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Evolve
As a Reader, Aya is genetically gifted with the ability to “read” another person’s memories with just a touch, whether she wants to or not. As her bodyguard, it’s Henry’s job to protect her, which is complicated when Aya decides to leave the safety of her grandfather's compound behind.
When their grand escape doesn’t go as planned, they find themselves imprisoned within the walls of Thorlak Institute, along with other genetically enhanced human weapons. Born for war, now they are bought and sold to the highest bidder.
Henry must find out which of their fellow inmates can be trusted, and which have motives of their own, before the threads of Aya’s fragile sanity unravel.
When their grand escape doesn’t go as planned, they find themselves imprisoned within the walls of Thorlak Institute, along with other genetically enhanced human weapons. Born for war, now they are bought and sold to the highest bidder.
Henry must find out which of their fellow inmates can be trusted, and which have motives of their own, before the threads of Aya’s fragile sanity unravel.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 9, 2026
4.75⭐️ Truly excellent!!!! Strongly encourage anyone seeing this to jump right in. Your only regret will be that the next book isn’t out yet! Quit reading this review and go buy Evolve right now!
Bottom line genetically enhanced adults are kidnapped & used as forced labor for some larger (government???) organization. While the plot may sound familiar, the execution is beautifully nuanced. The book unfolds across multiple timelines, giving us glimpses into lonely isolated childhoods filled with abuse. The present is just as bad, it’s equally exploitative but now deadly too. Generally the themes are pretty dark/adult. The only ray of positivity the author gives us is the found community the enhanced characters build with each other.
I’d categorize this book as some combination of genetic punk and near future climate fiction. We’re swimming in some pretty fun sci fi waters and the execution was absolute perfection! We’ve got a good old fashioned unreliable narrator situation. Between being drugged to keep them docile and certain genetic enhancements making memories erratic we are left constantly guessing about what’s happening. Some characters don’t know who modified them or why. Others were raised in a training camp for their abilities but still don’t know much about the motivations behind that. You get the sense that book two will be about this group trying to track down some answers!
I was shocked when I found out this is an independently published debut novel. It doesn’t have any classic first book pitfalls or common self published problems. I really wish a large publisher had picked it up and was giving it the full publicity roll out. Mainly because I KNOW so many people would love it. Not only will I be reading the rest of the series when it comes out but I’ll be stalking the poor author to stay updated.
Bottom line genetically enhanced adults are kidnapped & used as forced labor for some larger (government???) organization. While the plot may sound familiar, the execution is beautifully nuanced. The book unfolds across multiple timelines, giving us glimpses into lonely isolated childhoods filled with abuse. The present is just as bad, it’s equally exploitative but now deadly too. Generally the themes are pretty dark/adult. The only ray of positivity the author gives us is the found community the enhanced characters build with each other.
I’d categorize this book as some combination of genetic punk and near future climate fiction. We’re swimming in some pretty fun sci fi waters and the execution was absolute perfection! We’ve got a good old fashioned unreliable narrator situation. Between being drugged to keep them docile and certain genetic enhancements making memories erratic we are left constantly guessing about what’s happening. Some characters don’t know who modified them or why. Others were raised in a training camp for their abilities but still don’t know much about the motivations behind that. You get the sense that book two will be about this group trying to track down some answers!
I was shocked when I found out this is an independently published debut novel. It doesn’t have any classic first book pitfalls or common self published problems. I really wish a large publisher had picked it up and was giving it the full publicity roll out. Mainly because I KNOW so many people would love it. Not only will I be reading the rest of the series when it comes out but I’ll be stalking the poor author to stay updated.
April 8, 2026
This book took me a little while to get into because it's very mysterious in the beginning - but let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Ava is the character described in the book's blurb - she's a "reader," someone who can read the minds and memories of people by touch. She's being kept somewhere and forced to read people's minds, but she's kept sedated and imprisoned, so she doesn't fully know what's going on around her. She is starting to gain awareness at the beginning of the story, though, so we start to get some clues through her perspective.
We are then introduced to other characters like Ava - misfits, people who seem to have special powers. It's hard to say much without getting too deep into spoilers - but we have 5 main characters, and we see all of their POVs over time.
The development of these characters over time really fits the book's name - they "evolve" and come into their own. It's a great read, with tons of mystery and tension, and I can't say enough about the writing.
Ava is the character described in the book's blurb - she's a "reader," someone who can read the minds and memories of people by touch. She's being kept somewhere and forced to read people's minds, but she's kept sedated and imprisoned, so she doesn't fully know what's going on around her. She is starting to gain awareness at the beginning of the story, though, so we start to get some clues through her perspective.
We are then introduced to other characters like Ava - misfits, people who seem to have special powers. It's hard to say much without getting too deep into spoilers - but we have 5 main characters, and we see all of their POVs over time.
The development of these characters over time really fits the book's name - they "evolve" and come into their own. It's a great read, with tons of mystery and tension, and I can't say enough about the writing.
March 30, 2026
I don't know what to say about this book without giving much away, because the whole story is kind of a wild ride. I did not want to stop sleep once I started reading. Evolve is narrated by all five main characters. I sometimes find multiple pov confusing, but I appreciate that I was able to hear into Alexander's mind. Ava, the “Reader” is feared by the facility she is kidnapped by. They keep her sedated for the research they perform, and she can't remember who she is or where she came from, until now? Henry is her “bodyguard,” and when she ran away from home, he came with her. The facility allowed him in as Readers typically have a guard. Alexander is my favorite. He is autistic, nonverbal, and communicates via signals with his family. He moves to the facility willingly to manage his sensory issues better, BEFORE it becomes the sneaky lockdown that hides kids, kids with talents. Jessi has special blue eyes that'll make someone do anything, which is great, if she's on your side. And Sasha. Oh, Sasha. She is something else. Secretive, protective of Alexander, but always watching out for Sasha. And she's Telekinetic.
As time goes on, the characters learn about themselves, each other, and their surroundings. The doctors and directors try to use Ava and her abilities to the brink of nothingness, but the group comes together and fights back. They Evolve.
I really enjoyed Evolve, and this is easily another five star read for me. I really NEED a sequel. I cannot stop thinking about these characters. Is Alexander okay, is he hurt? Sasha is so shut down, I hope her friendship with Henry helps her. She deserves love. Aya grows. They ALL grow. Jessi only ever wanted love and she got it, sort of. Thank you to Ruth Vinet for putting their story into the world!
As time goes on, the characters learn about themselves, each other, and their surroundings. The doctors and directors try to use Ava and her abilities to the brink of nothingness, but the group comes together and fights back. They Evolve.
I really enjoyed Evolve, and this is easily another five star read for me. I really NEED a sequel. I cannot stop thinking about these characters. Is Alexander okay, is he hurt? Sasha is so shut down, I hope her friendship with Henry helps her. She deserves love. Aya grows. They ALL grow. Jessi only ever wanted love and she got it, sort of. Thank you to Ruth Vinet for putting their story into the world!
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May 7, 2026Evolve is a very interesting debut.
There are a lot of things about this book that I like. The theme, the prose, the characters caught my interest. But unfortunately, (& this was definitely a me problem, so don't hold it against the book itself) I felt lost quite frequently during my read. I don't think my brain was firing on all cylinders enough to comprehend everything and it left me feeling sort of confused for at least 50% of my read. For this reason, I think it would be unfair of me to give a star rating.
That being said, I will likely re-read Evolve in the future, and I will keep an eye on future installments by this author! I'm excited to see what she comes up next for the world of Gnosis.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eArc!
There are a lot of things about this book that I like. The theme, the prose, the characters caught my interest. But unfortunately, (& this was definitely a me problem, so don't hold it against the book itself) I felt lost quite frequently during my read. I don't think my brain was firing on all cylinders enough to comprehend everything and it left me feeling sort of confused for at least 50% of my read. For this reason, I think it would be unfair of me to give a star rating.
That being said, I will likely re-read Evolve in the future, and I will keep an eye on future installments by this author! I'm excited to see what she comes up next for the world of Gnosis.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eArc!
May 15, 2026
DNF around halfway through but im giving this 4 stars based off what I did read 😭 unfortunately the book expired for me on NetGalley because I forgot to renew the book prior to the archive date so I couldn’t finish, but from what I did read this was so interesting! I recommend everyone give it a chance, despite how slow it starts.
April 28, 2026
Wow??
Firstly, I wanna say a HUGE thank you to the author for the NetGalley ARC - I feel incredibly grateful to have had the chance to read this.
Evolve is an exceptional debut, and I went into it almost completely blind. I had no idea what to expect, and I’m so glad I experienced it that way.
From the very beginning, the story is wrapped in mystery. We uncover the world alongside the characters, which, for me, is the most immersive way to experience a book. The premise is strikingly original: a dystopian, post-war setting filled with secrets, experimentation, and deep rooted corruption. It constantly kept me intrigued.
Every character felt distinct and compelling - there wasn’t a single POV I didn’t enjoy. That’s rare, and it made the story even harder to put down.
I won’t say much more because this is absolutely a book best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. Just trust me and read it.
I already can’t wait for book two (I literally don't know how I'm gonna survive the wait, however long it is.)
Firstly, I wanna say a HUGE thank you to the author for the NetGalley ARC - I feel incredibly grateful to have had the chance to read this.
Evolve is an exceptional debut, and I went into it almost completely blind. I had no idea what to expect, and I’m so glad I experienced it that way.
From the very beginning, the story is wrapped in mystery. We uncover the world alongside the characters, which, for me, is the most immersive way to experience a book. The premise is strikingly original: a dystopian, post-war setting filled with secrets, experimentation, and deep rooted corruption. It constantly kept me intrigued.
Every character felt distinct and compelling - there wasn’t a single POV I didn’t enjoy. That’s rare, and it made the story even harder to put down.
I won’t say much more because this is absolutely a book best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. Just trust me and read it.
I already can’t wait for book two (I literally don't know how I'm gonna survive the wait, however long it is.)
March 24, 2026
Wow what a crazy ride this has been. This book ripped me open and wrung out my insides, in a good way of course! I can't wait to see what else Ruth has in store for this series. I cannot wait!
I absolutely loved Evolve. From the first few pages, the concept of genetically engineered children immediately pulled me in. The story blends science fiction with suspense in a way that feels both exciting and unsettling, and I found myself completely invested in what would happen next.
The characters were compelling, especially as they struggled with who they were versus what they were created to be. I really enjoyed how the book explored identity, control, and the consequences of science pushed too far. The tension kept building, and I was hooked the entire time.
Overall, this was a thrilling and thought-provoking read that I couldn’t put down. If you enjoy sci-fi with dark themes and strong emotional stakes, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I absolutely loved Evolve. From the first few pages, the concept of genetically engineered children immediately pulled me in. The story blends science fiction with suspense in a way that feels both exciting and unsettling, and I found myself completely invested in what would happen next.
The characters were compelling, especially as they struggled with who they were versus what they were created to be. I really enjoyed how the book explored identity, control, and the consequences of science pushed too far. The tension kept building, and I was hooked the entire time.
Overall, this was a thrilling and thought-provoking read that I couldn’t put down. If you enjoy sci-fi with dark themes and strong emotional stakes, this one is definitely worth picking up.
April 8, 2026
This was such a fun read and once I started I couldn't put it down. All of the characters were great and I loved reading them. The first part if getting to know everyone and seeing how they ended up locked up in this place that treats them so poorly. Then we go from there. I loved seeing all the different powers and upbringings and how everything worked. I am curious to learn more about this work and I really enjoyed this one. I cannot wait for more to see what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews