The Immortal Part of Myself

by MJ James

In the not too distant future, the earth is managed by five corporations that have put their profits before all else, including human rights.

Riley just wants to survive and maybe right some wrongs. So she leaves for mars.

Matty is a human martian that just finished her three-year ambassador tour of earth.

Both want nothing more than to get off of the planet. But when Matty sees Riley for the first time, she knows their lives will be forever intertwined.

Genres: Ebooks, Science Fiction, Romance, LGBT

Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2022

About the author

MJ James is a science-fiction and fantasy author for queer and neurodiverse readers. As an own-voice author for autistic, ADHD, non-binary, trans-masc, aromantic, and asexual representation, MJ writes for readers who want to see themselves on the page. MJ discovered a love of books at a young age, finding them a source of comfort and the one thing in the world that made sense. Diagnosed as autistic at 24, MJ embraced their journey of self-discovery, earning a BA in Psychology and an MS in Developmental Psychology. They are also a proud parent of three incredible children. Their work features autistic and trans characters who navigate extraordinary conflicts, from protecting their child from their own magical powers to conquering virtual worlds in the fight against injustice. With themes of found family, aromantic and asexual representation, and a focus on belonging, MJ hopes their stories can provide companionship for their readers along with a sense of validation, understanding, and being seen.

Reviews

[Dok Starokina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You cannot truly know yourself unless you know your history."

"If vou're not a girl and you're not a boy, then what are you?"

I received an arc copy of this book, and I liked it so much!
I liked the story and the characters, and the portrayal of autism was so good that I found myself rlly connecting and understanding Riley. Her story, her behavior, it’s the little things that count, and the little things were written so vey well.

I did have a little difficulty with the writing technique, I felt as tho I was being told the story instead of actually living it through the characters. But in some ways this kind of writing did match the main characters’ character and behavior so with the time it didn’t affect me that much. I do think tho that this book will be a very interesting audiobook:)

This book has everything I like - dystopia, lgbtq representation, autistic representation and dealing with abuse and its aftermath. It may not have the most fast paced exciting plot but I feel like that’s the entire point. This book comes to tell us a story of two people in the future, two people who deal with many kinds of setbacks and problems and I liked that, I liked reading their story. Yes, it sometimes felt too utopian, but I think at least part of me feeling this is because we are so used to this life of deception and egoism and hatred. In a way it was nice that at least those fictional characters found some kind of utopian joy .

Anyway, all I can say is that I could relate to Riley so much and I rlly enjoyed reading her story and her growth and I’m rlly glad I shambled upon this book <3

[julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see the potential of this story. I liked the autistic representation (though it was a little stereotypical at times). I loved how the topic of sexuality and gender was handled. The writing is a little plain and flat.

What stood out to me were quite a lot of grammatical mistakes, missing punctuation marks, unnecessary repetitions and sentences with weird structure. Ultimately, these things made my reading experience not that great (my brain concentrates on them and doesn't let me move on, I can't help it).

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟

[Reina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Part of Myself explores a lot of darker themes, but it’s a great insight into the world and how we treat people we perceive as different, going as far as to normalize certain experiences and think nothing of it. Riley has a lot of challenges to overcome while fleeing the earth. It’s refreshing to see an adult explore their idea of gender with the knowledge gleaned from the martians. Often, the media tends to stick to one narrative and doesn’t allow for growth or change. There are a lot of vulnerable moments where the future seems bleak for Riley, but it’s a tale of strength, friendship, and the people who come through for her when she has nobody. There’s positive queer and autistic representation.

[Jav Elin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry, I tried. For the first time, I really can't find any redeeming qualities in a book. The author's POV reminds me of the people afraid to leave the city because Trump supporters and are out there waiting to get them. But there's no story. No real romance. No mystery or adventure. It's basically a 10 hour excuse for social commentary on today's society. Men are evil. Meat eaters are uncivilized. Gender isn't a big deal but the entire 'plot' centers on it. First time I'm intentionally putting down a book. Usually I'll throw 2 stars up and appreciate the story for it it is, and think, maybe one day I'll finish this. Or at least I won't hate it. This... This is terrible. If you're looking for wlw scifi try Valkyrie, or The Significant. If you're afraid conservatives are waiting in the woods to get you, you'll love this.

[Raquelio poop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so deep.I cried throughout it. If you're looking for something with similar vibes to A Handmaiden's Tale but sci-fi, this is your book. the story/plot were interesting, the world and the way it worked was captivating, the characters and their development are fantastic. i want more in the best way.


Earth is ran by corporations that owns their people. Titles are passed down father to son, or even to son -in-law, and women have no rights. Riley grew up in one of the highest ranking families and has been looking for ways to expand her mind and do great things, which isn't allowed. When she realizes her husband is going to have her killed, she plots her escape and joins the next ship to Mars, but as soon as quarantine ends, things start getting complicated.

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this novel had so much action and depth to it!

The Immortal Part of Myself is a beautiful story it portrays autism so well, I really liked Riley’s character. She felt so real and easy to connect to.

This whole story and the writing was wonderful I absolutely loved all the representations and themes of the book.

This was such an incredible and powerful read, I highly recommend it to everyone!

Thank you @mj_james_writes for the opportunity to listen to this AudioARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sandra Damiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Part of Myself is a captivating story that follows Riley, a character who is trapped in a difficult situation that she did not create. Despite her family's expectations that she remain silent and unobtrusive, Riley refuses to stay quiet and instead fights to reclaim her self-worth. Through her resilience and tenacity, Riley shows us the power of determination and the importance of standing up for what we believe in. This inspiring tale is a must-read for anyone seeking to find their own inner strength. Bright, shiny 5 stars!

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic sci fi adventure

The worldbuilding feels prophetic, is horrifying and believable, although the end is full of hope. Riley is a well-written and believable character, and the Martians (as well as another group) keep the story from being more grim. But in the current climate, the future portrayed in this book feels all too possible. I enjoyed Immortal; the story is enthralling with a lot of unexpected twistd and a hopeful ending.

[L.C Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Part of Myself is a sci-fi story about Riley, a young woman with autism who grows into a Woman fighting for a better life and a stronger version of herself.
I loved how believable the world-building felt; not to mention Riley was so real and it was so easy to connect with her.
This book is a superbly written story with dystopia, LGBTQ and autistic representation and portrayal of abuse.

It was a pleasure to read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
We follow Riley as she escapes earth and her life there for Mars where she meets Matty one of the Martian ambassadors who helps with getting Earthens adopted into Martian families to help them adapt to their new home.
Matty feels an instant connection to Riley but Riley has been so badly treated through out her life that combined with her autism makes human touch very stressful for her.
There's a lot of political maneuvering in this story and Earth is a male chauvinists playground as women are considered property, making Riley's final move epic and satisfying.

[Krysta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written science fiction novella.
Not my usually genre but it was recommended by a fellow author.
Very positive and respectful queen and autistic representation.
My favorite part was the well done world building and character portrayals.

[Isirla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot give anything less than 5 stars to this book!! It is an outstanding piece of fiction that will stay with me for days!!!

A more in depth review to come as soon as I can get my wits about me.

[Cass Robitaille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few books by this author, and enjoyed all. Each is imaginative and unique. In this story Riley makes a daring escape from an oppressive society, and helps to force meaningful change for the whole world.

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

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy through Storygraph Giveaways.

[Haley Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really unique and enjoyable read! Great blend of world building and action. Different from other “future dystopia” type things I had read. Found it very satisfying and engaging from start to finish.

[Mariah Wamby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark but ultimately hopeful, The Immortal Part of Myself is a brutal sci-fi story that focuses on how one person on the run changes the relations between a conservative Earth and a progressive Mars.