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Joy
A hurricane strikes the Elysium Spa, and an android named Tender can only save one of his guests - a fifteen-year-old girl called Virgo. She has the innocence of an infant, because she has never known anything but Joy, a state of utter ecstasy - the Spa guests are born, reproduce, and die in scientifically calibrated baths that satisfy their every need. Tender takes her on a journey across a post-American landscape depopulated by war, famine, and plague. On the road, they meet other travelers on the New Frontier, including a scientist in search of life's greatest secret, a group of First Nations warriors seeking to reclaim their stolen land, and a young power thief fleeing forced labor, looking for a better life and his lost family. Tender's sole purpose is to return Virgo to the state of bliss that is her birthright. But as they both adapt to this painful, beautiful world, they must decide whether she should give up her new-found understanding for a life of Perfect Joy.
- GenresScience Fiction
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2023
8 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 14, 2025
Exciting and imaginative post-apocalyptic story of a near-future United States.
Joy: A Novel of the New Frontier by author B.R.M. Evett is a new science fiction adventure set in a near-future post-apocalyptic United States, where much of the country’s population has been wiped out by a series of climate and medical disasters. Over the ensuing years of chaos, an exclusive medical treatment facility in Boston known as The Elysium Spa had lost contact with the outside world and its sister facilities around the country but had continued to function, caring for its registered clients under an all-encompassing protocol that maintained their renowned program of Joy. In the Joy program, clients’ unconscious bodies, safely ensconced in a warm, protective bath, are constantly monitored and regulated to continually experience their maximum pleasure and well-being while moving through a pre-set life cycle that includes reproduction of the next generation of clients and eventually aging out at 75 years and undergoing The Apotheosis and returning to the ultimate essence of the Universe.
Throughout their stay at The Elysium, the clients are cared for by an android, carefully created to resemble a human being. Tender Number 7 cares for a Guest Group of 10 clients: five males and five females, each one in a different life stage. As the story begins, a category six hurricane is raging outside the Boston facility. Still, that day’s procedures continue as scheduled and include a treatment for one of the females, Virgo, on an upper floor of the building. As the procedure is concluding, the storm knocks out the facility’s power and mainframe computer and floods the lower floors; Virgo and Tender Number 7 are the sole survivors. Even though Elysium had been out of touch with the outside world for decades, Tender decides to move the helpless, dreaming Virgo to the nearest sister facility in New York City, and when the storm recedes, begins the long journey afoot with her in his arms, not realizing how the world has changed in the decades since he went into the facility.Tender is a goal-oriented and pure personality tasked with safeguarding and optimizing his clients’ Joy experience. As an android, he operates under human programming and, while aware that the best choice for Virgo, at times, may be to harm another human, it is not the optimum response. So, as he and Virgo encounter the harsh realities of a changed world, he must sometimes be very creative in how he pursues his plans. Virgo, although physically a 15-year-old girl, has only known the solitude and sublime satisfaction of Joy in her warm, jellied bath pod, experiencing only ecstasy in her every living moment. When she awakens outside of the pod in Tender’s arms, she experiences physical need and discomfort for the very first time, much like a newborn after birth. For her, everything is about regaining Joy and fulfilling her needs. Leaving the bewildering and difficult reality far behind. It was interesting to watch as she reacted and adjusted to simple physical urges and slowly became a part of her surrounding environment.
The author has created a wonderful contrast between the small, isolated world of the spa and the world at large. As the danger of the hurricane passes, they encounter few humans, but those they do all serve to disrupt or delay their journey, some for many weeks at a time. The pair represents possible new resources to almost everyone they come in contact with, a tool to be used and discarded. However, Tender proves to be a resourceful protector as they escape from one harrowing situation after another.The author’s descriptions were vivid and immersive, making the cinematic story so compelling it flew by. While Tender is non-human, he displays the highest and most honorable characteristics of any human hero, and even the innocent, emotionally toddler-like Virgo is engaging and someone you’ll want to root for. Along the way, the survivors they meet are the catalysts for some of the most unexpected plot twists ever, guaranteeing I did not want to put this book down until the final page was turned.
I recommend JOY: A NOVEL OF THE NEW FRONTIER to readers of science fiction, dystopias, and post-apocalyptic tales.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.
March 11, 2025
JOY: A Novel of the New Frontier by B.R.M. Evett is one of those rare books that stays in the mind long after its over. Author Evett has crafted a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic tale that is as much about survival as it is about the very essence of being human. It is not simply a story that you read, it makes you feel it, makes you question, and ultimately, leaves you irrevocably changed.
At the heart of this book is Virgo, a girl who has never known life outside of Joy—a chemically engineered, blissful state of being, where suffering and self-awareness do not exist. When a catastrophe forces her out of this artificial paradise, she is thrust into a raw, unfiltered world that she has no comprehension of. Alongside her is Tender, the android caregiver who has been programmed to protect her and ensure her uninterrupted ecstasy. But without a system to govern him, Tender is left on his own emerging sense of morality, logic, and something even deeper, something he was never designed to have.
The journey that follows is simply brilliant! Evett’s writing is lyrical, precise, and deeply immersive, effortlessly drawing readers into a world that feels eerily real despite its dystopian setting. Through their travels, Virgo and Tender encounter fractured remnants of humanity, each one shaped by war, famine, climate collapse, and the unchecked ambitions of the past. The world-building is meticulous, with a level of detail that makes every moment pulse with tension and poignancy.
There’s an aching beauty in JOY, an undercurrent of poetic melancholy that reminds me of classic speculative fiction, yet it feels profoundly contemporary. Author Evett has crafter an emotional and philosophical experience, brilliantly balancing the tenderness of his characters with the harsh, unforgiving world around them.
If you love speculative fiction that challenges your perception, if you appreciate intricate character development and prose that sings, this book is for you. JOY is not just a story, it’s a meditation on what it truly means to live.
At the heart of this book is Virgo, a girl who has never known life outside of Joy—a chemically engineered, blissful state of being, where suffering and self-awareness do not exist. When a catastrophe forces her out of this artificial paradise, she is thrust into a raw, unfiltered world that she has no comprehension of. Alongside her is Tender, the android caregiver who has been programmed to protect her and ensure her uninterrupted ecstasy. But without a system to govern him, Tender is left on his own emerging sense of morality, logic, and something even deeper, something he was never designed to have.
The journey that follows is simply brilliant! Evett’s writing is lyrical, precise, and deeply immersive, effortlessly drawing readers into a world that feels eerily real despite its dystopian setting. Through their travels, Virgo and Tender encounter fractured remnants of humanity, each one shaped by war, famine, climate collapse, and the unchecked ambitions of the past. The world-building is meticulous, with a level of detail that makes every moment pulse with tension and poignancy.
There’s an aching beauty in JOY, an undercurrent of poetic melancholy that reminds me of classic speculative fiction, yet it feels profoundly contemporary. Author Evett has crafter an emotional and philosophical experience, brilliantly balancing the tenderness of his characters with the harsh, unforgiving world around them.
If you love speculative fiction that challenges your perception, if you appreciate intricate character development and prose that sings, this book is for you. JOY is not just a story, it’s a meditation on what it truly means to live.
May 29, 2023
When The True Adventure Begins: B.R.M Evett’s JOY
More than science fiction with a literary bent, JOY, B.R.M Evett’s first novel, located in a possible future not so very far away, invites you to venture out from a palliative dystopia into an uncertain, fraught and painful world in which genuine beauty and the call for compassion are sharply counterposed to the manufactured bliss from which the android Tender, JOY’s protagonist, and Virgo, his fifteen year old charge, depart.
Cast as a westward journey from the hurricane destroyed Elysium Spa in Boston where human “guests” are born, bred, and reside in unruffled ecstasy until they reach apotheosis, the Spa’s euphemism for death, Tender, whose sole role is to care for his guests, must translate pursuit of this purpose into a perilous mission to carry Virgo to a place where he can return her to a state of bliss.
Tender and Virgo’s engagingly imagined foray into this worst of all possible worlds—a post-American landscape plagued by famine and violence, corrupt travelers, and institutions grown perverse—is an exquisite vehicle for Evett’s humane inquiry into the extent to which an android with a programmed telos can transcend its instruction set and develop a quality of mind approaching genuine emotion, and for the author’s marvelous account of how Virgo’s raw dependency, when challenged by circumstance, evolves into an intimate interdependence with Tender whose life she twice saves.
Echoing but pointing time’s arrow in a direction opposite Virgil’s retrospectively cast Aeneid, Evett’s JOY unfolds a novel, classically informed, wise, sometimes startling, always provocative founding myth. And like both the classics and the speculative novels that remain urgently relevant today, it’s a damn good read!
More than science fiction with a literary bent, JOY, B.R.M Evett’s first novel, located in a possible future not so very far away, invites you to venture out from a palliative dystopia into an uncertain, fraught and painful world in which genuine beauty and the call for compassion are sharply counterposed to the manufactured bliss from which the android Tender, JOY’s protagonist, and Virgo, his fifteen year old charge, depart.
Cast as a westward journey from the hurricane destroyed Elysium Spa in Boston where human “guests” are born, bred, and reside in unruffled ecstasy until they reach apotheosis, the Spa’s euphemism for death, Tender, whose sole role is to care for his guests, must translate pursuit of this purpose into a perilous mission to carry Virgo to a place where he can return her to a state of bliss.
Tender and Virgo’s engagingly imagined foray into this worst of all possible worlds—a post-American landscape plagued by famine and violence, corrupt travelers, and institutions grown perverse—is an exquisite vehicle for Evett’s humane inquiry into the extent to which an android with a programmed telos can transcend its instruction set and develop a quality of mind approaching genuine emotion, and for the author’s marvelous account of how Virgo’s raw dependency, when challenged by circumstance, evolves into an intimate interdependence with Tender whose life she twice saves.
Echoing but pointing time’s arrow in a direction opposite Virgil’s retrospectively cast Aeneid, Evett’s JOY unfolds a novel, classically informed, wise, sometimes startling, always provocative founding myth. And like both the classics and the speculative novels that remain urgently relevant today, it’s a damn good read!
February 26, 2025
When I pick up a sci-fi book, I always expect some kind of duality: rich in emotions and feelings while maintaining a cold, almost sterile prose. This is something that’s hard to achieve, but that Evett seems to master real well.
Pick Tender: it’s an android designed to care for the guests of the Spa, and it does so with such care and grace that it really reads like it’s a human being. On the other hand, the moral questions it poses are off-scale and they really give the reader pause. Coldness (by definition); feelings (by choice); emotions (by choice, again). The girl in Tender’s care, called Virgo, has her dedicated chapters, brimming with sentiments, too.
Tender’s journey is both physical and psychological, an aspect I appreciated a lot while reading—same goes for Virgo.
From a technical standpoint, I am happy to note that the author has a very good grasp on both grammar and syntax. The structure of JOY is well done, with a pleasant rhythm. I wouldn’t call this quick paced, mind; rather, it’s correctly balanced, and that’s what makes it pleasant. Well done!
What I would change is in the realm of nitpickings. There’s no need to start a chapter with the pov’s name, since it’s something that should be obvious from the first line, anyway. I’m also not so sold about the length of the story. While I don’t want to pinpoint anything that needs to be cut off—there’s no obvious ‘JOY can do without this section’ moment, at least not from a reviewer’s point of view—I feel like it’s a bit too long overall. As I said, nitpickings!
4 stars on GR
Pick Tender: it’s an android designed to care for the guests of the Spa, and it does so with such care and grace that it really reads like it’s a human being. On the other hand, the moral questions it poses are off-scale and they really give the reader pause. Coldness (by definition); feelings (by choice); emotions (by choice, again). The girl in Tender’s care, called Virgo, has her dedicated chapters, brimming with sentiments, too.
Tender’s journey is both physical and psychological, an aspect I appreciated a lot while reading—same goes for Virgo.
From a technical standpoint, I am happy to note that the author has a very good grasp on both grammar and syntax. The structure of JOY is well done, with a pleasant rhythm. I wouldn’t call this quick paced, mind; rather, it’s correctly balanced, and that’s what makes it pleasant. Well done!
What I would change is in the realm of nitpickings. There’s no need to start a chapter with the pov’s name, since it’s something that should be obvious from the first line, anyway. I’m also not so sold about the length of the story. While I don’t want to pinpoint anything that needs to be cut off—there’s no obvious ‘JOY can do without this section’ moment, at least not from a reviewer’s point of view—I feel like it’s a bit too long overall. As I said, nitpickings!
4 stars on GR
February 22, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
21st February 2025
TITLE: JOY
AUTHOR: B R M Evett
Star Rating: 5
‘A wonderfully smart, post-apocalyptic novel with a cast of unforgettable characters. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must say, I very much enjoyed this character-led, post-apocalyptic story from the pen of talented writer, B R M Evett. Well-written and smartly plotted, it’s the story of Tender, an android carer, who keeps his ‘guests’ in a sort of bath which holds them in a state of perpetual ecstasy, called Joy. Wow! I’d love to have one of them in my bathroom! 😊 Anyway, when the Spa is destroyed, Tender is determined to return Virgo, the young girl he saved, back to a life of bliss. What follows is a suspense-filled drama as they travel across post-apocalyptic America.
There were a number of elements to this story I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, I loved Tender and how he looks at life. He’s so intent on keeping his ‘guests’ happy; blissfully so – and the way he interacts in a very motherly way with Virgo is highly compelling. Secondly, I was impressed by how well thought-out the tech is, particularly how the Spa works. And thirdly, the author’s not frightened of using Tender to explore interesting subjects, for example, the ethics of the spa; of not allowing his ‘guests’ to walk, and talk – and live! In fact, in many ways, Tender, despite not being human, seems to grow the most in the story.
So, if anybody is on the hunt for a well-written, cleverly plotted, post-apocalyptic novel, I’m very happy to recommend JOY to them. I think most readers will find the characters (the MCs and the secondary) fascinating to get to know, and they’ll be rooting for Virgo and Tender to find joy, even if it’s not the sort of joy they expected.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
21st February 2025
TITLE: JOY
AUTHOR: B R M Evett
Star Rating: 5
‘A wonderfully smart, post-apocalyptic novel with a cast of unforgettable characters. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must say, I very much enjoyed this character-led, post-apocalyptic story from the pen of talented writer, B R M Evett. Well-written and smartly plotted, it’s the story of Tender, an android carer, who keeps his ‘guests’ in a sort of bath which holds them in a state of perpetual ecstasy, called Joy. Wow! I’d love to have one of them in my bathroom! 😊 Anyway, when the Spa is destroyed, Tender is determined to return Virgo, the young girl he saved, back to a life of bliss. What follows is a suspense-filled drama as they travel across post-apocalyptic America.
There were a number of elements to this story I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, I loved Tender and how he looks at life. He’s so intent on keeping his ‘guests’ happy; blissfully so – and the way he interacts in a very motherly way with Virgo is highly compelling. Secondly, I was impressed by how well thought-out the tech is, particularly how the Spa works. And thirdly, the author’s not frightened of using Tender to explore interesting subjects, for example, the ethics of the spa; of not allowing his ‘guests’ to walk, and talk – and live! In fact, in many ways, Tender, despite not being human, seems to grow the most in the story.
So, if anybody is on the hunt for a well-written, cleverly plotted, post-apocalyptic novel, I’m very happy to recommend JOY to them. I think most readers will find the characters (the MCs and the secondary) fascinating to get to know, and they’ll be rooting for Virgo and Tender to find joy, even if it’s not the sort of joy they expected.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
February 18, 2025
Book Review: JOY: A Novel of the New Frontier
By: B.R.M. Evett
Publisher: Sleeping Dog Press
Release Date: September 15, 2023
Length: 380 pages
Triggers: Survival themes, dystopian chaos, society in shambles, heavy ethical debates.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sci-Fi with Brains & Heart – A Must-Read!
Alright, y’all, this book hits different! B.R.M. Evett’s JOY: A Novel of the New Frontier isn’t just another dystopian sci-fi—it’s got layers. Think deep philosophical vibes wrapped in a post-apocalyptic survival story. No surprise it made the 2024 Rubery Book Award shortlist—it’s that good.
So here’s the setup: The world’s done for—war, famine, environmental collapse, you name it. Our main dude, Tender, is a next-level android programmed to keep humans safe and sound. But when a monster hurricane wipes out the Elysium Spa—basically a luxury escape where people stay high on chemical bliss—Tender’s left with one survivor: Virgo, a 15-year-old girl who’s never had to think, move, or be on her own. Now, it’s just the two of them navigating the wreckage of what used to be America, running into all sorts of wild survivors. But here’s the catch—does Tender drag Virgo back to her bubble-wrapped fake happiness, or let her experience the brutal, messy, real world?
Evett’s writing? Straight-up mesmerizing. The world he paints is grim but weirdly poetic, like beauty in the breakdown. The pacing is on point—action-packed but also loaded with those deep “what does it mean to be human?” moments. And the dynamic between Tender and Virgo? Chef’s kiss. Watching Virgo wake up to reality and Tender start questioning his own programming is everything.
This book sticks with you. It makes you think about artificial happiness vs. raw, unfiltered life. And with the sequel, Hope, on the way, you already know I’m hyped.
Highly recommend this for anyone who loves their dystopian sci-fi with a side of deep thoughts and cool storytelling.
By: B.R.M. Evett
Publisher: Sleeping Dog Press
Release Date: September 15, 2023
Length: 380 pages
Triggers: Survival themes, dystopian chaos, society in shambles, heavy ethical debates.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sci-Fi with Brains & Heart – A Must-Read!
Alright, y’all, this book hits different! B.R.M. Evett’s JOY: A Novel of the New Frontier isn’t just another dystopian sci-fi—it’s got layers. Think deep philosophical vibes wrapped in a post-apocalyptic survival story. No surprise it made the 2024 Rubery Book Award shortlist—it’s that good.
So here’s the setup: The world’s done for—war, famine, environmental collapse, you name it. Our main dude, Tender, is a next-level android programmed to keep humans safe and sound. But when a monster hurricane wipes out the Elysium Spa—basically a luxury escape where people stay high on chemical bliss—Tender’s left with one survivor: Virgo, a 15-year-old girl who’s never had to think, move, or be on her own. Now, it’s just the two of them navigating the wreckage of what used to be America, running into all sorts of wild survivors. But here’s the catch—does Tender drag Virgo back to her bubble-wrapped fake happiness, or let her experience the brutal, messy, real world?
Evett’s writing? Straight-up mesmerizing. The world he paints is grim but weirdly poetic, like beauty in the breakdown. The pacing is on point—action-packed but also loaded with those deep “what does it mean to be human?” moments. And the dynamic between Tender and Virgo? Chef’s kiss. Watching Virgo wake up to reality and Tender start questioning his own programming is everything.
This book sticks with you. It makes you think about artificial happiness vs. raw, unfiltered life. And with the sequel, Hope, on the way, you already know I’m hyped.
Highly recommend this for anyone who loves their dystopian sci-fi with a side of deep thoughts and cool storytelling.
Read
September 8, 2025While I have nothing against the typical post-apocalyptic tale (in fact 'The Road' is one of my favorite books), they can be a little repetitive and unoriginal. This one is not. With a hint of Gene Wolfe, Evett infuses his story with a love for (and deep understanding of) language, classical literature, and music, giving the characters real depth and personality, especially Tender, the android who has more personality than any artificial being in any book I can recall. One test I find many genre writers fail is are the characters genuinely and meaningfully different from each other, or could most of the dialog be spoken by any one of them? Evett easily clears this test. Highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to more from the series
September 4, 2025
Wow. What a unique and powerful story! The premise itself hooked me, but the execution was even better. Tender’s loyalty and Virgo’s innocence made their journey across a ruined America incredibly moving. I loved the mix of futuristic sci-fi and raw human themes about survival, loss, and joy. It’s thought-provoking and emotional, but also full of hope. Easily one of the best books I’ve read recently.
September 4, 2025
I can’t stop thinking about this book! The world-building is original, and the themes are powerful. Virgo was such an innocent yet resilient character, and Tender’s quiet strength made me love him. The post-apocalyptic journey they took was gritty, emotional, and full of meaning. It really makes you reflect on what it means to live with awareness versus living in blissful ignorance. Stunning read!
September 4, 2025
Absolutely incredible. The imagery of the Elysium Spa contrasted with the destroyed landscape gave the story such power. Virgo’s innocence made me ache, and watching her discover what it really means to live was unforgettable. Tender is one of the most memorable characters I’ve ever read so devoted, so quietly heroic. This book blends sci-fi, philosophy, and raw emotion perfectly. I can’t recommend it enough.
September 4, 2025
This story is a masterpiece. The mix of futuristic science, philosophy, and post-apocalyptic survival is done brilliantly. Virgo is such a unique character, innocent yet resilient and Tender’s devotion to her is beautiful. The side characters they meet all add to the richness of the journey. It’s heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time, and it left me with so much to think about. I highly recommend it.
September 4, 2025
This story floored me. The idea of an android saving a girl who only knows bliss and then exposing her to the harsh reality of a broken world is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The writing feels alive, the world is vivid, and the characters unforgettable. Tender and Virgo’s journey hit me so hard emotionally. It’s a book that lingers long after finishing. Absolutely loved every page.
September 4, 2025
I loved this book so much! The whole concept of Joy and whether it’s better to live in bliss or face reality is fascinating. Virgo’s innocence colliding with the real world broke my heart in the best way. Tender’s devotion to her gave the story so much depth. The world felt both haunting and beautiful, and every character they met left an impact. It’s truly unforgettable.
September 4, 2025
This book completely pulled me in. The idea of a girl born in manufactured joy being thrown into a broken, harsh world is so powerful. I loved the contrast between innocence and survival. Tender and Virgo’s relationship is emotional and moving, and the side characters added richness to the journey. It’s a mix of hope, pain, and wonder that left me both inspired and teary-eyed.
September 4, 2025
I adored this book! The setup with the Spa and manufactured Joy was fascinating, and Virgo’s journey into the wider world had me captivated. I felt every moment of her wonder, fear, and heartbreak. Tender’s protective nature was so moving, and the world they explored felt hauntingly real. It’s a book that asks big questions while also telling a deeply human story. I loved every moment.
September 4, 2025
I loved this book from beginning to end. The whole concept of people living in engineered bliss at the Spa is so wild, and then seeing Virgo thrown into the harsh real world broke my heart. Tender’s devotion to her gave the story so much soul. The journey across this ruined America was haunting but also hopeful. Such a powerful, emotional, and unforgettable read.
September 4, 2025
This story really touched me. Virgo’s innocence was heartbreaking, and watching her slowly discover the beauty and pain of the real world was amazing. Tender is such a unique character part android, part protector, and so full of quiet strength. Every stop on their journey added something meaningful. It’s one of those books that makes you reflect on life long after you’ve finished.
September 4, 2025
This was such an emotional and thought-provoking read. I loved Virgo’s transformation throughout the story her innocence, her pain, and the way she discovered beauty in a broken world. Tender was such a unique character, equal parts machine and protector, but so full of heart.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews