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The Limits of My World
Foreword INDIES Award Finalist
Kirkus Reviews Starred Pick
PW Booklife Editor's Pick
"Truth must be a fragile thing if it only survives in one language."
Kanan and Tei live in a universe with carbon walls, small enough that fully grown humans can run around it in seventeen minutes. The earth under their blue-skinned feet is made of silica, and yellow suns glow out of a flat metallic sky. Whatever lies outside their universe is, by definition, Nothing.
Just over their heads, in a place that shouldn't exist, lives an alien race. These creatures also call themselves human, but they have bodies without skin and tongues that speak gibberish. Their alien world is full of things Kanan and Tei are incapable of naming without betraying their own humanity.
When a twist of fate brings these two worlds crashing together, Kanan and Tei find themselves racing unwillingly towards treason: Tei with his mind, Kanan with her legs. As their language grows, so does their universe. But the more they learn about the history of the human race, the more they wonder if they've ever truly been human—or if they even want to be.
Brimming with beauty, mystery, and literary innovation, The Limits of My World daringly confronts the fragility of the words that make us who we are.
Kirkus Reviews Starred Pick
PW Booklife Editor's Pick
"Truth must be a fragile thing if it only survives in one language."
Kanan and Tei live in a universe with carbon walls, small enough that fully grown humans can run around it in seventeen minutes. The earth under their blue-skinned feet is made of silica, and yellow suns glow out of a flat metallic sky. Whatever lies outside their universe is, by definition, Nothing.
Just over their heads, in a place that shouldn't exist, lives an alien race. These creatures also call themselves human, but they have bodies without skin and tongues that speak gibberish. Their alien world is full of things Kanan and Tei are incapable of naming without betraying their own humanity.
When a twist of fate brings these two worlds crashing together, Kanan and Tei find themselves racing unwillingly towards treason: Tei with his mind, Kanan with her legs. As their language grows, so does their universe. But the more they learn about the history of the human race, the more they wonder if they've ever truly been human—or if they even want to be.
Brimming with beauty, mystery, and literary innovation, The Limits of My World daringly confronts the fragility of the words that make us who we are.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2023
18 people are currently reading
2493 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Coles
12 books105 followersGregory Coles (PhD, Penn State) is an author, speaker, and scholar. He is the author of The Limits of My World (Walking Carnival, 2023), No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation (InterVarsity Press, 2021), and Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity (InterVarsity Press, 2017). His writing has been published by venues as diverse as Penguin Random House, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, College English, and Cambridge University Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 18, 2023
Buckle your seatbelts, folks, because I am about to RAVE about this book. "The Limits of My World" by Gregory Coles is astounding. I had never heard of it until two days ago, when I read the intriguing synopsis on NetGalley and immediately requested a copy. The author has a PhD in English and a love for language, and it definitely shows here. I myself have an MA in Spanish Translation and a fascination for etymology, and I was utterly entranced by the way Coles uses words to shape two vastly different civilizations. I was so immersed in the world that I was extremely dismayed to come to the end of the book. I don't want to say too much more about the plot itself, to avoid spoilers, but I am anxiously awaiting more stories set in this universe.
"The Limits of My World" is now in my top 10 books, and I've read hundreds upon hundreds of them. That's pretty high praise from an avid reader. 5 out of 5 stars doesn't seem high enough to me.
This is now available! Go read it!
In my opinion, if you like this book, you'll also like "The Black Heart of the Station" by Jay Allan Storey. Go check it out!
My thanks to NetGalley, Walking Carnival Books and Gregory Coles for providing me with such an entertaining book in exchange for my honest review.
"The Limits of My World" is now in my top 10 books, and I've read hundreds upon hundreds of them. That's pretty high praise from an avid reader. 5 out of 5 stars doesn't seem high enough to me.
This is now available! Go read it!
In my opinion, if you like this book, you'll also like "The Black Heart of the Station" by Jay Allan Storey. Go check it out!
My thanks to NetGalley, Walking Carnival Books and Gregory Coles for providing me with such an entertaining book in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2025
Favorite sci-fi book of the year, for sure (even if it may not all be perfectly scientifically accurate). The way Coles revealed the plot had me hooked start to end.
The most valuable part of the book is its conversation around language and the way our language shapes our world and vice versa.
The most valuable part of the book is its conversation around language and the way our language shapes our world and vice versa.
April 30, 2025
The Limits of My World is a fascinating and compelling novel that, on the surface, appears to begin as a standard sci-fi book, but turns into something way more complex and profound.
Our story is mainly told by two main characters: Kanan and Tei. The universe around them is small, but it's all they've ever known. Beyond the walls of their world lie legends of aliens from the ancient past. To Kanan, Tei, and all others of the universe, these stories are exactly that: stories. Of course, the only thing outside the lines that draw their universe is Nothing. Until the two of them, in different ways, find themselves in contact with said aliens. Slowly, the story begins to unfold as we, the reader, discover more about this alien world alongside the characters themselves. We are pulled deep into the mystery until we are so far in that we then begin to question our own humanity.
The author blends history, language, culture, and philosophy into one and allows you many moments for reflection. The characters become easy to connect with, and each new chapter brings an unexpected, yet well-crafted, twist. There aren't enough words that I could write in this review to properly convey how this book made me feel and think. This is something I would recommend to any reader who wants something that will make them think about the world around us, but in a way that is unique and interesting throughout.
Our story is mainly told by two main characters: Kanan and Tei. The universe around them is small, but it's all they've ever known. Beyond the walls of their world lie legends of aliens from the ancient past. To Kanan, Tei, and all others of the universe, these stories are exactly that: stories. Of course, the only thing outside the lines that draw their universe is Nothing. Until the two of them, in different ways, find themselves in contact with said aliens. Slowly, the story begins to unfold as we, the reader, discover more about this alien world alongside the characters themselves. We are pulled deep into the mystery until we are so far in that we then begin to question our own humanity.
The author blends history, language, culture, and philosophy into one and allows you many moments for reflection. The characters become easy to connect with, and each new chapter brings an unexpected, yet well-crafted, twist. There aren't enough words that I could write in this review to properly convey how this book made me feel and think. This is something I would recommend to any reader who wants something that will make them think about the world around us, but in a way that is unique and interesting throughout.
February 10, 2024
This novel is unlike anything that I have read before. A thought-provoking tale of language, readers will experience the inimitable story build through compelling characters across different time periods and worlds. Unexpected twists and turns reveal layers of complexity and care as you follow Kanan and Tei coming to understand how words shape their humanity for better and for worse. As the book continues, the characters’ stories gloriously weave together into a singular pursuit for what it means to be human. Their revelations offer timely wisdom for us in a world marred by disunity and distrust. As we speak past each other in our differences, don’t miss the astute, felicitous reminders that in Coles’s words “every way of seeing is also a way of not seeing.” I highly recommend this book!
December 8, 2023
"Truth must be a fragile thing if it only survives in one language."
I can't say that from the beginning this book had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what was coming next, but that's actually what I liked about it. It hits deeper than that.
Somehow "familiar" is a word I would choose to describe what I felt while reading this book. Many times as I was reading I found myself lost in thought about my own life. This story connects to some of the most real questions and challenges of language and communication and how it plays out in our relationships.
And in case Science Fiction isn't your thing, I'd still say give this book a try. It was a first for me, and it was well worth my time.
You might just find yourself lost in the layers, ("lost" being a good thing) somewhere close to the heart of a human, or some other "alien" creature.
I can't say that from the beginning this book had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what was coming next, but that's actually what I liked about it. It hits deeper than that.
Somehow "familiar" is a word I would choose to describe what I felt while reading this book. Many times as I was reading I found myself lost in thought about my own life. This story connects to some of the most real questions and challenges of language and communication and how it plays out in our relationships.
And in case Science Fiction isn't your thing, I'd still say give this book a try. It was a first for me, and it was well worth my time.
You might just find yourself lost in the layers, ("lost" being a good thing) somewhere close to the heart of a human, or some other "alien" creature.
January 31, 2024
Full confession: I do not read much science fiction or fantasy. And by not much, I mean basically none. It's just not my thing (hence the 4 stars instead of 5, purely because it's just not my favorite genre) and I have tried all the classics (Dune, Game of Thrones, Hobbits, etc.) and never made it past the first 50 pages. Much to my surprise (and delight), I was not only hooked, but found myself drawn into the world and absolutely intrigued by its implications. I’m still thinking about it. How does/do the language(s) we speak shape the way we think? How do words and how we define them harden into bias? What are the implications of our inability to translate across languages and cultures? This action-packed page turner will have you pondering these important questions, and more, all as you enjoy this well-spun yarn. This is a great read!
December 7, 2025
The intentionality of the language in this book makes it a joy to read. It flows so seamlessly that you know the discordance is intentional. When something feels uncomfortable you don't have to ask, "did the author just mess up?" You may confidently press into the fact that the discomfort has layers of meaning.
Additionally, every twist is unexpected and yet makes perfect sense in retrospect. *chef's kiss* I haven't seen it done this well since Ender's Game.
Additionally, every twist is unexpected and yet makes perfect sense in retrospect. *chef's kiss* I haven't seen it done this well since Ender's Game.
September 30, 2024
Amazing and compelling story that really makes you think about how the language you use matters, and yet how language evolves over time. How can we actually translate between languages? What do we do when the language we speak isn’t capable of describing the same concepts? What ideas become cultural relevant or completely ignored because of the structure of my language?
When learning about people who are different from you, language is the key that helps you unlock a deeper understanding of their worldview. Pay attention, and keep your ears open, and you just might find the world is deeper and richer than you could possibly imagine.
When learning about people who are different from you, language is the key that helps you unlock a deeper understanding of their worldview. Pay attention, and keep your ears open, and you just might find the world is deeper and richer than you could possibly imagine.
August 15, 2025
Very creative sci-fi that broke quite a few of my expectations. I could find a few reasons to criticize it and call out plot holes, but it was a fun book club read that stands on its own.
December 1, 2023
Everyone. Stop what you are doing and buy this book and read it IMMEDIATELY. I am not joking when I say it is one of the best books I have EVER read and I will think about it probably every day of my life. I have a couple books that I recommend to literally everyone in my life and this is going right to the top of the list.
The Limits of My World is genuinely moving, profound, fascinating, and enthralling. It spoke to me in a way I don’t think any other book ever has. I can barely form the words to describe this book but I will try because it deserves an incredible review.
This book gripped me from page 1 and I could barely put it down. This book challenged me to examine the nature of truth, what makes us human, how language affects our understanding of our world, and, in turn, the limits of our own understanding, all while telling a truly compelling story. Complete with twists that you never expected.
This book may ruin me for all other books for a while, it was truly just that good. But I don’t regret it for a second and will absolutely be re-reading this book many more times.
Now. Go. Buy. This. Book.
The Limits of My World is genuinely moving, profound, fascinating, and enthralling. It spoke to me in a way I don’t think any other book ever has. I can barely form the words to describe this book but I will try because it deserves an incredible review.
This book gripped me from page 1 and I could barely put it down. This book challenged me to examine the nature of truth, what makes us human, how language affects our understanding of our world, and, in turn, the limits of our own understanding, all while telling a truly compelling story. Complete with twists that you never expected.
This book may ruin me for all other books for a while, it was truly just that good. But I don’t regret it for a second and will absolutely be re-reading this book many more times.
Now. Go. Buy. This. Book.
January 29, 2024
It's easy to look at a book with few reviews and a really high rating and assume most of the readers are friends of the author or are being very generous with their rating. I don't know Gregory Coles in any way, and I'm harsh on ratings - out of 100 books read last year, I only gave nine 5 stars. I did back this one on Kickstarter out of curiosity and wanting to support a self-publishing author, but went in with a healthy dose of skepticism when I learned he'd previously written a book about Christianity (of which I am not a believer). All that to say, I expected to be That Jerk who drug the rating down.
I am shocked to be giving this 5 stars. However, it held my attention very firmly, and there was almost no point where I really felt like I knew where it was going. I could guess bits and pieces (which was satisfying when I was right), but as soon as I thought I had it, something else was revealed that confused it all again. The explanations start coming to light early enough in the book that you're not spending 2/3 of it just bumbling around in a world that doesn't make sense, which is something I was worried about originally.
I'm very much a hard sci-fi lover - I want my science fiction grounded in reality and backed by reasonable-sounding science, not magic with science-y names. In the end, this managed to explain itself thoroughly enough to suit me, which is something else I was concerned about. I have a couple questions left, but they're either minor or outside the scope of the story and understandably omitted.
The use of language was very interesting. I wanted a touch more clarity when characters were learning new words regarding whether they knew them or not, but that's a minor detail. So many books dealing with multiple languages really gloss over the learning-to-communicate part, and while this one did that a little bit, it also spent a lot of time discussing languages in general and the difficulty of communicating. The handling of pronouns was also fascinating. It made me think in different ways to follow the story, which isn't something I can say about many books.
The following spoiler talks about religion in relation to this book. If you are religious or simply don't care if this book has a religious agenda, feel free to ignore. I don't want to offend anyone, but a review discussing this would have been helpful to me in deciding whether to pick this up.
One final thought that is actually a spoiler and I don't recommend reading unless you've already read the book:
All in all, I went in expecting a 3 star read. Instead I'll be recommending this to anyone who will listen. What a ride.
I am shocked to be giving this 5 stars. However, it held my attention very firmly, and there was almost no point where I really felt like I knew where it was going. I could guess bits and pieces (which was satisfying when I was right), but as soon as I thought I had it, something else was revealed that confused it all again. The explanations start coming to light early enough in the book that you're not spending 2/3 of it just bumbling around in a world that doesn't make sense, which is something I was worried about originally.
I'm very much a hard sci-fi lover - I want my science fiction grounded in reality and backed by reasonable-sounding science, not magic with science-y names. In the end, this managed to explain itself thoroughly enough to suit me, which is something else I was concerned about. I have a couple questions left, but they're either minor or outside the scope of the story and understandably omitted.
The use of language was very interesting. I wanted a touch more clarity when characters were learning new words regarding whether they knew them or not, but that's a minor detail. So many books dealing with multiple languages really gloss over the learning-to-communicate part, and while this one did that a little bit, it also spent a lot of time discussing languages in general and the difficulty of communicating. The handling of pronouns was also fascinating. It made me think in different ways to follow the story, which isn't something I can say about many books.
The following spoiler talks about religion in relation to this book. If you are religious or simply don't care if this book has a religious agenda, feel free to ignore. I don't want to offend anyone, but a review discussing this would have been helpful to me in deciding whether to pick this up.
One final thought that is actually a spoiler and I don't recommend reading unless you've already read the book:
All in all, I went in expecting a 3 star read. Instead I'll be recommending this to anyone who will listen. What a ride.
February 14, 2024
Wow. I don’t think I will ever forget this story. It makes my last few reads pale in comparison.
I can’t give a lot away, so just go read this book. It took me a minute to get used to the unfamiliar words and odd use of pronouns, but then it really sucked me in. And I don’t normally read sci-fi. It was such a beautiful story about language, division, and truth. Do people form language, or does language form people? It confronted me with my own prejudices as I waited for the real humans to arrive, so I wasn’t just stuck reading about these weird blue-skinned people. I have no complaints. This novel is entertaining, but it also allows you to walk away with a broader perspective and questions about your own world. That, in my opinion, is the perfect kind of fiction.
I can’t give a lot away, so just go read this book. It took me a minute to get used to the unfamiliar words and odd use of pronouns, but then it really sucked me in. And I don’t normally read sci-fi. It was such a beautiful story about language, division, and truth. Do people form language, or does language form people? It confronted me with my own prejudices as I waited for the real humans to arrive, so I wasn’t just stuck reading about these weird blue-skinned people. I have no complaints. This novel is entertaining, but it also allows you to walk away with a broader perspective and questions about your own world. That, in my opinion, is the perfect kind of fiction.
March 11, 2024
Great book that still has me thinking. I sure hope there’s a sequel!
February 14, 2024
4.75 stars, and not given casually. Why?
I review books based on a set of guidelines I've set so that I'm fair and consistent. The complete set is listed at the bottom of this review; but "Five stars is when you read a book to the end, put it down, take a deep breath, pick it up and start reading it all over again - or you would if you weren't so anxious to read the next book in a multi-book series. Or, it's exceptionally good."
I've long encouraged people to realize that the words they are using shapes reality in the minds of those to whom they're speaking, and thus anyone speaking needs to know two things: What is the listener likely "hearing" (as in "understanding") when they hear the words you are saying, and how does that differ from the meaning that you the speaker are trying to communicate? Because what the listener takes away will be shaped more by the way they hear than what the speaker says..
The Limits of My World takes this concept to the limits to illustrate the depth of its impact. The author posits a (science-)fictional society where over a long time the meaning of words has diverged from what you know them to be. You the reader are thus off-balance in the first part of the book, until the story expands enough for you to realize this, and then start to realize how changes in word definitions graduallly changed the entire society's view of the world.
That very aspect - that changing word definitions changes society - is omnipresent in 2023. I couldn't help but think of Kelly Ann Conway's statement that Donald Trump was offering "... alternative facts ..." when reading this book. Trump's assertion of a "stolen" election evidences the same impact; he has redefined the word "stolen" to serve his purpose, and his listeners now have the same definition, and thus see this election outcome as truth. The book doesn't hesitate to allude to the widespread use of shaped language to serve the goals of politicians with this quote: "They're all saving the soul of our nation. Every last one of them. Trouble is, nobody agrees on what the soul of our nation needs saving from." Insightful, eh?
This aspect of language definition shaping society is not limited to politics. There's a sense of word redefinition all around today. Without taking a position whether the redefinition is right or wrong, you can see this in the definition of the word "equity" (in the diversity, equity, and inclusion sense) to which which some want ascribe the definition as equal outcomes, and others as equal opportunity and access. In fact, it may be this very redefinition of language that has so many people around the world in 2023 feeling unmoored, and frightened about reality changing around them.
There are so many things I highlighted in this book as amazing phrases / sentences that are insightful, including (but not limited to) these:
- Truth must be a fragile thing if it only survives in one language.
- ... the politician's art of knowing next to nothing on a subject and yet speaking with absolute confidence.
- Without a name, we have nothing to lose and nothing to grieve.
- Studying history as you've done it simply means learning the story someone wanted you to hear.
- ... every claim of meaning - every story about why and how and where next - is still spiritual after a fashion.
- Everyone is blind in their own way. And in their blindness, they see what those with different eyes are blinded to.
And my favorite: "But the more committed each group became to exposing the dangers of the other, the less able we became to see our own dangers. The more our languages evolved to express the truth of the world as we saw it, the less our ears could understand anything except the words of those who already agreed with us. As eager as we were to stop each other, we had no interest in stopping ourselves." Wow.
I recommend this book. In fact, in my opinion it ought to rank at the historic level of George Orwell's "1984". Though Coles (author) didn't name these elements the way Orwell did, you can see "newspeak" and "doublethink" as foundational in The Limits of My World.. There's state control over information & history, state surveillance ("Big Brother is watching you"), political propaganda, censorship & the destruction of words - all executed just as well (better) than Orwell did in "1984".
So read this. And then look at the language of your community - your friends, your professional network, your political, religious, or friends with shared hobbies & passions - and ask whether the constraints of the language used by your community are preventing you from understanding something more expansive than you're granting space for.
Footnote: Somehow I seem to have had a series of books come into my reading path that all have characters that take the position that if one race discovers that alien races exist, the only viable option for long term survival is to annihilate the aliens. At least this book softens that a bit, stating that "... as long as their alien race exists in our universe, we have only two options: Learn to communicate with them, or annihilate them." I hope this doesn't become the dominant view of sci-fi authors!
So, why not five stars - and only 4.75? I have a couple of minor nits to pick.
First, the final outcome of the main characters happened very, very quickly. So much so that - as a fast reader - I kind of missed what happened to them. I kept waiting to hear their final story up until the book ended; I had to go back & re-read the last interaction with them to see what happened. I could have used a little bit more development of the end of their story.
Second, the author was pointedly coopting personal pronoun definitions - him/her/it - to fit into the "language definition" part of the arc. Nevertheless, by telegraphing it in the ostensible "translators note" up-front he immediately set my mind into a state of "Oh, man - is this just a super-"woke" book that I'm going to get frustrated with?" I think the point of pronouns-as-language-artifact (vs. gender-fluid characters) could better have been woven in with the story, vs. putting it out up front and thus putting my mental state into a "defensive mode" up-front. (This is one of those "be aware of how listeners are hearing what you say" moments for the author ;-)
My rating criteria:
- Five stars (see above).
- Four stars is when you tell yourself : ”This is good, this is well-written, this is full of interesting ideas/characters/plot points”, but you know you will never read it again.
- Three stars is when you read it to the end, put it down and proceed to forget all about it in the next instant.
- Two stars when it's so bad that it makes you laugh, or sigh, and want to write a review, but you can't remember the name of the book or dislike it so much that you don't.
- One star when you can't read past chapter 3, even as penance for your sins.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I review books based on a set of guidelines I've set so that I'm fair and consistent. The complete set is listed at the bottom of this review; but "Five stars is when you read a book to the end, put it down, take a deep breath, pick it up and start reading it all over again - or you would if you weren't so anxious to read the next book in a multi-book series. Or, it's exceptionally good."
I've long encouraged people to realize that the words they are using shapes reality in the minds of those to whom they're speaking, and thus anyone speaking needs to know two things: What is the listener likely "hearing" (as in "understanding") when they hear the words you are saying, and how does that differ from the meaning that you the speaker are trying to communicate? Because what the listener takes away will be shaped more by the way they hear than what the speaker says..
The Limits of My World takes this concept to the limits to illustrate the depth of its impact. The author posits a (science-)fictional society where over a long time the meaning of words has diverged from what you know them to be. You the reader are thus off-balance in the first part of the book, until the story expands enough for you to realize this, and then start to realize how changes in word definitions graduallly changed the entire society's view of the world.
That very aspect - that changing word definitions changes society - is omnipresent in 2023. I couldn't help but think of Kelly Ann Conway's statement that Donald Trump was offering "... alternative facts ..." when reading this book. Trump's assertion of a "stolen" election evidences the same impact; he has redefined the word "stolen" to serve his purpose, and his listeners now have the same definition, and thus see this election outcome as truth. The book doesn't hesitate to allude to the widespread use of shaped language to serve the goals of politicians with this quote: "They're all saving the soul of our nation. Every last one of them. Trouble is, nobody agrees on what the soul of our nation needs saving from." Insightful, eh?
This aspect of language definition shaping society is not limited to politics. There's a sense of word redefinition all around today. Without taking a position whether the redefinition is right or wrong, you can see this in the definition of the word "equity" (in the diversity, equity, and inclusion sense) to which which some want ascribe the definition as equal outcomes, and others as equal opportunity and access. In fact, it may be this very redefinition of language that has so many people around the world in 2023 feeling unmoored, and frightened about reality changing around them.
There are so many things I highlighted in this book as amazing phrases / sentences that are insightful, including (but not limited to) these:
- Truth must be a fragile thing if it only survives in one language.
- ... the politician's art of knowing next to nothing on a subject and yet speaking with absolute confidence.
- Without a name, we have nothing to lose and nothing to grieve.
- Studying history as you've done it simply means learning the story someone wanted you to hear.
- ... every claim of meaning - every story about why and how and where next - is still spiritual after a fashion.
- Everyone is blind in their own way. And in their blindness, they see what those with different eyes are blinded to.
And my favorite: "But the more committed each group became to exposing the dangers of the other, the less able we became to see our own dangers. The more our languages evolved to express the truth of the world as we saw it, the less our ears could understand anything except the words of those who already agreed with us. As eager as we were to stop each other, we had no interest in stopping ourselves." Wow.
I recommend this book. In fact, in my opinion it ought to rank at the historic level of George Orwell's "1984". Though Coles (author) didn't name these elements the way Orwell did, you can see "newspeak" and "doublethink" as foundational in The Limits of My World.. There's state control over information & history, state surveillance ("Big Brother is watching you"), political propaganda, censorship & the destruction of words - all executed just as well (better) than Orwell did in "1984".
So read this. And then look at the language of your community - your friends, your professional network, your political, religious, or friends with shared hobbies & passions - and ask whether the constraints of the language used by your community are preventing you from understanding something more expansive than you're granting space for.
Footnote: Somehow I seem to have had a series of books come into my reading path that all have characters that take the position that if one race discovers that alien races exist, the only viable option for long term survival is to annihilate the aliens. At least this book softens that a bit, stating that "... as long as their alien race exists in our universe, we have only two options: Learn to communicate with them, or annihilate them." I hope this doesn't become the dominant view of sci-fi authors!
So, why not five stars - and only 4.75? I have a couple of minor nits to pick.
First, the final outcome of the main characters happened very, very quickly. So much so that - as a fast reader - I kind of missed what happened to them. I kept waiting to hear their final story up until the book ended; I had to go back & re-read the last interaction with them to see what happened. I could have used a little bit more development of the end of their story.
Second, the author was pointedly coopting personal pronoun definitions - him/her/it - to fit into the "language definition" part of the arc. Nevertheless, by telegraphing it in the ostensible "translators note" up-front he immediately set my mind into a state of "Oh, man - is this just a super-"woke" book that I'm going to get frustrated with?" I think the point of pronouns-as-language-artifact (vs. gender-fluid characters) could better have been woven in with the story, vs. putting it out up front and thus putting my mental state into a "defensive mode" up-front. (This is one of those "be aware of how listeners are hearing what you say" moments for the author ;-)
My rating criteria:
- Five stars (see above).
- Four stars is when you tell yourself : ”This is good, this is well-written, this is full of interesting ideas/characters/plot points”, but you know you will never read it again.
- Three stars is when you read it to the end, put it down and proceed to forget all about it in the next instant.
- Two stars when it's so bad that it makes you laugh, or sigh, and want to write a review, but you can't remember the name of the book or dislike it so much that you don't.
- One star when you can't read past chapter 3, even as penance for your sins.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2025
This is the sort of allegorical novel that scratches an itch for me. The plot buildup is quite good, and the way he keeps dropping hints and expanding your knowledge of the world he created in this book is very satisfying. I wouldn't recommend this book as sci-fi, and I don't think it was the author's intention for it to be read as such, given some of the sloppy depictions of the technology involved in the story.
This book is great for the story alone but with the metaphor and deeper meaning mixed in it is especially good.
This book is great for the story alone but with the metaphor and deeper meaning mixed in it is especially good.
January 4, 2026
Best book so far in 2026! 😁
Okay, I know, that was lame.
But this book is amazing both in theme and plot. A few cringy romance scenes, but overall I would highly recommend.
"The limits of my language are the limits of my world."
Okay, I know, that was lame.
But this book is amazing both in theme and plot. A few cringy romance scenes, but overall I would highly recommend.
"The limits of my language are the limits of my world."
June 13, 2024
Honestly pretty mind opening to the reality of language, humanity, and truth. Very very very well written and would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good thoughtful book.
February 3, 2024
“Cyborg is what I and my people call your race.”
“My race? You mean the human race?”
“Yes, precisely. The human race.”
Kanan took in a long breath and coughed at the dryness in her throat. “Why don’t you just call us
human?”
“Because,”said Tiqvah, turning away, “human is what we call ourselves.”
“We can’t both be human.”
“No. It seems not.”
Set in a universe that can be circumvented in a matter of minutes, and in close proximity to an enemy race with an incomprehensible tongue, The Limits of My World, deals with the most destructive and creative forces that we take for granted, language and its power to restrict and expand our universes. Through the dynamic-duo Kanan and Tei, Gregory Coles wrestles with stories—how we tell them, (or don’t)—and how they shape us. He reveals the fragility of our own communities, and the human tendency to allow conflicts to schism our relationships so that we become unable to engage each other in meaningful dialogue.
The vehicle into this timely conversation is through the technological change stirring the waters from academia to medicine, promising to reshape the world as we know it and our place within it. In light of these seismic waves, Coles is suggesting that this reshaping might be less because of technology itself and more due to our inability to consider our “opponents,” as worthy of investing meaningful relationships in. He offers both a sharp rebuke and an invitation—a reminder that we are empowered to create the world we want to live in.
“You’re beginning—just barely beginning— to speak more than one language. And now the language you used to know will begin to feel too small for you. It was built to hide things you’re learning to see.”
The Limits of My World explores the fall out of how we view human life and relationships, introducing an “inopportune” birth that could upset humanity’s careful plans and an encounter with someone whose singular death would benefit the main character’s mission of “saving” humanity. Coles’ Odyssey creates a world that sounds at once foreign and increasingly familiar as it echoes the ancient mythologies that shape our own world.
Limits is an arresting novel that requires suspending judgment and a dose of umdenken, yet keeps you turning the pages. Coles sets us out on this journey with striking patience, unfolding the worlds and words gently until we can see how in the end, they are all one world—ours ;)
P.S. Greg, it sounds like we need to get more 8-year-olds reading Hamlet :)
May 28, 2024
Death reaches the members of every race that calls itself human, whether or not they are willing to speak of it or think on it. You may not understand the word death, but this will not protect you from it.
IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR THIS BOOK TO BE THIS UNDERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did not see any of the twists in this book coming and the amount of intellect and literary merit this packs in in addition to being a genuinely compelling and thrilling story is unhinged. I’d give anything to throw this through the window of my AP Lit teacher’s classroom because while she was boring us to death watching a PowerPoint of her trip to New Orleans we could have been analyzing this (not really because of time but you get the vibes). Gregory Coles is insane frfrfr.
I was clutching my pearls at the end and the way I need there to be a sequel (but also I’d kind of love if he left us with this forever). Will absolutely be rereading and sending to friends.
The meditation on humanity, queerness, war, brutality, existence, religion, language, and so much more - I’m gonna need a few cycles to really get everything that’s to be gotten from this.
This was a stunning, riveting, horrifying, human, modern classic that some librarian will find in 50 years and force the world to read.
IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR THIS BOOK TO BE THIS UNDERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did not see any of the twists in this book coming and the amount of intellect and literary merit this packs in in addition to being a genuinely compelling and thrilling story is unhinged. I’d give anything to throw this through the window of my AP Lit teacher’s classroom because while she was boring us to death watching a PowerPoint of her trip to New Orleans we could have been analyzing this (not really because of time but you get the vibes). Gregory Coles is insane frfrfr.
I was clutching my pearls at the end and the way I need there to be a sequel (but also I’d kind of love if he left us with this forever). Will absolutely be rereading and sending to friends.
The meditation on humanity, queerness, war, brutality, existence, religion, language, and so much more - I’m gonna need a few cycles to really get everything that’s to be gotten from this.
This was a stunning, riveting, horrifying, human, modern classic that some librarian will find in 50 years and force the world to read.
January 11, 2025
Top book of all time
November 28, 2023
While I was ELATED to see a new book by Gregory Coles in the works, I won’t lie that I was highly skeptical that it would be a fictional piece about aliens (I hate aliens…sorry Greg, I know you love them but I just…eh), and had a substantial amount of anxiety heading into it thinking I might have to give this a low rating. HOWEVER, I am delighted to report that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found myself impatient between opportunities to read because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next.
While I hate to compare a story to another as it feels demeaning and as if it suggests a book lacks originality, this felt so reminiscent of The Giver by Lois Lowry, while being very different and original. I loved Greg’s use of language that challenges our thoughts and ideas about reality and how we perceive the world and each other. The constantly shifting pronouns of characters was a brilliant choice - one I was unsure of in the beginning but now realize was thought-provoking and left a powerful impression. I was also unsure in the beginning how Lily’s story had anything to do with Kanan and Tei’s, and I loved how slowly and intentionally it was revealed.
This book really did leave me questioning the limits of my world. Who knows, I may even be a little fonder of the things we call “aliens.”
While I hate to compare a story to another as it feels demeaning and as if it suggests a book lacks originality, this felt so reminiscent of The Giver by Lois Lowry, while being very different and original. I loved Greg’s use of language that challenges our thoughts and ideas about reality and how we perceive the world and each other. The constantly shifting pronouns of characters was a brilliant choice - one I was unsure of in the beginning but now realize was thought-provoking and left a powerful impression. I was also unsure in the beginning how Lily’s story had anything to do with Kanan and Tei’s, and I loved how slowly and intentionally it was revealed.
This book really did leave me questioning the limits of my world. Who knows, I may even be a little fonder of the things we call “aliens.”
March 23, 2024
This is a terrible book.
It isn’t terrible because of its environment, which you discover bit by bit, just like a puzzle : forming an idea in your mind of what it could be and how interestingly it is developed, only to realize with the next piece that the idea you had in mind was wrong and the reality is even more interesting.
This book isn’t terrible because of the characters either, to which you get attached and even relate to, despite the cultural diversity of their different groups and relative closeness/distance to our current humanity. On a side note, these different groups have similar languages with some words of diametrically opposite meanings depending on their ideology, understanding and relationship to the environment. That creates deep insights on communication, applicable to our daily lives… As an example, gender isn’t useful for some, thus pronouns don’t exist in their native tongue. And when the main character learns to use them, it is a delight !
Finally, this book isn’t terrible because of the story. Slow at first, following one main character and its few closest relatives, pacing through a location and a culture that are both enigmatic and fascinating. And without warning, precipitating that character into the unknown, unfolding event after event at a pace that makes closing the book a tough move, while still leaving time for more environment changes, cultural shocks and character development.
Definitely, this book is terrible, and that is because it finishes. This is the high-quality level I wish all books had. The end left me wanting for more, looking for Volume 2, only to find that it is only a single novel.
If you’re looking for a great book to read, this is a definite recommendation.
And if you’re Gregory Coles, pray thanks for this beautiful piece of art, and please, please, make it a series !
It isn’t terrible because of its environment, which you discover bit by bit, just like a puzzle : forming an idea in your mind of what it could be and how interestingly it is developed, only to realize with the next piece that the idea you had in mind was wrong and the reality is even more interesting.
This book isn’t terrible because of the characters either, to which you get attached and even relate to, despite the cultural diversity of their different groups and relative closeness/distance to our current humanity. On a side note, these different groups have similar languages with some words of diametrically opposite meanings depending on their ideology, understanding and relationship to the environment. That creates deep insights on communication, applicable to our daily lives… As an example, gender isn’t useful for some, thus pronouns don’t exist in their native tongue. And when the main character learns to use them, it is a delight !
Finally, this book isn’t terrible because of the story. Slow at first, following one main character and its few closest relatives, pacing through a location and a culture that are both enigmatic and fascinating. And without warning, precipitating that character into the unknown, unfolding event after event at a pace that makes closing the book a tough move, while still leaving time for more environment changes, cultural shocks and character development.
Definitely, this book is terrible, and that is because it finishes. This is the high-quality level I wish all books had. The end left me wanting for more, looking for Volume 2, only to find that it is only a single novel.
If you’re looking for a great book to read, this is a definite recommendation.
And if you’re Gregory Coles, pray thanks for this beautiful piece of art, and please, please, make it a series !
December 22, 2023
In "The Limits of My World," Gregory Coles has created a compelling sci-fi landscape that hooked me from the first pages. He masterfully builds upon inspiration from the Biblical Tower of Babel - what if language could be used to control society? The world he constructs around this concept is all too frighteningly plausible.
Coles weaves together three storylines, each beckoning me to race faster through pages. Just when I feel connected to a character, the next chapter pivots somewhere totally unexpected. The interplay proves addictive - I couldn't get enough immersion into each poignant perspective.
Unlike genre tropes, this fresh dystopian tale succeeds through emotional resonance over special effects or action. Coles understands that language communicates to our souls - not just our minds. Behind each uniquely forceful word choice, I experienced the characters' longings and crises.
"The Limits of My World" satisfies lovers of sci-fi premises through sheer imaginative creativity. Yet it transcends generic boxes via raw, lyrical examination of what it means to be fully human. This book prodded me to ponder how language crafts reality, connects spirit to flesh, and binds our shared existence.
I highly recommend this to anyone captivated by innovative worlds infused with emotional depth and spiritual significance. More please!
Coles weaves together three storylines, each beckoning me to race faster through pages. Just when I feel connected to a character, the next chapter pivots somewhere totally unexpected. The interplay proves addictive - I couldn't get enough immersion into each poignant perspective.
Unlike genre tropes, this fresh dystopian tale succeeds through emotional resonance over special effects or action. Coles understands that language communicates to our souls - not just our minds. Behind each uniquely forceful word choice, I experienced the characters' longings and crises.
"The Limits of My World" satisfies lovers of sci-fi premises through sheer imaginative creativity. Yet it transcends generic boxes via raw, lyrical examination of what it means to be fully human. This book prodded me to ponder how language crafts reality, connects spirit to flesh, and binds our shared existence.
I highly recommend this to anyone captivated by innovative worlds infused with emotional depth and spiritual significance. More please!
May 21, 2024
This book blew my mind. This generation’s “Brave New World.” You have more questions than answers until you’re halfway through the book, but that is precisely what makes it so fun!
December 1, 2023
What a fun and deep read! This book is so layered. The plot kept me guess, and I was drawn in by the characters and the world (or worlds) Greg created. As someone who has lived outside my passport country for several years, I was fascinated by the world creating around language and culture. As a word and language nerd I was hooked easily on Greg’s cleaver use of semantics and word smithing. This book also prompted me to think deeply about the world I live in and my own biases. It was a book like no other. I have had a few conversations already with people reading it, and I hope many more will as I think I’ll be chewing on it for a while yet. I would highly recommend for anyone who wants to be pulled into a captivating story that will make you think about your own life and world.
November 28, 2023
Gregory Coles’ debut novel, The Limits of My World, is an amazing work. Kanan, Tei, and the rest of the cast are deep characters. Their universe as well as humans’ universe are so realistic. Coles’ innovative and dynamic literary writing and descriptions make the story so smart, powerful, and unlike any story I’ve read. He so eloquently and poignantly the tells of both worlds and the protagonists’ amazing journey that includes treason, adventure, self-discovery, and more. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi novel or those interested in exploring the genre. You won’t be disappointed. Many thanks to the author for a netgalley of the book to provide this review.
May 3, 2024
Such a thought provoking and interesting book. I’m not usually a sci-fi reader but decided to try this one. So fascinating and the lessons and struggles in this story are the lessons and struggles of mankind. What is language and how does it shape our understanding of the world and right and wrong? How are the truths we are taught based on our limited experiences? What knowledge are we kept from because of what our language and history allows. I absolutely recommend this book. Unfortunately it isn’t available in many formats.
December 28, 2023
Wow well done. About the nature of language and reality. It was great! Read it read it read it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2024
Coles' use of language is impeccable - as might be expected from a PhD in English - but I found the character development, pacing, central conflict, and world building all lacked the engagement necessary to keep me interested in reading. I really struggled to finish this book.
Coles seems to have a single premise - that the use and development of language fundamentally shapes our interactions with each other. This premise forms the foundation for the conflict and for character development. If the purpose of this book is to propound language theory, Coles' principle failing is that he does not treat his premise consistently, and that by the end of the book, it is revealed that it is ideological development that has shaped the use of language rather than the other way around. This shaping of language - which forms the primary motivation for conflict - is never treated within the book; the reader is given no information on the ways in which one language was split into two languages that have similar phonetic structure but where identical words have exact opposite meanings. The text retains a surprising amount of modern vulgarity, given that its focus is on the way in which language changes.
Coles uses language in ways that is purposefully obtuse. Tension in the book derives primarily from the reader discovering that Coles is using a word which the reader understands in its common definition to mean something completely different and often unrelated. The use of language is exact and surgical; it's a mildly interesting exercise in discerning definition by context.
Coles swaps gender pronouns without regard to separate definition. They are used by the POV characters primarily to suggest that character's own outlook on the world. This results in characters that seem to be inconsistent in their behavior when the POV switches and made it difficult to identify characteristics unique to individual characters. There is an emphasis both in the language and the worldbuilding on the absence of gender within society, except as a biological function necessary to reproduction within the Natcher society. The difference between the two is that while the Natchers have eliminated gender through eliminating pronouns, the Cyborgs have retained pronouns without meaning and surgically sterilized their population. When an attempt is made to introduce romantic tension and a romantic triangle, the tension has no substance upon which to hang and falls flat and emotionless. The professed deep friendship of Tei and Kanan is continually affirmed by the characters, but their actions in regards to each other are shallow and largely impersonal.
The existential conflict of the setting is obscured by the focus on the characters learning to use language to understand another society. Because Coles purposefully obscures the language that each character uses, I found none of them to be relatable or empathetic and I felt they lacked motivation and agency. The characters have any sense of gender identity intentionally omitted, but they also lacked any sense of self-identity at all and seemed to feel no need to establish one. Because I didn't understand the existential crisis, I didn't see any need for them to act to change the status quo. Because I didn't care about the characters, I didn't care that they were changing. I felt no pressing need for action in this book. Even at the end of the book, the ending is far from positive. By this point, I was simply glad it was over.
Coles seems to have a single premise - that the use and development of language fundamentally shapes our interactions with each other. This premise forms the foundation for the conflict and for character development. If the purpose of this book is to propound language theory, Coles' principle failing is that he does not treat his premise consistently, and that by the end of the book, it is revealed that it is ideological development that has shaped the use of language rather than the other way around. This shaping of language - which forms the primary motivation for conflict - is never treated within the book; the reader is given no information on the ways in which one language was split into two languages that have similar phonetic structure but where identical words have exact opposite meanings. The text retains a surprising amount of modern vulgarity, given that its focus is on the way in which language changes.
Coles uses language in ways that is purposefully obtuse. Tension in the book derives primarily from the reader discovering that Coles is using a word which the reader understands in its common definition to mean something completely different and often unrelated. The use of language is exact and surgical; it's a mildly interesting exercise in discerning definition by context.
Coles swaps gender pronouns without regard to separate definition. They are used by the POV characters primarily to suggest that character's own outlook on the world. This results in characters that seem to be inconsistent in their behavior when the POV switches and made it difficult to identify characteristics unique to individual characters. There is an emphasis both in the language and the worldbuilding on the absence of gender within society, except as a biological function necessary to reproduction within the Natcher society. The difference between the two is that while the Natchers have eliminated gender through eliminating pronouns, the Cyborgs have retained pronouns without meaning and surgically sterilized their population. When an attempt is made to introduce romantic tension and a romantic triangle, the tension has no substance upon which to hang and falls flat and emotionless. The professed deep friendship of Tei and Kanan is continually affirmed by the characters, but their actions in regards to each other are shallow and largely impersonal.
The existential conflict of the setting is obscured by the focus on the characters learning to use language to understand another society. Because Coles purposefully obscures the language that each character uses, I found none of them to be relatable or empathetic and I felt they lacked motivation and agency. The characters have any sense of gender identity intentionally omitted, but they also lacked any sense of self-identity at all and seemed to feel no need to establish one. Because I didn't understand the existential crisis, I didn't see any need for them to act to change the status quo. Because I didn't care about the characters, I didn't care that they were changing. I felt no pressing need for action in this book. Even at the end of the book, the ending is far from positive. By this point, I was simply glad it was over.
March 29, 2024
Summary: A small group of people from two races encounter, and in the process, discover the challenge of communicating across two languages and a larger reality beyond their known universe.
Tei and Kanan are Fledglings hoping to be selected as Finals. Only ten from each class are selected, the rest being archived. Kanan is a runner who can complete a circuit of the Universe they inhabit in 17 minutes. Tei delves deeply into the archives. Both expect Kanan to be selected. Instead, neither are. Then something strange happens. They announce a special Final is to be selected, an Interpreter to learn the language of beings that exist in the world above, called Natchers. Tei, of all people, is selected, for his deep delvings into the archives, from which he will learn the language. Tei and Kanan have made a promise to find each other, but Kanan will be archived. Except she uses her speed to elude capture, finding herself in a meat locker among remains without the protective shell-like skin that has already been partially stripped off her.
Suddenly she finds herself in the world above with the "Natchers" except they don't call themselves. They speak of themselves as humans, what Kanan's race calls itself. The people she finds herself among call Kanan's race the Cyborgs because of the shell-like covering called "skin" worn over what the "Natchers" call skin. She discovers why communication between the two peoples is so impossible--almost everything in one language means something else, sometimes just its opposite. "Sorry," meant genuinely is considered a word of contempt.
Both Tei and Kanan, unaware of each other, learn that the two races depend on each other. Mahlah, a swimmer, leads a raid to obtain medicine desperately needed from the Cyborgs for an ill child, using re-skinned Kanan to gain access. Eventually Mahlah is captured by the Cyborgs and is "allowed" escape with Tei. Meanwhile, Tei has learned how a single group became two races, and that the Nothing beyond, is not nothing but a larger reality and end of a story they no longer comprehend. The contact Tei and Kanan have with the Natchers, and what they learn implicate them as traitors in the eyes of both races and yet point to truth both races desperately need to understand. As Coles writes, "Truth must be a fragile thing if it only survives in one language."
Gregory Coles has done both some incredible worldmaking and explored how languages shape societies, and how truth is perceived. And as he puts it toward the conclusion of the work:
"The walls of the human world--the boundaries of their worlds--kept them from seeing the one sight that might have opened their eyes" (p. 322).
This is Gregory Coles first work of science fiction. It is the Foreword INDIES Award Finalist for science fiction in 2023, Kirkus Reviews Starred Pick, and a PW Booklife Editor's Pick. I thoroughly enjoyed the twisty plot, the development of Tei, the descriptions of the Universe they inhabit, and the rich exploration of how language works. I hope I will see more from this writer.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
Tei and Kanan are Fledglings hoping to be selected as Finals. Only ten from each class are selected, the rest being archived. Kanan is a runner who can complete a circuit of the Universe they inhabit in 17 minutes. Tei delves deeply into the archives. Both expect Kanan to be selected. Instead, neither are. Then something strange happens. They announce a special Final is to be selected, an Interpreter to learn the language of beings that exist in the world above, called Natchers. Tei, of all people, is selected, for his deep delvings into the archives, from which he will learn the language. Tei and Kanan have made a promise to find each other, but Kanan will be archived. Except she uses her speed to elude capture, finding herself in a meat locker among remains without the protective shell-like skin that has already been partially stripped off her.
Suddenly she finds herself in the world above with the "Natchers" except they don't call themselves. They speak of themselves as humans, what Kanan's race calls itself. The people she finds herself among call Kanan's race the Cyborgs because of the shell-like covering called "skin" worn over what the "Natchers" call skin. She discovers why communication between the two peoples is so impossible--almost everything in one language means something else, sometimes just its opposite. "Sorry," meant genuinely is considered a word of contempt.
Both Tei and Kanan, unaware of each other, learn that the two races depend on each other. Mahlah, a swimmer, leads a raid to obtain medicine desperately needed from the Cyborgs for an ill child, using re-skinned Kanan to gain access. Eventually Mahlah is captured by the Cyborgs and is "allowed" escape with Tei. Meanwhile, Tei has learned how a single group became two races, and that the Nothing beyond, is not nothing but a larger reality and end of a story they no longer comprehend. The contact Tei and Kanan have with the Natchers, and what they learn implicate them as traitors in the eyes of both races and yet point to truth both races desperately need to understand. As Coles writes, "Truth must be a fragile thing if it only survives in one language."
Gregory Coles has done both some incredible worldmaking and explored how languages shape societies, and how truth is perceived. And as he puts it toward the conclusion of the work:
"The walls of the human world--the boundaries of their worlds--kept them from seeing the one sight that might have opened their eyes" (p. 322).
This is Gregory Coles first work of science fiction. It is the Foreword INDIES Award Finalist for science fiction in 2023, Kirkus Reviews Starred Pick, and a PW Booklife Editor's Pick. I thoroughly enjoyed the twisty plot, the development of Tei, the descriptions of the Universe they inhabit, and the rich exploration of how language works. I hope I will see more from this writer.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
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