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The Mutant and the Mule
FOR FANS OF THE HUNGER GAMES!
In a world torn apart by genetic evolution, Helia, a fierce Mutant soldier, fights against a society determined to suppress her kind. With her unique powers, she embarks on a dangerous mission that could change the course of history. But when her operation is compromised, Helia finds herself alone and hunted by the ruthless Department of Sanitation.
In a twist of fate, she crosses paths with Ari, a resourceful Mule forced to toil in the city's darkest depths. Despite their differences, they form an unlikely alliance as they navigate the treacherous streets of Cincuenta Yuno. With the odds stacked against them and the entire city mobilized against their cause, Helia and Ari must rely on each other to survive.
As they journey deeper into the heart of the conflict, Helia and Ari must defy the odds and forge their own destiny in a world on the brink of destruction. Will they succeed in their quest to tip the balance of power, or will they become casualties in the war for survival?
In a world torn apart by genetic evolution, Helia, a fierce Mutant soldier, fights against a society determined to suppress her kind. With her unique powers, she embarks on a dangerous mission that could change the course of history. But when her operation is compromised, Helia finds herself alone and hunted by the ruthless Department of Sanitation.
In a twist of fate, she crosses paths with Ari, a resourceful Mule forced to toil in the city's darkest depths. Despite their differences, they form an unlikely alliance as they navigate the treacherous streets of Cincuenta Yuno. With the odds stacked against them and the entire city mobilized against their cause, Helia and Ari must rely on each other to survive.
As they journey deeper into the heart of the conflict, Helia and Ari must defy the odds and forge their own destiny in a world on the brink of destruction. Will they succeed in their quest to tip the balance of power, or will they become casualties in the war for survival?
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
2 people are currently reading
5606 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Blair
2 books64 followersA.A. Blair is a child of the 80’s. Much of Blair’s writing can be easily found peppered throughout cyberspace.
Readers of this writing would rightly consider it obtuse techno-babble, but we all have to make a living somehow.
A.A. Blair's stories have scored extremely high with audiences during bedtime reading.
Readers of this writing would rightly consider it obtuse techno-babble, but we all have to make a living somehow.
A.A. Blair's stories have scored extremely high with audiences during bedtime reading.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 10, 2025
The world, controlling society, and strong characters that fight against them made me love this story. Ari and Helia’s relationship was slowly developed but it was so sweet when they started to catch feelings for each other. I loved reading their thoughts about each other and how they found comfort in each other. There was a great diverse cast of characters. All the action towards the end of the book showed the strength of the two FMC’s. It’s nice being able to read about such powerful woman leads in a book. The writing needed some more editing to help the story and dialogue flow more smoothly.
Although this book was very interesting, I’m kinda of disappointed that this didn’t really have much resemblance of The Hunger Games (beside having characters who fight against controlling authorities) even though it was marketed towards fans of the book / movie series. That’s what had initially drew me towards this book since THG is my favorite book and movie series. I still loved the story.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although this book was very interesting, I’m kinda of disappointed that this didn’t really have much resemblance of The Hunger Games (beside having characters who fight against controlling authorities) even though it was marketed towards fans of the book / movie series. That’s what had initially drew me towards this book since THG is my favorite book and movie series. I still loved the story.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
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If you’re searching for a dystopian adventure with the emotional punch of The Hunger Games and the lived-in world-building of Divergent, The Mutant and the Mule by A.A. Blair deserves a spot at the top of your TBR pile. This novel isn’t just another survival story, but a raw, propulsive journey through a society that’s as oppressive as it is eerily plausible, anchored by characters who are equal parts vulnerable and fierce.
At the heart of the story is Helia, a Freeland infiltrator whose first mission behind enemy lines is as much about navigating her own conscience as it is about espionage. She’s not your typical, invincible dystopian hero; she’s haunted, flawed, and deeply human. Her alliance with Ari, a Mule who’s spent her life scraping by in the shadows, forms the emotional core of the book. Their partnership is messy, honest, and beautifully queer, offering a slow-burn connection that’s as much about survival as it is about learning to trust and love in a world that’s determined to erase people like them.
Blair doesn’t just tick the diversity box; the LGBT themes are blended easily into the plot, giving readers a relationship that feels authentic and hard-won. The chemistry between Helia and Ari is palpable, and their journey from wary allies to something more is handled with nuance and care. It’s a refreshing change from the usual dystopian fare, adding representation that fans of inclusive sci-fi will appreciate.
The action is cinematic, the stakes are sky-high, and the world-building is immersive, from the claustrophobic sewers to the chilling halls of the Department of Sanitation.
For readers who loved the found-family vibes of Six of Crows or the rebellion and romance of The Hunger Games, The Mutant and the Mule is a must-read. It’s a story about fighting back, finding yourself, and daring to love in the darkest of places. Highly recommended for anyone who likes their dystopias with a side of heart and a dash of queer magic.
Review copy provided by Independent Publisher’s Group @ NetGalley
If you’re searching for a dystopian adventure with the emotional punch of The Hunger Games and the lived-in world-building of Divergent, The Mutant and the Mule by A.A. Blair deserves a spot at the top of your TBR pile. This novel isn’t just another survival story, but a raw, propulsive journey through a society that’s as oppressive as it is eerily plausible, anchored by characters who are equal parts vulnerable and fierce.
At the heart of the story is Helia, a Freeland infiltrator whose first mission behind enemy lines is as much about navigating her own conscience as it is about espionage. She’s not your typical, invincible dystopian hero; she’s haunted, flawed, and deeply human. Her alliance with Ari, a Mule who’s spent her life scraping by in the shadows, forms the emotional core of the book. Their partnership is messy, honest, and beautifully queer, offering a slow-burn connection that’s as much about survival as it is about learning to trust and love in a world that’s determined to erase people like them.
Blair doesn’t just tick the diversity box; the LGBT themes are blended easily into the plot, giving readers a relationship that feels authentic and hard-won. The chemistry between Helia and Ari is palpable, and their journey from wary allies to something more is handled with nuance and care. It’s a refreshing change from the usual dystopian fare, adding representation that fans of inclusive sci-fi will appreciate.
The action is cinematic, the stakes are sky-high, and the world-building is immersive, from the claustrophobic sewers to the chilling halls of the Department of Sanitation.
For readers who loved the found-family vibes of Six of Crows or the rebellion and romance of The Hunger Games, The Mutant and the Mule is a must-read. It’s a story about fighting back, finding yourself, and daring to love in the darkest of places. Highly recommended for anyone who likes their dystopias with a side of heart and a dash of queer magic.
Review copy provided by Independent Publisher’s Group @ NetGalley
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July 4, 2025Thank you NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for this ARC!
This is a messy and emotional slow burn romance. The chemistry between the MC's is addictive. It's written so well I felt as if I was transported into this world. Also has great queer representation.
This is a messy and emotional slow burn romance. The chemistry between the MC's is addictive. It's written so well I felt as if I was transported into this world. Also has great queer representation.
April 20, 2025
The Mutant and the Mule is a dystopian sci-fi tale wrapped in rebellion, identity, and unexpected friendship. It follows Helia, a Mutant trained for infiltration, as she dives deep into the oppressive Norm society to sabotage it from within. Things go sideways when her mission contact vanishes, and she’s forced to team up with Ari, a snarky, hard-drinking Mule who has zero illusions about the world she was born into. Together, they dodge government thugs, make questionable plans, and form a bond neither of them saw coming.
One of the strongest things about Blair’s writing is how real the world feels. It’s dark and suffocating—domed cities, oppressive governments, and class systems etched into skin tones and uniforms. In the opening chapter, the tension is so thick you feel it crawling up your neck. Helia’s nerves as she sneaks into the Norm compound are palpable, her inner conflict sharp. Blair doesn’t just build a world—he throws you into it, head first, with no map and a lot of heart.
The characters are the lifeblood. Ari stole the show for me. She’s messy, sarcastic, and painfully relatable. Her introduction, waking up in a puddle of her own vomit and annoyed someone’s being loud enough to interrupt her hangover, is peak character work. And then bam—she’s saving Helia from a brutal beating by a Department of Sanitation thug. Her loyalty is messy too, driven more by a gut sense of justice than some grand ideology. That made her feel real.
As much as I liked the action (and the matter blast scenes are wild), what stuck with me most was the quiet stuff. The awkward bonding. The little bits of humor in a bleak world. Blair nails the rhythm of human connection without overplaying it. These characters are absurd and brave in equal measure, and their choices matter because we care. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that some parts of the world-building could have used a somewhat lighter touch. There were moments when the exposition got a bit thick, but it never dragged for too long. The pace always snapped back thanks to some smart dialogue or a sudden twist.
The Mutant and the Mule is for readers who love sci-fi that punches hard but still has heart. It’s gritty, emotional, and sometimes downright funny. If you’re into found-family stories, rebellion against oppressive systems, or just want to watch two unlikely allies stumble their way toward hope, pick this one up. If you enjoy authors like Pierce Brown, Veronica Roth, or Octavia Butler, The Mutant and the Mule will feel like familiar territory—but with its own sharp bite.
One of the strongest things about Blair’s writing is how real the world feels. It’s dark and suffocating—domed cities, oppressive governments, and class systems etched into skin tones and uniforms. In the opening chapter, the tension is so thick you feel it crawling up your neck. Helia’s nerves as she sneaks into the Norm compound are palpable, her inner conflict sharp. Blair doesn’t just build a world—he throws you into it, head first, with no map and a lot of heart.
The characters are the lifeblood. Ari stole the show for me. She’s messy, sarcastic, and painfully relatable. Her introduction, waking up in a puddle of her own vomit and annoyed someone’s being loud enough to interrupt her hangover, is peak character work. And then bam—she’s saving Helia from a brutal beating by a Department of Sanitation thug. Her loyalty is messy too, driven more by a gut sense of justice than some grand ideology. That made her feel real.
As much as I liked the action (and the matter blast scenes are wild), what stuck with me most was the quiet stuff. The awkward bonding. The little bits of humor in a bleak world. Blair nails the rhythm of human connection without overplaying it. These characters are absurd and brave in equal measure, and their choices matter because we care. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that some parts of the world-building could have used a somewhat lighter touch. There were moments when the exposition got a bit thick, but it never dragged for too long. The pace always snapped back thanks to some smart dialogue or a sudden twist.
The Mutant and the Mule is for readers who love sci-fi that punches hard but still has heart. It’s gritty, emotional, and sometimes downright funny. If you’re into found-family stories, rebellion against oppressive systems, or just want to watch two unlikely allies stumble their way toward hope, pick this one up. If you enjoy authors like Pierce Brown, Veronica Roth, or Octavia Butler, The Mutant and the Mule will feel like familiar territory—but with its own sharp bite.
May 16, 2025
An engineered mutant soldier and a bitter, alcoholic wasteworker form an uneasy alliance in Blair’s politically charged dystopian novel. Decades after the Genetic Wars, Cincuenta Yuno functions as both fortress and machine. Helia, a powerful Mutant soldier, goes rogue after a failed mission. Hunted by the Department of Sanitation, she teams up with Ari, a Mule from the city’s underbelly. Their goal: survive Cincuenta Yuno and take on the system that's crushing them both.
Ari brings grit and vulnerability to the story. She drinks to numb, lashes out to protect herself, but her quiet return to feeling is its own act of courage. Helia, meanwhile, is shaped by loss: her lover Emily, conscripted into forced motherhood, haunts her every step. This subtle but piercing subplot drives home the cost of a society that weaponizes reproduction and erases agency. There are no chosen ones here, no tidy resolutions. Blair builds a world where resistance is messy, alliances are temporary, and survival is uncertain. And yet, there’s hope, not in revolution, but in solidarity, in a single act of one character saving another, in pushing back, inch by inch. An unsentimental but emotionally charged tale of power, suppression, and unexpected connection.
Ari brings grit and vulnerability to the story. She drinks to numb, lashes out to protect herself, but her quiet return to feeling is its own act of courage. Helia, meanwhile, is shaped by loss: her lover Emily, conscripted into forced motherhood, haunts her every step. This subtle but piercing subplot drives home the cost of a society that weaponizes reproduction and erases agency. There are no chosen ones here, no tidy resolutions. Blair builds a world where resistance is messy, alliances are temporary, and survival is uncertain. And yet, there’s hope, not in revolution, but in solidarity, in a single act of one character saving another, in pushing back, inch by inch. An unsentimental but emotionally charged tale of power, suppression, and unexpected connection.
September 5, 2025
Unfortunately, while the idea of this book was very good, the execution was... not. At all. Very good. Like.
At all.
So while it was a cool idea, and I enjoyed that aspect of it (the world, the plot, etc.), the writing was just... nope. And the characters weren't written well, either. Sadly, would not recommend.
At all.
So while it was a cool idea, and I enjoyed that aspect of it (the world, the plot, etc.), the writing was just... nope. And the characters weren't written well, either. Sadly, would not recommend.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews