Severed Roots

by Nego Huzcotoq

It's a world ruled by women. Men are all but extraneous and violent crime is almost eradicated. What could be better? Replete with mystery and action, Severed Roots is profoundly thought-provoking as it stirs up current controversies regarding marriage, patriarchy, gender, and the relevance of the nuclear family.

“Severed Roots may well become a classic in the tradition of 1984 and Brave New World.”
-Vincent Dublado, for Readers’ Favorite

"Huzcotoq's provocative dystopian sci-fi debut is The Handmaid's Tale in reverse."
-Booklife

“…an absorbing and provocative tale.”
- BlueInk Review (Starred Review)

“His novel…conveys a message I believe society needs, the sooner the better.”
-Elma Schemenauer, author of Consider the Sunflowers

“I swear, since I started reading your book, I’ve been hugging my kids a little tighter at night."
- Jennifer Scott, reader

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2023

About the author

Hi, I'm Nego, author of the award-winning dystopian novel Severed Roots. I've eclectic interests, including nature walks, spirituality, family, and cheese lasagna. I have a Masters in Political Science and I have diverse work experiences. One of my passions is the written word. I like to read everything under the sun, both fiction and non-fiction, as long as it's well written. Among my favourite novelists are Ray Bradbury, Ursula K. Le Guin, George Orwell, Cormac McCarthy, Suzanne Collins, Chaim Potok, Jerzy Kosinski and Jeanne DuPrau. My favourite genre is dystopian.

Many people think of dystopian fiction as taking place in a totalitarian society, or in a post-apocalyptic one. But a dystopian story can also be set in a democracy -–highliting the moral depravity, inequalities, existential loneliness, etc, that a FREE and DEMOCRATIC society has drifted towards. I like to write dystopian fiction that is thought-provoking as it puts a lens to current societal controversies like marriage, patriarchy, gender and the continued relevance of the nuclear family. One of the key themes in Severed Roots is: Who are you if you have no roots, no real connections?

Reviews

[Laura Valdes Jost · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Such a “see what could happen if we go too far with our revenge, ladies?!” vibe that I didn’t appreciate. I want equality, true equality, for all. This makes it seem like most oppressed peoples would oppress/neutralize others if given the chance and that to me is not fair or realistic, even as fiction. Especially if it means womxn giving up their babies, which I view as the most absurd part of this whole thing, because that would never be suggested by womxn in power nor accepted by womxn at large. And if we are in a dominate the brutalizers frame of mind, none of what I read came even close to the brutality that womxn have faced at the hands of men.

It was too slow a burn for me and too much of a suspension of disbelief, even as dystopian, to gain any kind of desire or momentum, so this is a dnf after a fair bit of reading for me.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book had a slow start. It was hard for me to get into but once I did, I was completely engrossed in the story. I finished the last half of the story rather quickly. It ended on a cliffhanger, which leads me to believe there is going to be a sequel. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

[Amy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow but sweet

I won this book in a goodreads contest. When I saw a lot of people reviewing about it being slow, I was wary. They were right. The book starts really slow, but it still managed to keep me hooked. I loved the characters and felt each one was realistically done. Yes, it was slow, but I feel this is the kind of story that needs to be slow. The characters and world are really well done. It takes time to fully appreciate both. The messages in this book about extremes being bad on either end and the need to question and think for yourself is something everyone should learn. This was really well done!

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. I had read The Power by Naomi Alderman which had a similar theme of females are in charge and it had an unnerving outcome. I expected something similar when I started this book but was surprised and appreciated the difference in tone. The plot moved quickly and I loved the main character's development throughout the book. I really hope there is a sequel to this book to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entranced by this book

I need a sequel! Please tell me there's more to this. I need to know what happens. Is there a civil war? Who wins?

[Arianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a load

This book was written by a man pretending to understand how the world works for a woman now, and what we would change if we had ultimate authority, and falls very very short of anything near the truth. There are so many skewed views in here that I can't begin to explore them all, and they will ultimately just make your head hurt and aggravate you.

[Coral Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really thought provoking read

I really enjoyed reading this book. I do not want to give away the plot, but it is well worth reading.

[Chrystal Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for this dystopian novel.

For me, the goal of a good dystopian novel is to get you to think about and question the constructs of your society, and I think Severed Roots did a great job of that. The concept of the book—that men and the family structure have oppressed women throughout society was interesting and definitely raised many emotions about the meaning of family and gender roles.

For some reason, this was a bit of a slow burn. It was hard for me to get into, but once I was—I read it pretty quickly. The book was well-written and easy to follow. It ended on a cliffhanger, which leads me to believe Huzcotoq will be coming out with a sequel, which I'd be eager to read.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thought experiment with dystopian features is a nod to some famous dystopias such as 1984 and the film The Island starring Ethan Hawke. There are also characteristics of The Handmaid's Tale & Brave New World and other works. However, the writer has chosen to turn the world completely upside down in Severed Roots:

This world is ruled by women, men are seen as evolutionary failures, who for centuries have brought forth nothing but war, violence, rape and abuse of power. To quell this tendency, boys are made infertile before puberty. Also, they are treated as second-class citizens, the good jobs are for women, family and marriage as the cornerstone of society is abolished: children are brought up together in so-called Children's Centres, with girls being given the better opportunities and education.

The writer argues that children who grew up in families were damaged because they were exposed to the whims of (bad) educators, who did not act in the best interest of the child. Divorce, domestic violence, incest, on poor parenting qualities caused great damage to their lives.
Women can no longer get pregnant, and the male population is declining rapidly.
Men are now called Mankeys, as a pun on monkeys - because it is argued that men have always been guided by their ‘ape-brain’.
Women who do embrace the traditional role of women (marriage and motherhood) are called WYf(s).

In the novel, the focus is on Nick - a Mankey - and Beatrice - A wyf -, Angelina, an elderly lady dying of cancer and Karla.

I found the 'Wyf' etymologically an unusual find - in my native language (Frisian- ) and in Middle Dutch, the old 'Wyf ( ẃiff) has been used derogatory for a woman of questionable reputation and a big mouth. I found that quite original in this context, as also the 'mankeys'
I found the first half of the novel good and original in concept, though at one point it was an overkill of what was new about this society. I felt that the author could have restrained himself somewhat here, - the first part was very descriptive, making it somewhat boring.
The second part of the novel, where Nick sets out to cure Beatrice of MS (Motherhood Syndrome) is quite an improvement, there is momentum in the story, although I did find the ending somewhat predictable.
Some utterances I personally thought went too far for even for a dystopia - like reusing deformed babies to cure women of Motherhood Syndrome - and burning away parts of the brain to turn off certain emotions.
I also found the naming of Motherhood Syndrome (MS) a tad offensive - MS (Multiple Sclerosis) it's a terrible disease, I know people who suffer from it - in this context, quite a slap in the face to the millions of people in the world who suffer from it. The writer really should have come up with another solution for this.

I liked the symbolism of the doors - as a choice or possibility (like in Alice in Wonderland), I did have the impression that the last part of the story was somewhat botched - with a rather predictable ending. After all, blood is thicker than water, and despite the author's attempt to erase family ties, as a prelude to a better future, those in the story were clear very quickly!

3.5 stars. Original and recommended reading for dystopia fans. Thank you BookSirens for this review copy. I leave my review voluntarily.

[Prabhat Mathur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq offers a provocative glimpse into a dystopian world where societal balance hinges on a radical power shift. In this chilling future, women take drastic steps to prevent men—dismissively labeled as “monkeys”—from repeating the destructive patterns of the past. Set against a backdrop of strict governmental control and a disbanded family structure, the novel weaves together the dangers of extreme ideologies and the consequences of a fractured society.

In this world, the idea of family is abolished as a patriarchal relic, with children raised collectively and men chemically suppressed or coerced into gender reassignment. Amidst this oppressive order, the protagonist, Nick, a disillusioned magician, navigates a landscape fraught with rebellion, hidden sanctuaries, and simmering unrest. His journey to a secret haven where traditional procreation still exists intertwines with his friendship with Beatrice, a woman desperate to reclaim her right to motherhood in a world that has outlawed it.

Huzcotoq’s storytelling is a careful balance of thoughtful world-building and fast-paced narrative. The stark depiction of a society devoid of family ties and the ethical dilemmas that arise from such control lead readers to question the boundaries of freedom and the cost of safety. Through Nick’s evolving understanding and his alliance with the “Progressives”—a group that resists the New World Order’s extremism—the book explores themes of identity, gender politics, and the human need for connection.

The characters are complex and compelling, with Nick standing out as a reluctant hero, navigating conflicting loyalties and grappling with the consequences of his choices. The relationship between Nick and Beatrice is especially poignant, highlighting the desperation and quiet resistance that exist beneath the surface of this regimented world.

Severed Roots challenges readers to think deeply about the societal structures we take for granted and the potential consequences of radical change. With a narrative that’s engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of dystopian fiction and speculative storytelling. It’s a haunting and memorable read that lingers long after the final page.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take if women and girls ruled the world where they can be leaders while the men and boys known as mankeys are placed in servant roles. It sounds good on the surface when you realized how militaristic the women leaders has created society when families and being mothers are being outlawed. The heterosexual relationships became illegal. For women, they are encouraged to have lesbian relationships. Though, there are surrogates where some women in childbearing age are used to have more children which are sent elsewhere to be raised. The children are raised in government run residential schools called Children Centres where the sexes are separated. The boys are raised by stoic female supervisors and a child-minding robot teaching them while getting the bare minimum. The girls are raised with loving female supervisors providing them a sweet childhood like getting birthday parties and the best education. In Canada, we follow Nick's life as a mankey who struggles living in poverty while trying to be a magician to entertain people and female children (only girls get entertainment while boys don't); through some events his eyes started to open up and he asked himself does he want more in life. All his life, two women kept looking out for him, Angelina who is older by decades and his former Children's Centre supervisor and Karla, a woman a few years older than him, whom they met as children that she always kept an eye on him, was now in a powerful position in the government. Both women have a secret that is connected to Nick. His friend Beatrice needs help so as he tries to figure things out, will he be able to help his friend? When he leaves his city and travels, he learned about secret societies where men and women can be together and create families is valued. One of the key themes in Severed Roots is: Who are you if you have no roots, no real connections?

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this title from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.

Huzcotoq has created a world that makes readers question what makes a successful society. In Severed Roots, women rule the world, men are being systematically eliminated as a violent evolutionary dead-end, and the definition of family itself is completely reimagined with Netbots in Children’s Centres rather than parents in a traditional home environment. However, the world is not settled on its new path and opponents to the Advisor’s worldview are emerging into two distinct groups, the Hardinians and the Progressives. The militant Hardinians want to return to an earlier time, what is called the Age of Oppression, when families lived together with a man as the head of the family group. Although the Progressives also want a return to a family centered life, their members are not advocating a violent overthrow of society to achieve their aims. Nick, the male protagonist of Severed Roots, is one of the first generation of children to be raised primarily in a Children’s Centre. He experienced the Rite of Passage, which is when young boys start taking hormone blocking medications, and he is a model citizen of the new world at the beginning of the novel. A chance encounter on public transportation with a male Progressive pushes Nick to start questioning everything around him and ends with him fleeing from Canada to Iowa. Fans of The XY by Virginia Bergin, The Hill by Ali Bryan, and The Men by Sandra Newman will enjoy Huzcotoq’s Severed Roots.

[Covadonga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like always, thanks to the author, editors and LibraryThing for giving me the opportunity of reading this book in exchange for a fair review.
Is this "the handmaid's tale" in reverse? Yes and no. Things are not so brutal here... or so it seems, but in a way they are worse, there very many subtle ways to coerce you to do things without getting to extremes, you will think it's of your own free will and initiative.
I don't think either it is "ladies, you are taking revenge too far". Nick, the main character (and the author, I infere) want... real equality, a family, roots, as the title says.
I remeber between the age of 9 and 10 I had a stage where I wanted to be a boy. Nothing sexual there, of course, I was way too young: I simply though the boys could do more things and had a better time of it. It is the contrary here. I don't want to write spoilers :)
Really all ways are open, radical feminism, radical patriarchy, and the middle real equalitarian way, of course the preferred and reasonable one, all of which are still fighting, not without suffering... Nick will explore and search all of this and find himself along the way. The end is open and interesting, so very many possibilities for the story to be continued.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I tell you about this book that wont give you spoilers, but at the same time will let you know how much I did enjoy it, nick is a mankey, (a play with the word man and monkey) in a society that sees man as utterly useless, unless he becomes a female (transition is a reality that many chose, because when they transition, they can have better jobs and better pays), men and women are medicated to inhibit sexual urges and in women case motherhood urges this whole book goes around nick and his discovering in how his world views are wrong, everything that he was being told since childhood could be wrong, women in other hand in this book are the superior sex, but if they want to have children and raise those children they are a menace and “sick”.

This is a very disturbing world, and I did enjoy almost all the book, I think the ending was a bit rushed and I wished it went for longer, but I still enjoyed my ride and I recommend this book for fans of utopias that are in reality dystopias, fans of gendered societies will also really enjoy this book. It was a nice ride and I recommend this book.

Thank you LibraryThing for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Janae O'Shields · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFing this for now. I might come back to it later.

I received a complimentary copy of Severed Roots through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. My review is voluntary.

There is great potential in the premise of this dystopian novel—a female-dominated society that has taken feminism too far. However, it’s handled very awkwardly. I get the feeling that the author is a man who was triggered by the Me Too movement and this is his written word of warning to women in general. At times it reads like YA with unrealistic dialogue and immature perspective. In other moments, it’s just preachy and chiding. Men in this society are treated as an inferior species with the term “mankey” thrown around so much it becomes a slur—and that in itself makes me extremely uncomfortable. At this point, I’m putting it on hold because it’s making me not want to read at all.

Maybe I’m not the target audience for this book. Perhaps men would enjoy it more. And perhaps that opinion puts me in the same category as the women in this book.

[Melanie Ezell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly thought provoking especially in a time of the "toxic masculinity" culture. In a future North America, women have gained control of government and businesses, men have become subservient. Marriage and families are illegal and considered a source of spousal rape and servitude. Man must pay a price for past patriarchal society.

Nick is the “mankey”, assuming this is a play on “monkey”, has no memory of being taken to from this family and raised in children’s center with all other children born from women paid for use of their wombs. He has and continues to take drugs to repress male characteristics. Men are weak, soft with no sex drive.

However, not all women are content with the dissolution of family. Nicks friend Beatrice is one such woman who wants everything that women of the past had if they choose. Their individual journeys lead to a rediscovery of love and family.

Worth the read. Thank you to the author and publisher for the giveaway.

[Saf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and decided to share my overall opinion on it. I love reading dystopian novels and this one was quite interesting. However, the beginning of the story had a rather slow start to it, making it hard to get into, but after the midway point things started to get more and more interesting. I love the overall idea of a plot, where women rule, it could definetly be developed more so, especially character relationship wise. Nonetheless, the story ended in a somewhat cliffhanging leaving me to believe, and hope, that there will be a sequel. It was worth the read though!

[Matthew Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read set in a dystopian future which could be considered in the vein of a complete opposite world as imagined in Margaret Atwood's Handmaiden Tales.

I could not stop reading this book because of the journey of the protagonist and their journey to self discovery and regaining what it means to be human. Such a well developed world showing how families, society, religion and the state all compete for the focus of the individual.

I cannot wait to see what the author is up to next.

Please note I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kyle Wendy Skultety (gimmethatbook.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SEVERED ROOTS is a dystopian novel by Nego Huzcotoq that explores the themes of gender, power, and family in a matriarchal society where women have taken control. The story is set in a future where men have been stripped of their power and are now considered second-class citizens. The government, known as the New World Order, has outlawed the concept of family, and children are now raised in government-run facilities. Men are given a choice of either taking a chemical injection that will suppress their sexual urges or undergoing gender reassignment surgery.

The protagonist of the story is naïve and sheltered Nick Wong, a 30-something gig musician who is struggling to come to terms with the new world order. He has never known a world without the New World Order, and he is initially hesitant to question its authority. He is not comfortable with the way men are treated, but he also doesn’t believe in the extremist views of the Hardinians, a group of men who are fighting to overthrow the New World Order. He is drawn to a group of rebels known as the Progressives, who believe in the importance of family and equality for all.

Nick also befriends Beatrice, a woman who is desperate to have her own child. She asks Nick to help her find a way to Island House, a safe haven for women who want to raise their children outside of the New World Order. Nick agrees to help Beatrice, and along the way, he learns more about the dark secrets of the New World Order. He also begins to question his own beliefs about gender, family, and power.

In the world of SEVERED ROOTS, the traditional family unit has been disbanded. Children are raised by the state, and men are not allowed to have any contact with their offspring. This raises some interesting questions about the nature of family and the importance of biological ties.

The author spends a good deal of time describing how family is essential to human connection and well-being. Even in a world where family is outlawed, people still crave the love and support of a family unit. This serves as a reminder that family is more than just a biological relationship – it is a bond of love and support that can help us to survive even in the most difficult of times.

The world-building is mostly believable. Huzcotoq does a respectable job of creating a dystopian society that feels both familiar and alien. The book is full of interesting details about the New World Order, such as the way it controls the population through chemical injections and propaganda. However, I would have loved to see more background on how the world came to be this way. Did society become that way suddenly, due to an occurrence of war or a nuclear disaster? Or was it a slowly moving development, due to an illness caused by men that killed most of their population? Did women rise to power in government and caused the pendulum to swing their way? As you can see, there could be so many reasons for this dystopian world.

I will say that this novel does a decent job of exploring the diverse ways in which a matriarchal society could function. Huzcotoq presents a variety of perspectives on the issue, from the radical views of the Hardinians to the more moderate views of the Progressives. This allows the reader to see the issue from all sides and to come to their own conclusions about what a matriarchal society would look like.

Some things I liked about SEVERED ROOTS:

The themes of gender equality, violence, and family are thought-provoking and relevant to our own world.
The novel does not shy away from showing the dark side of both the matriarchal and patriarchal societies, and the consequences of their extremes. The novel also raises some interesting questions about the nature of human connection and the role of family in society.
The plot is an excellent manifestation of a dystopian world. There are elements of George Orwell’s 1984, Aldous Huxley’s BRAVE NEW WORLD, and Anthony Burgess’ THE WANTING SEED. These are three of my favorite books, and I was happy to feel reminded of them as I got through the book.
Some things I did not like:

The pacing of the book is a bit slow at times. The first half of the book is mostly setup, and it takes a while for the plot to really get going.
The ending of the book is a bit anticlimactic. I was expecting a more satisfying conclusion to the story, and I felt there were many questions left unanswered. (That being said, I believe the author is working on a sequel, in which case the ending could be forgiven.)
The novel relies heavily on stereotypes and generalizations about men and women and seems to favor a conservative and traditional view of family and marriage, without considering other forms of relationships and lifestyles.


SEVERED ROOTS is ultimately a story about hope. Despite the challenges that Nick and Beatrice face, they never give up on their dream of creating a better world. They believe that it is possible to find a balance between the old world and the new, and they are determined to fight for a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking novel that is sure to spark a conversation about the nature of gender, power, and violence. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction or who is interested in exploring the future of gender relations.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq takes readers on a thrilling dystopian journey into a world where women hold all the power and men are relegated to a subordinate position. Nick, a mankey who questions everything, is on a mission to help his best friend Beatrice, who is struggling with the fact that she cannot experience motherhood. Along the way, he befriends Morrie, whose hidden secrets challenge Nick's understanding of the world he grew up in.

The intricate plot had me hooked from beginning to end, and while it was emotionally challenging to imagine such a world, it also prompted me to ponder the possibilities of a world where women are in control. Nick is a fascinating character, a magician who brings joy to children and who evolves from a hesitant and timid person into a determined and strong-willed individual. Beatrice is a compelling supporting character whose mental health decline is palpable and poignant, and Morrie provides invaluable support and guidance throughout the story. Severed Roots is an exceptional novel with a plot that is meticulously crafted. The book concludes on an exciting cliffhanger that leaves readers eagerly anticipating another follow-up novel.

Huzcotoq has created a gripping dystopian novel that elicits a range of emotions, from laughter to tears and everything in between. I also enjoyed how it does not follow standard dystopian tropes found in other novels in the genre. This book is a must-read for fans looking for a unique dystopia, especially readers who enjoy works that challenge societal norms and conventions.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from book sirens.

I couldn’t put this book down.

I grew up reading classic Dystopians and this book continues in that tradition.

All of the major characters are written with a sympathetic eye including the antagonists.

There are no easy answers to be found here.Nothing is wrapped up neatly.Like it’s predecessors the warning is clear.

I highly recommend this book for everyone.

[Jenna King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I stumbled onto this book. I generally dislike dystopian books and movies because they make me feel so uncomfortable and hopeless. But this one didn't, and I sincerely hope there is a sequel. There was so much truth in this book, but it was also frustrating to see how truth can be twisted. I also liked that it was pretty clean-- clean language and no sexual imagery. I recommend this book.

[Spawn2012 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well... this was an interesting take on what would happen if men were suddenly the ones being suppress. Although I do agree on certain points with the current matriarch of this tale. Some things are a bit extreme or just unnecessary. I'll just say the obvious. NOT ALL MEN ARE EVIL OR CORRUPT!! So please please if "the future is female" means this... I want no parts of it ma'am. Also it just felt kinda rushed towards the end. There wasn't enough build up, very anti climatic to me.

[Mikala · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique take on dystopian future. Handmaids Tale but reversed? As a woman, I like to think that a matriarchal society would be bliss. Huzcotoq takes a decidely different perspective where a narrow view of womanhood is held as the ideal. The world building is good and the first half to two-thirds of the book is well written. Then it feels like the editor just gave up? The pacing is wonky in the second half. The story still makes sense but the abrupt shifts in character personalities and views seem forced.
I'm eager to read more by this author. Though I hope the outcome will be a bit more kind to all genders.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting message

I saw the other reviews said it was slow, but the pacing was good. It has an intentional slower build, that added to the depth of the message. It was an interesting world and well written.

[Kaylee Dorle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good premise, but doesn't feel fully fleshed out. It was pretty boring and over the top at times. A society where women are the dominant sex and actively punish men for the past is very interesting, but something about this book just falls flat.

[Kirstin Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot-driven and quick, but problematic.

[Nicole T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking concept and I really wanted to like it but was disappointing in the thick of it. The ending was sudden and not great at all.

[Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might start slow but stick with it! It pays off with a riveting story

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars