We Are Not Anonymous

by Stephen Oram

Set in a near-future climate-flooded England, divided into three countries.

Kai, the charismatic leader of the tech-elite, entices the public with cutting-edge technology and a seemingly benevolent vision for the world.

As part of the Resist and Regain movement, Beth and Naomi confront him head-on.

Challenging his child experimentation to accelerate evolution and his attempts to control the government, they risk everything for a more equal and transparent society.

Can they stop Kai before it’s too late?

Can Beth live with the suffering her activism will cause her family?

“Now that we’ve lived into the future that cyberpunk projected, we urgently need to fight our way out. This book imagines and encourages that fight.” Ken MacLeod, multi-award winning author.

“A frighteningly credible near-future dystopia that is as convincing as it is disturbing, We Are Not Anonymous unfolds with cinematic scale and urgency.” Ewan Morrison, award winning author and essayist.

“An intellectually arresting, thought-provoking work of creative futurism that drives our current politics and technology to their magical — and logical — extremes.” Ana Sun, author.

“Stephen Oram combines gripping storytelling with scientific literacy and original SF. Instead of rearranging tropes he comes up with new ideas.” Geoff Ryman, multi-award-winning author of HIM.

“A gripping near future yarn, We Are Not Anonymous is an inspiring story for those who believe that courage can outmatch control.” Eva Pascoe, co-founder of digital futures think tank, Cybersalon.

Genres: Dystopia

360 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2025

About the author

I write novels and flash fiction that are designed set off small firecrackers of thought to light the world slightly differently inside your head!

I've been a hippie-punk, a religious-squatter and a bureaucrat-anarchist; I thrive on contradictions and am a great believer in being slightly askew from the crowd. There's all sorts of ways of doing that - by being on the fringes of society, by travelling to other cultures or simply by being tipsy during the day.

I write contemporary dystopian fiction set in a recognisable near-future. I love taking reality, nudging it out of kilter and seeing what happens.

Like each and every one of us, my perspective of the world has been affected by many people and experiences: as a teenager I was heavily influenced by the ethos of punk; in my early twenties I embraced the squatter scene and then joined a religious cult, briefly; I did some computer stuff in what became London’s silicon roundabout; and I’m now a civil servant with a gentle attraction to anarchism.

You can find more about me and my writing on my website www.stephenoram.net

Reviews

[Roz Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

England has been flooded and is now split into three separate territories. Kai dreams of a technological world where humanity takes a back seat to the robots control. Kai does not care how his goals are met and experimenting and exploiting children is a price he is willing to pay.

Beth and Naomi come together as part of the Resist and Regain movement to try and expose what is happening to the brainwashed population, but can they reach enough people in time to stop Kai?

The author manages to create a believable alternative reality that has links to the modern-day rise of AI and the story brings into question, how much of our world should become automated and AI led? With AI creating art and writing, there is a true sense of the loss of what makes us human and this story is a stark reminder of what is at stake if we rely on technology too much.

The story was nicely paced, with a slow start building up in tension as Beth and Naomi discover the nefarious goings on. I thought the characters were well developed and I found myself invested in their aims. The world building was credible and felt like a possible future dystopian world which makes this a thought-provoking experience. It is evident the author put a lot of research and thought into the story. This would make a great series or film as some scenes were so visual.

Highly recommend if you like a dystopian sci-fi fantasy that feels like it is waiting to happen! 

Huge thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is science fiction with a heart! An inspiring coming of age not just for the protagonists, but for all society!

I loved this novel and was hooked from the beginning, not just because the theme is scarily actual, but I was also drawn to the characters and their inner strength against a hard reality. Their willingness to fight for a better and fairer future is inspiring and their readiness to sacrifice everything they have, even their social existence is commendable.

In this novel we get to see the trajectory of our society if we continue relying heavily on technology (AI I’m looking at you), but without considering the consequences on people’s welfare. And needless to say, even the most enticing and seemingly fair types of government will be flawed if devised with ill intentions by narcissistic individuals!

There is a lot of food for thought in this novel, such as is technological advancement really progress if it doesn’t improve welfare and make vulnerable people even more so? Or, the difference between equality and equity and why the distribution of resources equally isn’t such a good idea if people don't have the right tools and knowledge, risking to be exploited by that original 1% all over again.

Lastly, I want to praise the author for writing such amazing characters, perfect in their imperfections and with an unparalleled strong will or maybe stubbornness but with hearts so big to make their life’s mission ensuring everyone has a fair chance at life, especially future generations. Even Tam, by choosing to stand aside has made the mission’s success possible.

Change is not impossible, it all starts with a few people standing their ground and stop taking for granted what’s fed to them! We can all contribute to that change!
To be inspired and look at our future with some hope, I urge you to read this book!

Thanks to the author and Kenyon Author Services for a copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling journey in a near futuristic world, that explores resilience, sacrifice, ambition and vulnerability.
It explores darker and disturbing themes, including child exploitation, experimentation, abuse, government control and poverty, and paints a tragic but insightful vision of potential futures.

Beth and Naomi are strong characters and passionate about making change and doing the right thing. They don't have unique skills or powers, they are ordinary citizens wanting to help others which was inspiring.
I enjoyed the angle of casters, and their work to expose the truth, alongside the rebellious factions.

It's a contemplative read that highlights the dangers of advancing technology and AI, our reliance on gadgets, the imbalances and abuse of power, and adapting to societal changes while retaining morals, ethics and humanity.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled to understand the book at first but I got there in the end and enjoyed it. The dystopian setting is excellent. The story was very good. It was well written and it flowed nicely. The characterisation was excellent and I liked all the characters. They worked really well to make this an interesting and enjoyable read. The book is written in third person and that works well for the book. I really recommend this!

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tense and gripping this had me totally engrossed. The near future setting including some not so science fiction ideas really make you think.
Beth and Naomi are great characters- their passion for doing the right thing knows no bounds and even when friends and family are at risk, they keep going.
Their support and love for another is a calm port in a scary world.
Stephen Oram has cleverly written of a world that unfortunately isn’t too difficult to imagine. It’s a clever and dark read for sure

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Are Not Anonymous by Stephen Oram.
I really enjoyed this book. It was different. I did like Beth and Naomi. It was futuristic with sci-fi and fantasy mixed in. This also had some messed up stuff involving Beth. I do like the near future vibe. Very cleverly written. I did like the setting. The characters were on par even with imperfections. This is a book that will keep you hooked. Gripping from start to finish. I would recommend this book.

[Amorina Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will not be bored from start to finish with this one. It is jam-packed with futuristic, sci-fi/fantasy adventure! And, it’s a weird blend of dystopia and really cool technology that makes life better. So, it does your head in! But, as per usual, in a generally enjoyable way.

I do need to start with that there is a part in the book where one of the FMCs, Beth, ends up going somewhere and having a very visceral reaction to what she sees. We hear enough of the description that I, too, especially as a parent, was really disturbed. So, be prepared for some really messed-up stuff inside these pages. But there is a ton of social commentary – a staple of the genre – that surrounds the scenes. Did it need to be so graphic? I have a hard time judging that. Within the context of her world, yes, I believe it did. But I’m always on the side that the author could have erred on the side of caution – I’m a big advocate of closed-door romance, too. So, I’m probably not the best judge. All I’m going to say is in my review, I warned you. I provided content warnings. You had ample warning from me to know that it might be a rough read.

All of that said, otherwise it was a really interesting read! And, I’ve read worse things, I think. Maybe not in the same wheelhouse. But I’m pretty sure, based on other reviews I’ve read, worse stuff exists. There are some gross books out there. Beyond all that, this is a really interesting sci-fi, thriller-type book. With essentially the future journalists (casters) of the day working to reveal some messed up things – hence the horrifying content warnings – to the regular people. As a former journalist, sometimes we have to see horrible things so y’all don’t have to.

Anyway, these journalists are working alongside a kind of Rebel Alliance type group and fighting against some really bad future people. And the bad people have all this “Big Brother” type “AI” technology. It’s all so terrifying in the context of everything going on in the world today, especially even in the book community we’ve been dealing with and fighting against the rise of “AI.” How scary!

The author has written such spunky, brilliant characters. Even down to the teens and children, who are teens and children, even with all their shiny new tech. Kids are gonna be kids. Because if you’ve ever listened to the stories from your grandparents, your parents, and such, while the toys and the tech change, so much stays the same!

I don’t want to say this story was scary in like a horror story sense, more in the way scifi stories like 1984, Animal Farm, and Big Brother still are today. This could be one of those we look back at one day and reference. The author absolutely has the chops of some of those greats.

And, I really appreciate the strong, capable women he wrote as his main characters. Science fiction has a lack of great female characters, and when they are there, they often play second fiddle or back up to men. While there are some great men in this as well – I absolutely adored Tam – Beth and Naomi were the shining stars, and that is stinking amazing! There is also good, casual LGBTQIA-plus rep – talked about as if it’s just normal and fine. However, there is some slight mocking of the asexual character, which is unfortunately something that continues to be a problem now, too. I hope it was done lightheartedly, but I wish it hadn’t been done at all. Acceptance would have gone so much further for the cause! But I’m thankful for the rep all the same.

I hope to see some more in this fictional world one day, even as we all hope never to see most of this ever come to actual fruition in our world someday.

Who's It For?

If you enjoy post-apocalyptic, dystopian, sci-fi stories, you will absolutely love this one. But the topics discussed in this one, like many dystopian futures, end up with children in horrible conditions. This is much more graphic than some of them, so keep that in mind. Though if we think too hard about all of the dystopian ones, they all put kids in pretty horrible conditions, and then distract us with pretty things. Still, check your triggers.

Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to, Graphic Medical/Body Descriptions, Teen Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Discussions of Abortion/Pregnancy Termination, Discussions of Teen S3x (and Allusions to Off-Page Teen/Child S3x), Child Abuse, Grooming, Drug/Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, Extreme Poverty and Depictions of Extreme Class Differences, Depictions of Extreme Post-Apocalyptic Conditions, Violence, Kidnapping, S3x Robots, Adult Language, Adult Situations, and More.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the feel of this book, I know that sounds strange, but the pages feel really really lovely. I also really like the simplicity of the cover.

Over the last couple of years I've developed a real love for futuristic/dystopian sci-fi. I've found that I really love seeing how other people think the future could be. And even if the world they write is completely unbelievable, it's still a fascinating concept. I often find that there's some elements of their vision that I find myself agreeing with, and others where in inwardly shouting "no thank you" as I read. And I have to say that We Are Not Anonymous did not disappoint on that front. I find the idea of universal basic income fascinating, although the fact that some people could have theirs removed defeats the point somewhat. And as a poor person, redistribution of wealth sounds great! I'm sure in reality it's not though. At times though, the world building felt slightly incomplete. There were some elements which felt like they could be fantastic, but needed a little more explaining.

Whilst the basic premise of this story was fantastic, there were a few elements missing for me. At times there seemed to be huge time skips, with no explanation. So, for example, Beth and Tam appeared to go from one meeting, to a full blown relationship. Just a simple "over the next x amount of time, Beth and Tam continued to get to know each other, and grow closer" (or words to that effect) would have helped the continuity.

I really enjoyed Stephen's writing, although I had a visceral reaction to the word "globule", I'm with Beth's Grandma on that one! The futuristic land in which this book is set was described quite well, and it was easy to see how it fitted into the country we currently know, although a map showing the physical setting would have been even better.

I found the plot to be engaging, although I really had to concentrate at times to remember what the acronyms meant, or to work out exactly what was happening.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast paced,sci-fi thriller which I enjoyed right from the first page.

[Gal Budgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Oram’s We are Not Anonymous is near-future fiction at its most real, full of the impacts of everyday life, on the way just getting by might become almost unbearable. The reliance on technology, on those smart gadgets we all love so much, borders on the pathological when seen in a world where England has become balkanised and the flood waters lap at the edges with a beautiful clarity. What is terrifying is that we are nearly there already. This future, which Oram has built from an accumulation of startling detail feels as though it is coming at us fast.
The main protagonist, Beth the caster of instant news, wants to expose the abuse of power of those omnipotent techno magnates that are here known effectively, as ‘the Narcissists”. Naomi is an activist who wants to build a more just society. But Beth and Naomi are not stock characters. We see Beth over the years build a life and family, strive to get by, even while her friendship with Naomi, and her own convictions, means she can never quite withdraw into a private life.
The characters live in a world that depends on being known to the increasingly omnipotent neural networks. These networks are trusted more than the humans to run things, since it is people who have made such a mess of everything, engrained inequality and wrecked the environment. At times the technology, it detail, its application and ubiquity, becomes so claustrophobic, so controlling that we might envy the ‘zeroes’, the people who no longer exist as far as the neural networks are concerned. How much easier to just give up, opt out. It is the power of this work that shows that it is the logic of the world, its relentlessness, that pushes Beth and Naomi to fighting back. This fight back is not that of the action hero or cyberpunk rebel, but rather the genuine heroism of ordinary people who won’t just be rolled over, whose jeopardy is painful, whose love and joy is brittle. The fact that the future that Oram creates is so authentic makes this disturbingly effective.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE ARE NOT ANONYMOUS takes place in a technology controlled future that feels almost too real, with AI and loss of humanity in government reigns supreme. The setting is wild- a world feels like it's been stripped of humanity and pushes unrealistic expectations upon individuals, forged from climate change, controlled by technology, and void of realistic understanding and expectations. It was fascinating to read how the characters responded to this world and without giving too much away, I found it quite inspiring for myself and my relationship with future tech.

That being said, there is interesting future tech written in this book and it was really fascinating to see the different technology that exists in this world, which made it feel like classic sci-fi.  The story has really great character development, with a story told between different POVs. Beth and Naomi are really two incredible women that I enjoyed getting to know more. The character development felt real in this futuristic society through the lens of a resistance which feels more relevant than ever, especially during the more terrifying moments of this story. The book explores and made me think of what it means to be human in our world, especially with family, parenthood, and chosen family. I reflected quite a bit on my own use of technology and how I should manage technology use for my own child. 

Stephen Oram's writing reflects his passion for how humans interact with technology and the warning as to what could happen in a future that is not too far from ours. WE ARE NOT ANONYMOUS can lead to a great discussion about the current political climate, humans use of tech, and the implications of tech owning our future, especially when certain people are in control. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys dystopian, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, thrillers, and social commentary.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this dystopian novel felt very timely given the current discussions about AI and fears about its role in society. We Are Not Anonymous deals with a near future England where Artificial Neural Networks have taken over running corporations and not to the betterment of humanity. England has been split into different nations. There’s now three, Wessex, England and New Albion. The story takes place in England and New Albion.

Naomi and Beth are the main characters of the novel and although more of the story is told from Beth’s viewpoint. Naomi recruits Beth to the movement and they become key to fighting the system. I did like that the main characters were female and were at the centre of the resistance movement, Resist and Regain.

One of the things that most amazed me was that women no longer gave birth in the traditional way. I would have liked to find out more about how that came about.

There’s some interesting technology in the story. For example, the globules which are mobile smartphones but shaped like orbs, and the nanodust that can form and reform into different objects like chairs and owls.

For a story set in the near future, I felt it had quite a Dickensian feel probably because of the large number of orphans and the disturbing fates of most of them. This is not a society for the have nots.

I thought the story started a little slowly but got more and more interesting as it went on.
It’s a very thought provoking and very interesting novel.

[rina dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We Are Not Anoymous is part Scifi part thriller and packed with adventure and action throughout. Even though I wasn't sure what to expect, I raced through this one and couldn't put it down.

Set in the near future in a climate flooded England divided into three countries the race is on to stop Kai the leader of the tech elite controlling the government and accelerating evolution by experimenting on children.

Naomi is a massive part of the resist and regain movement, an activist group on a mission for a more transparent and fairer world. When she meets Beth at a protest, she recruits her, but how much suffering is Beth prepared for her family to endure in the name of her activism, and can they stop narcissist Kai in time?

Razor sharp, this novel is packed with such a thought-provoking plot, which seems timely, especially with AI and technology in the limelight. The level of control we see this government take is quite horrifying, especially when it comes to children and the reproductive rights of women. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this book, and it definitely made me consider my children's future.

I loved the relationship between Naomi and Beth and even the found family aspect between Gerry and Morgan, although I did feel slightly confused about the relationship between them all at times, it was great to see how passionate they were for the cause.

I've not read anything like this before, and although it was slightly out of my comfort zone, I would definitely pick up more books by Stephen Oram in the future.

It's clever, original, and absolutely fascinating. I love being part of the book community because it gives me the opportunity to read and review books I wouldn't necessarily pick up.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are not Anonymous ny Stephen Oram is a dystopian fiction that could be something that happens in the near future in the UK. I would agree it could happen worldwide but my country, the US, is on a sharp turnaround and we are moving in the right direction again in my opinion. In this book society continues to rely a lot on AI, which they currently do. England is split into 3 different nations called Wessex, England, and New Albion. We see the story predominately taking place in the England and New Albion nations. There are several activist groups mentioned in this book also.
Beth and Naomi are our well written MC's and they are trying to do the right thing even when they and their families and people that they know can be at risk. Beth sees something she shouldn't have seen and now must make that tough judgment of should she do anything about it.
Casters are mentioned a lot in this book and they are journalists in the future who go and see things that no one else sees so they can report to the masses. To me it is similar to another brilliant piece of writing called 1984 that was another what could happen in the future if we are not careful book. And if we let AI take over the corporations for all of humanity to be soo much better in the future. The premise of the book is very real world, could happen and this was an interesting and engaging read about what we have to possibly look forward to in the future if we are not careful as the human race. It was a great read!

[Keeva Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got gifted this by Stephen Oram and Love Book Tours on Instagram - to provide an honest review.

***SPOILERS INCLUDED***


3⭐

I'm not sure what to make of this book.. I felt the time jumps were confusing, didn't know where we were or how long passed. I didn't enjoy the acronyms I felt it was quite lazy writing at times, I get it, maybe the very odd time if there is dialogue, that's realistic, but not in the actual body of text through the book.

I felt Beth and Naomi's relationship was confusing, did Naomi like her or not, because one minute she doesn't want anything from Beth but then she ends up kissing Beth, on many occasions ? and what about poor Tam ?!

I felt Robyn was just left out completely, and definitely forgotten, I just don't understand how she just faked her own death so easily with no consideration for her family, like she could have at least informed them of the plan.

----

Although, I did enjoy the characters, and the 'sticking it to the man', as it were. i liked the idea of casting and enjoyed how they called Kai out in that way.

The best storyline was trying to show the child exploitation that Kai engineered, and trying to show the world the truth, it made me angry and love when a book incites a reaction in me.

I just think overall, it needed better planning, it was all over the place at times and didn't keep me wanting to read more as a result. I felt 3 stars is very generous.. I'm sorry 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a little while to fully get into - it's one of those genres that I tend to shy away from, but then whenever I do take a chance and expand my reading - I absolutely love them!

This was one of those times.

 

Once I'd grasped the concept and eased into the new setting, this had me hooked from the to the end.

 

I actually found this really unsettling and difficult to read in places - it felt so authentic and rather than being a completely dystopian future, I felt that this world could not be to far into our future, if we carry on the way we're going!

 

Feeling this realistic, it really put me on edge and had me totally immersed, desperate to find out how everything would play out for both Kai and his followers and also for Beth and Naomi and their group.

 

This certainly gives us a lot to think about and in this current climate, I think we're all trying to make improvements where we can.

It was interesting to see the projections in terms of AI and technology and it highlighted the greed and determination of thise who wanted advancement at all costs!

 

This was so well written, I was gripped and reached the ending having to once again re-think my reluctance to often read this genre.

When I spend time after finishing, mulling over the concepts and ideas - and the characters - it really shows how much I took from this read.

[Cathy Pike · Rating 3 out of 5]

my review is actually 3.5 stars but Goodreads doesn't allow for half stars.

This is a near future dystopian story set in an England that has been split into 3 new countries. We have the tech-elite who use cutting edge technology to control the masses, and we have a number of activist groups fighting for the down trodden. The main group is Resist and Regain (R&R), who are trying to prove that the tech-elite are not as altruistic as they seem.

We follow Beth who is a caster, which is like an influencer, Naomi who is a prominent member of R&R, Tam who is a hacker, George & Morgan who are also prominent members of R&R, and finally Kai, who is the face of the tech-elite.

I enjoyed this book, it’s easy to see how we could be heading towards this type of future, particularly given current circumstances happening around the world. There were some really interesting ideas for future tech that would be great, but some not so much! The writing style is good and overall I found it enjoyable, for me it was a bit slow in places, but that’s just my personal preference, I’m impatient, rather than anything to do with the story itself.

Overall it was a good book and I would recommend, particularly to sci-fi / dystopian fans.

[violencedarling · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Are Not Anonymous by Stephen Oram is set in a fractured England of the near future. An England now split into three nations, where tech elites govern with slick promises and dark intentions.

We Are Not Anonymous pulls you into a chillingly plausible fight for justice. This story follows a bold journalist, known as a caster, named Beth and Naomi, a relentless activist. They are two fierce women from the Resist and Regain movement and they aren’t just up against a corrupt system—they’re facing Kai, a messianic figure whose charm hides brutal truths: child experimentation, mass manipulation, and the quiet erosion of free will.

As part of the Resist and Regain movement, Beth and Naomi risk everything for transparency and equality. But with every step forward, Beth is forced to weigh the cost of her rebellion especially when it begins to fracture her family.

Stephen Oram delivers a sharp, thought provoking read that blends political commentary, emotional stakes, and a hauntingly real future. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when tech goes unchecked this book is your warning.

In a world where tech promises progress but delivers control, We Are Not Anonymous dares to ask: what would you sacrifice for truth?

[Robin Riback · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers the reader a glimpse into a fascinating and frightening future where digital data controls everything and everyone. Heros, Beth and Naomi are in a race to fight for humanity in a world where people are governed by computer algorithms that take away personal freedom.

Oram’s vision of future technology is delightful! The author takes today’s innovations to the next level. Imagine a world where body implants, sensory tattoos, and water balloon-like smart phones are the norm. But also try to envision a society where “you” are your data and your data is at the ready for AI authorities to approve or cancel your existence.

I highly recommend Stephen Oram’s thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking book. It will transport those who enjoy science fiction, hard science fiction, near fiction, fantasy, and computer science.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Are Not Anonymous is near future, dystopian sci-fi at It's most authentic.

Set in England, the country has been divided into three due to climate change flooding, we follow Beth and Naomi, part of a resistance movement, they must oppose Kai, the leader of the elite, who's view for the people leaves much to be desired for the majority of the population.

But can the movement withstand and hold out? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.

So all in all, a great mix of futurism and coming-of-age, with a thought-provoking, intelligent storyline that moves along at a nice, speedy pace.

The premise is certainly very much believable, and it's alarming to think that something like this could feasibly happen.

Instead of reusing old ideas, for me, the author has managed to create a theme and story that feels fresh and new.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Gail Pocock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a real possible near future dystopian story set in a new version of England having been split into 3 new countries! So many elements of this new England felt entirely possible which is almost worrying & I felt like I was reading non-fiction of the future in parts! Some of these ideas would actually be pretty good though I reckon! (I mean I wouldn't complain about the redistribution of wealth ) but in the same breath some of them would be a big no no &
I would say check any TW's before reading this as it does explore some disturbing themes (child exploitation, abuse, government control, experimentation & poverty).
The characters are written very well & they really showcase their inner strength & fight for what's right.
I would recommend this one for any sci-fi / near future dystopian fans! But do check any TW's!

[Mark Kirkbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

With shades of Zamyatin's We in the title, Stephen Oram’s We Are Not Anonymous is likewise a fully realised society (or, without giving too much away, societies) with carefully thought out and thoroughly consistent technologies. How this world works, and where it doesn't, is this novel's central focus. As with the best sf, the novel’s concerns are our concerns pitched forwards into the future. Featuring a vote as consequential as Brexit and a terrifyingly topical baddie, we follow both Beth and Naomi as they chart this treacherous world and fight its excesses in a contest that, in Beth’s case, becomes personal, for what the characters ultimately fight for means this novel packs a powerful emotional punch.

[Sam Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes We Are Not Anonymous such an intriguing read is how realistic the future presented is.
We Are Not Anonymous is relatively fast paced, full of action (although I will say it took me a little while to get into the book!), interesting characters and realistic world building.
It is equal parts fascinating and horrifying. Horrifying in how it makes you think about where the world is currently with AI and technology. Horrifying in all the parallels that can be drawn between the world as it is and the world depicted in the book.
I don’t want to give much away, so I will leave you all with it is worth reading this sci fi, dystopian thriller, that is led by some bada** women, great found family and a unique and captivating storyline.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cross between a dystopian and science fiction novel set in the not so distant future but the country is pretty unrecognisable. All the technology was really interesting to read about and I could definitely see some of it becoming things that come about in the years to come.

I found the timeline jumped a bit and at times I didn’t realise we had jumped months/years ahead but it didn’t take long to get my head around that.

It really made me think about how quick we are to accept and rely on new technology and would we even notice if technology started controlling humans or becoming detrimental to us - would it be too late?

For science fiction lovers and anyone who want to read something that gets you thinking this is the book for you!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect mix of dystopian, science fiction and world building, We are not anonymous is set in a near future, climate flooded England which has been divided up into 3 countries. We follow the main female character's POV
Beth as she is recruited into the resistance movement Resist & Regain by Naomi, as they try to take down the head of Neural Path, Kai who is controlling the government and aiding child experimentation. Beth is a caster which is just like our journalists, she uncovers some horrific truths of what's exactly been going on.
This was a fast paced book, where I was hooked in from the start. Stephen Oram's writing style was incredibly clever and also quite eye openly scary, to what could be.... Highly recommend for sci-fi lovers!

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was well-written, and addressed some interesting political ideas. The way the government system worked was intriguing, and I would have loved to have learned more about it. As the story developed, I found the way one of the political "parties" (the Locals) worked was a delightfully dystopian concept.

I felt like the plot lost me a bit in places, and there were some things that I just didn't really get, like the relationship between Tam and Beth - I felt that I was told a lot more than I was shown.

Alex's story was definitely the part that engaged me most, and I enjoyed the bits that described his experiences. I also really appreciated the ace representation in this book - not something you see that often!

[Craig Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The future is always sooner and stranger than you think’ – Reid Hoffman

Although some of Stephen Oram’s envisioned tech in his near future dystopian world pushes the boundaries, its credibility stems from the ease with which it can be extrapolated from devices and apps we use today.
In an England now divided into three nations and threatened by rising flood waters, (the book’s only manifest nod to the effects of climate change), Beth, a caster seeking to establish her reputation by breaking a viral story, teams up with Naomi, a hard-headed Resist and Regain activist. Despite the peril of jeopardising personal relationships, the women are increasingly intent on undermining the tech elite, who aside from exploiting children at every turn, are proliferating their stranglehold on the daily lives of communities through developing big data AI models which have superseded human governments, set policy and determine the rules by which citizens must abide. Anyone daring to challenge is summarily dealt with by the Bot Police and their ubiquitous drones, and runs the risk of being ‘zeroed’, their very existence nullified.
The crux of the story is that in a tech enabled but technocrat threatened world (and that has never felt more real than in recent weeks), to what extent should we humans cede power to AI? How do we discern the fine line where support transmutes into domination? Is the tech we use for the benefit of the many or is it insidiously aiding the few who maintain ruthless control of its development? Oram fuses the tech with themes of democracy, politics, human rights and data privacy, challenging us to consider who is wielding the power and vitally, who should be.
The underlying good versus evil plot is not new, and the ending is therefore somewhat predictable, but the journey to the denouement, if a little erratic at times, is nevertheless peppered with thought-provoking moments.
I came for the story but stayed for the disturbingly confronting critique of our current technical evolution and its future trajectory.

[Alfred Nobile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dystopiaen novel set in the nenar future. Very near with the onset of AI. Very tense and dark. Recommended

[Runalong · Rating 3 out of 5]

An SF novel of ideas exploring potential future for us

Full review https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...