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Ava
For fans of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale comes Ava, a provocative blend of speculative fiction and social commentary that takes readers on a gripping, thought-provoking journey into the fight for women’s autonomy in a politically charged Southern landscape.
What if the only way to reclaim reproductive freedom was to rewrite the very nature of birth itself?
Ten years after Roe v. Wade is overturned, twenty-two-year-old biologist Larkin finds herself unexpectedly pregnant in a country where choice is no longer an option. Initially uncertain, she embraces motherhood—until a devastating diagnosis changes everything. Trapped by Tennessee’s strict abortion laws, she is forced to carry her baby to term, only to endure the heartbreak of losing her hours after birth.
Years later, Larkin joins a radical scientific movement that could change a groundbreaking technology that replaces gestation with incubation, allowing women true control over their reproduction. When she uses it to bring her second daughter, Ava, into the world, she believes she has finally reclaimed her autonomy. But as Ava grows and begins to question the very choice that created her, Larkin is challenged in ways she never imagined.
Ava is a powerful, emotionally charged exploration of motherhood, bodily autonomy, and the far-reaching consequences of restrictive legislation. In a future shaped by loss and innovation, mother and daughter must confront the ultimate what does it truly mean to have a choice?
What if the only way to reclaim reproductive freedom was to rewrite the very nature of birth itself?
Ten years after Roe v. Wade is overturned, twenty-two-year-old biologist Larkin finds herself unexpectedly pregnant in a country where choice is no longer an option. Initially uncertain, she embraces motherhood—until a devastating diagnosis changes everything. Trapped by Tennessee’s strict abortion laws, she is forced to carry her baby to term, only to endure the heartbreak of losing her hours after birth.
Years later, Larkin joins a radical scientific movement that could change a groundbreaking technology that replaces gestation with incubation, allowing women true control over their reproduction. When she uses it to bring her second daughter, Ava, into the world, she believes she has finally reclaimed her autonomy. But as Ava grows and begins to question the very choice that created her, Larkin is challenged in ways she never imagined.
Ava is a powerful, emotionally charged exploration of motherhood, bodily autonomy, and the far-reaching consequences of restrictive legislation. In a future shaped by loss and innovation, mother and daughter must confront the ultimate what does it truly mean to have a choice?
238 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm rethinking my DNF rule. And ARCs. And my own literacy.
The book's message is important. Autonomy. Reproductive rights. Ethics. The whole dystopia we're speedrunning toward like it's an Olympic sport. It all matters. I'm on board.
But the execution feels like we're being punished. Like the author looked me in the eye and said, "You did this. This is all your fault."
I completely agree with the message. And anyone picking up this book will also agree that policing women's reproductive rights is a shitty thing to do. So, who is this for?? Who is being convinced??
This book crawls. Every sentence is a lecture.
And the dialogue… oh shit, the dialogue.
The characters talk like they're keynote speakers at some scientific conference. Barely anyone uses contractions. They speak like they’re drafting legally binding documents at gunpoint.
These scientists over-explain everything to each other. "I am doing this because blah blah... This happens because yada yada..." I know it's for the reader’s benefit, but it's just SO slow. And unnatural. I can't read another 8 page conversation about supernumerary nipples. I just can't!
Just say yes! Like when someone asks how you are, and even though your world is falling apart you just say “fine, you?” But no. Then:
Insensitive to what? To whom? A sandwich?
Then there’s Larkin meeting Susan, her brand new boss, who in the middle of showing her to her desk 3 minutes after starting, casually recounts every miscarriage she’s ever had. Well, not casually, because no one speaks casually, but you get my point. Coffee first? Small talk first? Ma’am, can she SIT DOWN FIRST???
These are absolutely important discussions we need to have. They shouldn't be taboo. But it's like no one involved has ever interacted with real humans.
And the intense oversharing never stops.
It unlocked war flashbacks to that one time I started a job and the man giving me the tour gave me a vivid recount of his diverticulitis, UNPROMPTED. Dude. I don't even know where the break room is yet. Why do I know this about your colon.
One thing that broke my brain is the book screaming “policing women’s bodies is bad” while also casually going, “let’s force girls to undergo massive, life-altering bodily changes without their consent.”
For a book that will not shut up about the importance of choice, it’s doing a truly spectacular job of ignoring it when it’s inconvenient.
And the writing itself is somehow both aggressively formal and weirdly juvenile. A lot of she did this, she said that, she thought this, she went there.
And then there's the formatting.
A disaster.
Sentences collapsing into gibberish, letters replaced with symbols, lines like:
"!e stranger yeled to her as the ra, but the surround chaos mu$ed their voice."
I didn't sign up to decode ancient runes.
Idk if Dillon's experimenting with chaos theory or if this is a production error or my copy got corrupted, but I just can't.
The subject matter is really important. Dillon imagines a near-future America in a way that's a bit too plausible, but everything else (the pacing, stiff dialogue, over-explaining, weird character interactions, formatting) made it impossible for me to fully engage.
I wish I were an egg so someone could throw me at the author.
ARC received from She Writes Press. What did I ever do to you? 😭😭😭
The book's message is important. Autonomy. Reproductive rights. Ethics. The whole dystopia we're speedrunning toward like it's an Olympic sport. It all matters. I'm on board.
But the execution feels like we're being punished. Like the author looked me in the eye and said, "You did this. This is all your fault."
I completely agree with the message. And anyone picking up this book will also agree that policing women's reproductive rights is a shitty thing to do. So, who is this for?? Who is being convinced??
This book crawls. Every sentence is a lecture.
And the dialogue… oh shit, the dialogue.
The characters talk like they're keynote speakers at some scientific conference. Barely anyone uses contractions. They speak like they’re drafting legally binding documents at gunpoint.
These scientists over-explain everything to each other. "I am doing this because blah blah... This happens because yada yada..." I know it's for the reader’s benefit, but it's just SO slow. And unnatural. I can't read another 8 page conversation about supernumerary nipples. I just can't!
“Have a good lunch?”
“No. I wasn’t really hungry.”
Just say yes! Like when someone asks how you are, and even though your world is falling apart you just say “fine, you?” But no. Then:
“Oh, I am so sorry. I was being insensitive!”
Insensitive to what? To whom? A sandwich?
Then there’s Larkin meeting Susan, her brand new boss, who in the middle of showing her to her desk 3 minutes after starting, casually recounts every miscarriage she’s ever had. Well, not casually, because no one speaks casually, but you get my point. Coffee first? Small talk first? Ma’am, can she SIT DOWN FIRST???
These are absolutely important discussions we need to have. They shouldn't be taboo. But it's like no one involved has ever interacted with real humans.
And the intense oversharing never stops.
It unlocked war flashbacks to that one time I started a job and the man giving me the tour gave me a vivid recount of his diverticulitis, UNPROMPTED. Dude. I don't even know where the break room is yet. Why do I know this about your colon.
One thing that broke my brain is the book screaming “policing women’s bodies is bad” while also casually going, “let’s force girls to undergo massive, life-altering bodily changes without their consent.”
For a book that will not shut up about the importance of choice, it’s doing a truly spectacular job of ignoring it when it’s inconvenient.
And the writing itself is somehow both aggressively formal and weirdly juvenile. A lot of she did this, she said that, she thought this, she went there.
And then there's the formatting.
A disaster.
Sentences collapsing into gibberish, letters replaced with symbols, lines like:
"!e stranger yeled to her as the ra, but the surround chaos mu$ed their voice."
I didn't sign up to decode ancient runes.
Idk if Dillon's experimenting with chaos theory or if this is a production error or my copy got corrupted, but I just can't.
The subject matter is really important. Dillon imagines a near-future America in a way that's a bit too plausible, but everything else (the pacing, stiff dialogue, over-explaining, weird character interactions, formatting) made it impossible for me to fully engage.
I wish I were an egg so someone could throw me at the author.
ARC received from She Writes Press. What did I ever do to you? 😭😭😭
January 11, 2026
Thought provoking and an out of the box way of looking at reproduction!
February 7, 2026
4.5 stars. This book was incredible. I am so glad I got to read this. The cover is perfect. Just, wow.
I want to write a more eloquent review but I have no words. I need to process this one. I’m worried about the future in America but thankful for those like the author for books like this.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
I want to write a more eloquent review but I have no words. I need to process this one. I’m worried about the future in America but thankful for those like the author for books like this.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Note: This review is much more spoilery than my typical review, so please read with caution. Thank you!
A poignant speculative novel that dives deep into women's reproductive rights and the state of contraceptive care in America today.
Larkin finds herself pregnant and abandoned by the government ten years after Roe v. Wade is overturned. Initially, she embraces motherhood with everything she has until she is informed that her child will not survive outside the womb. Devastated and unable to do anything about it, Larkin carries the child to term with all the mental anguish that comes with it. Years later, her boss, Dr. James Davis comes to her with an exciting proposition that will allow gestation to be replaced with incubation. Larkin then figureheads a radical movement that will allow women to take back their reproductive rights and give them the power to once again choose what to do with their bodies.
Just... Wow. It shocked me how much I needed a book like this. This book is certainly going to be a controversial one when the public gets its hands on it, but sometimes that's what the world needs. The fight for women's reproductive rights concerning contraception, abortion, and choosing what is best for their situation has been ramping up as of late, as is the fight for youth getting the healthcare they deserve without adult approval. Therefore, this is such an important book for the situations we are facing today.
This book is so important that it's truly going to be a challenge for me to describe it right. Before I dive into my deep analysis, I just want to say that this book can be extremely triggering to many readers. Pregnancy, losing a child, and having one's ability to choose taken away are all such hard things to cope with, so make sure to treat yourself with care first and foremost. This book is also extremely political and at times divisive, so make sure to take care of yourself. Also, it is going to be hard to discuss this plot without giving away some of it, because it is truly a rollercoaster.
I think the best way to start talking about this one is to start exploring it in segments. Part I of the book shows Larkin and Spencer's early lives as they go to school, get married, and get pregnant. Larkin is a scientist, which is something that is explored in great detail in this segment. I found it absolutely fascinating to learn more about how life develops and the similarities between different species embryos.
The latter section of Part I ends up being quite tragic and one of the hardest things I have ever read. Larkin and Spencer learn that their baby is incompatible to live longer than a few minutes after birth, but they exist in a futuristic America in which getting an abortion is illegal. It was so difficult to read about how much stress and torment this unfortunate situation added to Larkin and Spencer's lives. I was sobbing my eyes out pretty much the entire way through, and I grieve for those that are forced into situations such as this. Seriously, anyone who believes that abortions are evil should be forced to read the beginning of this book and see if they aren't crushed by it.
Part II focuses on the subject matter that the prologue and the cover promise. One of the main characters, Dr. James Davis, also has a bit of a traumatic past involving his mother, her reproductive health care, and medical negligence on her doctor's part. This inspired him to try to create a safer, less fatal way for humans to give birth. As the cover alludes to, he takes the laying eggs approach. I fear there are many reasons that this form of repopulating the human species is seriously unlikely, but the science behind it is absolutely fascinating and would certainly change our world at large.
Part III showcases young Ava coming to age and being the first human to ever produce an egg successfully. Seeing her grapple with her biological differences was an interesting study in human nature. The points brought up about her parents choosing this lifestyle for her against her will was also a great conversation starter about how much agency parents should have over their children's medical decisions. The ending of this book was so sweet my heart could barely handle it.
Hopefully I didn't just spoil the entire book, but man, it's difficult to talk about anything meaningful without giving some things away. There are so many things I could discuss about this one, but I'll try to reign it in a bit.
One thing that I absolutely ate up was the discussion that it presents about a parent's decision to do or not do certain things regarding their kid's medical history. There is a section in this book that talks about a fifteen- to sixteen-year-old girl wanting to go on birth control and get the HPV vaccine behind her parent's backs. She wanted to practice safer sex and get a vaccine that could potentially prevent her from getting a dangerous cancer in her future. She successfully acquired birth control before a law passes that prohibits youths under eighteen from seeing a doctor without a parent or guardian present but didn't receive the HPV vaccine in time. Her parents feared the vaccine would cause infertility, but in reality, it just opened her up for much scarier risks in the future.
The overall fight for reproductive rights in general was another obvious highlight of this novel. Many topics surrounding pregnancy, sex, and conceiving children are things that freak me out, though I recognize the gift these things are. Therefore, books such as this tend to freak me out, but I also love being more educated on these subjects; more knowledge gives me more power to make practical decisions.
It scares me that the government in America has been fighting so hard to make abortions illegal, because every person's circumstances are different and women deserve to be able to make such important decisions about their bodies. In Larkin's case, she had to carry a child to full-term even though it had an incurable developmental problem that meant the baby wouldn't survive in the outside world. So much turmoil is put on these women already, it is only fair that we let them put their baby to rest as soon as possible in the peacefulest way we can. Also, the financial burdens it puts on people can also be crushing, especially given the fact that they don't have a baby to bring home with them afterwards.
The sci-fi nature of this one hits really close to home but feels seriously impossible at the same time. People laying eggs and having to wear protective sunglasses to avoid ovulation seems really out there, but the government crackdown feels all too real. The fact that all forms of contraception are eventually banned before this book concludes is terrifying. Those against this ban would have to sneak in contraband condoms and birth control pills from Mexico like they were drugs, which is a terrifying thought. These things make everyday life simpler and better; I fear the main thing that banning contraception would really lead to is more illegal and unsafe abortions happening on the streets or in secret clinics.
The church's influence on contraception and sex practices is another thing I always find interesting to study. Many religions beg their followers to save their purity and not lie with anyone unless you are married. I feel this is a dying value in this day and age, but I found it an interesting thing to investigate. In this book, many people started restraining from sex again after contraceptive methods were made illegal. I think it's an interesting thought experiment to see how this would affect humanity's values as a whole.
In schools, it is still scarily common that the only form of sex ed that exists is a member of a church group or a singular nurse coming in and saying, "The only way to be truly safe is to abstain from having sexual intercourse in any form." Newsflash, this helps literally nobody. I thought it was really funny how Larkin used her knowledge of biology to make the people that came in and taught sex ed at her school to look extremely stupid. Seriously, public education needs more than teaching abstinence, because they're not stopping teens from having sex in any way, shape, or form. Also, people who flaunt their beliefs over others are just so uncool anyway. Larkin had this one roommate who literally did not understand how children are created due to programs such as these, so I also appreciate how the author backed her work up later in the story.
I fear I've already bared my soul too much and probably expressed one too many controversial opinion for my own good. I sort of felt like I was back in College Government debating my stance on critical issues in America. *awkward laughter* Anyway, just know that this book touches on so many important topics and hits you right in the feels as it does so. This is a book I'm sure I'll revisit again, as I'm certain it will read differently as more time passes and politics shift.
Overall, "Ava" was such a powerful novel. I wasn't expecting for this one to put me in a death grip and not let me go, but it certainly did. I sobbed, I laughed, my stomach turned with unease as I read about the horrors that the government was putting Larkin and her family through. This is such a great speculative novel that deep dives into reproductive care, medical negligence, contraception, parental agency, scientific discoveries, and so much more. I was absolutely touched and hope that this book finds all the right people. I hope Dillon keeps writing, because this book really packed a punch!
A poignant speculative novel that dives deep into women's reproductive rights and the state of contraceptive care in America today.
Larkin finds herself pregnant and abandoned by the government ten years after Roe v. Wade is overturned. Initially, she embraces motherhood with everything she has until she is informed that her child will not survive outside the womb. Devastated and unable to do anything about it, Larkin carries the child to term with all the mental anguish that comes with it. Years later, her boss, Dr. James Davis comes to her with an exciting proposition that will allow gestation to be replaced with incubation. Larkin then figureheads a radical movement that will allow women to take back their reproductive rights and give them the power to once again choose what to do with their bodies.
Just... Wow. It shocked me how much I needed a book like this. This book is certainly going to be a controversial one when the public gets its hands on it, but sometimes that's what the world needs. The fight for women's reproductive rights concerning contraception, abortion, and choosing what is best for their situation has been ramping up as of late, as is the fight for youth getting the healthcare they deserve without adult approval. Therefore, this is such an important book for the situations we are facing today.
This book is so important that it's truly going to be a challenge for me to describe it right. Before I dive into my deep analysis, I just want to say that this book can be extremely triggering to many readers. Pregnancy, losing a child, and having one's ability to choose taken away are all such hard things to cope with, so make sure to treat yourself with care first and foremost. This book is also extremely political and at times divisive, so make sure to take care of yourself. Also, it is going to be hard to discuss this plot without giving away some of it, because it is truly a rollercoaster.
I think the best way to start talking about this one is to start exploring it in segments. Part I of the book shows Larkin and Spencer's early lives as they go to school, get married, and get pregnant. Larkin is a scientist, which is something that is explored in great detail in this segment. I found it absolutely fascinating to learn more about how life develops and the similarities between different species embryos.
The latter section of Part I ends up being quite tragic and one of the hardest things I have ever read. Larkin and Spencer learn that their baby is incompatible to live longer than a few minutes after birth, but they exist in a futuristic America in which getting an abortion is illegal. It was so difficult to read about how much stress and torment this unfortunate situation added to Larkin and Spencer's lives. I was sobbing my eyes out pretty much the entire way through, and I grieve for those that are forced into situations such as this. Seriously, anyone who believes that abortions are evil should be forced to read the beginning of this book and see if they aren't crushed by it.
Part II focuses on the subject matter that the prologue and the cover promise. One of the main characters, Dr. James Davis, also has a bit of a traumatic past involving his mother, her reproductive health care, and medical negligence on her doctor's part. This inspired him to try to create a safer, less fatal way for humans to give birth. As the cover alludes to, he takes the laying eggs approach. I fear there are many reasons that this form of repopulating the human species is seriously unlikely, but the science behind it is absolutely fascinating and would certainly change our world at large.
Part III showcases young Ava coming to age and being the first human to ever produce an egg successfully. Seeing her grapple with her biological differences was an interesting study in human nature. The points brought up about her parents choosing this lifestyle for her against her will was also a great conversation starter about how much agency parents should have over their children's medical decisions. The ending of this book was so sweet my heart could barely handle it.
Hopefully I didn't just spoil the entire book, but man, it's difficult to talk about anything meaningful without giving some things away. There are so many things I could discuss about this one, but I'll try to reign it in a bit.
One thing that I absolutely ate up was the discussion that it presents about a parent's decision to do or not do certain things regarding their kid's medical history. There is a section in this book that talks about a fifteen- to sixteen-year-old girl wanting to go on birth control and get the HPV vaccine behind her parent's backs. She wanted to practice safer sex and get a vaccine that could potentially prevent her from getting a dangerous cancer in her future. She successfully acquired birth control before a law passes that prohibits youths under eighteen from seeing a doctor without a parent or guardian present but didn't receive the HPV vaccine in time. Her parents feared the vaccine would cause infertility, but in reality, it just opened her up for much scarier risks in the future.
The overall fight for reproductive rights in general was another obvious highlight of this novel. Many topics surrounding pregnancy, sex, and conceiving children are things that freak me out, though I recognize the gift these things are. Therefore, books such as this tend to freak me out, but I also love being more educated on these subjects; more knowledge gives me more power to make practical decisions.
It scares me that the government in America has been fighting so hard to make abortions illegal, because every person's circumstances are different and women deserve to be able to make such important decisions about their bodies. In Larkin's case, she had to carry a child to full-term even though it had an incurable developmental problem that meant the baby wouldn't survive in the outside world. So much turmoil is put on these women already, it is only fair that we let them put their baby to rest as soon as possible in the peacefulest way we can. Also, the financial burdens it puts on people can also be crushing, especially given the fact that they don't have a baby to bring home with them afterwards.
The sci-fi nature of this one hits really close to home but feels seriously impossible at the same time. People laying eggs and having to wear protective sunglasses to avoid ovulation seems really out there, but the government crackdown feels all too real. The fact that all forms of contraception are eventually banned before this book concludes is terrifying. Those against this ban would have to sneak in contraband condoms and birth control pills from Mexico like they were drugs, which is a terrifying thought. These things make everyday life simpler and better; I fear the main thing that banning contraception would really lead to is more illegal and unsafe abortions happening on the streets or in secret clinics.
The church's influence on contraception and sex practices is another thing I always find interesting to study. Many religions beg their followers to save their purity and not lie with anyone unless you are married. I feel this is a dying value in this day and age, but I found it an interesting thing to investigate. In this book, many people started restraining from sex again after contraceptive methods were made illegal. I think it's an interesting thought experiment to see how this would affect humanity's values as a whole.
In schools, it is still scarily common that the only form of sex ed that exists is a member of a church group or a singular nurse coming in and saying, "The only way to be truly safe is to abstain from having sexual intercourse in any form." Newsflash, this helps literally nobody. I thought it was really funny how Larkin used her knowledge of biology to make the people that came in and taught sex ed at her school to look extremely stupid. Seriously, public education needs more than teaching abstinence, because they're not stopping teens from having sex in any way, shape, or form. Also, people who flaunt their beliefs over others are just so uncool anyway. Larkin had this one roommate who literally did not understand how children are created due to programs such as these, so I also appreciate how the author backed her work up later in the story.
I fear I've already bared my soul too much and probably expressed one too many controversial opinion for my own good. I sort of felt like I was back in College Government debating my stance on critical issues in America. *awkward laughter* Anyway, just know that this book touches on so many important topics and hits you right in the feels as it does so. This is a book I'm sure I'll revisit again, as I'm certain it will read differently as more time passes and politics shift.
Overall, "Ava" was such a powerful novel. I wasn't expecting for this one to put me in a death grip and not let me go, but it certainly did. I sobbed, I laughed, my stomach turned with unease as I read about the horrors that the government was putting Larkin and her family through. This is such a great speculative novel that deep dives into reproductive care, medical negligence, contraception, parental agency, scientific discoveries, and so much more. I was absolutely touched and hope that this book finds all the right people. I hope Dillon keeps writing, because this book really packed a punch!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ava presents a bold premise: rewrite birth itself to restore autonomy after Roe v. Wade is overturned.
What This Book Does Well
The premise is undeniably compelling. The speculative technology at the heart of the story is internally consistent and plausibly constructed within the novel's framework. Even when the science felt technically dense, it enhanced the stakes and gave the world conceptual weight.
There are moments of real emotional force - particularly the aftermath of Larkin's pregnancy. Those scenes are gut-wrenching and difficult to read in the way that meaningful fiction sometimes is. Readers sensative to reproductive trauma should approach with care, but the emotional gravity of those sections is undeniable.
The novel is also unapologetically political and it is clearly written from a place of conviction.
Where It Fell Short For Me
The craft execution - particularly dialogue and character depth- was a real struggle for me. The dialogue consistently felt unnatural and overly declarative. Conversations often read as vehicles for advancing the political argument rather than organic exchanges between fully formed individuals. Even moments that could have been messy or emotionally complicated in very human ways were resolved through singular, simple conversations. That lack of messiness undercut what could have been rich interpersonal tension.
The story spans over fifty years, yet the only meaningful societal evolution we witness revolves around reproductive policy. Other aspects of the world feel static. As a result, the speculative setting never fully materializes beyond the central issue, which makes the futuristic elements feel narrower than the premise suggests.
Additionally, brief instances of head-hopping disrupted immersion. While not overly confusing, they felt unnecessary and pulled focus away from what could have been developed more organically within the primary point of view.
Craft and Writing Quality
On a sentence level, the prose is clear and readable. However, the structural choices (pacing in the first half, dialogue construction, and occasional POV shifts) create distance.
Thematically, the novel raises powerful questions around reproductive rights in the United States after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but the exploration often feels asserted rather than dramatized. Instead of fully inhabiting the emotional contradictions inherent in autonomy, motherhood, and scientific intervention, the narrative seemed to prioritize its message over narrative complexity.
Ironically, even as someone who agrees with the underlying political messaging of the story, I felt very aware that I was being told what to think rather than invited to wrestle with any ambiguity or simply be so engrossed in the story that I don't feel like I'm being lectured.
Final Thoughts & Opinions
I really wanted to like this book more than I ultimately did. I think it does raise some very important questions about the future of reproductive rights in the United States, but the strong concepts need equally strong character work to fully land. For me, the persistent dialogue issues and limited world expansion kept the story from reaching the potential I had hoped for. I was left wishing the narrative trusted its characters - and readers - enough to let the emotional complexity breathe.
My thanks to Netgalley, She Writes Press, and Victoria Dillon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Scoring Breakdown
Personal Enjoyment: 1.5/5
Overall Execution: 2/5
Craft & Writing Quality: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Plot: 4/5
What This Book Does Well
The premise is undeniably compelling. The speculative technology at the heart of the story is internally consistent and plausibly constructed within the novel's framework. Even when the science felt technically dense, it enhanced the stakes and gave the world conceptual weight.
There are moments of real emotional force - particularly the aftermath of Larkin's pregnancy. Those scenes are gut-wrenching and difficult to read in the way that meaningful fiction sometimes is. Readers sensative to reproductive trauma should approach with care, but the emotional gravity of those sections is undeniable.
The novel is also unapologetically political and it is clearly written from a place of conviction.
Where It Fell Short For Me
The craft execution - particularly dialogue and character depth- was a real struggle for me. The dialogue consistently felt unnatural and overly declarative. Conversations often read as vehicles for advancing the political argument rather than organic exchanges between fully formed individuals. Even moments that could have been messy or emotionally complicated in very human ways were resolved through singular, simple conversations. That lack of messiness undercut what could have been rich interpersonal tension.
The story spans over fifty years, yet the only meaningful societal evolution we witness revolves around reproductive policy. Other aspects of the world feel static. As a result, the speculative setting never fully materializes beyond the central issue, which makes the futuristic elements feel narrower than the premise suggests.
Additionally, brief instances of head-hopping disrupted immersion. While not overly confusing, they felt unnecessary and pulled focus away from what could have been developed more organically within the primary point of view.
Craft and Writing Quality
On a sentence level, the prose is clear and readable. However, the structural choices (pacing in the first half, dialogue construction, and occasional POV shifts) create distance.
Thematically, the novel raises powerful questions around reproductive rights in the United States after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but the exploration often feels asserted rather than dramatized. Instead of fully inhabiting the emotional contradictions inherent in autonomy, motherhood, and scientific intervention, the narrative seemed to prioritize its message over narrative complexity.
Ironically, even as someone who agrees with the underlying political messaging of the story, I felt very aware that I was being told what to think rather than invited to wrestle with any ambiguity or simply be so engrossed in the story that I don't feel like I'm being lectured.
Final Thoughts & Opinions
I really wanted to like this book more than I ultimately did. I think it does raise some very important questions about the future of reproductive rights in the United States, but the strong concepts need equally strong character work to fully land. For me, the persistent dialogue issues and limited world expansion kept the story from reaching the potential I had hoped for. I was left wishing the narrative trusted its characters - and readers - enough to let the emotional complexity breathe.
My thanks to Netgalley, She Writes Press, and Victoria Dillon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Scoring Breakdown
Personal Enjoyment: 1.5/5
Overall Execution: 2/5
Craft & Writing Quality: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Plot: 4/5
February 11, 2026
Positioned as being for fans of The Handmaid's Tale (they're alike only in that they address reproductive freedom), Ava tells the story of an America so messed up by "loving Christians" that scientists decide women should just lay eggs instead. As an English teacher who actively teaches dystopian literature--and increasingly has students saying things to the effect of "oh, you mean what's happening right now?"--I was excited to read it! While it ultimately wasn't for me, it's definitely for someone, and I was intrigued enough to stick with it to the end. It was a quick, easy-reading and timely book that I think poses some interesting questions.
The first half(ish) of the novel was an interesting overview of a USA that felt real not because of its detail, but because of how horrifyingly belivable and progressive the changes to reproductive freedoms were in light of the last decade or so. I was intrigued to see how far the country would fall before the egg of it all. Although my medical background is limited to prolific rewatches of Grey's Anatomy, the medical details felt like they were written by someone who knew what they were talking about, and the science end of things didn't feel implausible (I haven't taken a science course in almost two decades).
The back end of the novel is where I had issue--both with the ethics of (which isn't questioned more than with a scene and a couple offhanded lines) and as the issues with the style of the novel became more pronounced. Dillon seems to have considered a great deal about what's happening in the US right now and how women could take back reproducive freedom, but there is little nuance in how this is explored--a lot of telling rather than showing, and too much preaching for my tastes (if you're picking up this book, you probably agree that restrictions on reproductive freedom are bad and don't need this to be spelled out so explicitly in the text). This comes at the expense of character-building; I genuinely didn't care if any of them lived, died, or hatched from eggs.
(Actually, I did momentarily care about Ava, the teenager who had to , but that was more because of genuine horror than actual character development)
Ultimately, Ava was an interesting thought experiement, but felt like the message took priority over the storytelling. To be brutally honest,
The first half(ish) of the novel was an interesting overview of a USA that felt real not because of its detail, but because of how horrifyingly belivable and progressive the changes to reproductive freedoms were in light of the last decade or so. I was intrigued to see how far the country would fall before the egg of it all. Although my medical background is limited to prolific rewatches of Grey's Anatomy, the medical details felt like they were written by someone who knew what they were talking about, and the science end of things didn't feel implausible (I haven't taken a science course in almost two decades).
The back end of the novel is where I had issue--both with the ethics of (which isn't questioned more than with a scene and a couple offhanded lines) and as the issues with the style of the novel became more pronounced. Dillon seems to have considered a great deal about what's happening in the US right now and how women could take back reproducive freedom, but there is little nuance in how this is explored--a lot of telling rather than showing, and too much preaching for my tastes (if you're picking up this book, you probably agree that restrictions on reproductive freedom are bad and don't need this to be spelled out so explicitly in the text). This comes at the expense of character-building; I genuinely didn't care if any of them lived, died, or hatched from eggs.
(Actually, I did momentarily care about Ava, the teenager who had to , but that was more because of genuine horror than actual character development)
Ultimately, Ava was an interesting thought experiement, but felt like the message took priority over the storytelling. To be brutally honest,
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a person who grew up in an era of unprecedented medical advances, I have long been troubled by Capital-M Medicine’s tendency to proclaim “we can DO this!” without adding the codicil “…but should we?”
Victoria Dillon’s near-future speculative novel, Ava, drops us square in the middle of this conundrum, at the dawn of an era where the boogeyman of test-tube babies seems as quaint as the distrust of the horseless carriage. What Dillon’s barrier-breaking scientist gives the world is a complete renovation in human reproduction, developed through human genome editing that leapfrogs a billion years of evolution and takes off in entirely new direction.
It’s all driven, as so many medical advances are, by good intentions. In a world where women’s freedom of reproductive choice has been arbitrarily removed by the state, one researcher with a pregnancy-related family tragedy strives to save mothers and babies by returning family-planning choices to the family. His solution is radical, to say the least. How it plays out through two generations forms the heart of this deceptively simple tale.
Dillon is an adequate wordsmith, though she relies perhaps over-heavily on soap-opera-ish coincidences in the lives of the players, which drive them individually into making the decisions that shape not only their own lives but, literally, the future of the species. Her hypothesis is built within the established framework of science fiction, by presenting that which is true and extending it just beyond the horizon of probability.
It’s an interesting idea, but there is a shadow across the work that the author touches upon but never really comes to grips with. Her characters have a few pages of shock and horror and anger, and then quickly decide everything is going to be just peachy. But it isn’t. Because this emancipating process involves human genome editing, it must be performed, in vivo or in vitro, on a woman’s eggs prior to conception. And since it alters the genetic makeup of the offspring, the change will be passed down to all subsequent generations. The egg donor, as a consenting adult, makes the decision, but the ultimate impact is not on her. Morally, is there a difference between a legislator controlling a woman’s reproductive rights, and a woman choosing to create offspring who will be considered freaks and monsters for generations to come?
This is a thought-provoking and ultimately disturbing little novel that wants to tackle our post-Dodd world of diminished bodily autonomy, but instead proposes an alternative with profoundly unsettling possibilities. And that, my friends, is the reason you ought to read it.
Victoria Dillon’s near-future speculative novel, Ava, drops us square in the middle of this conundrum, at the dawn of an era where the boogeyman of test-tube babies seems as quaint as the distrust of the horseless carriage. What Dillon’s barrier-breaking scientist gives the world is a complete renovation in human reproduction, developed through human genome editing that leapfrogs a billion years of evolution and takes off in entirely new direction.
It’s all driven, as so many medical advances are, by good intentions. In a world where women’s freedom of reproductive choice has been arbitrarily removed by the state, one researcher with a pregnancy-related family tragedy strives to save mothers and babies by returning family-planning choices to the family. His solution is radical, to say the least. How it plays out through two generations forms the heart of this deceptively simple tale.
Dillon is an adequate wordsmith, though she relies perhaps over-heavily on soap-opera-ish coincidences in the lives of the players, which drive them individually into making the decisions that shape not only their own lives but, literally, the future of the species. Her hypothesis is built within the established framework of science fiction, by presenting that which is true and extending it just beyond the horizon of probability.
It’s an interesting idea, but there is a shadow across the work that the author touches upon but never really comes to grips with. Her characters have a few pages of shock and horror and anger, and then quickly decide everything is going to be just peachy. But it isn’t. Because this emancipating process involves human genome editing, it must be performed, in vivo or in vitro, on a woman’s eggs prior to conception. And since it alters the genetic makeup of the offspring, the change will be passed down to all subsequent generations. The egg donor, as a consenting adult, makes the decision, but the ultimate impact is not on her. Morally, is there a difference between a legislator controlling a woman’s reproductive rights, and a woman choosing to create offspring who will be considered freaks and monsters for generations to come?
This is a thought-provoking and ultimately disturbing little novel that wants to tackle our post-Dodd world of diminished bodily autonomy, but instead proposes an alternative with profoundly unsettling possibilities. And that, my friends, is the reason you ought to read it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a powerful science fiction novel, served by hard science and made possible by backwards politics.
We are truly living through uncertain times, horrifying times even.
Reproductive rights are attacked. In many US states, abortion is now banned. Contraception is next. Women are dying because they cannot get the care they need - obstetricians have their hands tied, they are waiting for lawyers to validate that the woman is close enough to dying to justify an abortion.
And for all those who think that the solution, if an abortion is needed to save your own life, is to travel to another state... In those cases, you simply can't. A pregnant woman going through sepsis cannot board a plane to get care elsewhere, she simply dies.
In Ava, a team of scientists decides to work around the lack of reproductive rights. They find a way for women to lay eggs instead, which means no more uterus, no more pregnancy complications, and no more abortions. Of course, right wing groups find the idea horrifying and like proper pro life people, they send death threats to everyone involved in this project.
This book felt very scary at times, and I really wondered how the author would find a way for all this to end well. I truly connected with the characters and also liked the science part - well documented without becoming so complicated that you would have to be a biologist to enjoy the novel. Some parts felt a little bit rushed, but I forgive the author because the rest was so good.
Ava would be a great choice for teenagers. Many topics are explored here, from the ethics of biohacking (is it ever defendable to alter the genome of anyone before they can consent) to reproductive rights. Victoria Dillon also raises other hot topics such as surrogacy, sex education, and the racial bias in obstetrics. It would be a mistake to only make women (and girls) read the novel. Reproductive rights are important for everyone, especially when they are under attack.
Thank you NetGalley, She Writes Press and Victoria Dillon for providing me with this book. I truly enjoyed it, especially since those topics are dear to me (I unfortunately have an incompetent cervix and it is the first time I see my condition represented in fiction). 5 well-deserved stars, and thank you for trusting me with an prepublication copy.
We are truly living through uncertain times, horrifying times even.
Reproductive rights are attacked. In many US states, abortion is now banned. Contraception is next. Women are dying because they cannot get the care they need - obstetricians have their hands tied, they are waiting for lawyers to validate that the woman is close enough to dying to justify an abortion.
And for all those who think that the solution, if an abortion is needed to save your own life, is to travel to another state... In those cases, you simply can't. A pregnant woman going through sepsis cannot board a plane to get care elsewhere, she simply dies.
In Ava, a team of scientists decides to work around the lack of reproductive rights. They find a way for women to lay eggs instead, which means no more uterus, no more pregnancy complications, and no more abortions. Of course, right wing groups find the idea horrifying and like proper pro life people, they send death threats to everyone involved in this project.
This book felt very scary at times, and I really wondered how the author would find a way for all this to end well. I truly connected with the characters and also liked the science part - well documented without becoming so complicated that you would have to be a biologist to enjoy the novel. Some parts felt a little bit rushed, but I forgive the author because the rest was so good.
Ava would be a great choice for teenagers. Many topics are explored here, from the ethics of biohacking (is it ever defendable to alter the genome of anyone before they can consent) to reproductive rights. Victoria Dillon also raises other hot topics such as surrogacy, sex education, and the racial bias in obstetrics. It would be a mistake to only make women (and girls) read the novel. Reproductive rights are important for everyone, especially when they are under attack.
Thank you NetGalley, She Writes Press and Victoria Dillon for providing me with this book. I truly enjoyed it, especially since those topics are dear to me (I unfortunately have an incompetent cervix and it is the first time I see my condition represented in fiction). 5 well-deserved stars, and thank you for trusting me with an prepublication copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ava: A Novel by Victoria Dillon explores a fascinating idea: changing the very nature of human reproduction and birth through gene splicing. The science behind that science fiction seems plausible, with lots of medical details for people who may be interested in them. The dialogue is realistic, the prose is accessible and engaging, and the quality is high with no errors found. Some of the scenes are touching, some are humorous, and several are are gut-wrenching. Although the plot is rather predictable, there’s a lot to like about this short novel.
However, I rated this novel as I did because I think there’s a couple of HUGE problems with the story. The first two-thirds of the book isn’t science fiction, but rather tells the story of a young couple in Tennessee in the near future who deal with a heartbreaking pregnancy and childbirth. In this future, abortion and even birth control are banned by most states, and eventually nationwide. In this part of the book, the author advocates for reproductive freedom for women. That isn’t the problem; science fiction stories often take a particular POV on social issues. The problem, in my opinion, is that in the rest of the story, Dillion throws this important idea of freedom of choice completely out the window, as girls are forced to undergo a radical change to their physiology without their knowledge or consent. What’s more, science and medical ethics are tossed out the same window. There’s very little mention or discussion about either of these issues; it’s more like, “Oh, yeah, what we’re doing here is unethical, maybe even illegal. Okee doke.” I think more consideration for these very important concerns was warranted in a book that emphasizes freedom of choice as much as it does.
NOTE: I think the book's content is suitable for Young Adult (12-18) readers and up, but be aware there are a few expletives. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
However, I rated this novel as I did because I think there’s a couple of HUGE problems with the story. The first two-thirds of the book isn’t science fiction, but rather tells the story of a young couple in Tennessee in the near future who deal with a heartbreaking pregnancy and childbirth. In this future, abortion and even birth control are banned by most states, and eventually nationwide. In this part of the book, the author advocates for reproductive freedom for women. That isn’t the problem; science fiction stories often take a particular POV on social issues. The problem, in my opinion, is that in the rest of the story, Dillion throws this important idea of freedom of choice completely out the window, as girls are forced to undergo a radical change to their physiology without their knowledge or consent. What’s more, science and medical ethics are tossed out the same window. There’s very little mention or discussion about either of these issues; it’s more like, “Oh, yeah, what we’re doing here is unethical, maybe even illegal. Okee doke.” I think more consideration for these very important concerns was warranted in a book that emphasizes freedom of choice as much as it does.
NOTE: I think the book's content is suitable for Young Adult (12-18) readers and up, but be aware there are a few expletives. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
Speculative, disturbing, fiction, political and disparate; these are the words that come to mind after reading AVA, by Victoria Dillon.
It’s been three weeks since I finished reading this book. At first I was too frustrated to write a review and then I tried to forget about it - successfully so. Fortunately, my backup review system worked and here we are with far clearer thinking and less emoting about this important topic.
Reproductive rights and freedom for women is supposed to be the primary theme of AVA. IMO, it gets lost in too much scientific minutiae for 2/3 of the story and political preaching for the remainder.
Larkin finds a position working for a doctor who is singularly focused on changing how women give birth: incubation over gestation. Her personal options are nonexistent due to a devastating medical crisis. The near future country is largely conservative, post Roe v. Wade with abortion being all but vanished as an option. Women are seeking alternate solutions. Most readers will glaze over with the amount of scientific information. It’s repeated ad nauseam.
After years of research work with the doctor, Larkin has the opportunity to become the first human test subject resulting in the birth of her daughter, Ava. For all intents and purposes, Ava looks like every other new baby girl. Mom and dad are thrilled and all is well until she reaches puberty.
The post puberty part of the story combines science and politics. For me, the means didn’t support the end. Originally, the goal was to ensure reproductive rights and freedom for women. What was actually achieved was removing choice by physically altering anatomy without consent.
AVA will be a very personal and evoking read for many, if not all who read it. There are no attacks on either liberal or conservative views. It should be a conversation starter, if nothing else.
Why two stars? Two reasons: no loyalty to the premise and promoting problem solving of critical, life changing issues in a vacuum. There’s entirely too much of that happening now while we have no real recourse📚
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone
Read & Reviewed from an eARC from Publisher’s Weekly with thanks to the publisher and author
It’s been three weeks since I finished reading this book. At first I was too frustrated to write a review and then I tried to forget about it - successfully so. Fortunately, my backup review system worked and here we are with far clearer thinking and less emoting about this important topic.
Reproductive rights and freedom for women is supposed to be the primary theme of AVA. IMO, it gets lost in too much scientific minutiae for 2/3 of the story and political preaching for the remainder.
Larkin finds a position working for a doctor who is singularly focused on changing how women give birth: incubation over gestation. Her personal options are nonexistent due to a devastating medical crisis. The near future country is largely conservative, post Roe v. Wade with abortion being all but vanished as an option. Women are seeking alternate solutions. Most readers will glaze over with the amount of scientific information. It’s repeated ad nauseam.
After years of research work with the doctor, Larkin has the opportunity to become the first human test subject resulting in the birth of her daughter, Ava. For all intents and purposes, Ava looks like every other new baby girl. Mom and dad are thrilled and all is well until she reaches puberty.
The post puberty part of the story combines science and politics. For me, the means didn’t support the end. Originally, the goal was to ensure reproductive rights and freedom for women. What was actually achieved was removing choice by physically altering anatomy without consent.
AVA will be a very personal and evoking read for many, if not all who read it. There are no attacks on either liberal or conservative views. It should be a conversation starter, if nothing else.
Why two stars? Two reasons: no loyalty to the premise and promoting problem solving of critical, life changing issues in a vacuum. There’s entirely too much of that happening now while we have no real recourse📚
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone
Read & Reviewed from an eARC from Publisher’s Weekly with thanks to the publisher and author
Review of advance copy
I was thoroughly impressed with this book. The story envisions a possible world with women's choices becoming obsolete, and how science could help provide an alternative. Larkin becomes unexpectedly pregnant after getting married. Initially, she and her husband are elated with the news. But when they find out the baby has a condition in which the brain will not develop and will die shortly after birth, the couple is devastated. Unable to get an abortion, Larkin becomes increasingly aware of the rights that are slowly being taken away from women. When her boss, Dr. Davis, shows her his research on creating a way for humans to reproduce by incubation, Larkin dives in to help out, even volunteering as a test subject in order to have a baby without the concerns of the same devastating diagnosis her first child had. What follows is the birth - or hatching - of Ava. Growing up, Ava has to learn about herself differently than other kids, and even questions why her mother went to such extremes to have her.
What's scary about the premise of this book is that some of the problems are actively occurring in America. Women being denied abortion even for ectopic pregnancies, and even dying as a result of their rights being taken away. The novel takes this a step further, imagining where birth control becomes illegal, and pregnancy tests are monitored and reported. Despite genuinely scaring me, I very much liked reading this. It was well-written, and you can tell that the author did her research when it comes to the scientific side of things. My only disappointment is that the ending felt rushed. Most of the novel is about Larkin, despite being named after her daughter. We barely get to know Ava, and despite her valid concerns about the way she was born, it feels like she moved on too quickly, especially for a teenager. I would still recommend giving this book a chance!
What's scary about the premise of this book is that some of the problems are actively occurring in America. Women being denied abortion even for ectopic pregnancies, and even dying as a result of their rights being taken away. The novel takes this a step further, imagining where birth control becomes illegal, and pregnancy tests are monitored and reported. Despite genuinely scaring me, I very much liked reading this. It was well-written, and you can tell that the author did her research when it comes to the scientific side of things. My only disappointment is that the ending felt rushed. Most of the novel is about Larkin, despite being named after her daughter. We barely get to know Ava, and despite her valid concerns about the way she was born, it feels like she moved on too quickly, especially for a teenager. I would still recommend giving this book a chance!
March 3, 2026
NETGALLEY ARC READER- Thank you for the chance to read this early!
Ava is the kind of novel that lingers long after you turn the final page. Set in a near-future America reshaped by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this story feels both chillingly plausible and deeply personal.
Larkin is an unforgettable protagonist—brilliant, vulnerable, and heartbreakingly human. Her journey from unexpected pregnancy to unimaginable loss is written with such emotional precision that it’s impossible not to feel every ounce of her grief. The depiction of being trapped by Tennessee’s restrictive abortion laws adds a layer of urgency and realism that makes the story especially powerful.
What truly sets this book apart, though, is its bold scientific premise. The concept of replacing gestation with incubation isn’t just speculative fiction—it’s a lens through which the novel explores autonomy, ethics, and the evolving definition of motherhood. When Larkin uses this groundbreaking technology to bring Ava into the world, the story shifts into something even deeper: a nuanced examination of how choices made in love can still carry unforeseen consequences.
Ava herself adds a compelling emotional counterpoint. As she grows and begins to question the circumstances of her birth, the novel moves beyond politics and science into the intimate, complicated terrain of identity and belonging. The mother-daughter dynamic is raw, layered, and incredibly moving.
This is not a light read—but it is an important one. Emotionally charged, timely, and thought-provoking, Ava asks difficult questions about bodily autonomy and the true meaning of choice without offering easy answers. If you enjoy speculative fiction grounded in real-world issues and complex family dynamics, this book is absolutely worth your time.
Ava is the kind of novel that lingers long after you turn the final page. Set in a near-future America reshaped by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this story feels both chillingly plausible and deeply personal.
Larkin is an unforgettable protagonist—brilliant, vulnerable, and heartbreakingly human. Her journey from unexpected pregnancy to unimaginable loss is written with such emotional precision that it’s impossible not to feel every ounce of her grief. The depiction of being trapped by Tennessee’s restrictive abortion laws adds a layer of urgency and realism that makes the story especially powerful.
What truly sets this book apart, though, is its bold scientific premise. The concept of replacing gestation with incubation isn’t just speculative fiction—it’s a lens through which the novel explores autonomy, ethics, and the evolving definition of motherhood. When Larkin uses this groundbreaking technology to bring Ava into the world, the story shifts into something even deeper: a nuanced examination of how choices made in love can still carry unforeseen consequences.
Ava herself adds a compelling emotional counterpoint. As she grows and begins to question the circumstances of her birth, the novel moves beyond politics and science into the intimate, complicated terrain of identity and belonging. The mother-daughter dynamic is raw, layered, and incredibly moving.
This is not a light read—but it is an important one. Emotionally charged, timely, and thought-provoking, Ava asks difficult questions about bodily autonomy and the true meaning of choice without offering easy answers. If you enjoy speculative fiction grounded in real-world issues and complex family dynamics, this book is absolutely worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.75 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I picked this up because the central topic is one I’m genuinely interested in, and it is very clear the author cares deeply about the subject. The premise itself is interesting, and I especially liked the speculative and sci fi elements that start to come into play later in the book.
That said, it did not fully land for me. While the story itself was fine, the writing made it hard for me to emotionally connect with the characters or feel fully invested. I found myself most engaged during the final third, when the speculative elements really took center stage. I kept thinking that if the book had started closer to that point or leaned more into that aspect, it might have worked better for me overall.
The book spends a lot of time focusing on social and political issues. While I personally align with the viewpoints being expressed, the messaging felt very upfront and at times overshadowed the story itself. For me, it made the book feel more message driven than narrative driven, which made it harder to stay engaged for much of the read.
I think this book will really work for readers who are specifically looking for fiction that centers these themes. While it was not a favorite for me, I can appreciate what the author was trying to do and the conversations the book is aiming to spark.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I picked this up because the central topic is one I’m genuinely interested in, and it is very clear the author cares deeply about the subject. The premise itself is interesting, and I especially liked the speculative and sci fi elements that start to come into play later in the book.
That said, it did not fully land for me. While the story itself was fine, the writing made it hard for me to emotionally connect with the characters or feel fully invested. I found myself most engaged during the final third, when the speculative elements really took center stage. I kept thinking that if the book had started closer to that point or leaned more into that aspect, it might have worked better for me overall.
The book spends a lot of time focusing on social and political issues. While I personally align with the viewpoints being expressed, the messaging felt very upfront and at times overshadowed the story itself. For me, it made the book feel more message driven than narrative driven, which made it harder to stay engaged for much of the read.
I think this book will really work for readers who are specifically looking for fiction that centers these themes. While it was not a favorite for me, I can appreciate what the author was trying to do and the conversations the book is aiming to spark.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I gave this 5 stars because everyone needs to read this book. It was entertaining, educational and made me cry more than once. Maybe 4.5 stars as I would have liked more from Part III, but I am hoping this was intentional and the author is planning a sequel.
One of the characters that I LOVED that no one else has mentioned is Dr. Davis, the African-American scientist who is Larkin's mentor. I loved the subtle nod he gave to author Rebecca Skloot when he was talking about HeLa cells. And I loved his calm demeanor throughout the book and his response to Larkin about reincarnation and the callback to that conversation later.
I think the author does a great job of presenting the scientific aspects in a way that make it easy to understand. It gave me SO MUCH to think about (and a new appreciation for eggs!), and I thought there was a great balance of science, politics and bodily autonomy presented in a unique way.
This is not a book to skim or you'll miss a lot of the message and feel it is heavy handed when a lot is actually understated. I do think Dillon wants us to consider the ethics of altering the human genome without consent and that taking away a choice from someone because you had your choice taken away doesn't make it right. I need a sequel!
One of the characters that I LOVED that no one else has mentioned is Dr. Davis, the African-American scientist who is Larkin's mentor. I loved the subtle nod he gave to author Rebecca Skloot when he was talking about HeLa cells. And I loved his calm demeanor throughout the book and his response to Larkin about reincarnation and the callback to that conversation later.
I think the author does a great job of presenting the scientific aspects in a way that make it easy to understand. It gave me SO MUCH to think about (and a new appreciation for eggs!), and I thought there was a great balance of science, politics and bodily autonomy presented in a unique way.
This is not a book to skim or you'll miss a lot of the message and feel it is heavy handed when a lot is actually understated. I do think Dillon wants us to consider the ethics of altering the human genome without consent and that taking away a choice from someone because you had your choice taken away doesn't make it right. I need a sequel!
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC of “Ava” and it was an entertaining and informative read. The cover was very well done and when I read the prologue, I was hooked on how the story would unfold.
The writing is smooth and easy to get into, and the pacing kept me interested the whole time. It gives you a lot to think about (bodily autonomy/politics/religion/racial bias/genetic engineering) without feeling heavy-handed or overwhelming. It was a unique way to present very real issues facing women today and the erosions of personal freedoms.
The last line on the back cover asks, “What does it truly mean to have a choice?” and I think the author really leaves that up to the reader. After being denied a choice about her own reproduction, the main character ends up making an irreversible decision for her second child - one that takes away her daughter’s ability to choose as well, even though it comes the best intentions based on the main character’s past traumatic experience.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, engaging read that I’d definitely recommend especially if you enjoy character-driven stories with a truly unique perspective.
The writing is smooth and easy to get into, and the pacing kept me interested the whole time. It gives you a lot to think about (bodily autonomy/politics/religion/racial bias/genetic engineering) without feeling heavy-handed or overwhelming. It was a unique way to present very real issues facing women today and the erosions of personal freedoms.
The last line on the back cover asks, “What does it truly mean to have a choice?” and I think the author really leaves that up to the reader. After being denied a choice about her own reproduction, the main character ends up making an irreversible decision for her second child - one that takes away her daughter’s ability to choose as well, even though it comes the best intentions based on the main character’s past traumatic experience.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, engaging read that I’d definitely recommend especially if you enjoy character-driven stories with a truly unique perspective.
Review of advance copy
I read this novel last month, and I’m still thinking out it.
The science is presented in an easily digestible way for folks like me with no background in medicine or science without being confusing. It’s very political but never veers into hyperbole which is unsettling.
The line between fact and fiction is easily blurred except for the biggest plot point which seems oddly plausible.
This novel will be polarizing in a good way and will spark long conversations in book clubs. The main question for me would be if the main character’s traumatic pregnancy and delivery justify the decision she made her second child. This is left for the reader to decide. The MC’a decision was unethical at best but done with the best of intentions and understandable motivation.
A notable work of sci-fi/women’s/literary fiction.
The science is presented in an easily digestible way for folks like me with no background in medicine or science without being confusing. It’s very political but never veers into hyperbole which is unsettling.
The line between fact and fiction is easily blurred except for the biggest plot point which seems oddly plausible.
This novel will be polarizing in a good way and will spark long conversations in book clubs. The main question for me would be if the main character’s traumatic pregnancy and delivery justify the decision she made her second child. This is left for the reader to decide. The MC’a decision was unethical at best but done with the best of intentions and understandable motivation.
A notable work of sci-fi/women’s/literary fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is timely with what is going on with reproductive rights currently in many states. It was very thought provoking and made me wonder “what if”. The messaging is very heavy handed. This book will most likely be picked up by someone who is already pro-choice and the messaging was extremely obvious. I could see this being more for young adults who are still deciding their opinions. The writing was very much telling and not showing.
I loved the premise and the ideas. It was a quick read and I enjoyed my time. The characters were pretty surface-level, but I still became invested in the overall story. I would recommend this to certain people.
Thank you, NetGalley and She Writes Press for allowing me to read the book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
I loved the premise and the ideas. It was a quick read and I enjoyed my time. The characters were pretty surface-level, but I still became invested in the overall story. I would recommend this to certain people.
Thank you, NetGalley and She Writes Press for allowing me to read the book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
March 5, 2026
Ava is a powerful social commentary on pregnancy, motherhood, and the debate between pro-choice and pro-life. Author Victoria Dillon develops two pivotal characters, Spencer and Larkin, exploring their romance and eventual marriage, before shaking their life up with an unexpected pregnancy. Larkin develops through this pregnancy and the eventual loss of her child, before Dillon adds in a bit of science fiction to give birth to Av, the titular character.
Despite the slight science fiction edge, Ava feels very grounded and personal. It's a mothers journey and an author's social commentary. Dillon explores the pro-choice vs pro-life debate respectfully, without degrading on either side. All the while presenting a beautiful family story that readers can't help but be drawn to.
Despite the slight science fiction edge, Ava feels very grounded and personal. It's a mothers journey and an author's social commentary. Dillon explores the pro-choice vs pro-life debate respectfully, without degrading on either side. All the while presenting a beautiful family story that readers can't help but be drawn to.
Review of advance copy
This is a timely and intriguing book for our era of reproductive tension. It reminds me of The Handmaid's Tale and reflects the widespread fear over reproductive rights and pro-life vs. pro-choice. The idea of women laying eggs is a unique premise, and it was interesting to see how the scientists made it possible. The dialogue was a bit awkward at times, but the characters are sweet. One thing that I keep thinking about is that Ava lays eggs that are twice the size of an ostrich egg. I don't know how she could have produced that! (I see another reviewer had the same thought.) If you like speculative fiction, try this one out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
what an absolutely insane debut, I ate this one up. really enjoyed the focus on the science in this, the authors background as a researcher and pediatrician really comes through.
some of the writing and dialogue fell a bit flat for me but some sections were really really great. I wish we had a bit more character development because it did feel pretty surface level but this was very much a plot over vibes type of book. a bit unsettling, preachy at times, but a fun and quick read that does make you reconsider the bounds of reproductive freedom.
did make me cry & can’t wait to see what this author writes next!!
thank you to NetGalley & the publisher & the author for the ARC 🫶🏼🫶🏼
some of the writing and dialogue fell a bit flat for me but some sections were really really great. I wish we had a bit more character development because it did feel pretty surface level but this was very much a plot over vibes type of book. a bit unsettling, preachy at times, but a fun and quick read that does make you reconsider the bounds of reproductive freedom.
did make me cry & can’t wait to see what this author writes next!!
thank you to NetGalley & the publisher & the author for the ARC 🫶🏼🫶🏼
January 23, 2026
2.75 stars This is a very strange book. I got an advance reading copy in exchange for my review, but sadly, I didn’t love it. It’s a book about female autonomy and the right to make your own reproductive decisions, which are things I care about & why I thought I’d like the book. But sometimes when a book is focused solely on a social topic like this, it just feels a little preachy to me (I mean I agree so preach) and I want a little more nuance for a fiction presentation. This might work for some people but I just didn’t love it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very poignant and at times a difficult read. It’s a terrifying look at an all-too-likely and horrifyingly close future. I felt like the science was very plausibly laid out and I loved the exploration of how a technology like this would be used to change the world — it was a great blend of hard science and extrapolation — but it’s really Larkin and all of the other characters who linger with you after reading. Because despite the bleakly familiar world, it’s Larkin and her friends who work to find ways to hold onto hope and fight for a better future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A unique story! I was a lucky early reader and found this book intriguing from the beginning. It is an important tale that weaves the truth of science and the fantasy of "what if" in remarkable ways. An entertaining and thought-provoking read about a subject that demands attention. The characters are excellent and after your read the last page and close this book, they will stay with you a long time as will the subject. Victora Dillon does not disappoint. Loved this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
awesomely interesting book about reproductive rights, genetic modification, and how in a certain world the only way for women to get bodily autonomy is for reproduction to be isolated from the body. would recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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January 2, 2026
First book finished in 2026
Just finished my first book of 2026, ‘Ava’ by @victoriadillon.bsky.social an arc epub sent by the publisher thanks to @publisherswkly.bsky.social #grabagalley
God, how much New Years Eve can change after having a baby….
This feminist sci fi/horror novel is as much about the reality of the horrific
Just finished my first book of 2026, ‘Ava’ by @victoriadillon.bsky.social an arc epub sent by the publisher thanks to @publisherswkly.bsky.social #grabagalley
God, how much New Years Eve can change after having a baby….
This feminist sci fi/horror novel is as much about the reality of the horrific
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars - overall writing style was a little dry. Kind of like reading a text book disguised as a story. First half of the story was heartbreaking and scary. So many women are impacted by the repeal of Roe v. Wade. I didn’t enjoy the 2nd half quite as much. But a quick read on an important topic. Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3 stars. This was an interesting story but the message definitely overpowered the characters and the story itself. I felt like the characters had no depth, and for that reason I couldn’t truly enjoy the story. I could tell a lot of research went on before writing this book, which I appreciate. As always, thank you to the publisher for the earc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I live in Tennessee, and much of Part I of Ava reflects realities that feel very familiar here, with little fictionalization. While the novel centers on bodily autonomy, it explores much more than that. The chapter depicting the abstinence-only lecture felt especially true to my own experience, and the portrayal of young women being denied the HPV vaccine because they’re supposed to be “good girls” is, unfortunately, very real.
As the story moves into its speculative “sci-fi” elements, I love how the author includes the science behind all of the crazy developments that happen. Even though the most experience I have with biology was in my sophomore year of high school, I found the scientific information scattered throughout to be very easily understood and helpful!
The characters are well developed, and the chapter in which Larken delivers her first baby was devastating. I hope the book reaches readers across the political spectrum, as it offers meaningful insight into the impossible reproductive decisions that some women face. Overall, the novel takes on difficult subjects in a way that is intelligent, emotionally powerful, and ultimately hopeful.
I’d love to read a sequel that follows the other young women whose genes have also been altered as they grow up and reproduce.
As the story moves into its speculative “sci-fi” elements, I love how the author includes the science behind all of the crazy developments that happen. Even though the most experience I have with biology was in my sophomore year of high school, I found the scientific information scattered throughout to be very easily understood and helpful!
The characters are well developed, and the chapter in which Larken delivers her first baby was devastating. I hope the book reaches readers across the political spectrum, as it offers meaningful insight into the impossible reproductive decisions that some women face. Overall, the novel takes on difficult subjects in a way that is intelligent, emotionally powerful, and ultimately hopeful.
I’d love to read a sequel that follows the other young women whose genes have also been altered as they grow up and reproduce.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Incredible read! The characters were well developed and so lovable. The conflict was heart wrenching and relevant. I had a fucking experience reading this book and I badly want to share it with others. Please read this work of art!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It was an unexpected and fascinating take on the intersection of medical ethics and bodily autonomy. I really enjoyed the scientific specifics throughout the book and appreciated the attention to detail in tracing DNA-level changes in a world with such obtuse legislation.
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