character, Mila, through every twist and turn. Each fight scene and adrenaline-pumping chapter had my heart racing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
Over five hundred years have passed, and humans have discovered a way to become Immortal. But this luxury is reserved for a select few who lived in the right states at the dawn of Immortality. Mila's family wasn't among them, so she lives with her older sister and father in constant fear, often having to move with their community. When an Immortal soldier wounds Mila's sister, creating a life-threatening situation, Mila faces a dire choice: let her sister die or take her to a doctor near IC-7, the metropolis of the Immortals. Despite the demands of their leaders and her father, Mila decides to do whatever it takes to save her sister and flees towards the forbidden zone. An unforgettable race against time, Mortals, and Immortals begins.
This captivating work surprises with its plot, unforgettable characters, and a utopian yet believable world that's hard to shake from your mind. Stevens' writing style is casual, fluent, and immensely enjoyable. The story flows smoothly and enchantingly. From the first chapter, the pace is relentless and doesn't let up until the end. You must be ready for a thrilling ride because, despite the speed, nothing is lacking. The book features fights, deadly games, dangerous journeys, collisions, and laboratories—scenes that usually require extensive description, which can be off-putting. But in this book, I savored every word. There were no redundant descriptions, just the right amount.
The book ends with a slight twist that, while somewhat expected, leaves you craving more. I sincerely hope this is the start of a series so we can continue to follow Mila's adventures. It would be a shame to leave the story "half-finished" (though the book is complete, the ending demands continuation). Immortality or mortality? What are their advantages? What is the price of life and the weight of death? Grab the book, dive into the enchanting world of the Immortals, and find out!
I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much, NetGallery and Splinter Press, for this wonderful reading experience!
Review in Estonian: https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024...
Oh, what emotions! I don't know where to begin—the content of the book or the reading experience itself. I'm proud to say that this is the first book in years that I could read while traveling without feeling sick. In the past, I've envied anyone who could read on the move without getting nauseous. But something miraculous happened this time—I devoured the book! It was nearly impossible to put down. I was eager to follow the main character, Mila, through every twist and turn. Each fight scene and adrenaline-pumping chapter had my heart racing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
Over five hundred years have passed, and humans have discovered a way to become Immortal. But this luxury is reserved for a select few who lived in the right states at the dawn of Immortality. Mila's family wasn't among them, so she lives with her older sister and father in constant fear, often having to move with their community. When an Immortal soldier wounds Mila's sister, creating a life-threatening situation, Mila faces a dire choice: let her sister die or take her to a doctor near IC-7, the metropolis of the Immortals. Despite the demands of their leaders and her father, Mila decides to do whatever it takes to save her sister and flees towards the forbidden zone. An unforgettable race against time, Mortals, and Immortals begins.
This captivating work surprises with its plot, unforgettable characters, and a utopian yet believable world that's hard to shake from your mind. Stevens' writing style is casual, fluent, and immensely enjoyable. The story flows smoothly and enchantingly. From the first chapter, the pace is relentless and doesn't let up until the end. You must be ready for a thrilling ride because, despite the speed, nothing is lacking. The book features fights, deadly games, dangerous journeys, collisions, and laboratories—scenes that usually require extensive description, which can be off-putting. But in this book, I savored every word. There were no redundant descriptions, just the right amount.
The book ends with a slight twist that, while somewhat expected, leaves you craving more. I sincerely hope this is the start of a series so we can continue to follow Mila's adventures. It would be a shame to leave the story "half-finished" (though the book is complete, the ending demands continuation). Immortality or mortality? What are their advantages? What is the price of life and the weight of death? Grab the book, dive into the enchanting world of the Immortals, and find out!
I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much, NetGallery and Splinter Press, for this wonderful reading experience!
Review in Estonian: https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024...
October 16, 2024
I read this book as an audiobook and was hooked from the beginning. The pacing was amazing and kept me intrigued up until the end. I particularly liked our main character Mila and enjoyed going on this journey with her to try to save her sister. I liked the world building of Icy seven and could easily see it looking like the city depicted on the cover. All in all I give the book a solid five stars. No complaints here.
April 30, 2023
Page-turning story of life, death, and family
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down as I followed a desperate girl trying to save her sister in a futuristic Colorado. She learns more about herself, the meaning of death, and purpose of life, and what family and friends mean. I just gobbled it up. And the inclusion of powerful poetry was *chef's kiss*.
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down as I followed a desperate girl trying to save her sister in a futuristic Colorado. She learns more about herself, the meaning of death, and purpose of life, and what family and friends mean. I just gobbled it up. And the inclusion of powerful poetry was *chef's kiss*.
May 4, 2023
Excellent dystopian world, gritty yet still filled with hope. I love how the though-provoking message comes through without detracting from the fast-pace action. Well worth reading.
August 3, 2024
Science has brought immortality to some, but the rest of humanity finds themselves in a constant fight for their lives.
Mila is a nomad in a world where immortals rule. She and her tribe move from place to place, doing everything to avoid detection and be killed. Her mother was taken some time before, leaving her father and sister as her only family...one she will protect with her life. When her sister is attacked and becomes ill, Mila's determined to take her to the medic, but it's a several day journey and more than a little dangerous. She can't expect any help from her father or other tribe members, as there's reason to believe that the immortals seem to have discovered their location. If the tribe doesn't relocate immediately, they will be dead. Refusing to give up on her sister, Mila heads out to take her on her own. But she doesn't realize the secrets she's about to uncover, and these threaten to overturn the entire world.
This is a quick-paced read with several unique twists. First, there are immortals, who have formed due to scientifical development (not the godly realm). This, however, didn't include all humans, leaving those who received the transformation at the mercy of people who can't be killed. Technology plays a large role in the immortals' lives, while the nomads and rest seem to be on the rustic end for the most part. The high-tech side offers interesting explanations, while also leaving some logical holes...but it's an intriguing direction, which leads to an interesting main thought: what happens when life looses the meaning of birth and death?
The characters are sympathetic and easy to connect with. Mila's desires and hopes are understandable, but then, she's a realistic character on many fronts. The dialogue, emotions, and decisions fit well to the her age and propel the plot forward. The world building happens bit by bit as the story flows, which did create a little uncertainty as to what was happening in the first chapters, but it doesn't take long for everything to set in and grab. While the writing keeps every page interesting, more than a few moments came in a little rushed or easy, but it never is enough to pull away from the plot. It was an exciting read from start to finish, and is sure to delight action and scifi fans.
Mila is a nomad in a world where immortals rule. She and her tribe move from place to place, doing everything to avoid detection and be killed. Her mother was taken some time before, leaving her father and sister as her only family...one she will protect with her life. When her sister is attacked and becomes ill, Mila's determined to take her to the medic, but it's a several day journey and more than a little dangerous. She can't expect any help from her father or other tribe members, as there's reason to believe that the immortals seem to have discovered their location. If the tribe doesn't relocate immediately, they will be dead. Refusing to give up on her sister, Mila heads out to take her on her own. But she doesn't realize the secrets she's about to uncover, and these threaten to overturn the entire world.
This is a quick-paced read with several unique twists. First, there are immortals, who have formed due to scientifical development (not the godly realm). This, however, didn't include all humans, leaving those who received the transformation at the mercy of people who can't be killed. Technology plays a large role in the immortals' lives, while the nomads and rest seem to be on the rustic end for the most part. The high-tech side offers interesting explanations, while also leaving some logical holes...but it's an intriguing direction, which leads to an interesting main thought: what happens when life looses the meaning of birth and death?
The characters are sympathetic and easy to connect with. Mila's desires and hopes are understandable, but then, she's a realistic character on many fronts. The dialogue, emotions, and decisions fit well to the her age and propel the plot forward. The world building happens bit by bit as the story flows, which did create a little uncertainty as to what was happening in the first chapters, but it doesn't take long for everything to set in and grab. While the writing keeps every page interesting, more than a few moments came in a little rushed or easy, but it never is enough to pull away from the plot. It was an exciting read from start to finish, and is sure to delight action and scifi fans.
August 10, 2025
📚 Book 74 of 100
𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 by 𝗔𝗝 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀
🎧 Narrated by 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗩. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲𝘀/𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy • Sisterhood • Found Family • Futuristic Dystopia
My sixteen-year-old self wishes this book had existed when I was in high school. 𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 is beautifully written and honors the deep, unshakable love between sisters, the passion for poetry, and the bonds of both biological and found family. It’s inclusive, heartfelt, and exhilarating-filling the YA dystopian hole left by The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Mila’s fight to save her sister from the Immortals is both thrilling and deeply emotional, laced with gritty survival, glamorous futurism, and raw vulnerability. The cast is diverse and compelling, and there’s a robot here who will absolutely become your new favorite character. This is YA that doesn’t talk down to its audience; sharp, layered, and brimming with emotional resonance. I can’t wait for book two.
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: Rachel V. White’s narration captures both the urgency and intimacy of the story, making Mila’s world feel even more alive.
✨ 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“Though our lives are temporary, our family is forever; it stretches ages into the past and ages into the future.”
“The way you die isn’t the most important thing, it’s the way you live.”
“There are two things that fascinate the Immortals: birth and death. They can’t experience either, so they take pleasure in watching us do both.”
“Try being less male.”
⚠️ 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Violence • Kidnapping • Threat of death • Loss of family member • Oppression/colonization themes
𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 by 𝗔𝗝 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀
🎧 Narrated by 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗩. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲𝘀/𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy • Sisterhood • Found Family • Futuristic Dystopia
My sixteen-year-old self wishes this book had existed when I was in high school. 𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 is beautifully written and honors the deep, unshakable love between sisters, the passion for poetry, and the bonds of both biological and found family. It’s inclusive, heartfelt, and exhilarating-filling the YA dystopian hole left by The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Mila’s fight to save her sister from the Immortals is both thrilling and deeply emotional, laced with gritty survival, glamorous futurism, and raw vulnerability. The cast is diverse and compelling, and there’s a robot here who will absolutely become your new favorite character. This is YA that doesn’t talk down to its audience; sharp, layered, and brimming with emotional resonance. I can’t wait for book two.
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: Rachel V. White’s narration captures both the urgency and intimacy of the story, making Mila’s world feel even more alive.
✨ 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“Though our lives are temporary, our family is forever; it stretches ages into the past and ages into the future.”
“The way you die isn’t the most important thing, it’s the way you live.”
“There are two things that fascinate the Immortals: birth and death. They can’t experience either, so they take pleasure in watching us do both.”
“Try being less male.”
⚠️ 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Violence • Kidnapping • Threat of death • Loss of family member • Oppression/colonization themes
April 3, 2026
I read most of this. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t particularly interesting either.
It starts out pretty well, but it eventually devolves into chase/escape/rescue cycles. I personally don’t enjoy any of these things. They don’t require character or plot development and they can drag on for entire books. The story simplified itself to the Save the Sister trope and the Teenager Leads a Rebellion trope.
There was some strange romance, but an excuse was provided to prevent any actual relationship development (he pretends to love her gay sister for incomprehensible reasons). So all interactions were superficial on that front. This crush of hers finally admits to feelings right before he ‘sacrifices’ himself to save her. All her pining and longing for chapters and chapters are resolved.. and she kisses some other random dude who doesn’t actually have feelings, thus preventing relationship development of any kind on that front as well.
The point that finally did me in was the deus ex machina of nanites. I just got bored at that point.
I wasn’t mortally offended by anything, and I wasn’t aggravated enough to rant out loud, so there’s that.
It starts out pretty well, but it eventually devolves into chase/escape/rescue cycles. I personally don’t enjoy any of these things. They don’t require character or plot development and they can drag on for entire books. The story simplified itself to the Save the Sister trope and the Teenager Leads a Rebellion trope.
There was some strange romance, but an excuse was provided to prevent any actual relationship development (he pretends to love her gay sister for incomprehensible reasons). So all interactions were superficial on that front. This crush of hers finally admits to feelings right before he ‘sacrifices’ himself to save her. All her pining and longing for chapters and chapters are resolved.. and she kisses some other random dude who doesn’t actually have feelings, thus preventing relationship development of any kind on that front as well.
The point that finally did me in was the deus ex machina of nanites. I just got bored at that point.
I wasn’t mortally offended by anything, and I wasn’t aggravated enough to rant out loud, so there’s that.
April 11, 2026
Mere Mortal is a great debut novel for young adults. Set in a dystopian future, it features humans who have achieved immortality, along with those who have not—from whence the conflict arises. Like all good science fiction, Mere Mortal is really about the human condition—what it is that makes life worth living; what we all crave, need, fight, and fear. This particular set-up makes Mere Mortal an excellent vehicle for such themes and AJ Stevens delivers beautifully. She neither over plays that hand nor shrinks from it, giving the reader just enough of the theme to set them thinking. It’s also full of exciting action and drama and wonderfully complex characters. There are slight shades of The Hunger Games, but this book is different and strong enough that it stands on its own. Fans of The Hunger Games franchise will find plenty to love here. Highly recommended.
July 13, 2024
I really liked this book. I liked the lead character especially. Usually, it takes me a while to get into a book, but here it was pretty quickly. Despite that there was a lot of stuff that wasn't explained right away, I liked the worldbuilding.
I do wish it had been clearly stated beforehand that this is the first book in a series. I have a rule about starting unfinished series that I have now unintentionally broken.
I do wish it had been clearly stated beforehand that this is the first book in a series. I have a rule about starting unfinished series that I have now unintentionally broken.
December 22, 2023
I was absolutely gripped from page one with this one, I couldn’t put it down I just had to know what was going to happen next! the story not only kept building but it was full of surprises at every turn. I loved all the characters, the world, the poetry that was beautifully melded throughout, all im saying is there better be part 2! I need more!
October 25, 2024
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA dystopian read.
Mere Mortal would sit nicely on your bookshelf in between The Hunger Games and The Maze.
I loved the concept of humanity discovering how to never die but having gained eternal life they lose the reason for living.
Great plot and characters and I will definitely follow the author and hope she turns this into a series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA dystopian read.
Mere Mortal would sit nicely on your bookshelf in between The Hunger Games and The Maze.
I loved the concept of humanity discovering how to never die but having gained eternal life they lose the reason for living.
Great plot and characters and I will definitely follow the author and hope she turns this into a series.
November 22, 2024
This book was just a background book for me. There was nothing exceptional that drew me in or left an impression. I honestly don't remember anything. However, it wasn't bad and was an entertainment while I was as work.
February 1, 2025
This book was an easy read and a nice break from the usual. It's science fiction with a dystopian setting ands blends mystery and adventure together. If you're looking for something simple, give this book a chance.
May 15, 2023
Stunning
This is a brand new book, and already i want my favorite friends to read it, especially those friends and family who enjoy this genre! A terrific book!
This is a brand new book, and already i want my favorite friends to read it, especially those friends and family who enjoy this genre! A terrific book!
July 14, 2023
This was a good read. I liked the characters, the new dystopian world, and I hope there is a sequel!
July 19, 2024
This was a great book, loved the creativity and the world! My only gripe is the writing can feel very robotic and fast at times. I am excited to see what else this author comes up with !
Did Not Finish
March 18, 2026DNF
Read
July 22, 2026I got this book at Story Con from the author and was instantly drawn in by the synopsis and pretty cover [yes, yes, I did judge a book by its cover]
And let me tell you it did not disappoint!
I'm trying to keep this short and sweet, but in conclusion I would definitely recommend this book and I loved it, so you guys should definitely read this!!
And let me tell you it did not disappoint!
I'm trying to keep this short and sweet, but in conclusion I would definitely recommend this book and I loved it, so you guys should definitely read this!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews