Augmented

by Kenechi Udogu, Remi Shorunke-Samuel (Narrator)

In a future where humans are enhanced to ensure the survival of society Akaego fights to prevent her power to grow plants from being weaponised by a corrupt regime.

I was going to be a Mechsim. I was going to use my powers to make a difference.

In a near future London, where extreme weather has depleted plant life, sixteen-year-olds must surgically augment an ability to contribute to the new utopian society. Akaego moves to a prestigious academy after the late discovery of her rare ability - she can project a vocal frequency that accelerates plant growth.

As Akaego learns to use her new skill and is chosen for an internship with the mayor she begins to feel like she can change society for the better . . . and it doesn't hurt that the mayor's gorgeous son, Joon, seems to be flirting with her. But then the Freestakers, an anti-enhancement group, warn Akaego not to get Augmented.

Can she discover the truth of her ability, find the courage to rebel and keep her power out of the hands of those wishing to control it?

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Young Adult, Dystopia, Romance, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Kenechi lives in London, UK and writes contemporary and fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi/horror fiction. She also hates the cold and hopes to one day figure out how to hibernate in winter.

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Augmented by Kenechi Udogu was the near future sci-fi dystopian I didn’t know I needed, but enjoyed. With great world building, good pacing, fleshed out themes, and a compelling protagonist, it’s a book that I won’t forget for a while.

To start, the world building was well done. This takes place in a near future London where the Earth’s atmosphere and biosphere has destabilized severely, often being too warn to sustain life. Humans have to wear special suits to go outside very often, and the flora and fauna have been decimated to where certain foods have become rare and/or extinct. There are bio domes, yes, but it’s only available to certain people, and it’s not enough to keep things up. The small details add up to a real world that feels like it’s lived in and while in decline, doesn’t seem like it’s going to collapse in the near future, but trying to rebuild before it’s too late. With the changes society has undergone, like travel restrictions and a tiered society. Technology is explored in the ways it can be used to better lives and to oppress others. Augmentation is critical to society, with a surgery that a teen goes through to enhance a needed trait, exploring the ideas of humanity and identity. The government is also critiqued in both how they are handling their ever changing world and if their methods are the best and correct ones to take. An interesting blend of futurism not often seen in Young Adult fiction, and leaves a lot to ponder in our own world. It’s odd to say I wish the government was clarified in some aspects, as I was a bit lost on some of the minor details.

For the most part, it has a nice, fast pace, where we advance through several months and explore more of the world and while it’s not super fast, it doesn’t stay in one spot for a long time. The prose was also good, placing me in the world, which is amazing in a standalone. The climax and ending were good, but I wished it was fleshed out a bit more as there were aspects I didn’t understand, like the protagonists role in the climax and reasonings for it.

The cover was perfect, showing our protagonist, Akaego, in a garden with a city in the background, and was one of the reasons that drew me into the book. In the book, Akaego herself has just discovered she has the ability to use her voice to accelerate plant growth, which is highly valued in a world where flora is dying out. She’s in a new school and she will be vaulted into a higher class in her society with her augmentation coming fast, and she’s looking forward to it. However, some digging reveals that her ability might not be as great as she first thought, opening up old family secrets and having to sort out between what she’s been told her whole life and finding her own voice in between the madness. I enjoyed her journey, as she’s not immediately dismissing what she’s taught, but a slow burn to find her voice as she interacts with others. In the end, figures out what she wants, and she needs to do it fast, otherwise, much more will be in danger. I do appreciate the emotional depth of the story from Akaego as she goes through each challenge.

I did enjoy the supporting cast, especially Akaego’s family. Her parents were supportive and have their own fleshed out characters and arcs. I also liked most of Akaego’s friends, especially Joon, who had some fleshing out and had a bit of a cute romance. My only big issue is that I felt that some of the supporting characters weren’t balanced as well as I hoped, mainly Akaego’s other friends. I had trouble tracking some of the characters and their groups, and that some of the characters could have been combined.

I’m looking forward to more books from Udogu, and highly recommend this one to ones looking for a near-future Sci-Fi book, which is a hard find in the YA space especially.

*I received an ARC from Netgalley and Faber & Faber Children’s. All opinions are my own.*

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!

A dystopian sci-fi set on a future version of Earth so heavily scarred by climate change that people can no longer go outside without specially adapted suits and enter buildings through air locks. As often is the case, where there’s massive adversity and a scarcity of resources, the society is highly surveilled, and stratified along with any privileges. People are quickly classified and streamed depending on aptitudes they show and their benefit to society. When our main character, Akaego, already a capable coder, shows a late-blooming ability that’s much sought after, she is fast-tracked into another school and even the mayor pays special interest in her case. But, can she realise her potential? Is her new found ability a gift or a curse? And, now she’s been catapulted into the public eye, who can she trust?

What did I like?
-the very interesting (& always topical) questions raised about technology: as a means to liberate or oppress; progress or regress
-it’s pacy but balanced, with moments of conflict and tension throughout building to a very exciting final act
-believable characters and relationships despite the difference of the world and the high stakes. As usual, if we weren’t brought to care about these characters , none of the other positives would hit as welll. Also, a smattering of a very cute romance
-must mention the amazing cover design, illustration & those edges!

Perfect for anyone 12+

[Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Cara Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great YA dystopia. It's set in a post-climate-change world where people can no longer go outside unprotected. The resulting society is a hierarchy where people are more or less valued depending on their abilities. Main character Akaego (who is absolutely awesome, BTW) discovers an unexpected gift for helping plants grow, and thrown into a whole new level of society. But will she choose to be augmented (have her abilities enhanced)?

There's loads to love here. It's a thought-provoking read that would be perfect for discussing with your teen, with questions around where society is going and how to balance the positive and negative effects of technology. But if your teen would rather eat their own arm than have a serious discussion with you, give them the book anyway: there's tons of action, a good emphasis on family relationships and a lovely strand of romance as well. Anyone who enjoys dystopia and/or sci-fi would enjoy this.

[Christy Lynch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise, but feels like an early draft full of writerly things that help the author but are distracting to the reader. For instance, why does the reader need to know that a character doesn’t like to wear long sleeves? It never discernibly affects the plot, setting, or characters. Include this sort of detail once and it’s a curiosity; countless times and it feels like an early, unfinished draft. In the end, this is an interesting premise delivered tediously.

If the writer should read this, you do have an intriguing plot, a fairly realized world, and a decent cast of characters and that is no small thing! You can serve all these well by writing another draft or two, not declaring your drafting work done until every word has a story-serving reason for being included. Then you’ll have delivered your interesting premise interestingly.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I definitely would have enjoyed this more if the protagonist wasn't a completely insufferable dimwit whose only mental skill was to always make the poorest decision available in any given circumstance. I'll give it two stars because I was able to finish it with only minimal trauma.

[OSFC The Know Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Faber for the ARC.
This book has been reviewed by a student.

Augmented offers a fascinating glimpse into a possible future shaped by the consequences of our present-day choices—a powerful and timely concept. I found the story both intriguing and insightful, almost like an eye-opener, but delivered in a way that’s highly accessible and easy to get into.

The imaginative world-building is one of the book’s biggest strengths, blending speculative elements with relatable emotional depth. I was completely drawn in, especially as we learned more about Akaego and her small, close-knit family. The pacing kept me turning the pages right through to the end.

There’s also a gentle, quiet romance woven throughout the story—not graphic, but sweet and sincere—which adds a nice extra layer for those who enjoy a bit of heart with their sci-fi.

This is the kind of book that could appeal to a wide range of readers, whether you're drawn to futuristic fiction, character-driven stories, or subtle romance. A compelling and unique read.

[Santosh Thapa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kenechi Udogi's Augmented presents a concept that immediately grabs the attention of any sci-fi fan: in a future where human abilities can be enhanced through technology, a young woman named Chloe must use her own "augmented" powers to survive in a dangerous, stratified world. It’s a classic underdog story with a cybernetic twist, tapping into timely themes of inequality, transhumanism, and corporate control. Unfortunately, a compelling premise is not enough to carry a novel, and Augmented ultimately falters under the weight of its own execution.

The book's greatest strength is its initial world-building. The idea of a society divided by those who can afford enhancements and those who cannot is ripe with potential for social commentary and thrilling conflict. For the first few chapters, there is a genuine hook as we are introduced to Chloe's world and her unique situation.

However, this potential quickly dissipates. The primary issue lies in the narrative's pacing and depth. The plot moves at a breakneck speed, but instead of creating excitement, it often feels rushed and superficial. Major story beats, character developments, and world-building details are glossed over, making it difficult to become fully invested. Key events that should have significant emotional weight are resolved so quickly they lose their impact, leaving the reader feeling more like a spectator being shown a summary of the story rather than being immersed in it.

The characters, unfortunately, follow a similar trajectory. Chloe and the supporting cast fit neatly into familiar archetypes (the reluctant hero, the wise mentor, the sinister corporate villain) but are rarely given the space to evolve beyond them. Their motivations can feel simplistic, and their dialogues often serve to explain the plot rather than reveal deeper personalities. As a result, it's challenging to form a strong connection with them or feel truly concerned about their fates.

The prose is functional but lacks the descriptive flair or unique voice that elevates genre fiction. Action sequences are described clearly but without much tension, and the internal monologue of the protagonist doesn't always feel distinct or compelling.

Augmented reads like a detailed outline for a much more engaging novel. All the essential components are there: an interesting world, a relevant conflict, and a classic hero's journey but they are assembled with a haste that prevents them from resonating. It’s a book that tells you what is happening rather than making you feel it.

I settled on a 4/10 because, while I was disappointed, the book is not without merit. It's a quick, undemanding read that might appeal to a younger YA audience looking for a simple, fast-paced sci-fi story. However, for readers seeking nuanced characters, intricate world-building, and a plot that takes its time to build suspense and emotional stakes, Augmented is likely to feel underdeveloped and unsatisfying. It’s a glimpse of a great idea that never fully came to life.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Augmented by Kenechi Udogu is exactly the kind of fast-paced, cinematic dystopia that middle-grade and early-teen readers gravitate toward - the kind that feels like a movie unfolding in your head. It’s got a gripping premise, high-stakes science-gone-wrong, and a glossy eco-futuristic setting that blends technology, rebellion, and moral questions about what it means to be human. Add those eye-catching sprayed edges and it’s bound to be a hit in any school library.

The story follows a young protagonist navigating a world reshaped by environmental collapse and rapid technological intervention - a society trying to “fix” humanity through augmentation. It’s clever and timely, and Udogu clearly has a strong message about our planet and our dependence on technology. Kids will love the momentum: every chapter feels like it’s sprinting toward another revelation or twist. There’s danger, conspiracy, emotional stakes, and the kind of heady ideas that make young readers think they’re reading something big.

From an adult reader’s perspective, though, it sometimes stumbles in execution. The environmental theme, while valuable, is so overt and didactic that it occasionally drowns out the story. The transhumanism subplot - humans enhanced by tech - raises intriguing ethical questions but is treated a bit simplistically, more as spectacle than moral exploration. The pacing, too, can feel rushed; major plot points are crammed into short spaces where they could have used room to develop. This could have easily been a duology - giving space for richer worldbuilding, more character growth, and less of that “tell-don’t-show” moralising.

And yes, the protagonist… makes some questionable choices. The kind that make you mutter, “please don’t do that” and then, inevitably, they do. But to be fair, this impulsive streak will probably feel relatable to younger readers who like flawed, reactive heroes learning as they go.

All said, Augmented is a solid, imaginative, and energetic read. It has the heart and urgency that younger audiences love in dystopian fiction - the blend of danger, hope, and moral clarity that feels empowering. Adults might find it a bit heavy-handed, but kids won’t care. They’ll be too busy racing through it, wide-eyed, imagining the film version.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ - smart concept, breakneck pacing, perfect for upper KS2 and KS3 readers who devoured The Maze Runner. A bit rushed, a bit preachy, but ultimately full of heart and high-octane imagination.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one, claustrophobic in the best way.
Imagine an Earth so ravaged by climate change that even stepping outside requires a full-body suit and an airlock. That’s the terrifyingly immersive backdrop of this dystopian sci-fi, and it felt disturbingly plausible. The world-building was airtight (pun not intended?), and it hit me hard how close we might be to living in a world like this.
What really struck me, though, was how the story explored the idea of power and potential in a system built to sort, surveil, and suppress. The society here is meticulously structured, privilege is doled out in teaspoons, and individuality gets run through an aptitude scanner. So when our main character, Akaego, a skilled coder already, suddenly develops a rare and highly prized ability, the system grabs hold of her with both hands. She’s fast-tracked, spotlighted, and practically handed to the mayor on a silver platter. But... at what cost?
There’s this simmering question throughout the story: Is she being elevated or exploited? It made me think about the way we value people based on their "usefulness," and how easily gifts can become cages.
💡 What I loved:
• The sharp, necessary commentary on technology, how it can be both a weapon and a lifeline, depending on who’s holding the controls.
• The pacing! It struck that perfect balance between action and emotion, tension and tenderness. The final act? Nail-biting.
• Akaego felt real. So did her relationships, even in a high-stakes, unfamiliar world. Her fears, doubts, and soft moments were handled with care.
• And yes, there's a touch of romance, and it is so sweet, like a beam of sunlight breaking through a thick smog.
• Also, whoever designed the cover deserves a medal. The art, the edges, it’s the kind of book that looks as good as it reads.
This isn’t just a cool sci-fi. It’s a story about identity, resilience, and choosing who you are in a world that’s constantly trying to define it for you. And I’ll be thinking about Akaego’s journey for a long time.

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Faber Books and the author for the arc copy of this book!

I'm obsessed with dystopia so I knew this book would be right up my alley and I was not wrong.

The world that Kenechi has created is super interesting. Our MC lives in a dystopian London, or rather what's left of it due to a climate crisis created by humans. The whole time I was reading about the harsh conditions of this world, I was thinking how now far off we are from this being our actual reality.

In this dystopian wold, 16 year olds need to chose whether to surgically augment and enhance their abilities. Our main character Akaego has just discovered her rare ability - ability to accelerate plant growth by projecting a certain vocal frequency; and moved to a prestigious academy to learn more about it before the assessment day and the augmentation ceremony. She's rightfully excited about her newfound ability and the potential it has to help the suffering world. What she doesn't yet know is that the government has other plans for her and that both of her parents have been keeping a big secret that would change everything.

I absolutely loved the writing style which helped me to fully immerse myself in the story. I am amazed how the author managed to fully capture the world in such a short book. The only thing that left me slightly unsatisfied is in fact the shortness of the story. While the world itself was fully fleshed out, I do think the ending could've given us more especially when it came to the government "takedown" cause the resolution was so... quick? I NEED this to be a series and find out about Akaego's future and the wider government.

Now on to the romance. I absolutely ate it up Akaego and Joon together, they were so cute! I was giggling & kicking my feet for the girl. who doesn't love dating your enemy's son, right?

Overall, I really enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to anyone who's been craving some good dystopian reads.

[Amina (aminasbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was an absolute rollercoaster. I was so invested and I gobbled it up in a few days.

On the surface, this novel hits many of the typical plot points and character arcs of the genre. A teenage girl has a special power than can save the world. However, I feel like the author did a great job and elevated a typical premise into something truly unique and entertaining.

The world was so detailed and well-imagined, I was able to completely believe in how the effects of global warming could have led to a seemingly utopian society. The focus on plant growth and the natural world was a unique aspect that really captured me.

Also, I felt like the plot escalated nicely and it was well-paced. This is because the author allowed her main character to be intelligent. Rather than dropping hints to the reader and letting the main character flounder, Akaego quickly came to conclusions before I (the reader) could guess what would happen next.

Honestly, this novel was better than I expected and I would recommend it to all fans of young adult books.

Read my full review on my blog
aminasbookshelf.com and check out IG/Tiktok @aminasbookshelf
for more book reviews and recommendations

[The Void Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Augmented by Kenechi Udogu
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

In a climate-ravaged London where teens must surgically enhance their abilities to serve society, Akaego’s gift—accelerating plant growth with her voice—should be revolutionary. Instead, it’s at risk of being weaponized by the very regime she hoped to help.

The setup is solid: dystopia, eco-crisis, bio-augmentation, and a heroine caught between duty and rebellion. Akaego’s journey from hopeful Mechsim to reluctant rebel has moments of intrigue, especially as she navigates elite academy life and a flirtation with the mayor’s son, Joon. But the execution doesn’t quite match the premise.

What worked:

• The concept of vocal frequency-based plant growth is refreshingly original.
• The Freestakers add tension and moral ambiguity to the enhancement debate.
• Akaego’s internal conflict—use her powers or protect them—is compelling.


What didn’t:

• The pacing felt uneven, with emotional beats that didn’t fully land.
• Joon’s subplot veered into predictable territory.
• The worldbuilding hinted at depth but didn’t fully explore its implications.


Verdict:
A promising premise with eco-dystopian flair, but the story never quite blooms. Worth a read for fans of YA sci-fi who enjoy light rebellion and bio-tech themes, but don’t expect a genre-defining experience.

Happy reading 🌱🌎🍃📚

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars
This book caught my eye due to its lovely cover and the really pretty Waterstones sprayed edge, as well as the synopsis. It's a mixed bag for me though - the conception of how society (at least, in London) might adapt to climate change in the future is really interesting, and feels believable, with biodomes and individual cooling suits, etc, and the sci fi addition of enhancements to fantasy human skills is pretty cool. I would be really keen to read more set in this world. So I liked the world building, and the characters too for the most part.

Where it fell down for me is the execution of the plot, and the politics. I was confused quite a lot of the time, and given this is a YA novel (on the younger side - when I bought it I'd thought it was middle grade), too much happens that feels unrealistic, in terms of character choices, or what they get away with. 'Clunky' is a word that comes to mind, somehow.

But, it was an entertaining read, and I would happily check out more from this author.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Augmented by Kenechi Udogu is a cool, fast-moving sci-fi read with a lot going on under the surface. It follows Akaego, a teen living in a future where people can boost their abilities with tech—but not everyone gets to choose if they want it or not. The story dives into big stuff like control, identity, and what makes us human, but it never feels too heavy. Akaego’s voice is relatable, the world is well built, and the plot keeps you guessing without getting confusing. It's a great debut from this author and I will be looking out for future books. If you like sci-fi with a human edge, this one’s worth a look.

[Tonya Bryner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good book. I'm only subsided because it was free on Audible and you don't always get good freebies.

I would guess this is a YA level book. The narrator was great. They've living in dystopian London where they have to wear suits outdoors because the air is toxic. Buildings usual have filtered air inside. There is a huge mix of nationalities from the African mom to the mayor's deceased Korean husband and a lot of Japanese (I think?) names. Kids go to specialty schools based on their aptitudes and some have special talents. Anyway, not a great description, but I thought it was a fun book.

[Heidi Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book, was enjoyable to read from start to finish.
A timely book for the era of tech and surveillance we live and though the book is set in a dystopian future there is some real political commentary to be found within the pages of these books if you’re eyes are open. It’s a great Ya dystopian, the right amount of romance without it overshadowing the main storyline and a good amount of comedic moments. Really enjoyed and would recommend it to everyone.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.90⭐️ I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book while scrolling through my Audible app! I’m a sucker for a unique YA dystopian book! I really appreciate the clean romance and peak into different cultures. The world building was great and I loved the cast! I hope the narrator will do some future books because she did an amazing job! I really wish this book was longer because getting to explore the world in this book was my favorite part! I would totally read any sequels!!!

[Hunter Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing for me was not great. I found it distracting and honestly sophomoric. This seemed like a first or second writing and it needed a lot of editing. I despise when a plot is moved forward with ridiculous decisions. Take my rating with a grain (or two) of salt as I definitely found myself skimming to finish.

[Habon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing book! So much humour, very imaginative and the world felt so real and sadly imminent with the ways things are headed, if we don't make a change asap.

I love Akaego & Joon! LOVED Jaden (he is my fav!)

Kenechi Udogu is a talent to keep an eye on.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Prof. Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

💫 NetGalley ARC Review 💫

Kenechi Udogu’s Augmented is a thrilling and thought-provoking journey set in a near-future London grappling with the devastating consequences of climate change. This novel masterfully blends speculative science fiction with a gripping coming-of-age story, all while exploring themes of power, control, and the essence of humanity.

The story centers on Akaego, a compelling sixteen-year-old protagonist whose rare ability to project a vocal frequency that accelerates plant growth positions her uniquely in a society desperate to survive. Udogu’s vision of a world where teenagers must undergo surgical augmentation to help restore the environment feels urgent and plausible, grounding the futuristic elements in relatable human experience.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its rich character development. Akaego’s journey—from a dedicated coder to a music academy student navigating her newfound power—feels authentic and deeply engaging. Her internal struggle to control her ability and the external pressure from a corrupt regime eager to weaponize it creates a powerful tension that drives the narrative forward. The inclusion of the Mayor’s son, Joon, adds a nuanced layer of youthful romance and personal stakes that enrich the story without detracting from its central themes.

Udogu also excels at world-building, painting a vivid picture of London transformed by extreme weather and social upheaval. The conflict between those who embrace augmentation and the Freestakers, an anti-enhancement group, introduces ethical dilemmas that challenge readers to think critically about technology’s role in shaping our future.

If there is any area for improvement, it might be a deeper exploration of the Freestakers’ perspective to fully flesh out the moral complexity of enhancement versus natural evolution. However, this minor critique does not diminish the overall impact of the novel.

In conclusion, Augmented is a captivating read that combines action, emotion, and timely social commentary. Kenechi Udogu’s storytelling prowess shines through in this expertly crafted narrative, making it a must-read for fans of science fiction and young adult literature alike. This book not only entertains but also invites reflection on the delicate balance between human advancement and ethical responsibility.

Five stars without hesitation.

[Mickey Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time with category of books. It was cute and enjoyable.

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a dystopian London where climate change has mostly destroyed the planet and biodomes are scattered throughout few people have special abilities that may help make plants grow. Akaego is counting down to Augmentation Day, when her powers will be surgically enhanced.

[Tânia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea
Would've loved to see it a bit more explored, the ending felt very rushed

[Roosevelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong start, my interest petered out.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing much happens in over 60%, dnf'ed.

[Sam Haddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I like political intrigue so that was my favorite part of this but it wasn’t very good at it

[Shaan Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it