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Brain Fruit
Nurtured by the neural networks of a bee, a brain fruit is born. To become a symbiotic trioid and continue the evolutionary crawl upwards they need to combine with an insect bug. And they need to deal with those that would destroy the givers of life. Stephen Oram’s zoefuturist story explores the fragility of emerging relationships - how we welcome, how we trust and how we keep becoming. Limited edition only, 500 numbered copies. This is the second book in a series of SciFi short stories from indie publisher Li'l Factory.
- GenresScience Fiction
44 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2025
About the author
Stephen Oram
23 books51 followersI write novels and flash fiction that are designed set off small firecrackers of thought to light the world slightly differently inside your head!
I've been a hippie-punk, a religious-squatter and a bureaucrat-anarchist; I thrive on contradictions and am a great believer in being slightly askew from the crowd. There's all sorts of ways of doing that - by being on the fringes of society, by travelling to other cultures or simply by being tipsy during the day.
I write contemporary dystopian fiction set in a recognisable near-future. I love taking reality, nudging it out of kilter and seeing what happens.
Like each and every one of us, my perspective of the world has been affected by many people and experiences: as a teenager I was heavily influenced by the ethos of punk; in my early twenties I embraced the squatter scene and then joined a religious cult, briefly; I did some computer stuff in what became London’s silicon roundabout; and I’m now a civil servant with a gentle attraction to anarchism.
You can find more about me and my writing on my website www.stephenoram.net
I've been a hippie-punk, a religious-squatter and a bureaucrat-anarchist; I thrive on contradictions and am a great believer in being slightly askew from the crowd. There's all sorts of ways of doing that - by being on the fringes of society, by travelling to other cultures or simply by being tipsy during the day.
I write contemporary dystopian fiction set in a recognisable near-future. I love taking reality, nudging it out of kilter and seeing what happens.
Like each and every one of us, my perspective of the world has been affected by many people and experiences: as a teenager I was heavily influenced by the ethos of punk; in my early twenties I embraced the squatter scene and then joined a religious cult, briefly; I did some computer stuff in what became London’s silicon roundabout; and I’m now a civil servant with a gentle attraction to anarchism.
You can find more about me and my writing on my website www.stephenoram.net
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 14, 2026
Now this was thought provoking in it’s rawest form. We are told the story from a first person POV, but who are we? We are given descriptions of the world, that can be interpreted in many different ways, it’s up to the reader what you take from it. Is the ”brain” a beehive? Are the droids humans, and the rock storm bullets? Or are we on a alien planet somewhere far, far away. Brilliant.
August 29, 2025
Big thanks to NetGalley and Literally PR Ltd. for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately intrigued by the description and premise of this book, and curious about how the author would deliver such a concept in such a short length. And wow, the very first paragraph already had me hooked. I loved the atmosphere, loved the story, and loved the central theme.
By the time I finished, it felt almost like a modern fable: a short story that, like traditional fables often with animal characters, aims to convey a moral or lesson. In this case, the story touches on existential questions and offers reflections that feel both profound and thought-provoking.
Honestly, I would have loved to have had this read to me as a bedtime story when I was a child. :)
Two quotes that especially stood out to me:
I also really liked the Droid’s character. Its way of thinking and speaking felt incredibly believable: fact-based, straight to the point, analytical, and completely unemotional. It really gave a nice contrast to the other character(s).
If I were to offer though one piece of constructive criticism, it’s that - even though the story is short (only 48 pages) - the sentences sometimes felt overly long.
A bit of editing could easily improve the rhythm by balancing shorter sentences with longer ones, which would also make the reading flow more natural. Personally, I felt the story would benefit from a more concise, to-the-point style.
Because at times, the descriptions leaned toward overly lyrical, which didn’t always match the message or tone. For example, during the storm scene, shorter, punchier sentences could have heightened the tension and action more effectively.
And finally, I also want to mention the cover, which I liked a lot. It’s mysterious, a little weird, and immediately makes you curious about what lies behind it. The minimalist color palette enhances that unsettling curiosity, perfectly matching the book’s overall atmosphere. The design actually reminded me of the creatures and fauna from the video game Returnal, which I’m a huge fan of.
The author mentioned that both Jeff Noon and Jeff VanderMeer were inspirations, and it definitely shows, in a very good way. I admire both, and I can see their influence in the style and atmosphere of this story.
This was my first time reading Stephen Oram, but it won’t be the last. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of his work.
I was immediately intrigued by the description and premise of this book, and curious about how the author would deliver such a concept in such a short length. And wow, the very first paragraph already had me hooked. I loved the atmosphere, loved the story, and loved the central theme.
By the time I finished, it felt almost like a modern fable: a short story that, like traditional fables often with animal characters, aims to convey a moral or lesson. In this case, the story touches on existential questions and offers reflections that feel both profound and thought-provoking.
Honestly, I would have loved to have had this read to me as a bedtime story when I was a child. :)
Two quotes that especially stood out to me:
"I teach the brain that you cannot predict the ones that will survive, and certainly not the ones that will encapsulate evolution and contribute to the future community."
"Dead ends are as valuable as discoveries, and only doing what we know produces results that will severely limit the expanse of evolution."Very early on (for example, on page 9), the idea of communal consciousness instantly reminded me of "Us", who is an Intellect Devourer from Baldur’s Gate 3, in the best possible way. It had that same creepy yet fascinating vibe, especially in how the narration spoke in plural, as a collective “we.” In my head, I could almost hear the voice of "Us" from the game, as multiple voices layered together. Fantastic.
I also really liked the Droid’s character. Its way of thinking and speaking felt incredibly believable: fact-based, straight to the point, analytical, and completely unemotional. It really gave a nice contrast to the other character(s).
If I were to offer though one piece of constructive criticism, it’s that - even though the story is short (only 48 pages) - the sentences sometimes felt overly long.
A bit of editing could easily improve the rhythm by balancing shorter sentences with longer ones, which would also make the reading flow more natural. Personally, I felt the story would benefit from a more concise, to-the-point style.
Because at times, the descriptions leaned toward overly lyrical, which didn’t always match the message or tone. For example, during the storm scene, shorter, punchier sentences could have heightened the tension and action more effectively.
And finally, I also want to mention the cover, which I liked a lot. It’s mysterious, a little weird, and immediately makes you curious about what lies behind it. The minimalist color palette enhances that unsettling curiosity, perfectly matching the book’s overall atmosphere. The design actually reminded me of the creatures and fauna from the video game Returnal, which I’m a huge fan of.
The author mentioned that both Jeff Noon and Jeff VanderMeer were inspirations, and it definitely shows, in a very good way. I admire both, and I can see their influence in the style and atmosphere of this story.
This was my first time reading Stephen Oram, but it won’t be the last. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of his work.
September 24, 2025
In "Brain Fruit," Stephen Oram masterfully crafts a thought-provoking narrative that blends elements of sci-fi with deep philosophical musings on relationships and coexistence. The story's premise is as original as it is intriguing: a brain fruit, nurtured by neural networks of bees, emerges with a purpose that intertwines its fate with that of an insect bug. This unique biological amalgamation serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life and the delicate balance required for symbiotic relationships to thrive.
We are transported to a vividly imagined world where the act of evolution is not merely a biological process but a complex dance of trust and cooperation. The portrayal of the characters - both the brain fruit and the insect bug symbolizes the fragility of newly formed bonds and the challenges they face from external threats. This tension adds depth to the narrative, which kept me engaged!
The themes of welcome, trust, and continuous becoming resonate throughout the story, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships and the barriers that can impede growth. Oram's exploration of these concepts, set against a backdrop of rich science fiction elements, elevates the narrative beyond a simple tale of survival; it becomes a meditation on the nature of connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
In summary, "Brain Fruit" is a compelling read that challenges us to contemplate the nature of growth, partnership, and the sometimes perilous path of evolution.
We are transported to a vividly imagined world where the act of evolution is not merely a biological process but a complex dance of trust and cooperation. The portrayal of the characters - both the brain fruit and the insect bug symbolizes the fragility of newly formed bonds and the challenges they face from external threats. This tension adds depth to the narrative, which kept me engaged!
The themes of welcome, trust, and continuous becoming resonate throughout the story, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships and the barriers that can impede growth. Oram's exploration of these concepts, set against a backdrop of rich science fiction elements, elevates the narrative beyond a simple tale of survival; it becomes a meditation on the nature of connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
In summary, "Brain Fruit" is a compelling read that challenges us to contemplate the nature of growth, partnership, and the sometimes perilous path of evolution.
September 2, 2025
[4 stars]
Oh, this was such an interesting one. A 40-ish page novelette taking the form of a sci-fi fable, Brain Fruit explores what it means to complete work that you will never personally see the fruits of and to have faith that future generations will continue this work. It is such an interesting look into the effort needed to be put into preventing climate change and the ways that building communities and relationships between different groups up is a necessary part of that.
Though bringing to mind grand themes, the fable itself is quite small scale. We at first follow a sentient robotic bee while it waits for a fruit to mature and fall from a tree. Once that happens, a bug attaches itself to the brain fruit and carries it on its back. The bee then attaches itself to the brain and the three must communicate and agree to become a symbiotic trioid. The bug is the movement, the brain (fruit) is the brain, and the bee provides prior knowledge and communication to others. They only live for a short period of time. I’m not sure how often authors attempt to write such an entangled symbiotic consciousness (I can’t recall coming across it often haha), but Oram succeeds greatly in his attempt. The shifting of pronouns from “I” and “my” to “we” and “us” is integrated well and helps sell the grouping. I especially liked how he wrote the individual parts communicating with each other internally and how the bee acknowledged that, when they began talking quicker, it could no longer identify which individual in their trioid was communicating what at that moment.
I wasn’t in love with the very robotic and static dialogue style while reading, but I understand and agree that it was the best choice. It is hard to envision as humans how animals like insects communicate (through movement and pheromones and the likes) so writing it similar to the robotic characters helps point out the distinctly nonhumanness of them all. With that being said, as the book description notes: this is a deeply human story. It never felt too disconnected from our current world or our possible future.
Though it is a very confined story that leaves a lot of questions unanswered, it never felt frustrating to me. So many short stories fall into the trap of equating not giving information to creating depth and intrigue. This can be done successfully, of course, but most that I have read at least just feel unfinished or like too much was cut due to work count. Brain Fruit avoids this problem. I think the fable-like tone of it helps with that and highlights the smallness of the story as a boon rather than a curse. As anyone with a maximum page count on an essay topic they cared about can tell you: it can be harder to keep your writing short than long. It is obvious how experienced Oram is with this shorter writing format. He gives us enough that we obviously know what is happening within the main story while letting us easily form assumptions or guesses about the grander world this takes place in through the little mentions of the other robotic bees or the given reasoning behind the rituals that the droids are taking place in. It never becomes frustratingly vague or empty.
Brain Fruit is a quick read but a very worthwhile one both for the unique POV it is written in as well as the themes it explores as a whole. The story is concise but a great vessel to explore these main ideas. I also especially enjoyed the quiet moments to let us and our characters take a breather such as the trioid watching the river sparkling or when it smelt the leaves on the ground. This is just a really great interpretation of a sci-fi fable.
Oh, this was such an interesting one. A 40-ish page novelette taking the form of a sci-fi fable, Brain Fruit explores what it means to complete work that you will never personally see the fruits of and to have faith that future generations will continue this work. It is such an interesting look into the effort needed to be put into preventing climate change and the ways that building communities and relationships between different groups up is a necessary part of that.
Though bringing to mind grand themes, the fable itself is quite small scale. We at first follow a sentient robotic bee while it waits for a fruit to mature and fall from a tree. Once that happens, a bug attaches itself to the brain fruit and carries it on its back. The bee then attaches itself to the brain and the three must communicate and agree to become a symbiotic trioid. The bug is the movement, the brain (fruit) is the brain, and the bee provides prior knowledge and communication to others. They only live for a short period of time. I’m not sure how often authors attempt to write such an entangled symbiotic consciousness (I can’t recall coming across it often haha), but Oram succeeds greatly in his attempt. The shifting of pronouns from “I” and “my” to “we” and “us” is integrated well and helps sell the grouping. I especially liked how he wrote the individual parts communicating with each other internally and how the bee acknowledged that, when they began talking quicker, it could no longer identify which individual in their trioid was communicating what at that moment.
I wasn’t in love with the very robotic and static dialogue style while reading, but I understand and agree that it was the best choice. It is hard to envision as humans how animals like insects communicate (through movement and pheromones and the likes) so writing it similar to the robotic characters helps point out the distinctly nonhumanness of them all. With that being said, as the book description notes: this is a deeply human story. It never felt too disconnected from our current world or our possible future.
Though it is a very confined story that leaves a lot of questions unanswered, it never felt frustrating to me. So many short stories fall into the trap of equating not giving information to creating depth and intrigue. This can be done successfully, of course, but most that I have read at least just feel unfinished or like too much was cut due to work count. Brain Fruit avoids this problem. I think the fable-like tone of it helps with that and highlights the smallness of the story as a boon rather than a curse. As anyone with a maximum page count on an essay topic they cared about can tell you: it can be harder to keep your writing short than long. It is obvious how experienced Oram is with this shorter writing format. He gives us enough that we obviously know what is happening within the main story while letting us easily form assumptions or guesses about the grander world this takes place in through the little mentions of the other robotic bees or the given reasoning behind the rituals that the droids are taking place in. It never becomes frustratingly vague or empty.
Brain Fruit is a quick read but a very worthwhile one both for the unique POV it is written in as well as the themes it explores as a whole. The story is concise but a great vessel to explore these main ideas. I also especially enjoyed the quiet moments to let us and our characters take a breather such as the trioid watching the river sparkling or when it smelt the leaves on the ground. This is just a really great interpretation of a sci-fi fable.
September 25, 2025
What can I say about this book to make people understand all the symbolisms, the philosophy, the emotions and the love behind it?
This story just broke through all my defences and left me breathless, most of all because of its apparent simplicity and plain language. The author doesn’t come in with complicated sentences and fancy words. The writing is sharp and focused, simple and yet charged with meaning and feelings. This is the perfect example of Nature and evolution at work, but in the future, where humans seem to have become something different, but with the same survival instincts and the same selfishness.
The perfect combination of the brain fruit, its bee and its bug merged together in a synergistic symbiosis perfectly embodies Nature and its workings, trying to adjust and find a new balance when faced with challenges and problems.
I am in love with this little tale and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. My heart felt full of fear, hope and emotions all at once. The amount of parallelisms to how humans interact with each other and how they deal with conflicts is innumerable.
As always this author manages to highlight human intricacies in a profound and poetical way, so that anyone can’t but fall in love with his words.
Thanks to the author and Literally PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
This story just broke through all my defences and left me breathless, most of all because of its apparent simplicity and plain language. The author doesn’t come in with complicated sentences and fancy words. The writing is sharp and focused, simple and yet charged with meaning and feelings. This is the perfect example of Nature and evolution at work, but in the future, where humans seem to have become something different, but with the same survival instincts and the same selfishness.
The perfect combination of the brain fruit, its bee and its bug merged together in a synergistic symbiosis perfectly embodies Nature and its workings, trying to adjust and find a new balance when faced with challenges and problems.
I am in love with this little tale and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. My heart felt full of fear, hope and emotions all at once. The amount of parallelisms to how humans interact with each other and how they deal with conflicts is innumerable.
As always this author manages to highlight human intricacies in a profound and poetical way, so that anyone can’t but fall in love with his words.
Thanks to the author and Literally PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
September 23, 2025
This is my first read form this author and I enjoyed it so will be looking out for more. A completely different style to what I imagined and what the cover led. I’m always attracted to the cover then read the blurb. This was not my typical go to but I was intrigued. Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
As I mentioned it’s different, not your typical story but with questions; thought provoking and mysterious in its own style. A really short book, which in my view could go on. Overall it was interesting, short with a speedy pace, ending too soon.
Thank you for my copy. I look forward to more.
As I mentioned it’s different, not your typical story but with questions; thought provoking and mysterious in its own style. A really short book, which in my view could go on. Overall it was interesting, short with a speedy pace, ending too soon.
Thank you for my copy. I look forward to more.
September 27, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this. What a fun and weird short little book. The brain fruits are weird and highly motivated to evolve. They must collaborate with the apparently present droids, which takes some convincing, as the droids have an interesting approach to interpreting data. Given how odd the symbiotic relationships described here are, Oram deftly describes how things work so the reader accepts everything. If it doesn’t make sense, we don’t notice. Very innovative way of exploring ideas of ecology and sociology. I’ll absolutely be recommending it.
September 25, 2025
I’m amazed in how Stephen has managed to write such an incredible story in under 50 pages.
‘Brain Fruit’ really sucks you in from the very start. It looks at themes such as trust, evolution and relationships, bringing across a sense of reflection for the reader. I adored the unique POV it shared, managing to use such a simple tale to share such complex ideas.
‘Brain Fruit’ really sucks you in from the very start. It looks at themes such as trust, evolution and relationships, bringing across a sense of reflection for the reader. I adored the unique POV it shared, managing to use such a simple tale to share such complex ideas.
September 1, 2025
A fruit falls and new life begins: a trioid with bee and bug.
Thought-provoking short novella about identity and connection. To say too much might spoil it, just read.
Early access courtesy of the publisher, Li'l Factory, and NetGalley.
Thought-provoking short novella about identity and connection. To say too much might spoil it, just read.
Early access courtesy of the publisher, Li'l Factory, and NetGalley.
September 24, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Brain Fruit' by Stephen Oram.
I will start by saying that this isn't my typical choice of book being science fantasy/fable but I'm an eclectic reader and happy to read most books. I must also admit that I had no idea quite what to expect when I started reading this but I am very pleased that I did. I must say that if you are the same as me and this what not be your usual type of book do not let that put you off, expand your reading genres and give this book a try!! The physical version that I received is remarkable with extremely good quality pages and hardback cover. Considering it is a novella at just 52 pages Stephan manages to pack a lot in. It is not the easiest story to read but it is extremely unique and thought provoking and I absolutely loved the concept. of the storyline. I am not going to go into the actual storyline itself with it being so short it is not worth risking giving anything away. However, I will say that our protagonist starts of as a bee and then becomes a trioid (a bee, a bug and a fruit) that work together in order to help their futures. It is such a profound fable that focuses on accepting that the work you do will never be seen by yourself. Strangely before I read this book I had finished another one that mentioned in quote, but wasn't related to the story, something that Ricky Gervais stated in 'After Life'. This quote is "“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in.” and I absolutely loved in and this novella shows the brain fruit doing exactly this!!! The whole story, although did confuse me at times, also completely fascinated me and I genuinely think that it is such a profound, thought provoking and impactful book that everybody should read it at least once! I would definitely be interested to see what else this author has come out with by reading his previous and future books.
Overall an extremely thought provoking and profound novella
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Review for 'Brain Fruit' by Stephen Oram.
I will start by saying that this isn't my typical choice of book being science fantasy/fable but I'm an eclectic reader and happy to read most books. I must also admit that I had no idea quite what to expect when I started reading this but I am very pleased that I did. I must say that if you are the same as me and this what not be your usual type of book do not let that put you off, expand your reading genres and give this book a try!! The physical version that I received is remarkable with extremely good quality pages and hardback cover. Considering it is a novella at just 52 pages Stephan manages to pack a lot in. It is not the easiest story to read but it is extremely unique and thought provoking and I absolutely loved the concept. of the storyline. I am not going to go into the actual storyline itself with it being so short it is not worth risking giving anything away. However, I will say that our protagonist starts of as a bee and then becomes a trioid (a bee, a bug and a fruit) that work together in order to help their futures. It is such a profound fable that focuses on accepting that the work you do will never be seen by yourself. Strangely before I read this book I had finished another one that mentioned in quote, but wasn't related to the story, something that Ricky Gervais stated in 'After Life'. This quote is "“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in.” and I absolutely loved in and this novella shows the brain fruit doing exactly this!!! The whole story, although did confuse me at times, also completely fascinated me and I genuinely think that it is such a profound, thought provoking and impactful book that everybody should read it at least once! I would definitely be interested to see what else this author has come out with by reading his previous and future books.
Overall an extremely thought provoking and profound novella
#BrainFruit #StephenOram #LilFactory #literallyPR #Bookstagram
@StephenOram @LilFactory @literallyPR
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
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October 12, 2025
Publishing date: 01.09.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Lil’ Factory for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
If you wish to read about symbiotic relationships, question your morals, and read a quick and strange story, this book is for you. I definitely felt something, but can’t quite pinpoint what. 4 stars, will be reading this author again.
Characters //
We really only have a handful of characters, and some of these characters become one. Weird, but trust, it is part of the story. The rest are either background characters or elements to push the story forward. As such, I have no favorites. They are all elements or simple shells for the story.
Pacing //
This is a quick read and got no real feel for a proper pacing. I assume this takes place in a single day? It seems as such. 40 pages for a single day would be slow paced elsewhere, but really it reads super fast.
Plot //
This is a goal based plot with a couple obstacles on the way. I won’t say much on the ulterior objective or obstacles, but I would like to say that the story is clearly trying to say something more which I can’t really pick apart. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what the message is, it feels like there is a lot more below the surface here. The other reviews are better at describing these themes. It is a moral/ethics question deep down below.
How it was to read //
This book is about 40 pages, so knowing the length helped me read it faster. Story has an element that rushes it a little forward too, so this was a breeze and a blast.
Audience //
For people who love weird stories, soft-sci-fi, surrealism, and parasitic stories. I would only recommend this to adults as a lot of the themes and “between the lines” elements may be confusing to a younger audience.
Final Verdict //
What a read. I will be throwing this book on some of my more philosophical friends and probing them for their opinions afterwards. This is one of those smaller gems of the year and would look excellent on my “odd book” shelf. Giving this 4 stars, what I read was great, but wish there was a little more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lil’ Factory for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
If you wish to read about symbiotic relationships, question your morals, and read a quick and strange story, this book is for you. I definitely felt something, but can’t quite pinpoint what. 4 stars, will be reading this author again.
Characters //
We really only have a handful of characters, and some of these characters become one. Weird, but trust, it is part of the story. The rest are either background characters or elements to push the story forward. As such, I have no favorites. They are all elements or simple shells for the story.
Pacing //
This is a quick read and got no real feel for a proper pacing. I assume this takes place in a single day? It seems as such. 40 pages for a single day would be slow paced elsewhere, but really it reads super fast.
Plot //
This is a goal based plot with a couple obstacles on the way. I won’t say much on the ulterior objective or obstacles, but I would like to say that the story is clearly trying to say something more which I can’t really pick apart. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what the message is, it feels like there is a lot more below the surface here. The other reviews are better at describing these themes. It is a moral/ethics question deep down below.
How it was to read //
This book is about 40 pages, so knowing the length helped me read it faster. Story has an element that rushes it a little forward too, so this was a breeze and a blast.
Audience //
For people who love weird stories, soft-sci-fi, surrealism, and parasitic stories. I would only recommend this to adults as a lot of the themes and “between the lines” elements may be confusing to a younger audience.
Final Verdict //
What a read. I will be throwing this book on some of my more philosophical friends and probing them for their opinions afterwards. This is one of those smaller gems of the year and would look excellent on my “odd book” shelf. Giving this 4 stars, what I read was great, but wish there was a little more.
September 16, 2025
I have always loved folklore and fables but as cultures and societies evolve so to must our fables. Oram has provided us with a fable for the 21st Century in Brain Fruit. Although short this story packs a lot into such a small package. The ideas of working together, of being willing to accept that your work and legacy may not come to fruition in your lifetime and the affects of technology on the environment are all covered here. Told through begins not human, but some showing a bit more logic and humanity than some humans these days, we see how the messages can be applied to real life - just like a fable.
Written wonderfully you cannot help but devour this in one sitting. It most definitely has re-read value as well. I’ve already been recommending this one since it bridges the gap between science fiction and folklore/fable and will appeal to fans of both as well as others too. A must read and easy 5 star.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
Written wonderfully you cannot help but devour this in one sitting. It most definitely has re-read value as well. I’ve already been recommending this one since it bridges the gap between science fiction and folklore/fable and will appeal to fans of both as well as others too. A must read and easy 5 star.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
September 27, 2025
I'm maybe not sure what I've read or even that I picked up the main message, but I can't stop thinking about Brain Fruit since I turned the final page.
It's a short novella at just 44 pages long but it is definitely mind-bending as the synopsis states and it's incredibly thought-provoking. The writing is extremely lyrical as Stephen Oram draws the reader into the story and I had amazing visualisations of the scenes in my head as I was reading.
For me, Brain Fruit is about how we live and die together, how we destroy the environment through lack of care and knowledge, how we overlook and judge beings on appearance, and (at the risk of sounding like a politician) how we are better and stronger together.
Intelligent, imaginative and peculiar, I enjoyed Brain Fruit and think everyone will get something different out of reading it. It's strange and unusual but it's so beautifully written and completely unforgettable.
I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It's a short novella at just 44 pages long but it is definitely mind-bending as the synopsis states and it's incredibly thought-provoking. The writing is extremely lyrical as Stephen Oram draws the reader into the story and I had amazing visualisations of the scenes in my head as I was reading.
For me, Brain Fruit is about how we live and die together, how we destroy the environment through lack of care and knowledge, how we overlook and judge beings on appearance, and (at the risk of sounding like a politician) how we are better and stronger together.
Intelligent, imaginative and peculiar, I enjoyed Brain Fruit and think everyone will get something different out of reading it. It's strange and unusual but it's so beautifully written and completely unforgettable.
I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 25, 2025
A copy of this book was gifted through Literally PR in exchange for an honest review.
This felt like such a unique read, not only from the physical representation of the story, but from the narrative too. The story is initially narrated by a robotic "bee" who joins a trioid, merging with a brain fruit and a bug, as part of their natural lifecycle and growth. I got really attached to them and their community, and didn't realise it until they were threatened, a connection which felt surprising for such a short read (44 pages). The story is strong on themes of evolution, collaboration, and balanced ecosystems. It's also increased my awareness of "zoefuturism"- constant natural change is fundamental to living- which I'd not heard of before. It definitely gets you thinking about life and collaborating in order to evolve and survive. I felt like the story was concise enough to not leave me wanting more and was packaged well in this short form.
This felt like such a unique read, not only from the physical representation of the story, but from the narrative too. The story is initially narrated by a robotic "bee" who joins a trioid, merging with a brain fruit and a bug, as part of their natural lifecycle and growth. I got really attached to them and their community, and didn't realise it until they were threatened, a connection which felt surprising for such a short read (44 pages). The story is strong on themes of evolution, collaboration, and balanced ecosystems. It's also increased my awareness of "zoefuturism"- constant natural change is fundamental to living- which I'd not heard of before. It definitely gets you thinking about life and collaborating in order to evolve and survive. I felt like the story was concise enough to not leave me wanting more and was packaged well in this short form.
January 4, 2026
What a beautiful little book, I have a soft spot for cloth bound books and hope to one day own a library full. The picture on the front is so simple, yet fascinating at the same time.
I thought this was quite a curious little read. At 52 pages it was really really quick, yet every word totally drew me in and captured my attention. I never thought that book about a bee, a fruit and some droids could be so compelling, and yet here we are. In this short sci-fi story Oram has managed to explore the symbiosis that occurs in nature, but in a future in which humans appear to have become extinct. The bug appears to have survived when we did not. It was a reflection on relationships, evolution and survival which was utterly fascinating. I think I need to read it again to really take it in.
I thought this was quite a curious little read. At 52 pages it was really really quick, yet every word totally drew me in and captured my attention. I never thought that book about a bee, a fruit and some droids could be so compelling, and yet here we are. In this short sci-fi story Oram has managed to explore the symbiosis that occurs in nature, but in a future in which humans appear to have become extinct. The bug appears to have survived when we did not. It was a reflection on relationships, evolution and survival which was utterly fascinating. I think I need to read it again to really take it in.
January 15, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Brain Fruit is a delightfully strange experience. Or a strangely delightful experience? Either way, this novelette explores a very human story through the lens of the bee, the brain fruit, and the bug. Each character brings something essential to the table (and the trioid) and Oram has achieved a balance between all three of them throughout the story. Initially, it was a little difficult to settle into the text, the bee's voice is not one i would consider to be incredibly emotive, it's almost technical to the point of stiff at times, but that softens through out the story once you get used to it, as well as after the three become the trioid. I mentioned at the start of this review, this is a very human story. It offers the reader kindness, a little hope, and a rather bittersweet ending that leaves you ruminating for a while. It feels like a mirror of our own human experience.
Brain Fruit is a delightfully strange experience. Or a strangely delightful experience? Either way, this novelette explores a very human story through the lens of the bee, the brain fruit, and the bug. Each character brings something essential to the table (and the trioid) and Oram has achieved a balance between all three of them throughout the story. Initially, it was a little difficult to settle into the text, the bee's voice is not one i would consider to be incredibly emotive, it's almost technical to the point of stiff at times, but that softens through out the story once you get used to it, as well as after the three become the trioid. I mentioned at the start of this review, this is a very human story. It offers the reader kindness, a little hope, and a rather bittersweet ending that leaves you ruminating for a while. It feels like a mirror of our own human experience.
September 25, 2025
A truly memorable and thought-provoking read.
Brain Fruit by Stephen Oram is a compact yet powerful story that feels both timeless and strikingly relevant. Blending elements of folklore with a futuristic lens, Oram creates a modern-day fable that explores collaboration, legacy, and the consequences of technological progress on the natural world. What makes it stand out is the way these themes are conveyed through non-human characters, whose logic and compassion often highlight truths we can apply to our own lives. It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression and shows Oram’s skill at weaving big ideas into a short but memorable tale.
Brain Fruit by Stephen Oram is a compact yet powerful story that feels both timeless and strikingly relevant. Blending elements of folklore with a futuristic lens, Oram creates a modern-day fable that explores collaboration, legacy, and the consequences of technological progress on the natural world. What makes it stand out is the way these themes are conveyed through non-human characters, whose logic and compassion often highlight truths we can apply to our own lives. It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression and shows Oram’s skill at weaving big ideas into a short but memorable tale.
December 31, 2025
A thought-provoking short sci-fi where, without realising, you connect with a fruit, a bee, and a bug.
Despite this process being repeated over and over, it was lovely to see the bee take the care and time to introduce the others towards the trioid slowly and carefully - I like to think it's because of care and not just for better success than the last time.
I'm not sure how I felt about the others, I don't think I would be so trusting and I'm gutted I can't see what would happen next.
Overall, a beautifully descriptive sci-fi story with feeling.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from LiterallyPR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Despite this process being repeated over and over, it was lovely to see the bee take the care and time to introduce the others towards the trioid slowly and carefully - I like to think it's because of care and not just for better success than the last time.
I'm not sure how I felt about the others, I don't think I would be so trusting and I'm gutted I can't see what would happen next.
Overall, a beautifully descriptive sci-fi story with feeling.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from LiterallyPR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 12, 2026
“Brain Fruit” is a fascinating story that can be read as an exploration of AI machine learning as well as a biblical tale, Darwinian evolution, and satire about today’s fiercely competitive society — all this in an elegantly written, tightly woven novella! The comings and goings of the bug, the brain, and the bee will stay with you long after you’ve read the last sentence, and robotic monsters will continue to haunt you. This book is for science fiction enthusiasts, AI pioneers, thinkers, and dreamers.
September 2, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Li’l Factory for the ARC.
Excellent novella. I loved this. Great writing, great story, perfect execution. I can’t wait to discover more from this author, likely to become a favorite.
Excellent novella. I loved this. Great writing, great story, perfect execution. I can’t wait to discover more from this author, likely to become a favorite.
September 25, 2025
💚 Blurb-
Can empathy survive the next stage of evolution?
Nurtured by the neural networks of a bee, a brain fruit is born. To become a symbiotic trioid and continue the evolutionary crawl upwards they need to combine with an insect bug. And they need to deal with those that would destroy the givers of life. Stephen Oram’s zoefuturist story explores the fragility of emerging relationships - how we welcome, how we trust and how we keep becoming.
A mind-bending, bio-digital fable that pulses with poetic strangeness. Oram’s Brain Fruit is daring, disorienting, and deeply human.
💙 Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. I found this book interesting and fascinating and it's definitely a worthwhile read. The story was thought provoking and well paced. Also, although the cover is basic, it makes you wonder what the story is about. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Literally PR, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Can empathy survive the next stage of evolution?
Nurtured by the neural networks of a bee, a brain fruit is born. To become a symbiotic trioid and continue the evolutionary crawl upwards they need to combine with an insect bug. And they need to deal with those that would destroy the givers of life. Stephen Oram’s zoefuturist story explores the fragility of emerging relationships - how we welcome, how we trust and how we keep becoming.
A mind-bending, bio-digital fable that pulses with poetic strangeness. Oram’s Brain Fruit is daring, disorienting, and deeply human.
💙 Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. I found this book interesting and fascinating and it's definitely a worthwhile read. The story was thought provoking and well paced. Also, although the cover is basic, it makes you wonder what the story is about. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Literally PR, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2025
Brain Fruit by Stephen Oram
Thank you Literally PR for kindly providing this gifted copy
***Can Empathy Survive the Next Stage of Evolution?
Nurtured by the neural networks of a bee, a brain fruit is born. To become a symbiotic trioid and continue the evolutionary crawl upwards they need to combine with an insect bug. And they need to deal with those that would destroy the givers of life. Stephen Oram’s zoefuturistic story explores the fragility of emerging relationships - how we welcome, how we trust and how we keep becoming.”
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Now this was a thought provoking read. And definitely a short but sweet one.
The bonds created between each of the elements of the trioid were explained so well and I felt very invested in the relationship.
This was also a very visual book. The story made me feel I could picture it very clearly and so so vividly.
The trust for life to continue is so huge and I just loved the writing style. It was stiff and robotic but given the characters and the world this was written in made it so appropriate.
The amount of thought-provoking this was able to bring in under 50 words was just amazing and I would 100% recommend.
🐝
Thank you Literally PR for kindly providing this gifted copy
***Can Empathy Survive the Next Stage of Evolution?
Nurtured by the neural networks of a bee, a brain fruit is born. To become a symbiotic trioid and continue the evolutionary crawl upwards they need to combine with an insect bug. And they need to deal with those that would destroy the givers of life. Stephen Oram’s zoefuturistic story explores the fragility of emerging relationships - how we welcome, how we trust and how we keep becoming.”
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Now this was a thought provoking read. And definitely a short but sweet one.
The bonds created between each of the elements of the trioid were explained so well and I felt very invested in the relationship.
This was also a very visual book. The story made me feel I could picture it very clearly and so so vividly.
The trust for life to continue is so huge and I just loved the writing style. It was stiff and robotic but given the characters and the world this was written in made it so appropriate.
The amount of thought-provoking this was able to bring in under 50 words was just amazing and I would 100% recommend.
🐝
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