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Glass Helix
What if being made whole is what breaks you in the end? When Khai escapes the Research Center and crosses the boundary, sick and alone, he expects to find certain death. As an Imitel, one of those with a frail genome, Khai knows his days are numbered, but within the wilds, he finds a new beginning; reborn whole and with the ability to heal not just himself, but others as well. Returning to the communities he finds a disturbing trend—those he restores are disappearing. Dread and suspicion growing, he revisits his childhood home and his best friend Mae only to find she has absolutely no memory of him. Alarmed, but unrelenting, Khai creates a new identity and ingratiates himself into Mae’s workplace with the hopes his presence will awaken old memories. As Mae and Khai begin to reconnect, ARC unleashes a manhunt for the mysterious figure who appears superhuman. Mae is thrust into the crosshairs of a coup, as agencies leverage power and influence to control the next hope for humanity. Khai must find those pulling the strings before Mae pays the price for his return.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2023
About the author
Katee Stein
3 books64 followersSome of Katee Stein’s earliest memories were of losing herself within the pages of a book. Through reading she first explored the world, and her favourite stories are still those that echo pieces of this world and urge her to be brave.
Her love of fiction continued as Katee grew, travelled, met the love of her life, had two amazing children, and started working in special education. Her debut novel, Glass Helix, was published by Stag Beetle Books in 2023. Her first indie offering, Earthbound, was released in 2024 with its sequel, Skysworn, following in 2025. With more projects in the works, Katee hopes to continue sharing stories long into the future.
Of course if you were to meet her, you’d find she’s of an ordinary sort who loves coffee and slow mornings, chickens and sunrises, and most of all, her people.
Her love of fiction continued as Katee grew, travelled, met the love of her life, had two amazing children, and started working in special education. Her debut novel, Glass Helix, was published by Stag Beetle Books in 2023. Her first indie offering, Earthbound, was released in 2024 with its sequel, Skysworn, following in 2025. With more projects in the works, Katee hopes to continue sharing stories long into the future.
Of course if you were to meet her, you’d find she’s of an ordinary sort who loves coffee and slow mornings, chickens and sunrises, and most of all, her people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 5, 2023
A dystopia with fierce love and the highest value on human life at its heart. Katee Stein's world building, characters, and gritty themes in Glass Helix will stick with me for a long time.
It was hard to pick a favorite character - they are all so well-developed. I really enjoyed the whole "soft dystopia" element. It doesn't feel like too much of a stretch to believe that something like this could actually happen in a not-so-distant future.
It was hard to pick a favorite character - they are all so well-developed. I really enjoyed the whole "soft dystopia" element. It doesn't feel like too much of a stretch to believe that something like this could actually happen in a not-so-distant future.
July 27, 2023
Stein is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. These characters were so easy to love and cheer for, and the plot drew me in quickly and kept me turning pages. I stayed up way too late finishing the last chapters, because I HAD to know what was going to happen. I will be thinking about this masterfully crafted (and terrifying) world and the complex people in it for a long time.
April 4, 2026
He kissed the top of her head. “I’d wait a lifetime for you.”
(Oh, Khai… 🥹😭🫠🫶🏻)
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
I don't know where to start actually because I am blown away with how much I fell in love reading this book, which is very surprising since I was skeptical about it and I'm also not a big fan of this genre. But I guess, it decided to prove me wrong and I am so glad it did! 😊
I'm going to be honest, I cried, I laughed, I swooned, I screamed (internally and out loud and not always in a good way), I wished hell on the bad guys for what they did, and I fell in love with the main characters, Khai and Mae. I love them soooo much!! 😭🫶🏻 Khai is such a sweetheart but my heart breaks for him, regarding his past and what he had to endure. The same with Mae. They didn't deserve any of that at all (or any of the Imitels) 😭😭💔
Reading the journey through the eyes of Khai, Mae and Ryley, I loved every minute of it! Seeing their flaws, their struggles, watching them grow throughout the story and change from who they started as or what they believed from beginning to end was so well written. I feel like Katee Stein is such a talented writer by being able to make these characters feel real, relatable and also able to feel their emotions while reading like they're right there with you. It was all very nicely done and if I could, I would definitely give this book more than 5 stars! ✨️
Okay, I can't shut up about how much I absolutely love Khai and Mae!! From the minute I met them, I immediately loved them! 🫶🏻 Khai's perseverance, strength, and love for Mae, despite his fears from his past, guilt he's carried and the trauma he endured in the MSC as a child, I just love how he still never gave up and kept pushing through even though he could have. Oh, and I love how protective he was of Mae and would literally trade his life for her 🥹😭 And Mae… she is such a brave, strong (despite her body being weak), kind, loyal, compassionate and (to me) a bit spunky (haha). But their backstories and what they went through in the book literally broke my heart!!! 😭😭💔💔 I wanted to go through the screen to give them a hug, although at least they had each other and were each other's light and hope 💕
And yes, I can't forget about WHAT SHEMAR DID TO MAE!!!!! 😭💔😡😭💔😡 I don't think I've ever felt such rage towards a character like this before where I really wish I could go into a book to throttle them. Shemar and Director Fox are such sick and twisted individuals!!! I'm not even going to call them humans because what they were doing was INHUMANE!!!!
On a happier note, I loved seeing when Khai and Ryley were kind of acting like siblings as they bickered or joked a bit back and forth for that period of time they were together 😂 Oh! And how Ryley kept forgetting Khai could read thoughts!! That was hilarious!! 🤣
I will say that this book is most definitely one of my most favorite reads of 2026!!! 🥰🫶🏻 Katee Stein is becoming an author that I love and will definitely be reading more of her books!
I'm really going to miss Khai, Mae, Ryley and Lori! I really loved them and their story! 🥺 That's one of the hardest thing to do when you finish a book you fell in love with from beginning to end, I guess 😭
Amazing novel, Katee Stein!! I look forward to reading more of your books!! 🖤
____________________________________________________
Content Warnings: A flashback to a character attempting suicide, character used as a test subject with a drug (not too graphic), and a character’s leg is gone (shown, not the procedure)
Spice Level: Just kisses, cuddling and mention of salacious thoughts towards the end of the book (not described, more implied)
Language: Few f bombs, multiple or few uses of the words b*tch, sh*t, hell and damn
(Oh, Khai… 🥹😭🫠🫶🏻)
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
I don't know where to start actually because I am blown away with how much I fell in love reading this book, which is very surprising since I was skeptical about it and I'm also not a big fan of this genre. But I guess, it decided to prove me wrong and I am so glad it did! 😊
I'm going to be honest, I cried, I laughed, I swooned, I screamed (internally and out loud and not always in a good way), I wished hell on the bad guys for what they did, and I fell in love with the main characters, Khai and Mae. I love them soooo much!! 😭🫶🏻 Khai is such a sweetheart but my heart breaks for him, regarding his past and what he had to endure. The same with Mae. They didn't deserve any of that at all (or any of the Imitels) 😭😭💔
Reading the journey through the eyes of Khai, Mae and Ryley, I loved every minute of it! Seeing their flaws, their struggles, watching them grow throughout the story and change from who they started as or what they believed from beginning to end was so well written. I feel like Katee Stein is such a talented writer by being able to make these characters feel real, relatable and also able to feel their emotions while reading like they're right there with you. It was all very nicely done and if I could, I would definitely give this book more than 5 stars! ✨️
Okay, I can't shut up about how much I absolutely love Khai and Mae!! From the minute I met them, I immediately loved them! 🫶🏻 Khai's perseverance, strength, and love for Mae, despite his fears from his past, guilt he's carried and the trauma he endured in the MSC as a child, I just love how he still never gave up and kept pushing through even though he could have. Oh, and I love how protective he was of Mae and would literally trade his life for her 🥹😭 And Mae… she is such a brave, strong (despite her body being weak), kind, loyal, compassionate and (to me) a bit spunky (haha). But their backstories and what they went through in the book literally broke my heart!!! 😭😭💔💔 I wanted to go through the screen to give them a hug, although at least they had each other and were each other's light and hope 💕
And yes, I can't forget about WHAT SHEMAR DID TO MAE!!!!! 😭💔😡😭💔😡 I don't think I've ever felt such rage towards a character like this before where I really wish I could go into a book to throttle them. Shemar and Director Fox are such sick and twisted individuals!!! I'm not even going to call them humans because what they were doing was INHUMANE!!!!
On a happier note, I loved seeing when Khai and Ryley were kind of acting like siblings as they bickered or joked a bit back and forth for that period of time they were together 😂 Oh! And how Ryley kept forgetting Khai could read thoughts!! That was hilarious!! 🤣
I will say that this book is most definitely one of my most favorite reads of 2026!!! 🥰🫶🏻 Katee Stein is becoming an author that I love and will definitely be reading more of her books!
I'm really going to miss Khai, Mae, Ryley and Lori! I really loved them and their story! 🥺 That's one of the hardest thing to do when you finish a book you fell in love with from beginning to end, I guess 😭
Amazing novel, Katee Stein!! I look forward to reading more of your books!! 🖤
____________________________________________________
Content Warnings: A flashback to a character attempting suicide, character used as a test subject with a drug (not too graphic), and a character’s leg is gone (shown, not the procedure)
Spice Level: Just kisses, cuddling and mention of salacious thoughts towards the end of the book (not described, more implied)
Language: Few f bombs, multiple or few uses of the words b*tch, sh*t, hell and damn
July 2, 2025
This was a book I read when I needed it. It made me laugh, made me cry, made me want to make fanart and broke my heart in the best way possible. Another excellent Stein classic. Gonna go purge the corruption from the medical system now I guess
Also I have started saying “you’re such a Pheno” to my athletic husband and I will not be stopping that anytime soon.
Also I have started saying “you’re such a Pheno” to my athletic husband and I will not be stopping that anytime soon.
July 21, 2023
"Glass Helix" was my very first taste of the science fiction world. Katee Stein told such a great story that I will certainly be sampling this genre again. This book offers an intriguing world, true and compassionate friendships, a terrifying villain and a beautiful, selfless love story. I'll be anxiously waiting for more books by this author.
August 15, 2023
Dystopian (and romance) aren’t my typical genres, that said Glass immediately pulled me in. But Glass isn’t your typical dystopian tale.
The Dystopian Genre leaves my heart aching, cold, and miserable. They aren’t satisfying reads1, and while I believe the genre’s strength is exploring themes of morality (i.e. The Hunger Games does this well), dystopian endings rarely satisfy me or offer hope. However, Glass pulled me into it’s pages and wrapped my heart in a cosy blanket I still haven’t discarded.
So, how did I come to read a genre I almost always avoid? By sharing poignant quotes on her Instagram. Those short snippets held a beauty and depth of emotion enough to convince me this was not a story I wanted to miss out on. (Fellow authors, take note! Share those quotes to draw in readership. You never know who you’ll convince to read your story <3)
But let’s get back to the hope I’ve been talking about.
I search for stories that offer hope, and from the very start, Glass showcases Khai and Mae’s stakes and the potential for hope. Right away, we care about these two and the insane world they navigate on their journey to reach that hope.
Katee’s style (one of my favourite features of this book) is both straight forward with a beautiful ability to shift into the poetic at a moment’s notice. I appreciate the themes Glass presents: the value of human life verses horrors of power that disregards that value in pursuit of its own goals. Glass forces readers to wrestle through the moral dilemma “are some lives more valuable than others? Or are all equally valued because they are life already?” (no matter what can or cannot contribute to society).
The villains of this story are as despicable as the heroes are admirable. The stakes are convincing. The danger is real. The beauty of the unfolding story leaves one breathless and aching for more. It’s hard to put down. It didn’t breeze through the character development. In fact, the characters are deeply satisfying.
Glass is the story of two people trapped in a hopeless world, a destructive medical system, a corrupt power structure, who find hope in each other.
I wasn’t sure what sort of ending I wanted for Glass, but the ending overjoyed me more than I expected. In so many ways.
This will be a book I comfort read again and again (and I’ve never reread anything dystopian. Prior, The Hunger Games is the only dystopian I’ve ever finished).
I’m a sold Katee Stein fan; anything she writes, I will eagerly read. If you crave stories of hope, of the dystopian genre, or something remotely character driven, Glass Helix is the book for you.
The Dystopian Genre leaves my heart aching, cold, and miserable. They aren’t satisfying reads1, and while I believe the genre’s strength is exploring themes of morality (i.e. The Hunger Games does this well), dystopian endings rarely satisfy me or offer hope. However, Glass pulled me into it’s pages and wrapped my heart in a cosy blanket I still haven’t discarded.
So, how did I come to read a genre I almost always avoid? By sharing poignant quotes on her Instagram. Those short snippets held a beauty and depth of emotion enough to convince me this was not a story I wanted to miss out on. (Fellow authors, take note! Share those quotes to draw in readership. You never know who you’ll convince to read your story <3)
But let’s get back to the hope I’ve been talking about.
I search for stories that offer hope, and from the very start, Glass showcases Khai and Mae’s stakes and the potential for hope. Right away, we care about these two and the insane world they navigate on their journey to reach that hope.
Katee’s style (one of my favourite features of this book) is both straight forward with a beautiful ability to shift into the poetic at a moment’s notice. I appreciate the themes Glass presents: the value of human life verses horrors of power that disregards that value in pursuit of its own goals. Glass forces readers to wrestle through the moral dilemma “are some lives more valuable than others? Or are all equally valued because they are life already?” (no matter what can or cannot contribute to society).
The villains of this story are as despicable as the heroes are admirable. The stakes are convincing. The danger is real. The beauty of the unfolding story leaves one breathless and aching for more. It’s hard to put down. It didn’t breeze through the character development. In fact, the characters are deeply satisfying.
Glass is the story of two people trapped in a hopeless world, a destructive medical system, a corrupt power structure, who find hope in each other.
I wasn’t sure what sort of ending I wanted for Glass, but the ending overjoyed me more than I expected. In so many ways.
This will be a book I comfort read again and again (and I’ve never reread anything dystopian. Prior, The Hunger Games is the only dystopian I’ve ever finished).
I’m a sold Katee Stein fan; anything she writes, I will eagerly read. If you crave stories of hope, of the dystopian genre, or something remotely character driven, Glass Helix is the book for you.
March 18, 2025
3.5 stars rounding up to 4 because why the hell not. Had a fun time with this romantic sci fi with soft dystopian vibes. Sadly, when all said and done this felt unfinished with the ending leaving me wanting more- more resolution, more clarification, more explanation. I was left with a kind of "that's it?" feeling. But the vibes were great with some fun action scenes and the romance sweet. Will definitely read more by this author.
August 24, 2024
This book was shaping up to be between 4 and 5 stars. The whole genetic revolution and the downfall of human kind of such manipulation captured my science heart right from the beginning. I loved how the reveals happened as Mae was opening herself up to the past her body and mind protected her from. While her memories resurfaced, the reader would learn more and more about the current state of the world and the manipulation the people in power perpetuated for the sake of the greater good.
Unfortunately the ending for me was somewhat of a let down. It was underwhelming and though I loved how information was slowly released throughout the book, I felt like I still didn’t have answers to some of my more important questions. I wanted more understanding of what was going on in the wild, why humans couldn’t live out there and how Khai came about his extra skills. We’re just left with “he can’t explain what happened” and it somewhat felt anticlimactic to the whole story.
I do feel like the characters were fleshed out well personality wise and I was rooting for them. I wasn’t upset with the ending and where it left the characters. I just wanted more from the ending in reference to the world and the understanding of it.
Overall, 3.5 ⭐️
Unfortunately the ending for me was somewhat of a let down. It was underwhelming and though I loved how information was slowly released throughout the book, I felt like I still didn’t have answers to some of my more important questions. I wanted more understanding of what was going on in the wild, why humans couldn’t live out there and how Khai came about his extra skills. We’re just left with “he can’t explain what happened” and it somewhat felt anticlimactic to the whole story.
I do feel like the characters were fleshed out well personality wise and I was rooting for them. I wasn’t upset with the ending and where it left the characters. I just wanted more from the ending in reference to the world and the understanding of it.
Overall, 3.5 ⭐️
August 28, 2024
4.5 stars
Not gonna lie, it took me way too long to finish this. XD But I did enjoy it! It's the kind of story I like to write, and hence, the kind of story I like to read. I would really be interested in a sequel but the epilogue did provide some information to make the ending satisfying enough. Knocking off a half star for some language, which is not a big deal to me and I do think it was justified in the situations and because of the character's personalities, but it was definitely a PG-13 in intensity (there's not a lot of it spread throughout the book but the few words used are strong XD)
Not gonna lie, it took me way too long to finish this. XD But I did enjoy it! It's the kind of story I like to write, and hence, the kind of story I like to read. I would really be interested in a sequel but the epilogue did provide some information to make the ending satisfying enough. Knocking off a half star for some language, which is not a big deal to me and I do think it was justified in the situations and because of the character's personalities, but it was definitely a PG-13 in intensity (there's not a lot of it spread throughout the book but the few words used are strong XD)
August 18, 2023
Glass Helix might just be the best debut novel I’ve read. The world was well fleshed out and the characters and relationships pulled me in. I felt for them all as they navigated their own thoughts and humanity alongside what they know and learn of the world they live in. The book does a great job of introducing the world without throwing so much information at me that I was lost in a haze of terms and characters to the point of confusion. Highly recommend for people who love this genre or as a book to introduce young teens or older to it.
August 19, 2023
So happy I gave Glass Helix a read. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to the pages. I really loved the characters in this book, the world building was done really well and Stein did a great job at making it easy to follow. I love a science-fiction dystopian world book and I would definitely recommend this book as the Stein did a great job.
January 1, 2024
Absolutely incredible read! I went into this book not knowing much, and ended up 🤯 mind blown!!
The characters are relatable and it was easy to follow through their perspectives throughout the story. The concept was captivating to say the least. Highly recommend!
The characters are relatable and it was easy to follow through their perspectives throughout the story. The concept was captivating to say the least. Highly recommend!
May 21, 2024
LOVED this book! Loved the premise, the characters and the authors way of painting a picture in my brain!
September 4, 2023
Glass Helix has easily claimed a spot on my favorite reads list. From the character cast to the world she built for them to the story itself, I couldn’t put this book down once I got started. If you are someone who is intimidated by science fiction as a genre, let me recommend this book as a great introductory read to the genre.
The world Katee builds in this story is very easy to understand, as it mirrors the earth we know, but still adds some twists and changes to really give it sci-fi vibes.
I’m proud to have been included in receiving an eARC of this book, and I know it will find its way in front of as many readers as possible.
The world Katee builds in this story is very easy to understand, as it mirrors the earth we know, but still adds some twists and changes to really give it sci-fi vibes.
I’m proud to have been included in receiving an eARC of this book, and I know it will find its way in front of as many readers as possible.
August 23, 2023
Wow. I truly loved this book and the characters and place that Katee created. This book had everything I wanted, friends to lovers, she can't remember their past, some romance, lots of action, and a very well written story. Once I picked it up, it was hard to put down, I became so immersed in the story and fell in love with the characters.
Thank you, Katee, for the ARC, I am proud of you and this book! Can't wait for the world to read it
Thank you, Katee, for the ARC, I am proud of you and this book! Can't wait for the world to read it
September 3, 2023
First, I’m super grateful to have been provided an eARC of this work by the author! Thank you Katee!! Second, this book is a great addition to the young adult science fiction genre. If you are a fan, this book is for you. I’m glad to be apart of this release and hope to read more from this author in the future!
Happy publication day! (Sept. 4th)
Happy publication day! (Sept. 4th)
August 22, 2023
Glass Helix is a nonstop thrill ride through a haunting dystopian world. I felt deeply invested in the characters as they struggle with the world they live in and each other. I could hardly put it down in the last fifth of the book because I had to know what happened next. Excellent book!
August 22, 2023
Fantastic read. Great storyline. Had trouble putting it down. Can't wait for the next book.
December 20, 2023
Loved the book. Good read it flowed nicely and described actions and expressions uniquely. Great ending.
September 4, 2023
I received this book as an ARC. I don’t know what I was expecting but was pleasantly surprised. I read this book within 24 hours because I had such a hard time putting it down. Khai and Mae’s love story was so sweet and the world building was great. But Khai-he was my favorite part of this whole book. Seriously Tobias Eaton and Peeta Mallark have some serious competition.
As it sits right now this is a stand-alone YA Dystopian novel. I enjoyed every minute of this book and I sincerely hope that Katee Stein writes another! She has won my heart as an author and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
I rated this book 5/5 ⭐️
Release will be in September of 2023. In the meantime I will be stalking Amazon for a physical copy!
As it sits right now this is a stand-alone YA Dystopian novel. I enjoyed every minute of this book and I sincerely hope that Katee Stein writes another! She has won my heart as an author and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
I rated this book 5/5 ⭐️
Release will be in September of 2023. In the meantime I will be stalking Amazon for a physical copy!
August 1, 2023
Stein has created a unique world unlike any dystopia I could have ever imagined. Where the perils of unchecked ambition cast a very real shadow of what we could face in our future, and that playing by the rules isn't always in our best intrest.
September 3, 2023
Stein’s debut novel is clever and fun, with great characters and incredible world building. From the first chapter, I knew I would like this book and ended up reading the whole thing in a single day.
I love a friends to lovers romance, plus the added amnesia suffered by Mae made the budding romance between her and Khai all the more interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and was so glad to get an ARC copy from the author.
I love a friends to lovers romance, plus the added amnesia suffered by Mae made the budding romance between her and Khai all the more interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and was so glad to get an ARC copy from the author.
July 28, 2023
The book is awesome. Very engaging, i didn’t want to put it down.
July 23, 2023
Glass Helix was a book that pulled me in and didn’t let me go. Weekend plans were adjusted so the book could be finished. The plot was cleverly laid out with twists I didn’t anticipate. Khai and Mae are characters who’s relationship the reader quickly becomes invested in. One of the top reads of 2023 for me as it was the first book I picked up this year that I simply couldn’t put down - a fact my dinner of over-boiled pasta last night confirms.
October 25, 2023
A thrilling and nail biting debut novel you won’t want to miss! Wonderfully fleshed out characters that you can empathize with, and a world that you can really view in your mind.
Can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
Can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
January 3, 2024
I love the plot line of this story. The book moves at a good pace and it definitely kept me up late some nights!
September 4, 2023
Wow. Amazing. This book was so good. Thank you for the author giving me this as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2023
Great world building, compelling characters & fascinating storyline. All in all I loved this book
January 27, 2024
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were aspects that didn't resonate. I'd have given the book four stars but for a few things that distracted me from the overall story. The premise is fresh and interesting, and the characters are likeable. And that cover is beautifully done.
Things that were disappointing for me:
There is quite a bit of swearing sprinkled throughout,
Unmarried characters moving in together as encouraging,
Implications of sex outside marriage (no 'on screen' sex),
These things might seem minor, and some implied behaviors/actions don't bother me, but I'm a mom to teens, was a teen, know many teens--I see how the media we are exposed to at every age affects how we think and see the world, how we understand right and wrong, and how we approach relationships in the real world. I guess I just really wanted this book to be different in these respects because I loved the premise of it so much.
Things I liked:
Strong male and female main characters,
Interesting twist on future dystopia where people's genome's have been damaged and nature is actually dangerous,
Good supporting cast,
Well-paced
Overall, I liked this story, This books lands more in what would be the New Adult (NA) genre. If you like dystopian-utopian futuristic science fiction surrounding human frailty and a corrupt scientific research with a parallel romantic plotline, then you'll probably enjoy this book. I don't recommend for younger YA readers, though.
Things that were disappointing for me:
There is quite a bit of swearing sprinkled throughout,
Unmarried characters moving in together as encouraging,
Implications of sex outside marriage (no 'on screen' sex),
These things might seem minor, and some implied behaviors/actions don't bother me, but I'm a mom to teens, was a teen, know many teens--I see how the media we are exposed to at every age affects how we think and see the world, how we understand right and wrong, and how we approach relationships in the real world. I guess I just really wanted this book to be different in these respects because I loved the premise of it so much.
Things I liked:
Strong male and female main characters,
Interesting twist on future dystopia where people's genome's have been damaged and nature is actually dangerous,
Good supporting cast,
Well-paced
Overall, I liked this story, This books lands more in what would be the New Adult (NA) genre. If you like dystopian-utopian futuristic science fiction surrounding human frailty and a corrupt scientific research with a parallel romantic plotline, then you'll probably enjoy this book. I don't recommend for younger YA readers, though.
January 16, 2024
In a world humans can only barely survive, thanks to the genetic manipulation of hundreds of years ago, a man slips through their barrier on a mission to right wrongs of his past.
This story was so well crafted, Katee Stein is a new favorite author and I won't be missing any of her books. Every choice, trope, and cliche felt fresh, purposeful and believable.
Plot: this story weaves with purpose, I was always on the edge of my seat but never teetering too far for my liking. The themes of humanity and it's grappling with the greater good vs individual rights, how we deal with mass and personal traumas, and what we'd risk for those we hold dear were all represented well.
World: I loved everything about how our present and the futuristic were married here, ancient artifacts from the world we knew utilized so well. The best sci-fi is based on believable truth and there was so much here to cling to. Every happening had well established backing and I was fully invested.
Characters: Oh my loves! I was so invested in these people, they will stay with me. Khai and Mae were great MCs, both relatable in different ways, formed by their circumstances but overcoming the odds. The side characters are all fantastic, from Ryley to Saul, there was an awesome assortment of sweet, grey, devious and everything in between. I also loved how there was evidence of youthful thinking without being immature or writing off their choices on the assumption of their ages. I think my one criticism was that we dealt a bit in absolutes with characters, they were all a bit too one way, save the MCs. It didn't take away from the story, it just made them predictable.
Prose: The 3rd Limited felt personal, certainly helped by Khai's abilities. The pacing was great and it felt like a quick read despite the moderate page count.
All in all I'm thoroughly pleased, what an awesome jump back into sci-fi after a long stint in YA fantasy.
Content Warning: A few well placed curses, medical torture, light violence, weaponry, a closed door moment. All pretty chill.
This story was so well crafted, Katee Stein is a new favorite author and I won't be missing any of her books. Every choice, trope, and cliche felt fresh, purposeful and believable.
Plot: this story weaves with purpose, I was always on the edge of my seat but never teetering too far for my liking. The themes of humanity and it's grappling with the greater good vs individual rights, how we deal with mass and personal traumas, and what we'd risk for those we hold dear were all represented well.
World: I loved everything about how our present and the futuristic were married here, ancient artifacts from the world we knew utilized so well. The best sci-fi is based on believable truth and there was so much here to cling to. Every happening had well established backing and I was fully invested.
Characters: Oh my loves! I was so invested in these people, they will stay with me. Khai and Mae were great MCs, both relatable in different ways, formed by their circumstances but overcoming the odds. The side characters are all fantastic, from Ryley to Saul, there was an awesome assortment of sweet, grey, devious and everything in between. I also loved how there was evidence of youthful thinking without being immature or writing off their choices on the assumption of their ages. I think my one criticism was that we dealt a bit in absolutes with characters, they were all a bit too one way, save the MCs. It didn't take away from the story, it just made them predictable.
Prose: The 3rd Limited felt personal, certainly helped by Khai's abilities. The pacing was great and it felt like a quick read despite the moderate page count.
All in all I'm thoroughly pleased, what an awesome jump back into sci-fi after a long stint in YA fantasy.
Content Warning: A few well placed curses, medical torture, light violence, weaponry, a closed door moment. All pretty chill.
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