What do you think?
Rate this book
Edge of the Known World
Fans of Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake will be swept away by this riveting speculative fiction adventure and love story about family, genetic privacy, and the onrushing future of surveillance technology.
Alexandra Tashen is a brilliant student, adoring daughter, merry wit, and exuberant prankster. After a blissful childhood on a Texas ranch, she learns the She is a refusé, an illegal refugee smuggled into the Allied Nations as an infant. Everyone from her birth region carries a harmless but detectable bit of viral DNA from a flu vaccine. If detected by the rapid genetic testing at security screens, Alex will be returned to the Federation and a likely death. Her adoptive father developed a gene therapy to mask her g-marker, but it is not fully effective. Every g-screen presents a nerve-racking one-in-ten chance of getting caught.
When her father goes missing, Alex abandons her cloistered academic life in San Francisco for a globe-trotting Commission in a desperate race to warn him of a trap that will destroy them both. As Alex dodges g-screens on her precarious and often-hilarious adventure, a love triangle develops between her and two Eric Burton, a commanding and disgraced intelligence officer, and his blood brother, Strav Beki, a charismatic and dangerously unhinged diplomat. Betrayals mount and secrets unravel, building to the most confounding choices that people can face—choices between love, family loyalty, and moral obligation.
Alexandra Tashen is a brilliant student, adoring daughter, merry wit, and exuberant prankster. After a blissful childhood on a Texas ranch, she learns the She is a refusé, an illegal refugee smuggled into the Allied Nations as an infant. Everyone from her birth region carries a harmless but detectable bit of viral DNA from a flu vaccine. If detected by the rapid genetic testing at security screens, Alex will be returned to the Federation and a likely death. Her adoptive father developed a gene therapy to mask her g-marker, but it is not fully effective. Every g-screen presents a nerve-racking one-in-ten chance of getting caught.
When her father goes missing, Alex abandons her cloistered academic life in San Francisco for a globe-trotting Commission in a desperate race to warn him of a trap that will destroy them both. As Alex dodges g-screens on her precarious and often-hilarious adventure, a love triangle develops between her and two Eric Burton, a commanding and disgraced intelligence officer, and his blood brother, Strav Beki, a charismatic and dangerously unhinged diplomat. Betrayals mount and secrets unravel, building to the most confounding choices that people can face—choices between love, family loyalty, and moral obligation.
328 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2024
48 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 9, 2024
Three and a half stars, rounded down because of the bad taste in my mouth after finishing it. Edge of the Known World is very well written, tightly paced, lyrical, and appealing. I whipped through it in two days and rarely came up for air; the writing and fast scene shifts pull you to the end and keep the excitement high.
What wrecked this book for me is that I crossed the finish line, breathed a bit, and then realized that this near-future, highly technical, ostensibly female-driven political drama cannot even pass the Bechdel test. It's three hundred pages of "behind every great man is a good woman" chicanery; the virile men drive the action while scores of women and nurturer/older (or gay) male characters support them, provide cover for them, save them from the worst of their decisions, and smooth their paths to greatness. Every ounce of every female character's intelligence, leadership capital, and effort is spent soothing temper tantrums, covering PTSD symptoms, and providing a convenient neck to squeeze when their men are angry (really! but at least he feels soooo bad afterward, and the book and his girlfriend immediately forgive him).
The female main character is tall, unreasonably slim (but of course she still has boobs, which are lovingly described only through the eyes of the men looking at her), bookish, and wears a dark ponytail. She's clumsy and breaks things, which makes every man around her immediately get a raging hard-on; there are so. many. inappropriate. erections. in this book. Men are hard for her in museums, in hospitals, during actual bombings, at parties with dozens of people, in cemeteries, and on TV. Her major character development is learning from older women how to use this boner bonanza to change the course of history by pushing and pulling the men who want her. The book makes it very, very clear, in multiple scenes, that men are at the steering wheel but a caring woman is driving the stick shift, like we're all living in 1956 and Doris Day is helping Rock Hudson land that big account.
I wish I could say that the book ended up telling us that all this regressiveness is a bad idea, that men who behave horribly don't get rewarded, or that women do best when they have agency, but no - in fact, the book ends with a The Giving Tree-style sacrifice where the main character She goes off to what is assumed to be a Bad End, but it's all OK because he's going to be just fine - and that's the important thing.
What wrecked this book for me is that I crossed the finish line, breathed a bit, and then realized that this near-future, highly technical, ostensibly female-driven political drama cannot even pass the Bechdel test. It's three hundred pages of "behind every great man is a good woman" chicanery; the virile men drive the action while scores of women and nurturer/older (or gay) male characters support them, provide cover for them, save them from the worst of their decisions, and smooth their paths to greatness. Every ounce of every female character's intelligence, leadership capital, and effort is spent soothing temper tantrums, covering PTSD symptoms, and providing a convenient neck to squeeze when their men are angry (really! but at least he feels soooo bad afterward, and the book and his girlfriend immediately forgive him).
The female main character is tall, unreasonably slim (but of course she still has boobs, which are lovingly described only through the eyes of the men looking at her), bookish, and wears a dark ponytail. She's clumsy and breaks things, which makes every man around her immediately get a raging hard-on; there are so. many. inappropriate. erections. in this book. Men are hard for her in museums, in hospitals, during actual bombings, at parties with dozens of people, in cemeteries, and on TV. Her major character development is learning from older women how to use this boner bonanza to change the course of history by pushing and pulling the men who want her. The book makes it very, very clear, in multiple scenes, that men are at the steering wheel but a caring woman is driving the stick shift, like we're all living in 1956 and Doris Day is helping Rock Hudson land that big account.
I wish I could say that the book ended up telling us that all this regressiveness is a bad idea, that men who behave horribly don't get rewarded, or that women do best when they have agency, but no - in fact, the book ends with a The Giving Tree-style sacrifice where the main character She goes off to what is assumed to be a Bad End, but it's all OK because he's going to be just fine - and that's the important thing.
March 11, 2025
I thought this was a gruesome acid-trip for the first half of the book. I then reached acceptance and then throughly enjoyed the gruesome acid-trip for the second half of the book.
October 31, 2024
I tried. DNF’ed almost 20% of the way in. And honestly, I’m sad that I can’t get into this one, because tons of people really found it riveting and fun. But it’s not doing it for me. I haven’t grown interested in any of the characters and find Alex to be kind of a caricature. The plot seems disorganized and jumpy. The dialog, when there is dialog, is so stilted and odd.
September 13, 2024
Alex is our FMC in this book and she is in an alternative world where there was a war. She was a graduate with a PHd and wanted to leave the city but can not as she is still teaching at the Institute. There is an underlying message throughout this book that behind every great man is a woman, that is a realistic message and I love that the author included the equality between men and women. We all need men and women to work together and vice versa!
The book is very well written by the author, and I was engaged from the very beginning to the end of the book. I did not put it down while reading it once and read all the way though! There is a lot of tech in this book and I loved the storyline and really resonated with the FMC. There is so many topics in this book, AI is mentioned and freedoms as well of Alex not having much in the beginning.
I will be reading more of this authors work as I love her writing style and messages in this book!
The book is very well written by the author, and I was engaged from the very beginning to the end of the book. I did not put it down while reading it once and read all the way though! There is a lot of tech in this book and I loved the storyline and really resonated with the FMC. There is so many topics in this book, AI is mentioned and freedoms as well of Alex not having much in the beginning.
I will be reading more of this authors work as I love her writing style and messages in this book!
September 15, 2024
This near future geopolitical thriller shows a world in which genetic tracking is used to political ends. Ultimately though, it is a story of love and relationships with an expansive understanding of the nature of family. Vibrant characters and a fast-paced story keep the pages turning until the very end.
September 15, 2024
Grabbed hold of me and did not let go! These characters felt like people I know. The world building was very well done. A clear balance in pacing between a geopolitical thriller and interpersonal drama, such a difficult sweet spot to find in a debut novel.
October 18, 2024
This is an action-packed multi-dimensional story, remarkably fitting within several genres at once! This has a little something for everyone: sci-fi, post-apocalypse, political thriller, coming-of-age and love story. What a ride!
September 13, 2024
Binge of 2024 !! So much fun! Romance, adventure, and a chilling portrait of genetic surveillance. Joseph is a master of the wild ride. Something for everyone. Highly recommend !!
December 6, 2024
4.5 rounded up. It seems like near the end of every year I end up coming across a book that jumps up to the top of my mental list of favorites for the year. I doubt I'd call this my favorite book of the year, but it definitely earned its place in the top five or ten, which given the number of books I've read this year is still saying something. I'm honestly dumbfounded by how few ratings and reviews this book has so far. I mean, I know it just came out, but usually when I read something this good there are already tons of people who have gotten to it first. Apparently this means I have a special opportunity to share with people how amazing this book was. So, listen up, friends, because this book was good, though it did still have some problems.
The plot was a lovely blend of action, romance, and political intrigue. I literally ended up crying because of it at one point. I mean, it doesn't take too much to get me teary eyed on the grand scale of things, but that puts this book on a relatively small list of writing that moved me to tears.
The world-building was realistic and deeply realized. My metric for measuring world-building is essentially how well it brings to life other stories outside of the main narrative, and I could absolutely imagine complex narratives spinning out from what we are given here.
The characters were rich and complex, and sometimes awful. The love triangles were beautiful even if the main one was heteronormative .
I've already recommended this book to some people, and I will continue to recommend it to more.
It doesn't pass the Bechdel test and it does cater to regressive masculine ideals in some ways. I can definitely understand other reviews being upset with the ending. While I prefer queer stories and books that challenge traditional gender roles, I can still enjoy a well-written narrative even if it doesn't challenge the dominant power structures.
The plot was a lovely blend of action, romance, and political intrigue. I literally ended up crying because of it at one point. I mean, it doesn't take too much to get me teary eyed on the grand scale of things, but that puts this book on a relatively small list of writing that moved me to tears.
The world-building was realistic and deeply realized. My metric for measuring world-building is essentially how well it brings to life other stories outside of the main narrative, and I could absolutely imagine complex narratives spinning out from what we are given here.
The characters were rich and complex, and sometimes awful. The love triangles were beautiful even if the main one was heteronormative .
I've already recommended this book to some people, and I will continue to recommend it to more.
It doesn't pass the Bechdel test and it does cater to regressive masculine ideals in some ways. I can definitely understand other reviews being upset with the ending. While I prefer queer stories and books that challenge traditional gender roles, I can still enjoy a well-written narrative even if it doesn't challenge the dominant power structures.
September 13, 2024
Im not a huge fiction person, but I stayed up way too late two nights in a row to finish this one. Loved the characters, the intrigue, the geopolitical complexity and identity crisis that is all too relatable these days. Highly recommend reading on a weekend or vacation so you can knock it out in one sitting :)
October 26, 2024
This is a debut novel for this author and it is a stunning work. It addresses issues of identity, love, found family, risk, trust, belonging and choice - leaving room for the reader to really ponder these ideas deeply - all wrapped in a fast moving story of geopolitical intrigue and machination.
I loved this book even though I did not entirely love the ending.
As a synopsis- (the book report portion) - Alex is a young protege academic with a secret. She harbors a gene marker that identifies her as an illegal citizen. She knows it’s almost undetectable- almost. She’s got to avoid screens and she’s creative in how she does it. She knows that can’t last forever, but she’s never lived anywhere else- having dubious beginnings in a Texan prison camp. All that said- she’s not exactly a paragon of goodness. She’s got vices and underneath a sweet exterior- she’s definitely got a bit of manipulative B going on in a huge dose.
In a quest to find her father she’s put on a committee that requires travel - and a wild adventure ensues - a love triangle (or is it a quadrangle?), political turmoil and unrest, and a unique “solution” that was masterful and selfless- if a little unsettling and unsatisfying. This book is a cautionary tale of how one can’t always get what they want but if you try- you can get what you need and make it work. I was absoloutely engrossed and I hope this author creates more.
I loved this book even though I did not entirely love the ending.
As a synopsis- (the book report portion) - Alex is a young protege academic with a secret. She harbors a gene marker that identifies her as an illegal citizen. She knows it’s almost undetectable- almost. She’s got to avoid screens and she’s creative in how she does it. She knows that can’t last forever, but she’s never lived anywhere else- having dubious beginnings in a Texan prison camp. All that said- she’s not exactly a paragon of goodness. She’s got vices and underneath a sweet exterior- she’s definitely got a bit of manipulative B going on in a huge dose.
In a quest to find her father she’s put on a committee that requires travel - and a wild adventure ensues - a love triangle (or is it a quadrangle?), political turmoil and unrest, and a unique “solution” that was masterful and selfless- if a little unsettling and unsatisfying. This book is a cautionary tale of how one can’t always get what they want but if you try- you can get what you need and make it work. I was absoloutely engrossed and I hope this author creates more.
February 18, 2025
This is a fast paced futuristic dystopian novel. A young woman, Alex Tashen, has been raised in a Texas penal colony by her father. When she is accepted to go study and later be part of the TaskForce her father reveals to her that he raised her as his own but she is one of the dreaded "Guizi" who carry a genetic marker which, when discovered, leads these people to being sent away, often to their death or at least very harsh conditions. Her father succeeded in masking her genetic tag in a way that functioned about 90% of the time, meaning she often passes the regular screenings, but each one causes worry. I think the author captured the zeitgeist of our times with authoritarianism on the rise. I thought the plot was well done, intricate with effective plot twists - particularly the "razzle dazzle" at the end. However, I felt like the characters of Eric, Strave and Alex were a bit over the top - perfectly beautiful and smart so I didn't relate to them as much as I might have and the romantic triangle felt a little histrionic though I tried to imagine myself in "end of days" type atmosphere. I liked the author's shining a light on the idea of the invasion of privacy of one's genetic code and how bias and prejudice can be taken to an even worse level than it is today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
In a future post-future-war world, young Alex Tashen, PhD in economics and geography, is hiding her true identity. The world has been divided into the political entity in which she resides, the Allied Nations, and a closed entity know as the Federation. As part of the treaty that ended the war, anyone from the Federation found within the Allied Nations must be returned. Individuals are identified by a genetic code that was part of a failed attempt by the Federation to treat a virus. Alex was smuggled out of the Federation as an infant, and her adopted father, a brilliant scientist, found a means to hide her gene code, but only 90% of the time. When Alex determines her father’s life is in danger, she joins a diplomatic mission as part of the Allied Nations government. Her mentor has paired her with two men who have grown up together as brothers—a grounded cyber engineer and a charismatic and mercurial diplomat. The novel’s plot, with its twists and turns proceeds from there. This is a page-turning, well-written dystopian novel with well-fleshed-out characters and some real complexity. One could quibble that Alex was portrayed as a beautiful woman whom men fell for almost instantaneously (and thus assisted), but she was also portrayed as a brilliant woman. I enjoyed the read.
July 27, 2024
I found this storyline very literary and detailed sometimes too much for the novice reader. While it seems techy and today's life, I found things I had to look up. Characters were developed and carried through the book, the storyline took a bit to develop, and I believe that is why this reader lost interest after the first section. The story seemed unorganized and sometimes it felt the author was rambling and not knowing where she was going with the story. There were grammatical errors such as prolonged sentences, fragments, and punctuation. With some corrections this has great potential for a good read.
October 23, 2024
My favorite new book of the year, easy! The geopolitical themes and character arcs built off of one another really well, and I felt surprisingly emotional at the ending. The plot and writing are cinematic in their pace and descriptions without losing the nuance of character-driven literature. For example, each character faces a unique challenge around balancing loyalty, morality, duty, and love (haven't we all?) that's both believable but also plot-relevant. In a word, juicy.
I thought this would last me for at least a couple weeks, but I ended up tearing through it in 5 days. Hope there's a sequel!
I thought this would last me for at least a couple weeks, but I ended up tearing through it in 5 days. Hope there's a sequel!
November 21, 2024
Book #21 for the year.. A thrilling sci-fi novel set in a dystopian post apocalyptic world. Alex, the protagonist tries to hide a secret, which if exposed could result in her death. The plot is spun around complex and multidimensional characters whom Alex comes across in her journey. The book deals with a wide range of things- genetic screening, computational biology, familial ties, geopolitics and some romantic relief thrown in as well! If you’re looking for a witty, fast paced , content driven book.. here it is for you!
May 2, 2024
Sheri T. Joseph blends intellect, wit, and passion in an intricate yet thrilling near-future tale. As readers appreciate the myriad exquisite turns of phrase, they must also grapple with burning issues—genetic testing, AI, privacy, personal freedom—while hoping enough today have the smarts and savvy of Alex Tashen.
December 3, 2024
This book is phenomenal! Sheri Joseph creates such an engaging story full of intense conflict with intricate medical and biological influences. Not to mention how beautifully she portrays an exploration of various cultures and, of course, a passionate love story. I am in awe of how well-thought-out every detail of this novel is! I will be recommending this to everyone I know!
November 30, 2025
While I generally don't gravitate to dystopian fiction, Edge of the Known World drew me in with a tale told in the not-so-distant future where the world is at war, and now-regular genetic testing can easily end the life of our protagonist, Alexandra (Alex). Part thriller, part love story, Edge of the Known World is gripping, and Sheri T. Joseph's narration is sharp.
September 14, 2024
This is a great read! Love the character development (Huge fan of Strav!), the complex plot takes us all over the globe, and the futuristic world is one I can imagine today. Grab this book and enjoy the ride!
January 21, 2025
The revelations come fast and furious in this sharply-envisioned, fast-paced, brilliantly-written story. Filled with humor, mystery, and juicy conflict, it had me engrossed from page one. One of the cleverest books I've read in recent times, and the most fun to read.
January 27, 2025
Edge of The Known World is Sheri T. Joseph's strong debut novel. It is about a dystopian adventure set in a geopolitical landmine which includes an oppressive state with touches of sci-fi and romance. It is a smart and intricately woven thriller which I very much recommend.
September 13, 2024
A must read!!! Joseph takes the reader on an epic journey through a world that is both frightening and all too possible. An intelligent and powerful literary masterpiece.
September 14, 2024
I loved this book. It is so well written it is hard to put down. There are twists and turns that surprise and delight! I highly recommend this book!
September 22, 2024
Phenomenal book. I am captivated by the world Joseph built. Beautifully written. Praying there is a sequel!
November 20, 2024
This was genius! Beautifully written and thought provoking. What we are fast approaching.
Read
February 14, 2025Abandoned at 12%
March 4, 2025
To Come
April 16, 2025
Edge of the Known World is a chilling, provocative masterclass in speculative fiction. Family, truth, and survival collide with international espionage in this gripping story of genetic privacy. The novel pulses with urgency—especially in its breath-holding, heart-pounding final act.
April 24, 2025
In a word, propulsive. An engaging debut, with a non-stop plot. This book kept me turning the pages. At the end, I hoped it was not the near future we will actually be living in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews