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Caenogenesis
100% of profit goes to non-profit Disenfranchised Writers' Voices
A wall isn’t the only thing dividing the ruined city of Ignis.
In a post-apocalyptic world of gleaming towers and crumbling slums, the high-tech Inner Ring thrives while the Outer Ring fights to survive. Political corruption runs deep, and the government’s grip tightens daily. Rebels like The Outsiders are branded as terrorists—except for those trapped in the shadows, they’re the only hope left.
For Theopold Kraken, a genetically-engineered Recombinant with enhanced abilities, rebellion is more than survival. It’s a cause worth dying for. When Yin, a mysterious woman who may not be entirely human, crashes into his path, everything changes. She’s secretive, strange, and dangerous... and Kraken can’t walk away. As their fragile alliance deepens, he sees in her not just a failed experiment, but someone who longs for freedom—just like him.
Yet trust is lethal. And saving her may cost him everything he’s fought to protect.
Yin doesn’t remember much, but she knows she’s being hunted. Built for a purpose she’s no longer sure of, emotions were never part of the design. Though Kraken’s loyalty and stubborn compassion stir something unexpected in curiosity, respect, and the terrifying whisper of humanity. As she strays from what she was made to be, Yin faces a embrace the humanity she was programmed to ignore or run from it forever.
Two broken souls. One chance at freedom. In a world where trust can kill you, choosing each other might be the most dangerous act of all.
Explosive, witty, and raw, Caenogenesis is a genre-bending sci-fi dystopian where identity is rewritten, survival is anything but clean, and what it means to belong when your entire existence was engineered to be alone.
A wall isn’t the only thing dividing the ruined city of Ignis.
In a post-apocalyptic world of gleaming towers and crumbling slums, the high-tech Inner Ring thrives while the Outer Ring fights to survive. Political corruption runs deep, and the government’s grip tightens daily. Rebels like The Outsiders are branded as terrorists—except for those trapped in the shadows, they’re the only hope left.
For Theopold Kraken, a genetically-engineered Recombinant with enhanced abilities, rebellion is more than survival. It’s a cause worth dying for. When Yin, a mysterious woman who may not be entirely human, crashes into his path, everything changes. She’s secretive, strange, and dangerous... and Kraken can’t walk away. As their fragile alliance deepens, he sees in her not just a failed experiment, but someone who longs for freedom—just like him.
Yet trust is lethal. And saving her may cost him everything he’s fought to protect.
Yin doesn’t remember much, but she knows she’s being hunted. Built for a purpose she’s no longer sure of, emotions were never part of the design. Though Kraken’s loyalty and stubborn compassion stir something unexpected in curiosity, respect, and the terrifying whisper of humanity. As she strays from what she was made to be, Yin faces a embrace the humanity she was programmed to ignore or run from it forever.
Two broken souls. One chance at freedom. In a world where trust can kill you, choosing each other might be the most dangerous act of all.
Explosive, witty, and raw, Caenogenesis is a genre-bending sci-fi dystopian where identity is rewritten, survival is anything but clean, and what it means to belong when your entire existence was engineered to be alone.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2026
4 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Caenogenesis completely drew me in from the start! The world feels alive and immersive, with so many layers of detail that make it easy to imagine. The characters are well-developed and distinct, each with their own motivations and personality, which made me care about what happens to them. I loved how the story balances intense, high-stakes action with quieter, emotional moments—it really keeps you invested in both the battles and the characters’ personal journeys. The pacing flows well, and the stakes stay high, making it hard to put the book down. The acknowledgements were beautiful and heartfelt, showing the care the author put into the story and the world. Overall, this first book sets up a fantastic trilogy, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the next installment takes these characters and the world they live in.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.0
adventurous reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Caenogenesis is an ethics dilemma come to life: what makes us human - and what lengths does one go through to preserve it?
An interesting premise, I enjoyed that there wasn't really a stark division between 'good' and 'bad' wiht the characters; each of them were complicated, morally grey individuals that grappled with their own morality at the choices that they were making. The book was very eventful - with the three POVs coming in sync with each other a little after the 60% mark. It was a pleasant enough read, whoever, I did have issues that made me put down the book on more than one occasion, despite the premise being up my alley.
I think my issue stems from the inconsistency with the writing voice. Firstly, with the naming system. The title itself is a striking scientific term that is not widely used in the common-man's vocabulary. That had set my expectations for the rest of the names in the book. Thus, I was surprised that in the world building, the names of the places felt like placeholders (Junk Yard, Scrap Town, Old Town). While it may make sense in-world that people would simplify the main places of their hometowns, it still felt like a waste to have done so when clearly the author's naming sense was in the right direction, especially at foreshadowing.
The prose in this book is confusing — half deep purple, half stark white. While i appreciate a poetic yet roundabout commentary of the character's emotions/internal struggles during a scene, it is imperative that this is not overused so that when it is used, the impact is significant. This is a problem for Caenogenesis as in moments where the prose is not necessary, it is abundant. Many a time do the chapters begin with a convoluted sentence that later on, pose no substantial effect to the plot. It also poses as an obstacle as there are times that the flow of time is left up to interpretation in favor of flowery prose, which, again, halts the pacing of the book since I have to figure out the timeline from when something happens to where we are now. The clearest timeline we have is probably in the final chapter/epilogue when there is an established timeskip.
Another issue I had with the book is the dialogue, especially the therapy-speak that the characters are very fluent in. I struggled with connecting with any of the characters as the charm and wit that they are narrated to have do not reflect in their dialogue - and this is an already tell,tell,tell type of book. Casual banter that The Outsiders said to have felt stilted, and I could not really grasp the found-family aspect because they weren't really engaging when talked with each other. It seemed like the weakest part of the writing, which is sad because I would have thoroughly enjoyed more scenes with them to really sell the devastation at the end.
Overall, I would say that the writing was definitely what made me struggle with this book. However, I do think that this had great set up for a sci fi series.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
adventurous reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
The system isn't broken, Kraken. It's working exactly as designed.
Caenogenesis is an ethics dilemma come to life: what makes us human - and what lengths does one go through to preserve it?
An interesting premise, I enjoyed that there wasn't really a stark division between 'good' and 'bad' wiht the characters; each of them were complicated, morally grey individuals that grappled with their own morality at the choices that they were making. The book was very eventful - with the three POVs coming in sync with each other a little after the 60% mark. It was a pleasant enough read, whoever, I did have issues that made me put down the book on more than one occasion, despite the premise being up my alley.
I think my issue stems from the inconsistency with the writing voice. Firstly, with the naming system. The title itself is a striking scientific term that is not widely used in the common-man's vocabulary. That had set my expectations for the rest of the names in the book. Thus, I was surprised that in the world building, the names of the places felt like placeholders (Junk Yard, Scrap Town, Old Town). While it may make sense in-world that people would simplify the main places of their hometowns, it still felt like a waste to have done so when clearly the author's naming sense was in the right direction, especially at foreshadowing.
The prose in this book is confusing — half deep purple, half stark white. While i appreciate a poetic yet roundabout commentary of the character's emotions/internal struggles during a scene, it is imperative that this is not overused so that when it is used, the impact is significant. This is a problem for Caenogenesis as in moments where the prose is not necessary, it is abundant. Many a time do the chapters begin with a convoluted sentence that later on, pose no substantial effect to the plot. It also poses as an obstacle as there are times that the flow of time is left up to interpretation in favor of flowery prose, which, again, halts the pacing of the book since I have to figure out the timeline from when something happens to where we are now. The clearest timeline we have is probably in the final chapter/epilogue when there is an established timeskip.
Another issue I had with the book is the dialogue, especially the therapy-speak that the characters are very fluent in. I struggled with connecting with any of the characters as the charm and wit that they are narrated to have do not reflect in their dialogue - and this is an already tell,tell,tell type of book. Casual banter that The Outsiders said to have felt stilted, and I could not really grasp the found-family aspect because they weren't really engaging when talked with each other. It seemed like the weakest part of the writing, which is sad because I would have thoroughly enjoyed more scenes with them to really sell the devastation at the end.
Overall, I would say that the writing was definitely what made me struggle with this book. However, I do think that this had great set up for a sci fi series.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
April 14, 2026
🍿 ARC Review 🫂
In this post-apocalyptic sci-fi dystopia, we meet Yin. She's escaped from a lab that's been her confined living space all her life and she's on the run. We don't quite know what she is, but she sure doesn't act like a regular human.
Kraken, a recombinant - an enhanced human - runs into Yin as he's fleeing a gang who *really* wants to kill him. Fortunately for Kraken, Yin is really good at fighting. She's also seemingly indestructible.
After she saves Kraken, he kind of adopts her - this naive, lost puppy who really does need someone to take her in. Her decision-making alone in the world for the first time is questionable at best. 🤣 Fortunately for her, she comes with a valuable skillset - otherwise, who would share limited resources with her?
"And who's the new addition? Your attack dog? She looks like she's calculating seventeen different ways to dismantle me."
Meanwhile, Aja, has their own plans. They used to work in the lab developing Synths, Yin included, but stepping into the world of politics gives them power - the ability to shape the world as they see fit. But, is their ideal world a good world for humans?
"Principles," Aja said quietly, "are what dead species cling to when they expire."
As Yin joins Kraken in his role as a part of the Outsiders, a group trying to work as freedom fighters against the government, clashes between Aja and Kraken are pulling Yin in different directions.
How does Yin decide which side to trust? *Can* she make an emotional decision? Does logic have to dictate the future? Does she even care about her own future?
Has she found family and a home or does she need the familiarity of the family she once knew?
"...every choice carried a price, and that price was always paid in full."
I loved this book! I couldn't have anticipated where we would end up from where we started. It was a ride and I'd go again for sure!
Yin is this naive follower - yet is inquisitive and bold and can be loyal. As a human-ish being, she's not supposed to experience the emotions she does - so her search for a friend or family - home - was really touching.
I've read book with minor Non-Binary characters - even minor characters that are still very much part of the crew, like in Masquerade of Mirrors.
But, this is the first time I've read a NBMC - Non-Binary Main character! I really enjoyed Aja's character. They schemed and played sides to try to direct everything as a master manipulator and it was fabulous to read.
The ending!!! Oh. My. Goodness! I'm turning page after page and when I think I'm finished, the hits keep coming. I was reading this late at night and am sitting there thinking - How am I supposed to fall asleep now?!? I was left with so much pent up energy! 😆
It was better than I even expected and if you like dystopia or sci-fi, I'd recommend this one!
If you have a fondness for Murderbot, like morally grey characters, or like futuristic settings, you may like this book.
Triggers: Death, Violence, Medical Content, Murder
In this post-apocalyptic sci-fi dystopia, we meet Yin. She's escaped from a lab that's been her confined living space all her life and she's on the run. We don't quite know what she is, but she sure doesn't act like a regular human.
Kraken, a recombinant - an enhanced human - runs into Yin as he's fleeing a gang who *really* wants to kill him. Fortunately for Kraken, Yin is really good at fighting. She's also seemingly indestructible.
After she saves Kraken, he kind of adopts her - this naive, lost puppy who really does need someone to take her in. Her decision-making alone in the world for the first time is questionable at best. 🤣 Fortunately for her, she comes with a valuable skillset - otherwise, who would share limited resources with her?
"And who's the new addition? Your attack dog? She looks like she's calculating seventeen different ways to dismantle me."
Meanwhile, Aja, has their own plans. They used to work in the lab developing Synths, Yin included, but stepping into the world of politics gives them power - the ability to shape the world as they see fit. But, is their ideal world a good world for humans?
"Principles," Aja said quietly, "are what dead species cling to when they expire."
As Yin joins Kraken in his role as a part of the Outsiders, a group trying to work as freedom fighters against the government, clashes between Aja and Kraken are pulling Yin in different directions.
How does Yin decide which side to trust? *Can* she make an emotional decision? Does logic have to dictate the future? Does she even care about her own future?
Has she found family and a home or does she need the familiarity of the family she once knew?
"...every choice carried a price, and that price was always paid in full."
I loved this book! I couldn't have anticipated where we would end up from where we started. It was a ride and I'd go again for sure!
Yin is this naive follower - yet is inquisitive and bold and can be loyal. As a human-ish being, she's not supposed to experience the emotions she does - so her search for a friend or family - home - was really touching.
I've read book with minor Non-Binary characters - even minor characters that are still very much part of the crew, like in Masquerade of Mirrors.
But, this is the first time I've read a NBMC - Non-Binary Main character! I really enjoyed Aja's character. They schemed and played sides to try to direct everything as a master manipulator and it was fabulous to read.
The ending!!! Oh. My. Goodness! I'm turning page after page and when I think I'm finished, the hits keep coming. I was reading this late at night and am sitting there thinking - How am I supposed to fall asleep now?!? I was left with so much pent up energy! 😆
It was better than I even expected and if you like dystopia or sci-fi, I'd recommend this one!
If you have a fondness for Murderbot, like morally grey characters, or like futuristic settings, you may like this book.
Triggers: Death, Violence, Medical Content, Murder
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novel is a classic example of Rebels-in-Dystopia Sci-Fi. It has multi-layered conflict, tightly related to the themes and to the emotions of sympathetic characters.
It starts out with an attractive opening: evocative setting description teasing us with an interesting character puzzle that keeps us reading through those tricky opening pages.
Then we are presented with a second character and a more puzzling enigma. This mystery becomes the conflict of the story, and while it isn’t enough to keep our attention riveted for the time the main character takes to ponder the question, we are already hooked on the premise, so on we go.
The inner conflict is between two extremes. One is the stilted social emotional and linguistic behaviour of the characters with varying degrees of cybernetic enhancement. This clashes with the inner human emotions struggling to emerge. The gradual development of the emotional abilities of the two main characters and the progress of their relationship draws us in and connects us to the rest of the story.
One major theme is the struggle between advanced research and the losing of our humanity. At the highest level of government, the arguments on both sides are logical and persuasive, but in the end only prove that if you want to, you can justify any philosophy.
It all boils down to the question whether humanity should ever reach a point where “Principles were a luxury they could no longer afford.”
This story falls under my frequent complaint that there is just too much magic. The main characters are created with so much hi-tech enhancement that they are almost indestructible. This becomes a hindrance to the writing, because their ability to heal injuries rapidly leads the author to stretch out the battles to the point where they lose their emotional effect on us. The fights are powerful and described in minute detail, but after a while it is difficult to remember who has how many cracked ribs but is soldiering on in spite of the pain.
In general, the writing style is fluid and well edited. The precise nature of the science vocabulary is excellent; what sounds like complicated technobabble is actually understandable to the average reader.
The story ends by tidying up the personal conflicts but leaves philosophic clashes to be explored in the sequel.
A model example of its genre. A long read, but worth it.
It starts out with an attractive opening: evocative setting description teasing us with an interesting character puzzle that keeps us reading through those tricky opening pages.
Then we are presented with a second character and a more puzzling enigma. This mystery becomes the conflict of the story, and while it isn’t enough to keep our attention riveted for the time the main character takes to ponder the question, we are already hooked on the premise, so on we go.
The inner conflict is between two extremes. One is the stilted social emotional and linguistic behaviour of the characters with varying degrees of cybernetic enhancement. This clashes with the inner human emotions struggling to emerge. The gradual development of the emotional abilities of the two main characters and the progress of their relationship draws us in and connects us to the rest of the story.
One major theme is the struggle between advanced research and the losing of our humanity. At the highest level of government, the arguments on both sides are logical and persuasive, but in the end only prove that if you want to, you can justify any philosophy.
It all boils down to the question whether humanity should ever reach a point where “Principles were a luxury they could no longer afford.”
This story falls under my frequent complaint that there is just too much magic. The main characters are created with so much hi-tech enhancement that they are almost indestructible. This becomes a hindrance to the writing, because their ability to heal injuries rapidly leads the author to stretch out the battles to the point where they lose their emotional effect on us. The fights are powerful and described in minute detail, but after a while it is difficult to remember who has how many cracked ribs but is soldiering on in spite of the pain.
In general, the writing style is fluid and well edited. The precise nature of the science vocabulary is excellent; what sounds like complicated technobabble is actually understandable to the average reader.
The story ends by tidying up the personal conflicts but leaves philosophic clashes to be explored in the sequel.
A model example of its genre. A long read, but worth it.
April 30, 2026
Caenogenesis, Book 1 of The Gemini Files, is a dystopian sci-fi novel about a manufactured soldier named Yin, a genetically enhanced rebel named Kraken, and the city-state of Ignis, where class division, genetic experimentation, and political control shape nearly every life. The opening scene sets a tense, clinical mood right away, introducing Yin as someone shaped by confinement, training, and control before the story pushes her into a world where survival requires more than obedience.
What gives the book its pulse is the relationship between Yin and Kraken. Yin begins as blunt, tactical, and detached, while Kraken is scrappy, wounded, funny, and much more emotionally open than he wants to admit. Their first meeting is violent, strange, and darkly funny, but it grows into the heart of the novel. The best parts often come from watching them misunderstand each other, protect each other, and slowly build a bond that neither of them fully knows how to name.
The world of Ignis is busy in a good way. Retro Ignis, Modernist Ignis, Scraptown, the Outsiders, Recombinants, Synthetics, council politics, gangs, surveillance tech, and medical experimentation all feed into the same larger picture. This is a society built on separation, fear, and useful lies. The action scenes are sharp and physical, but the book is just as interested in what violence costs, especially once the rebellion’s goals start rubbing against questions of mercy, loyalty, and acceptable sacrifice.
Yin is the strongest element. Her voice could’ve been stiff, but it becomes one of the book’s most memorable features because her logic is tied to longing, confusion, and a growing sense of self. Her idea of home is especially moving because it doesn’t arrive as a grand speech. It arrives through repetition, attachment, and choice. When she says, “In that case, Human Kraken is my home,” it works because the story has earned it.
As a first book, Caenogenesis feels like a character-driven sci-fi thriller with a lot on its mind: identity, personhood, rebellion, disability, trauma, and the danger of turning people into symbols. It’s conversational when it wants to be, brutal when it needs to be, and most compelling when Yin and Kraken are trying to understand each other in a world that keeps asking them to become less human. The ending opens the door to a much larger conflict, but the emotional center is already clear: this is Yin’s story of becoming someone, not something.
What gives the book its pulse is the relationship between Yin and Kraken. Yin begins as blunt, tactical, and detached, while Kraken is scrappy, wounded, funny, and much more emotionally open than he wants to admit. Their first meeting is violent, strange, and darkly funny, but it grows into the heart of the novel. The best parts often come from watching them misunderstand each other, protect each other, and slowly build a bond that neither of them fully knows how to name.
The world of Ignis is busy in a good way. Retro Ignis, Modernist Ignis, Scraptown, the Outsiders, Recombinants, Synthetics, council politics, gangs, surveillance tech, and medical experimentation all feed into the same larger picture. This is a society built on separation, fear, and useful lies. The action scenes are sharp and physical, but the book is just as interested in what violence costs, especially once the rebellion’s goals start rubbing against questions of mercy, loyalty, and acceptable sacrifice.
Yin is the strongest element. Her voice could’ve been stiff, but it becomes one of the book’s most memorable features because her logic is tied to longing, confusion, and a growing sense of self. Her idea of home is especially moving because it doesn’t arrive as a grand speech. It arrives through repetition, attachment, and choice. When she says, “In that case, Human Kraken is my home,” it works because the story has earned it.
As a first book, Caenogenesis feels like a character-driven sci-fi thriller with a lot on its mind: identity, personhood, rebellion, disability, trauma, and the danger of turning people into symbols. It’s conversational when it wants to be, brutal when it needs to be, and most compelling when Yin and Kraken are trying to understand each other in a world that keeps asking them to become less human. The ending opens the door to a much larger conflict, but the emotional center is already clear: this is Yin’s story of becoming someone, not something.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Caenogenesis follows the story of Yin, a synthetic person, who doesn’t remember her past. The initial story starts with Yin being told to run away. After which Yin stumbles into Kraken, or rather, the other way around. After a rough initial first encounter, the two of them develop a friendship. They have an awkward second encounter at a laundromat where Yin is washing her outfit, her only outfit. Kraken arrives at the laundromat, finding the owner trying to explain to Yin that she needs to be clothed to use the laundromat. Kraken steps in to help, lending Yin his shirt. Kraken also offers to have Yin stay with him.
The story takes a bit of a shift, as Kraken reveals he works with a revolutionary group, the Outsiders. The world they live in has a class system with different privileges associated with each. The system is rather oppressive, and hence it is the goal of the Outsiders to topple the existing government.
For me, the major source of profluence is the relationship between Yin and Kraken. I think the blend of high-paced thriller scenes interposed with the interpersonal development of the two characters is masterfully done. The resulting story is riveting and compelling.
The story also has excellent, intricate details painting the interaction between the characters well. The book is also witty at times, to quote a line, "Cheeseburgers in Paradise was the kind of place your cardiologist would warn you about.” This tickled me.
The book changes the perspective character from chapter to chapter. The perspective character is identified with a picture of them at the start of the chapter. I think this is also fun, as when a new perspective character is introduced, we don’t actually know much of anything about them. (Whereas we might know their name if that were instead provided.)
I think the multi-threaded narrative works well. We are able to see both into the minds of Yin and Kraken, just at different times. I found the pacing also to be enjoyable, which I think is related to how the narrative changes perspectives.
Overall, if you like dystopian novels or perhaps enjoyed the movie Ex Machina, this would be a perfect book for you. In a sense, the book explores the idea of what it means to be human.
The story takes a bit of a shift, as Kraken reveals he works with a revolutionary group, the Outsiders. The world they live in has a class system with different privileges associated with each. The system is rather oppressive, and hence it is the goal of the Outsiders to topple the existing government.
For me, the major source of profluence is the relationship between Yin and Kraken. I think the blend of high-paced thriller scenes interposed with the interpersonal development of the two characters is masterfully done. The resulting story is riveting and compelling.
The story also has excellent, intricate details painting the interaction between the characters well. The book is also witty at times, to quote a line, "Cheeseburgers in Paradise was the kind of place your cardiologist would warn you about.” This tickled me.
The book changes the perspective character from chapter to chapter. The perspective character is identified with a picture of them at the start of the chapter. I think this is also fun, as when a new perspective character is introduced, we don’t actually know much of anything about them. (Whereas we might know their name if that were instead provided.)
I think the multi-threaded narrative works well. We are able to see both into the minds of Yin and Kraken, just at different times. I found the pacing also to be enjoyable, which I think is related to how the narrative changes perspectives.
Overall, if you like dystopian novels or perhaps enjoyed the movie Ex Machina, this would be a perfect book for you. In a sense, the book explores the idea of what it means to be human.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cover: lovely! What a beautiful style!
You know, I’m always in two minds when it comes to sci-fi. It’s a genre I enjoy immensely, but it’s so overcrowded it presents a lot of problems. One of them is that tropes are lifted straight from TV.tropes rather than getting reworked into something memorable. When there’s an overinflation of stories, your best bet is to rise above the masses.
Which is just what Tasha He did with Caenogenesis.
As I said, I like sci-fi. It offers a big sandbox to play with, plenty of tools. He picked a post-apocalyptic setting, high-tech, rebellion, and two main characters with complex backgrounds, put them in a blender, set it to pulse. What came out of it is a great story.
The technical part is on point. Good grammar, no typos, no mistakes I could pinpoint. There’s action interspersed with dialogue, which is my favorite trick. The structure is solid, with a clean arc and tidy character growth. However, neither Kraken nor Yi are simple; rather, they’re grey, with nuances and complexities. Kudos to He, because that’s how you create a believable, realistic character, with strong points and flaws coming from the same root. Yay! :D
The story itself is fast-paced and dialogue-driven. It flows nicely, building on the relationship between the two MCs, from a casual encounter (with teeth) to their next interactions—bear with me, I’m trying to honor my own policy of no spoilers here, except for what happens at the very beginning, haha. The dual point of views, while not my number one preference, works really well here.
Special mention to the headers. I love the artist’s style!
Flaws? Just one. I’m a big proponent of dialogues that feel realistic, and sometimes Kraken or Yi read a bit too therapy-speak or plain convoluted for my tastes. For example, Kraken saying “It hasn’t escaped my notice that you’re blocking my exit from this room. My leg is severely injured; there’s blood all over the floor” while bleeding and on the run is something I struggle to buy.
4 stars on GR.
You know, I’m always in two minds when it comes to sci-fi. It’s a genre I enjoy immensely, but it’s so overcrowded it presents a lot of problems. One of them is that tropes are lifted straight from TV.tropes rather than getting reworked into something memorable. When there’s an overinflation of stories, your best bet is to rise above the masses.
Which is just what Tasha He did with Caenogenesis.
As I said, I like sci-fi. It offers a big sandbox to play with, plenty of tools. He picked a post-apocalyptic setting, high-tech, rebellion, and two main characters with complex backgrounds, put them in a blender, set it to pulse. What came out of it is a great story.
The technical part is on point. Good grammar, no typos, no mistakes I could pinpoint. There’s action interspersed with dialogue, which is my favorite trick. The structure is solid, with a clean arc and tidy character growth. However, neither Kraken nor Yi are simple; rather, they’re grey, with nuances and complexities. Kudos to He, because that’s how you create a believable, realistic character, with strong points and flaws coming from the same root. Yay! :D
The story itself is fast-paced and dialogue-driven. It flows nicely, building on the relationship between the two MCs, from a casual encounter (with teeth) to their next interactions—bear with me, I’m trying to honor my own policy of no spoilers here, except for what happens at the very beginning, haha. The dual point of views, while not my number one preference, works really well here.
Special mention to the headers. I love the artist’s style!
Flaws? Just one. I’m a big proponent of dialogues that feel realistic, and sometimes Kraken or Yi read a bit too therapy-speak or plain convoluted for my tastes. For example, Kraken saying “It hasn’t escaped my notice that you’re blocking my exit from this room. My leg is severely injured; there’s blood all over the floor” while bleeding and on the run is something I struggle to buy.
4 stars on GR.
April 16, 2026
Caenogenesis is a dystopian sci-fi novel set in a city-state divided by a great wall to separate the Inner Ring and Retro Ignis, the rich and the poor. Kraken, a man enhanced by cybernetics, is trying to survive in Retro Ignis while working with a rebel organisation to take down the city’s elite and corrupt leaders. He meets Yin, a lab-engineered soldier who is on the run after escaping from the facility she was created in. The story follows high-stakes politics about genetic engineering and the extinction of the human race after a nuclear war, and Kraken’s rebel group, the Outsiders, as they try to bring equality to those in Retro Ignis.
My favourite part of Caenogenesis was Kraken and Yin, hands down. Their dynamic was compelling and unique, and their individual characterisation was perfect. Kraken was funny and strong and protective, while Yin was stoic and absolute. They taught each other to be better, in my opinion, and that was a beautiful thing to see. Along with Kraken and Yin, the premise of this novel is fantastic. Dystopian and post-apocalyptic, dealing with politics and science, it’s very interesting!
However, those were the only saving graces. Caenogenesis felt like it was trying to fit way too much into one book. It was sometimes confusing and sometimes boring, the first few times we had Aja’s point of view I was simply annoyed that I was being taken away from Kraken and Yin and I found their narrative a boring change. Especially when we were thrown into reams of politics talk and science jargon that was wordy and hard to get through. The plot wasn’t just a lot, the writing was also repetitive at certain points and the dialogue sometimes made very little sense, like the characters were speaking at each other rather than back and forth.
If you like complex plots with good characters and relationships, and in-depth talk about politics and genetic science, this book will definitely be for you.
Thank you, Netgalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, and Tasha He for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
My favourite part of Caenogenesis was Kraken and Yin, hands down. Their dynamic was compelling and unique, and their individual characterisation was perfect. Kraken was funny and strong and protective, while Yin was stoic and absolute. They taught each other to be better, in my opinion, and that was a beautiful thing to see. Along with Kraken and Yin, the premise of this novel is fantastic. Dystopian and post-apocalyptic, dealing with politics and science, it’s very interesting!
However, those were the only saving graces. Caenogenesis felt like it was trying to fit way too much into one book. It was sometimes confusing and sometimes boring, the first few times we had Aja’s point of view I was simply annoyed that I was being taken away from Kraken and Yin and I found their narrative a boring change. Especially when we were thrown into reams of politics talk and science jargon that was wordy and hard to get through. The plot wasn’t just a lot, the writing was also repetitive at certain points and the dialogue sometimes made very little sense, like the characters were speaking at each other rather than back and forth.
If you like complex plots with good characters and relationships, and in-depth talk about politics and genetic science, this book will definitely be for you.
Thank you, Netgalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, and Tasha He for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 15, 2026
I don’t hand out five-star reviews lightly, but Caenogenesis earned it.
What struck me first was the depth of the worldbuilding. It’s layered without being overwhelming, and it feels lived-in in a way a lot of near-future science fiction struggles to achieve. The technology, the politics, and the social structures all interlock in a way that makes the setting feel plausible rather than speculative for its own sake.
What really carries this book is the characters, especially Yin and Kraken. Their dynamic is the heart of the story. There’s a natural humor between them that never undercuts the stakes, and their relationship evolves in a way that feels earned. Yin, in particular, is fascinating to watch. The portrayal of a synthetic learning to be human could have gone flat, but instead it’s nuanced and surprisingly emotional. Watching her grow from something rigid and uncertain into someone who can say, “I deserve to live,” was one of the most satisfying arcs in the book.
Kraken complements that perfectly. He’s grounded by a strong moral compass, but the story doesn’t let that remain unchallenged. Seeing him hold onto his beliefs under pressure, and sometimes at real cost, adds weight to his development.
The antagonist, Aja, deserves just as much attention. Seeing a leading non-binary, disabled character was unique, and it’s handled with care rather than tokenism. Aja is intelligent, politically savvy, and morally complex. They force the reader to engage with the central question of the novel: what does it actually mean to be human, and what are we willing to sacrifice to preserve that? Their perspective turns the narrative into something closer to a philosophical debate than a simple conflict, and it works.
That’s where the book stands out. Beneath the action and tension, and there’s plenty of both, it’s deeply concerned with questions that feel uncomfortably relevant. Dehumanization, systemic control, and the justification of harm for a perceived greater good never feel abstract. There were moments that genuinely made me uneasy, not because of shock value, but because of how closely they mirror real-world thinking.
At the same time, the book isn’t cynical. There’s a thread of hope running through it, especially in the quieter moments of resistance and connection. One scene in particular between Yin and Kraken, where Kraken fully accepts the consequences of his actions against her, has stuck with me. It’s understated, but it carries real emotional weight.
Genre-wise, this sits comfortably in near-future, character-driven science fiction with strong cyberpunk and sociopolitical elements. What makes it stand out is that it takes place entirely on Earth, which gives the story a grounded, immediate feel that a lot of the genre doesn’t always capture. It’s gritty, kinetic, and ethically complex without losing focus on the people at the center of it. If anything, it exceeds expectations for that space.
If you enjoy science fiction that explores not just technology, but what that technology does to our sense of self, this is absolutely worth your time. It’s especially strong for readers who appreciate morally gray characters, political tension, and stories that trust the reader to sit with difficult questions.
I’ll be watching this trilogy closely. There’s a lot of promise here.
What struck me first was the depth of the worldbuilding. It’s layered without being overwhelming, and it feels lived-in in a way a lot of near-future science fiction struggles to achieve. The technology, the politics, and the social structures all interlock in a way that makes the setting feel plausible rather than speculative for its own sake.
What really carries this book is the characters, especially Yin and Kraken. Their dynamic is the heart of the story. There’s a natural humor between them that never undercuts the stakes, and their relationship evolves in a way that feels earned. Yin, in particular, is fascinating to watch. The portrayal of a synthetic learning to be human could have gone flat, but instead it’s nuanced and surprisingly emotional. Watching her grow from something rigid and uncertain into someone who can say, “I deserve to live,” was one of the most satisfying arcs in the book.
Kraken complements that perfectly. He’s grounded by a strong moral compass, but the story doesn’t let that remain unchallenged. Seeing him hold onto his beliefs under pressure, and sometimes at real cost, adds weight to his development.
The antagonist, Aja, deserves just as much attention. Seeing a leading non-binary, disabled character was unique, and it’s handled with care rather than tokenism. Aja is intelligent, politically savvy, and morally complex. They force the reader to engage with the central question of the novel: what does it actually mean to be human, and what are we willing to sacrifice to preserve that? Their perspective turns the narrative into something closer to a philosophical debate than a simple conflict, and it works.
That’s where the book stands out. Beneath the action and tension, and there’s plenty of both, it’s deeply concerned with questions that feel uncomfortably relevant. Dehumanization, systemic control, and the justification of harm for a perceived greater good never feel abstract. There were moments that genuinely made me uneasy, not because of shock value, but because of how closely they mirror real-world thinking.
At the same time, the book isn’t cynical. There’s a thread of hope running through it, especially in the quieter moments of resistance and connection. One scene in particular between Yin and Kraken, where Kraken fully accepts the consequences of his actions against her, has stuck with me. It’s understated, but it carries real emotional weight.
Genre-wise, this sits comfortably in near-future, character-driven science fiction with strong cyberpunk and sociopolitical elements. What makes it stand out is that it takes place entirely on Earth, which gives the story a grounded, immediate feel that a lot of the genre doesn’t always capture. It’s gritty, kinetic, and ethically complex without losing focus on the people at the center of it. If anything, it exceeds expectations for that space.
If you enjoy science fiction that explores not just technology, but what that technology does to our sense of self, this is absolutely worth your time. It’s especially strong for readers who appreciate morally gray characters, political tension, and stories that trust the reader to sit with difficult questions.
I’ll be watching this trilogy closely. There’s a lot of promise here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It's a perfect blend of dystopian rebellion, politics, and emotion-led characters. The worldbuilding was really fascinating, with the post-apocalyptic city of Ignis divided by a wall into the haves and have-nots, regular radiation storms, interesting political machinations, and some really cool tech ideas. I enjoyed learning more about the world as I read, and it felt rich and real throughout.
But the stars of this book are definitely the characters and the focus on platonic friendship. The two main characters, Yin and Kraken, are so perfectly matched for each other: Yin is a synthetic whose emotions have been suppressed, and Kraken is a recombinant whose modifications have led him to feel too much. It was clear from their first meeting that they would both drive each other crazy and be really good for each other as friends. I enjoyed seeing them interact and watching their friendship evolve over the course of the book.
There's also a lot more in this book to love! Great side characters (I want to see more of them in book two, please!), funny moments, heartwarming moments, philosophical debates, a believable villain who believes they're doing the right thing, plot twists, and more. In particular, I loved the laundromat, The Godfather, and the pigeonpocalypse (you know you want to know more 😉).
If you enjoy dystopian sci fi and/or character driven stories of rebellion, platonic soulmates, and found family, definitely give this one a read! I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the author for the ARC copy of this book to read.
But the stars of this book are definitely the characters and the focus on platonic friendship. The two main characters, Yin and Kraken, are so perfectly matched for each other: Yin is a synthetic whose emotions have been suppressed, and Kraken is a recombinant whose modifications have led him to feel too much. It was clear from their first meeting that they would both drive each other crazy and be really good for each other as friends. I enjoyed seeing them interact and watching their friendship evolve over the course of the book.
There's also a lot more in this book to love! Great side characters (I want to see more of them in book two, please!), funny moments, heartwarming moments, philosophical debates, a believable villain who believes they're doing the right thing, plot twists, and more. In particular, I loved the laundromat, The Godfather, and the pigeonpocalypse (you know you want to know more 😉).
If you enjoy dystopian sci fi and/or character driven stories of rebellion, platonic soulmates, and found family, definitely give this one a read! I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the author for the ARC copy of this book to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love when a book pulls me in right away, and this one definitely did it. Not only was the writing able to hook me but the world itself felt immersive and the characters I instantly enjoyed. My favorite? 100% Yin. I found their character to be very relatable to me with human interactions and loved every time they were in the scene. My favorite moment? Honestly when they were at the restaurant. The conversation about what make's something a home was just so heart warming for me. For me I found the plot moved at an excellent pace and always had something about it happening that I could enjoy be it the characters or action. If you're looking for a break from your typical book genre, for a plot with action and something that brings thought provoking questions to mind such as what makes us human?
To be dropped into a world of sci-fi and also not feel entirely lost with a bunch of things that aren't comprehendible I found myself being able to enjoy and appreciate it while also not being lost. If you're looking for a sci-fi dystopian world, that has action and relatable characters as well as also having it's moments that make you laugh while needing more of the plot and the action I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. I'm excited to see what the author brings next.
To be dropped into a world of sci-fi and also not feel entirely lost with a bunch of things that aren't comprehendible I found myself being able to enjoy and appreciate it while also not being lost. If you're looking for a sci-fi dystopian world, that has action and relatable characters as well as also having it's moments that make you laugh while needing more of the plot and the action I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. I'm excited to see what the author brings next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Caenogenesis is the debut novel by Tasha He, a dystopian sci-fi epic set in Ignis, a city-state after a nuclear war. Book 1 of The Gemini Files, the title may seem a slightly confusing choice at first, but it apparently refers to developmental changes that deviate from ancestral evolution, essentially, abnormal development. I’ll be honest, I had to look that one up (and I thought I had a good vocab). It’s the kind of title that makes more sense the deeper you get into the story. And this is a story that will have no problem holding your attention, throwing the reader right into the action.
This is a smart, character-focused sci-fi novel and an epic adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yin’s journey from weapon to whatever she’s becoming is beautifully explored, and the world and adventure of the book is immersive to get lost in. If you liked Blade Runner, Never Let Me Go, or The Hunger Games, you’ll probably enjoy this. Just be ready to immediately want book two of The Gemini Files, because this one ends right when things are about to get really interesting.
This is a smart, character-focused sci-fi novel and an epic adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yin’s journey from weapon to whatever she’s becoming is beautifully explored, and the world and adventure of the book is immersive to get lost in. If you liked Blade Runner, Never Let Me Go, or The Hunger Games, you’ll probably enjoy this. Just be ready to immediately want book two of The Gemini Files, because this one ends right when things are about to get really interesting.
April 15, 2026
This book absolutely delivered. The writing is engaging, the world feels rich and immersive without ever becoming overwhelming, and the characters instantly clicked for me.
The world-building is layered and vivid, bringing the setting to life in a way that’s easy to imagine. Each character feels distinct, with clear motivations and personalities that made me genuinely care about their journeys. I especially loved how the story balances high-stakes action with emotional moments—it keeps you invested.
Even as a sci-fi dystopian, it remains accessible and never confusing, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking to step outside your usual genre and want a story that blends action, meaningful themes and relatable characters, I’d recommend giving this one a try. I’m excited to see what the author does next.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honst review.
The world-building is layered and vivid, bringing the setting to life in a way that’s easy to imagine. Each character feels distinct, with clear motivations and personalities that made me genuinely care about their journeys. I especially loved how the story balances high-stakes action with emotional moments—it keeps you invested.
Even as a sci-fi dystopian, it remains accessible and never confusing, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking to step outside your usual genre and want a story that blends action, meaningful themes and relatable characters, I’d recommend giving this one a try. I’m excited to see what the author does next.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honst review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy.
Caenogenesis is a story exploring the meaning of friendship and what it really means to be human. The story had good pacing and an endearing relationship between two of the main characters.
I appreciated the inclusion of Aja’s perspective to understand the motivations behind their actions. I felt like Kraken’s backstory could have been explored more to better understand his feelings about himself and towards Yin. I also felt like Yang’s background should have also been fleshed out more.
Overall this was a fun read and I’d be interested in finding out what happens to Kraken and Yin next.
Caenogenesis is a story exploring the meaning of friendship and what it really means to be human. The story had good pacing and an endearing relationship between two of the main characters.
I appreciated the inclusion of Aja’s perspective to understand the motivations behind their actions. I felt like Kraken’s backstory could have been explored more to better understand his feelings about himself and towards Yin. I also felt like Yang’s background should have also been fleshed out more.
Overall this was a fun read and I’d be interested in finding out what happens to Kraken and Yin next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Caeogenesis was gifted to me by the Author and I am thankful for any ARC I receive!!
It took me awhile to get into this book—just based on the flow of writing and the style of writing. I feel as if I was confused a lot of the time and did not know where the story was going.
I do love the main characters, Kraken and Yin. The tension was amazing, truly a slow burn, don’t know if that was the intent but I was here for it!!!
Overall, the plot twists in this book were definitely present. I was not expecting a lot of things that happened to happen so i am glad i was surprised. Just wish i was able to understand some of the political aspects of the book.
It took me awhile to get into this book—just based on the flow of writing and the style of writing. I feel as if I was confused a lot of the time and did not know where the story was going.
I do love the main characters, Kraken and Yin. The tension was amazing, truly a slow burn, don’t know if that was the intent but I was here for it!!!
Overall, the plot twists in this book were definitely present. I was not expecting a lot of things that happened to happen so i am glad i was surprised. Just wish i was able to understand some of the political aspects of the book.
April 30, 2026
Unfortunately I didn't love this book but I may have went into it with unfair expectations. This novel reads very YA which is not bad inherently but I was expecting something more mature. Its not so much the plot that screams YA but instead the characters. They feel quite one-dimensional and immature. The two leads develop an intense connections so quickly it does not feel earned at all. This was an advance reader copy btw I think i gotta say that. 😁
Did Not Finish
April 13, 2026I unfortunately just can't get into this. It had promise at the beginning with an action-packed opening scene, however, when the POV switches to Yin there was a weird type of info-dump that I was not vibing with.
Thank you to Tasha He for reaching out and offering an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Tasha He for reaching out and offering an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2026
I enjoyed this Sci Fi dystopian novel. Bioengineering humans into weapons might not be too far off in our future. This book explores that idea from many angles.
We get introduced to many different characters throughout the novel. All of them affected in some way by the weaponizing of humans.
We get introduced to many different characters throughout the novel. All of them affected in some way by the weaponizing of humans.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very interesting book. Unique world building and story telling that kept me reading. I loved the different perspectives, it provided good insights to the story as you were reading
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