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The EVOL Algorithm
THIS IS NOT A DYSTOPIA.
IT'S A UTOPIA IN THE MAKING.
Matargo and the other children live in paradise, under the watchful eye of their mechs.
Until the day they Float.
No one talks about what happens after you Float.
Or what exactly the giant black sphere of nothingness above them is.
Why would they? They've never known a day of fear or suspicion in their lives.
Like lambs. Awaiting slaughter.
Book One in The EVOL Trilogy.
IT'S A UTOPIA IN THE MAKING.
Matargo and the other children live in paradise, under the watchful eye of their mechs.
Until the day they Float.
No one talks about what happens after you Float.
Or what exactly the giant black sphere of nothingness above them is.
Why would they? They've never known a day of fear or suspicion in their lives.
Like lambs. Awaiting slaughter.
Book One in The EVOL Trilogy.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
416 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
K.M. Moke
1 book47 followersK. M. MOKE is the creative trio of creator Mark Warrick, writer Kelley Townley and artist Oliver Hurst.
From humble beginnings spent worldbuilding in the local café, to a fully-fledged world emanating from a restored Georgian townhouse studio in the heart of Bath, England, they created EVOL through a shared philosophy of transformative storytelling and the desire for authentic experiences in a bustling world, with some good old-fashioned optimism thrown in.
From humble beginnings spent worldbuilding in the local café, to a fully-fledged world emanating from a restored Georgian townhouse studio in the heart of Bath, England, they created EVOL through a shared philosophy of transformative storytelling and the desire for authentic experiences in a bustling world, with some good old-fashioned optimism thrown in.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 26, 2026
This is unquestionably my sleeper hit of the year so far and it could very well be the start of a new favourite series for me. Admittedly I picked it up initially because of beautiful cover art, but it took mere moments of reading it for the book to sell me on almost everything else.
This first book in the Evol trilogy has got some truly fascinating and extremely mysterious world-building, a superb protagonist and it has a lot to say on the topics of personhood, artificial intelligence, war, childhood, history, sacrifice and the greater good.
It feels to me a bit like The Will of The Many had a bookish baby with the video game Arc Raiders, twinned with gorgeous art (both cover and internal, I might add) reminiscent of Simon Stalenhag’s dystopic book The Electric State.
Immediately we are presented with a utopic (and yet very hierarchical) society of children who have each bonded with a personal drone that is set on protecting and teaching them, always at their side, all without an adult in sight.
We are told about The Nothing, the huge black sphere that is supposedly going to save the world, which ominously hangs above this beautiful and idyllic island that these children live upon.
The children are each working toward their “Float”, which they achieve by behaving, learning or performing in certain ways to attain new lights on their hep-tags, small devices that they are never meant to be parted from. As to what a float is… well you’ll have to read and find out. This is all set up in the first chapter and the ideas and concepts had me absolutely hooked.
Our protagonist is a youngster called Matargo, and their drone P. They aren’t particularly motivated by their heptag lights or The Nothing, they just wish to run the lengths of the island and to eat lots of food.
I am not normally one to prefer a first-person perspective, but these characters were so charming and personable, stubborn and inquisitive, reckless and a quick-study, and the dynamic between the two was tremendously engaging. I adored them both.
The plot is fast-paced, and it has short chapters. It hits a few beats we are mostly familiar with, but despite these few moments of predictability, the world, characters and the book’s philosophy (as well as it’s incredible art and design) all more than make up for it.
The ending was very exciting and satisfying in equal measure, and I am extremely eager to get my hands on the next entry the moment it becomes available.
Top marks, highly recommended.
This first book in the Evol trilogy has got some truly fascinating and extremely mysterious world-building, a superb protagonist and it has a lot to say on the topics of personhood, artificial intelligence, war, childhood, history, sacrifice and the greater good.
It feels to me a bit like The Will of The Many had a bookish baby with the video game Arc Raiders, twinned with gorgeous art (both cover and internal, I might add) reminiscent of Simon Stalenhag’s dystopic book The Electric State.
Immediately we are presented with a utopic (and yet very hierarchical) society of children who have each bonded with a personal drone that is set on protecting and teaching them, always at their side, all without an adult in sight.
We are told about The Nothing, the huge black sphere that is supposedly going to save the world, which ominously hangs above this beautiful and idyllic island that these children live upon.
The children are each working toward their “Float”, which they achieve by behaving, learning or performing in certain ways to attain new lights on their hep-tags, small devices that they are never meant to be parted from. As to what a float is… well you’ll have to read and find out. This is all set up in the first chapter and the ideas and concepts had me absolutely hooked.
Our protagonist is a youngster called Matargo, and their drone P. They aren’t particularly motivated by their heptag lights or The Nothing, they just wish to run the lengths of the island and to eat lots of food.
I am not normally one to prefer a first-person perspective, but these characters were so charming and personable, stubborn and inquisitive, reckless and a quick-study, and the dynamic between the two was tremendously engaging. I adored them both.
The plot is fast-paced, and it has short chapters. It hits a few beats we are mostly familiar with, but despite these few moments of predictability, the world, characters and the book’s philosophy (as well as it’s incredible art and design) all more than make up for it.
The ending was very exciting and satisfying in equal measure, and I am extremely eager to get my hands on the next entry the moment it becomes available.
Top marks, highly recommended.
May 7, 2026
what a fantastic new fantasy world to just jump head first into! man, i love me a child character who is just genuinely miles smarter than all the adults.
‘The Evol Algorithm’ follows the story of young Matargo and their life on Loop Island, alongside their spherical friend P. it’s a fantastically built world with some excellently well placed information along the way, never dumping you with it all in one go. the descriptions of places like Loop Island and the Cities were so vivid that i could truly see them in my minds eye.
the characters were so well developed, including the relationships between them all. i am absolutely buzzing at the fact this is only part one of three as there is so much more to come. Matargo and P’s friendship and love for each other is so real and beautiful, it truly is the core of the novel. without giving too much away, the other characters we meet along the path are just as intricate with oodles of backstory and history. truly fantastic!!
as for evol itself, whilst a confusing concept - it worked because the characters themselves also barely understood it. i look forward to discovering that alongside them. the plot was so well structured and thought out, never a dull moment with one thing happening and straight into the next.
as a side note, i ADORED the use of gender neutral pronouns, it just utterly completed the piece for me. it was never highlighted or addressed, that was just the way of it and even in this very corrupted dystopian world, i’m very glad they got rid of gender.
an amazing first dive into this complex and unique world, with some incredibly beautiful art scattered throughout the book. it was honestly such an incredible read - every time i put the book down, all i wanted to do was pick it back up again. i am so excited for part two!!
thank you to the publishers at Worldbuilders of Queen Street for my advanced copy of this stunning book, it’s out now - go read it!!
‘The Evol Algorithm’ follows the story of young Matargo and their life on Loop Island, alongside their spherical friend P. it’s a fantastically built world with some excellently well placed information along the way, never dumping you with it all in one go. the descriptions of places like Loop Island and the Cities were so vivid that i could truly see them in my minds eye.
the characters were so well developed, including the relationships between them all. i am absolutely buzzing at the fact this is only part one of three as there is so much more to come. Matargo and P’s friendship and love for each other is so real and beautiful, it truly is the core of the novel. without giving too much away, the other characters we meet along the path are just as intricate with oodles of backstory and history. truly fantastic!!
as for evol itself, whilst a confusing concept - it worked because the characters themselves also barely understood it. i look forward to discovering that alongside them. the plot was so well structured and thought out, never a dull moment with one thing happening and straight into the next.
as a side note, i ADORED the use of gender neutral pronouns, it just utterly completed the piece for me. it was never highlighted or addressed, that was just the way of it and even in this very corrupted dystopian world, i’m very glad they got rid of gender.
an amazing first dive into this complex and unique world, with some incredibly beautiful art scattered throughout the book. it was honestly such an incredible read - every time i put the book down, all i wanted to do was pick it back up again. i am so excited for part two!!
thank you to the publishers at Worldbuilders of Queen Street for my advanced copy of this stunning book, it’s out now - go read it!!
June 21, 2026
4.5 stars
May 11, 2026
I picked up my copy on Saturday and finished it by Monday morning — I simply couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in completely, and I had to know what happened next. It’s a beautiful blend of mystery, love, and adventure, and at times it reminded me of both Divergent and Interstellar. I tend to read with music, and having the Interstellar soundtrack in the background matched the atmosphere perfectly.
I especially loved the non–gender-specific identities of the characters. As a parent of a non‑binary teen, we all felt genuinely seen. It’s handled so naturally and seamlessly that I didn’t even notice it in the pre‑release chapters — my child pointed it out to me later. It felt effortless and authentic. Well done, peeps.
The themes woven throughout the story are treated with a delicate, confident touch. Nothing is over‑explained; instead, the characters’ understanding grows alongside our own, which makes the journey even more engaging.
I cannot wait for the next instalment and fully expect to reread this one many times in the meantime. Matargo and P are characters I’m excited to spend more time with.
We’re very lucky to live near Bath and the wonderful Worldbuilders on Queen Street. We’ve visited many times to watch the artwork evolve and chat with the team behind it. If you ever find yourself in Bath, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by. And of course, I absolutely recommend this book — and every one that follows.
I especially loved the non–gender-specific identities of the characters. As a parent of a non‑binary teen, we all felt genuinely seen. It’s handled so naturally and seamlessly that I didn’t even notice it in the pre‑release chapters — my child pointed it out to me later. It felt effortless and authentic. Well done, peeps.
The themes woven throughout the story are treated with a delicate, confident touch. Nothing is over‑explained; instead, the characters’ understanding grows alongside our own, which makes the journey even more engaging.
I cannot wait for the next instalment and fully expect to reread this one many times in the meantime. Matargo and P are characters I’m excited to spend more time with.
We’re very lucky to live near Bath and the wonderful Worldbuilders on Queen Street. We’ve visited many times to watch the artwork evolve and chat with the team behind it. If you ever find yourself in Bath, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by. And of course, I absolutely recommend this book — and every one that follows.
May 31, 2026
I haven’t written a proper review for anything in so long but I NEED everyone to pick up this book immediately! I haven’t read a book that’s captured my whole heart in the longest time, this story kept me hooked from page 1 and I already miss spending time with the characters in these pages. If I could consume this story in every format possible I would ❤️
Extra things to note -
- I LOVE the use of ‘they/them/theirs’ pronouns throughout; it actually made me focus more on each character to just work out who they are as a person and not focus so much on given genders/gender roles
- The relationship between Matargo and P had me welling up, laughing, feeling frustrated, a whole range of emotions but I’m just completely obsessed with their love and friendship
- even minor characters in this book made a huge impact on me and I’m still thinking about them all now a week after putting the book down
I feel impatient waiting for the next book but in the meantime I’ll be recommending this to everyone and anyone that will listen!
Extra things to note -
- I LOVE the use of ‘they/them/theirs’ pronouns throughout; it actually made me focus more on each character to just work out who they are as a person and not focus so much on given genders/gender roles
- The relationship between Matargo and P had me welling up, laughing, feeling frustrated, a whole range of emotions but I’m just completely obsessed with their love and friendship
- even minor characters in this book made a huge impact on me and I’m still thinking about them all now a week after putting the book down
I feel impatient waiting for the next book but in the meantime I’ll be recommending this to everyone and anyone that will listen!
May 31, 2026
What a refreshing read. An awesome mix of futuristic technology, post apocalyptic setting, and adventure. I could not put this book down. A majority of the book from a child's perspective helps immerse you into the world, as like them you are learning it all for the first time. I loved the writing and the very creative ways that the book handles certain aspects when the perspective shifts. I can't wait for book 2.
May 30, 2026
this was so incredible! such a fresh perspective on the sci-fi genre- not that i can say i have read much, but as a fantasy addict, can definitely say i have never read any world like it!!! so so unique, the world, the characters, the tech!! cannot WAIT for book 2.. not to mention IT HAS PICTURES. but like- for real sketches, so beautiful.
May 21, 2026
I'm not alone in having picked this one up for the cover and stunning interior art. From the artwork and the premise, I was getting serious "The Creator" vibes (the ridiculously underrated 2023 sci-fi film), and the concept of a developing utopia was interesting enough to snare me.
I'm so glad I gave this a shot, because I read this in less than 2 days. The character voice of main character Matargo, an 11-year-old child at the start of the story, engaged me immediately and ensured I didn't want to put the book down. The narrative immerses you in the first-person perspective of young Matargo, and it truly feels like we're in this child's head as they go about their innocent, playful routine within the confines of Loop Island, the home they inhabit alongside a number of other children. Their frenetic excitement at mundane things (such as what they're going to have for dinner) felt so authentically child-like and endearing.
But then, bit by bit, their innocence is stripped away. Having lived an idyllic existence on Loop Island with only minimal input from a single adult overseer and constant care delivered by their mechs (each child is assigned their own personal mech, which develops its personality alongside their young charges), Matargo has been ridiculously sheltered. When things go catastrophically wrong, they're confronted with ideas they've never encountered before: death, injury, the destructive nature of humanity, selfishness versus selflessness, what it means to be alive, the nature of truth, the concept of morality, and so many more.
It was precisely Matargo's sheltered innocence combined with the tackling of these heavy, sometimes dark topics that made this book stand out so starkly. This book could easily have leaned on the violence of its worldbuilding, the horror of some of its spectacles, and the nihilism of its topics. But it didn't, because that's not who Matargo is. Matargo has hope, even as they learn of the worst things humans can do to each other and the planet. Despite suffering at the hands of others, Matargo, just a child, wants to do better and be better.
Alongside Matargo, a small but focused cast of secondary characters also ran the gauntlet of this post-apocalyptic landscape. P, Matargo's mech and constant companion, lent weight to the argument that sentience stretches beyond the human. Alain and Kimiko, two adults Matargo meets out in the world, represented the flawed but well-meaning attempts of humanity to assert order upon itself even as the world itself is ending. Letty and Regina offer displays of what happens when well-intentioned control becomes inhumane tyranny.
Honestly, I could go on and on about how well and how many dense topics this story handles with admirable deftness and care.
Overall: Perfectly balanced character voice, perfectly fractured and scarily realistic setting, perfectly realised incorporation of some of science fiction's biggest and most complex themes, and perfectly beautiful accompanying artwork.
And now to wait for book 2.
I'm so glad I gave this a shot, because I read this in less than 2 days. The character voice of main character Matargo, an 11-year-old child at the start of the story, engaged me immediately and ensured I didn't want to put the book down. The narrative immerses you in the first-person perspective of young Matargo, and it truly feels like we're in this child's head as they go about their innocent, playful routine within the confines of Loop Island, the home they inhabit alongside a number of other children. Their frenetic excitement at mundane things (such as what they're going to have for dinner) felt so authentically child-like and endearing.
But then, bit by bit, their innocence is stripped away. Having lived an idyllic existence on Loop Island with only minimal input from a single adult overseer and constant care delivered by their mechs (each child is assigned their own personal mech, which develops its personality alongside their young charges), Matargo has been ridiculously sheltered. When things go catastrophically wrong, they're confronted with ideas they've never encountered before: death, injury, the destructive nature of humanity, selfishness versus selflessness, what it means to be alive, the nature of truth, the concept of morality, and so many more.
It was precisely Matargo's sheltered innocence combined with the tackling of these heavy, sometimes dark topics that made this book stand out so starkly. This book could easily have leaned on the violence of its worldbuilding, the horror of some of its spectacles, and the nihilism of its topics. But it didn't, because that's not who Matargo is. Matargo has hope, even as they learn of the worst things humans can do to each other and the planet. Despite suffering at the hands of others, Matargo, just a child, wants to do better and be better.
Alongside Matargo, a small but focused cast of secondary characters also ran the gauntlet of this post-apocalyptic landscape. P, Matargo's mech and constant companion, lent weight to the argument that sentience stretches beyond the human. Alain and Kimiko, two adults Matargo meets out in the world, represented the flawed but well-meaning attempts of humanity to assert order upon itself even as the world itself is ending. Letty and Regina offer displays of what happens when well-intentioned control becomes inhumane tyranny.
Honestly, I could go on and on about how well and how many dense topics this story handles with admirable deftness and care.
Overall: Perfectly balanced character voice, perfectly fractured and scarily realistic setting, perfectly realised incorporation of some of science fiction's biggest and most complex themes, and perfectly beautiful accompanying artwork.
And now to wait for book 2.
May 9, 2026
All I can say is that I’m annoyed I’ve read this so early, because now i have to wait for the next instalment, and I REALLY can’t
May 7, 2026
4.5* rounded up because I enjoyed it so much that I finished in the space of 4 days. Well and truly out of my reading slump, and wishing book 2 was already here!
June 6, 2026
*4.5* Was one of those books I couldn’t stop thinking about, couldn’t wait to jump back into its world, and I’d forget about my life while reading, just completely immersed. I immediately loved Matargo and P’s relationship, and I found the whole idea of the book really interesting, and it’s got a bunch of gold nuggets with themes on being human, on what’s good and bad, and my favourite, if there’s even such a thing as selflessness. A few bits I felt could’ve been more developed, but still one of the best things I’ve read in a long time. I picked it up randomly at a bookstore, initially drawn by the cool illustrations and the very hooky blurb, and it did not disappoint. I was surprised to see it barely had 30 reviews on here (at the time I checked), so felt compelled to review, because while it’s not super well known, it should be!! I cannot wait for the next book…Highly recommend for a cool sci fi / dystopia concept that feels fresh
June 4, 2026
This is probably the most unique book I have ever read... And oh my gawd, it's fantastic. I can't believe people have not picked up on this gem yet and I am beyond excited to see where the next book will take us.
The craftsmanship within this book is so refined. From the amazing art, to the incredibly detailed storyline and world-building. I've got no notes. No comments. Just a very big, well-deserved applause.
If you've not had the chance yet, please do go and check this book out because you will not be disappointed. 💖
The craftsmanship within this book is so refined. From the amazing art, to the incredibly detailed storyline and world-building. I've got no notes. No comments. Just a very big, well-deserved applause.
If you've not had the chance yet, please do go and check this book out because you will not be disappointed. 💖
May 29, 2026
I loved this, the downside is how new it is and how long I'll have to wait for the next one.
Why are more people not talking about this book?!
After a stint of very dark and heavy books this was the lighter reprieve I needed. That's not to say there's not risk or threat within the story but it's less constant, less the focus. I read a description of this as cosy and for me personally it is, but maybe not as cosy as some books can be.
It's the first in a trilogy so there's some ground work to do but it didn't feel laboured. Each new but of information just kept the intrigue.
The chatacters are loveable and relatable, and the future elements not unbelievable.
With a child protagonist and a more post apocalyptic than dytopian setting, this made me think of 'the book of koli' and to some extent 'a boy and his dog and the end of the world' - both fantastic reads so good company.
This is a well built, well written, delightful book. It's thought provoking as any end of the world type story can be but mainly it's simply enjoyable.
The art work is of course a major plus and why I bought it initially but it's so much more than that!
Why are more people not talking about this book?!
After a stint of very dark and heavy books this was the lighter reprieve I needed. That's not to say there's not risk or threat within the story but it's less constant, less the focus. I read a description of this as cosy and for me personally it is, but maybe not as cosy as some books can be.
It's the first in a trilogy so there's some ground work to do but it didn't feel laboured. Each new but of information just kept the intrigue.
The chatacters are loveable and relatable, and the future elements not unbelievable.
With a child protagonist and a more post apocalyptic than dytopian setting, this made me think of 'the book of koli' and to some extent 'a boy and his dog and the end of the world' - both fantastic reads so good company.
This is a well built, well written, delightful book. It's thought provoking as any end of the world type story can be but mainly it's simply enjoyable.
The art work is of course a major plus and why I bought it initially but it's so much more than that!
June 12, 2026
First book I’ve finished in a hit minute, genuinely has gotten me out of my reading slump.
May 16, 2026
would love to know when book 2 is coming. it was such a captaining read from start to finish could not put this down
June 11, 2026
The children live on Loop Island, a serene home where everything they need is at their fingertips. Each with their own personal mech, they must train and develop their evol energy so one day they can float towards The Nothing—a big black ball of nothingness that hangs in the sky.
Matargo doesn't know what's in The Nothing, no one really does, except that it will save all of humankind once it's opened. But Matargo is restless and curious, their mech P struggling to keep them focused on training, until one day there is a visitor to the island, and everything Matargo thought they knew no longer makes sense.
The EVOL Algorithm is more than just a story, it's truly an experience. From the intricate worldbuilding, to the immersive storytelling, to the beautiful illustrations, this will have you hooked from the first page. Matargo is undoubtedly one of the best protagonists I have read—they are so curious despite their naivety from this utopian society. I love that everything has such simplicity in their way of thinking, yet their human nature makes them constantly question. This really aids the reader as we learn alongside Matargo, yet we can also envision certain horrors as they learn more about this mysterious world.
Matargo's relationship with their mech, P, really is at the heart of this story. Their love and loyalty to each other was everything, there is so much I want to say but I want to refrain from spoiling anything—just know I really went on a journey with P in this book (can I have my own P please?)
My favourite aspect of this story was the lack of gender roles and identities. It's such a fresh perspective that ties into so many elements of this story—how simplistically we can view things, how we could evolve as a society when we focus on who someone is—while being so effortless. There are so many important themes throughout, the use of AI, the effects of war, what it means to do something for the greater good.
The EVOL Algorithm is truly a unique piece of work that even well-read sci-fi lovers will find something completely new with this story, or for those that don't usually read sci-fi, this will be unlike anything you know. This has easily become one of my favourite novels of all time and I can't wait for the next book.
Matargo doesn't know what's in The Nothing, no one really does, except that it will save all of humankind once it's opened. But Matargo is restless and curious, their mech P struggling to keep them focused on training, until one day there is a visitor to the island, and everything Matargo thought they knew no longer makes sense.
The EVOL Algorithm is more than just a story, it's truly an experience. From the intricate worldbuilding, to the immersive storytelling, to the beautiful illustrations, this will have you hooked from the first page. Matargo is undoubtedly one of the best protagonists I have read—they are so curious despite their naivety from this utopian society. I love that everything has such simplicity in their way of thinking, yet their human nature makes them constantly question. This really aids the reader as we learn alongside Matargo, yet we can also envision certain horrors as they learn more about this mysterious world.
"It dawns on me that although we do whatever we want here, we might not be as free as we think we are. And there it is: the fiction. There's the something that's not quite right. Like I'm not being told the whole story."
Matargo's relationship with their mech, P, really is at the heart of this story. Their love and loyalty to each other was everything, there is so much I want to say but I want to refrain from spoiling anything—just know I really went on a journey with P in this book (can I have my own P please?)
My favourite aspect of this story was the lack of gender roles and identities. It's such a fresh perspective that ties into so many elements of this story—how simplistically we can view things, how we could evolve as a society when we focus on who someone is—while being so effortless. There are so many important themes throughout, the use of AI, the effects of war, what it means to do something for the greater good.
"I understand now. The world is more than just me, more than just this island, this planet, this everything. I am part of something much bigger. And together we are one."
The EVOL Algorithm is truly a unique piece of work that even well-read sci-fi lovers will find something completely new with this story, or for those that don't usually read sci-fi, this will be unlike anything you know. This has easily become one of my favourite novels of all time and I can't wait for the next book.
June 7, 2026
6 / 5 ⭐️
i’ve never been so happy i judged a book by its’ cover because this is one of my new favourite books and i don’t think my review will be able to do it justice but i will try!
this is such a unique story and the pacing and storytelling was perfect! along with the main character matargo, we were unravelling and learning the reality of the world as we progressed through the book! it was such an interesting look into a post-apocalyptic world and how humanity was navigating it! nothing was over-explained and there was always something happening and keeping you engaged with the story!
the story was so immersive and i found it so hard to put down that i ended up reading the second half of the book in one day! i wanted to savour it as i knew i would miss the characters once i finished but i just had to know what would happen!
the world building was phenomenal and i could easily picture the locations in my mind, and the gorgeous artwork included in the book definitely helped too!
matargo and p were such amazing fleshed out characters to follow! it was so nice to follow a child character for a change and p’s character was so interesting and heartwarming! their relationship was so raw and beautiful and the heart of the story!
this was such an incredible first book and i cannot wait for the second book in the trilogy! i will be picking it up immediately upon its release! i cannot wait to be reunited with matargo and p!
‘“Shouldn’t we judge individuals on their actions? And what even is ‘good’ anyway? If you think about it, what’s good for you is quite possibly bad for someone else, and vice versa.”’
‘“If I’ve learnt anything, it’s that when we get angry it’s because deep down, we’re scared. And the world is a pretty scary place right now. We’re all scared so we’re all a little angry. And when we’re angry, we have this annoying tendency to get aggressive and destroy things. But as far as I can tell, destroying things just leaves a bigger mess.”’
‘“Part of the magic of life is the people that come and go within it.”’
🥹🍃🤍
i’ve never been so happy i judged a book by its’ cover because this is one of my new favourite books and i don’t think my review will be able to do it justice but i will try!
this is such a unique story and the pacing and storytelling was perfect! along with the main character matargo, we were unravelling and learning the reality of the world as we progressed through the book! it was such an interesting look into a post-apocalyptic world and how humanity was navigating it! nothing was over-explained and there was always something happening and keeping you engaged with the story!
the story was so immersive and i found it so hard to put down that i ended up reading the second half of the book in one day! i wanted to savour it as i knew i would miss the characters once i finished but i just had to know what would happen!
the world building was phenomenal and i could easily picture the locations in my mind, and the gorgeous artwork included in the book definitely helped too!
matargo and p were such amazing fleshed out characters to follow! it was so nice to follow a child character for a change and p’s character was so interesting and heartwarming! their relationship was so raw and beautiful and the heart of the story!
this was such an incredible first book and i cannot wait for the second book in the trilogy! i will be picking it up immediately upon its release! i cannot wait to be reunited with matargo and p!
‘“Shouldn’t we judge individuals on their actions? And what even is ‘good’ anyway? If you think about it, what’s good for you is quite possibly bad for someone else, and vice versa.”’
‘“If I’ve learnt anything, it’s that when we get angry it’s because deep down, we’re scared. And the world is a pretty scary place right now. We’re all scared so we’re all a little angry. And when we’re angry, we have this annoying tendency to get aggressive and destroy things. But as far as I can tell, destroying things just leaves a bigger mess.”’
‘“Part of the magic of life is the people that come and go within it.”’
🥹🍃🤍
June 15, 2026
It took me 2 read throughs to love this book for the sci-fi gem that this actually is.
My first read through i near enough guessed the plot line which distracted from the stunning character development, the subtle shifts in tone and the vulnerability in every character. Mortago and P are the perfect duo but it was Alain and Kimmy that my heart truly fell for.
Its shocking when it needs to be, revelations are well timed and I can't wait for the next installment of this amazing trilogy!
My first read through i near enough guessed the plot line which distracted from the stunning character development, the subtle shifts in tone and the vulnerability in every character. Mortago and P are the perfect duo but it was Alain and Kimmy that my heart truly fell for.
Its shocking when it needs to be, revelations are well timed and I can't wait for the next installment of this amazing trilogy!
June 8, 2026
The beautiful front cover is what caught my eye. Then story synopsis on the blurb and general high-quality production of the book and illustrations throughout made me want to buy a copy and read it. I was then hooked into the story by the characters, the stylish beauty of the writing, and the detail in the world building.
I cannot wait for book 2. This is a wonderful story and a gorgeous book
I cannot wait for book 2. This is a wonderful story and a gorgeous book
May 17, 2026
Very likely this will be my top read this year.
1000000/10
1000000/10
June 20, 2026
I’ve never read a Sci-Fi book quite like it. It was the perfect sci-fi dystopian medley.
It took me a bit of time to get into this book, but I think that was because the writing style and the world was unlike anything I’ve read before. Once I was in though, I was in!
The whole world was fascinating and I loved the journey we went on with Martago and P. I also really enjoyed that nearly all the characters were non-binary and referred to as ‘they’ throughout. No character was defined by their gender which I thought was wonderful.
I feel like I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time and I cannot wait for the release of book two!
Also - this book is BEAUTIFUL. The cover art, the artwork throughout the book….incredible. The mix of writing and art was just outstanding and really added to my enjoyment of the book.
It took me a bit of time to get into this book, but I think that was because the writing style and the world was unlike anything I’ve read before. Once I was in though, I was in!
The whole world was fascinating and I loved the journey we went on with Martago and P. I also really enjoyed that nearly all the characters were non-binary and referred to as ‘they’ throughout. No character was defined by their gender which I thought was wonderful.
I feel like I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time and I cannot wait for the release of book two!
Also - this book is BEAUTIFUL. The cover art, the artwork throughout the book….incredible. The mix of writing and art was just outstanding and really added to my enjoyment of the book.
June 14, 2026
Breathless after departing the first instalment of the epic journey of Matargo & P #evolalgorithm. Following their existential saga of survival and self activation of what it means to love and navigate the incredible world built by such a talented creative team. An astounding piece of literature and art. Highly recommended you dive into this - and experience the emotional vibrations that this will emit. You may Evan end up floating like I did
June 16, 2026
I liked this, not sure if it's as good as the huge hype surrounding it, but it was pretty good.
Made a refreshing change that I was well over 200 pages in before it dawned on me that I hadn't read a single swear word too.
Interesting story, some great characters too, the relationship between Matargo and P is solid.
Inevitable cliffhanger ending, will read the next one 👍
Made a refreshing change that I was well over 200 pages in before it dawned on me that I hadn't read a single swear word too.
Interesting story, some great characters too, the relationship between Matargo and P is solid.
Inevitable cliffhanger ending, will read the next one 👍
June 8, 2026
Bought my heptag. Cannot wait for the next one!
June 21, 2026
After stumbling upon the authors/creators artist townhouse in Bath, I signed up for updates on the books release. Through preordering last year, Ive been Super excited to have received a signed copy last month.
I was a bit skeptical about reading from a child’s pov but it helps learning about the world from their perspective as you navigate the storyline. But the book didn’t disappoint, artwork is stunning, and I found it a really refreshing read.
I was a bit skeptical about reading from a child’s pov but it helps learning about the world from their perspective as you navigate the storyline. But the book didn’t disappoint, artwork is stunning, and I found it a really refreshing read.
June 11, 2026
This book is spectacular. I absolutely loved it. Matargo is such a compelling protagonist. This is the first book in the Evol Trilogy and what a start.
The world building is so eloquently done, and the characters are memorable and captivating. The philosophy and morality woven throughout the story is excellent and I loved the protagonists journey.
Their relationship with their Mech “P” is so beautiful. I loved this book so much and am excited for book 2.
The world building is so eloquently done, and the characters are memorable and captivating. The philosophy and morality woven throughout the story is excellent and I loved the protagonists journey.
Their relationship with their Mech “P” is so beautiful. I loved this book so much and am excited for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this! It’s so hard to find something that actually feels original in this genre. Yeah, you’ll see some familiar dystopian themes here and there, but the execution is so unique that it doesn't matter. I’m hooked—I honestly can't wait for the next two books to drop!
Until then:
Until then:
Be optimal!
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