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Children of the Consortium #1
Recorder
The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey.
Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.
Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.
With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder's time is running out.
Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.
Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.
With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder's time is running out.
Audio CD
First published November 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
May 5, 2026
Series: Book #1 in the “Children of the Consortium” trilogy.
Spiritual Content- A few references to Scriptures (“all things worked together for the good”, “dust unto dust”, “something about never leaving or forsaking her”); The phrase “only God knows right now” is said by someone to another (who both seem to have faiths); A side character has a cross necklace which shocks the Recorder to learn that the person has a religion and comments “it surprises me that you would believe in something as unquantifiable as a god” and the girl says “Well, he wouldn’t be much of a God if he was quantifiable, would he?”; Someone wishes another “Godspeed”; Someone tells Recorder that “some people say we evolved from the dust of stars. Others say we are uniquely formed by a divine being. Stardust or Creation. Either way, you are exceptional. You are the only one of you in all the space and time. You cannot be nothing.” (She says these words again later); Recorder asks others to swear something to her by “whatever star or deity you will”; Recorder says that she’ll need “wishes and prayers” to do something hard and later isn’t sure if “prayer or hope was the right word” but did both that she wouldn’t get caught; Mentions of a cross necklace; Mentions of two characters having wooden “worry beads” and running them through their fingers when stressed/worried (could be a rosary); A few mentions of prayers & someone uttering “what might have been prayer”; A couple mentions of two Christians telling the other to “look to the light”;
*Note: When Recorder tells a guy who stop invoking a deity when he curses and that “deities and religions are not sanctioned for public discourse. [He] should speak of religion only in the privacy of [his] personal space with like-minded people”, he responds that how will he find one if no one speaks of their faith, but tells her to never mind his comment because he was only cursing and that “no god’d want [him] anyway”; When upset, Recorder asks why the “universe” cannot give her some small hope for the future; When someone is told that their deceased loved one is in a better place, another person says that “being alive would be better”; A side character asks another if everything is meaningless; “Pax” is said a couple of times when showing that you want peace with another (Pax is the goddess of peace); A few mentions of someone who was trapped in a mine thinking that ghosts would get to him & would talk to the ghosts; A couple mentions of being lucky; A mention of that when at the end of someone’s life, everyone should find peace; A mention of Ceres’s twin moons; A mention of evil mythological beings; A mention of taste evolving.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah blah blah’, a ‘good night’, an unfinished ‘son of a —‘, three forms of ‘shove off/leave off/back off’, three forms of ‘shut up’, four forms of ‘idiot’, nine forms of ‘blast/blast you’, twelve ‘blasted’s, and thirteen forms of ‘stupid’; Made-up cursing for this fictional world includes: a ‘for colony’s sake’, a ‘void it’, a ‘void-ridden’, a ‘what in the name of light’, three ‘trog’s (derogatory), three ‘void take it’s, three ‘voided’s, tweleve forms of spacing (used for emphasis), fourteen forms of ‘stars above’, sixteen ‘moons and stars’, and twenty-one ‘stars’ (exclamation); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Many mentions of curses (said, not written; two of them “invoked a deity”); Someone tells others that they “can rot”; Viewing a murder & autopsy in videos/projections (including how it happened and trying to find out the murderer, up to semi-detailed); Finding dead bodies (including seeing video of a murdered one, up to semi-detailed); Seeing someone pass away (up to semi-detailed); Fighting, Fighting off giant cockroaches, Punching someone in the face, Being shocked, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Passing out, Throwing up, (including someone taking Recorder’s helmet off after she throws up in it so she doesn’t choke on it), & Being put into a medical tanks filled with goo and freaking out (up to semi-detailed); An explosion, earthquake, helping others (including injured children), seeing a death, deaths of loved ones, injuries, blood/bleeding, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Panic & Anxiety (up to semi-detailed); A nightmare (with a corpse talking and someone turning into a giant bug, up to semi-detailed); Eavesdropping; Seeing someone being beat up by a bully, fighting, & bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Recorders are punished (shocked) by their drone if they do not act like they are supposed to (such as being emotional or helping a citizen because they are only to observe) and we see this happen on-page a handful of times (including when our main Recorder was a child, up to semi-detailed; *Spoiler, but about self-harm* ); The team is to gather information on what happened to a group of people on a secret location where many of them have died (one person wants to rescue the bodies, but because that is not their mission, they only rescue the ones who are alive in medical tanks); *Spoiler* ; Two scenes of those who have passed being “recycled” and the bodies (“shells” going on a conveyor belt), the person’s hair being cut-off, & the coldness of the whole process with grief (up to semi-detailed); Someone plans to get “good and drunk” after the passing of his family member; Many mentions of deaths, grief, bodies, retrieving bodies, seeing a murdered body in a video, finding bodies (and remembering seeing them), & a murderer (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of attempted murder, possible executions, & people disappearing who broke the government’s rules/laws; Mentions of survivors’ guilt after many others have died; Mentions of an unknown virus & someone’s plans to unleash it (biological weapon); Mentions of coffins, people who have passed being “recycled”, & the family receiving money from what’s left of the bodies (someone tells Recorder about his mother’s service and we see on-page two others); Mentions of Recorders and others being shocked & in pain; Mentions of an explosion, pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, throwing up and almost drowning in vomit (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of threats; Mentions of bullies, fighting, fights/beatings, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of champagne and cocktails at a party, drinks, drinking, a spiked punch bowl, & getting drunk (drinking because of a boss and wanting to get drunk after the death of a family member); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip, rumors, & eavesdropping; Mentions of an anti-obscenity law that Recorders uphold (others can be fined for cussing); Mentions of nightmares (including giant cockroaches & corpses); Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of animal experimentation (which didn’t happen) & someone planning to euthanize cats (but others rescued them and all of them made it except one that was pregnant); A few mentions of children not making it after a place self-destruct (and the heaviness of seeing a video of one of the children being scared and sedated); A few mentions of thieves & stealing; A few mentions of possible atrophy; A few mentions of parents arguing & grief (over a child being sick); A few mentions of couples breaking their contracts (divorce); A couple mentions of someone being beat up for his actions (assault to a girl); A mention of suicide; A mention of a someone dying in a mine because of a lack of oxygen; A mention of a man’s son dying (prior to the book); A mention of gambling; A mention of urine;
*Note: After some events, Recorder does not feel like she has a purpose anymore and is nothing (someone disagrees with her about this because every human is valuable, but she still believes it to be true); When Recorder says that children are forgettable individually so being in a larger unit maintains their neutrality and that she’s not important as an individual, someone else says that’s a lie; A side character’s grandfather calls him a parasite that ruined his daughter’s life (we see this in a chapter from his point of view and how the boy was only allowed to call his mother by her first name because of it); Another side character in a flashback is disrespectful to her controlling mother; Some people do not view Recorders as humans (even though they technically are; Another person is glad a Recorder is dead as he views them as spies for the Consortium); Those who are Recorders or other government service staff were “gifted” by their biological donors and it’s said that they redeem their gifting by doing service (they are gifted at the third trimester of pregnancy to “assure a better survival rate for the fetuses and to avoid further emotional complications for the donors, who are compensated for their contribution”); Often times unwanted or medically fragile pregnancies are gifted to the Consortium; A girl says that her biological mother didn’t want her and was going to give her to the Consortium but she was adopted by family members (this makes our Recorder wonder if her mother’s extended family knew that was an option, but she shakes away the thought); Mentions of children having “defects” and that the children won’t be normal inside and take too much from the parents (like medical appointments, counseling, therapies, and then causing the parents to be isolated, but the father is still committed to the child and mother; *Spoiler* ); Mentions of eugenics, genocide, an attempted genetic cleansing a hundred years prior to the book starting, & how destruction of a pregnancy is illegal and immoral; A couple mentions of guilt of parents for gifting their children; A mention of a horror video (movie); A mention of a young man wearing earrings; A mention of someone having a therapist.
Sexual Content- A head kiss, an almost kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two semi-detailed kisses (one forced), and a detailed kiss; A few kisses on-page in side characters’ chapters (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Noticing, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Wanting to touch & Wondering about touching a guy’s hair (barely-above-not-detailed); An on-page assault with a guy forcing an embrace and kiss on Recorder (she tries to push him off and wipes her lips multiple times afterwards, up to semi-detailed; Later, she tells someone that she doesn’t understand because kissing wasn’t pleasant like she’s heard it was; She feels shame and failure after it happens and will not wear the outfit she was wearing again; *Spoilers* ; Another guy is playing a young woman’s feelings in order to get information from her and her status; *Spoiler* ; Talks about the assault, assaulter, & kisses/kissing; Seeing couples kiss, embrace, & hold hands (barely-above-not-detailed); Couples do not get married in this world but have a “contract” & call the other their “partner” (there are also nonexclusive contracts that have a time limit; There is a mention of an uncle with a young contract partner); Recorders and Citizens are not allowed to be together in a romantic sense, but we hear about that happening once and both of them being sent away (and never heard from again; Someone calls it disgusting that they fell in love and he seduced the Recorder, but another says that they both must have been in love); In a side character’s chapter, we learn that he was with a much-older woman (20+ years his senior) and that while they didn’t have a contract, they lived together (we see them in bed and cuddling together), she was pregnant, and that he wanted to marry her (which she didn’t understand why he would use that word because it was outdated and thinks he will leave her at some point because he’s too young; *Spoiler* ; A couple guys tease and flirt with Recorder a few times (including saying that she had an “emotional reaction” to him & another one flirts with her and she takes it as him belittling her); A grandmother teases her granddaughter that if she doesn’t go after a guy, she will to show him how to make a woman happy; A guy comments on a woman’s “assets” and enjoying “that kind of athleticism”; Two ‘babe’s; Mentions of the assault, forced kiss, & others treating the assaulter rudely and hitting him; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & consent; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, exes, & break-ups (these terms aren’t used but the idea of them are); Mentions of a guy who is full of himself; Mentions of couples, hand holding, embraces, & them kissing; Mentions of flirting, winks, & blushes; A few mentions of handsome guys; A few mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of a guy flexing his muscles; A mention of the guy who “mauled” Recorder and another guy hoping he enjoyed it (which he didn’t); A mention of learning how to “fend off unwanted advances”; A bit of love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A side character’s mother body shames her (saying that her arms are “like a miner” and shouldn’t be showing); A couple mentions of a young guy taking off his shirt and others whistling at him; A mention of puberty.
-Recorder, age 24
POV switches between Recorder & flashbacks to others’ POV (Alec, Kyleigh, Timmons, Jordan, Zhen, Max, & James)
Sci-fi
354 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{ Older Girls who enjoy sci-fi books may enjoy this book more and could add a full star to that rating. }
This was wildly different from really any book I’ve ever read before. She’s basically like a robot and when events happen that alter her, she has to learn to manage her emotions and life without her technology—including having to monitor her own vials and knowing when to eat. Recorders are said to keep everyone honest and safe, but some will argue that point because of past troubles with them.
Even after typing this looooong review, I’m still unsure of how I feel about this book, so let’s list some pros and cons:
Pro- I was able to follow along pretty well and never felt too overwhelmed by the sci-fi plot. The author explained things very well and naturally, it never felt like info-dumping.
Con- The story did start to drag for me around the halfway point.
Pro- I liked seeing the eventual found family trope.
Con- There was a lot of characters and names to keep track of (including the same person being called three different names 🥴)
Pro- this was incredibly different from my normal read and I liked that aspect.
Con- The cockroaches were disgusting and completely icky as someone who can’t stand those. I now have trust issues for this author and creatures she adds to this series.
Pro- Our main Recorder didn’t understand different idioms and taking them literally was so Amelia Bedelia-like and I really liked that part.
Con- At times, it stated to feel overly sad and depressing to me. That could totally be me, but I was waiting for something good to finally happen to these characters.
I really wanted to really like this book. It didn’t quite meet my expectations, I’ll admit. Major sci-fi fans will probably enjoy this one more, but I struggled with different elements of this book. I needed more hope throughout it and it sorely lacking that element. I do plan to continue the rest of the series as I own them and am curious about certain things. The concept is there and the characters were well done, but for some reason it still didn’t meet the expectations I had for it.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
Spiritual Content- A few references to Scriptures (“all things worked together for the good”, “dust unto dust”, “something about never leaving or forsaking her”); The phrase “only God knows right now” is said by someone to another (who both seem to have faiths); A side character has a cross necklace which shocks the Recorder to learn that the person has a religion and comments “it surprises me that you would believe in something as unquantifiable as a god” and the girl says “Well, he wouldn’t be much of a God if he was quantifiable, would he?”; Someone wishes another “Godspeed”; Someone tells Recorder that “some people say we evolved from the dust of stars. Others say we are uniquely formed by a divine being. Stardust or Creation. Either way, you are exceptional. You are the only one of you in all the space and time. You cannot be nothing.” (She says these words again later); Recorder asks others to swear something to her by “whatever star or deity you will”; Recorder says that she’ll need “wishes and prayers” to do something hard and later isn’t sure if “prayer or hope was the right word” but did both that she wouldn’t get caught; Mentions of a cross necklace; Mentions of two characters having wooden “worry beads” and running them through their fingers when stressed/worried (could be a rosary); A few mentions of prayers & someone uttering “what might have been prayer”; A couple mentions of two Christians telling the other to “look to the light”;
*Note: When Recorder tells a guy who stop invoking a deity when he curses and that “deities and religions are not sanctioned for public discourse. [He] should speak of religion only in the privacy of [his] personal space with like-minded people”, he responds that how will he find one if no one speaks of their faith, but tells her to never mind his comment because he was only cursing and that “no god’d want [him] anyway”; When upset, Recorder asks why the “universe” cannot give her some small hope for the future; When someone is told that their deceased loved one is in a better place, another person says that “being alive would be better”; A side character asks another if everything is meaningless; “Pax” is said a couple of times when showing that you want peace with another (Pax is the goddess of peace); A few mentions of someone who was trapped in a mine thinking that ghosts would get to him & would talk to the ghosts; A couple mentions of being lucky; A mention of that when at the end of someone’s life, everyone should find peace; A mention of Ceres’s twin moons; A mention of evil mythological beings; A mention of taste evolving.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah blah blah’, a ‘good night’, an unfinished ‘son of a —‘, three forms of ‘shove off/leave off/back off’, three forms of ‘shut up’, four forms of ‘idiot’, nine forms of ‘blast/blast you’, twelve ‘blasted’s, and thirteen forms of ‘stupid’; Made-up cursing for this fictional world includes: a ‘for colony’s sake’, a ‘void it’, a ‘void-ridden’, a ‘what in the name of light’, three ‘trog’s (derogatory), three ‘void take it’s, three ‘voided’s, tweleve forms of spacing (used for emphasis), fourteen forms of ‘stars above’, sixteen ‘moons and stars’, and twenty-one ‘stars’ (exclamation); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Many mentions of curses (said, not written; two of them “invoked a deity”); Someone tells others that they “can rot”; Viewing a murder & autopsy in videos/projections (including how it happened and trying to find out the murderer, up to semi-detailed); Finding dead bodies (including seeing video of a murdered one, up to semi-detailed); Seeing someone pass away (up to semi-detailed); Fighting, Fighting off giant cockroaches, Punching someone in the face, Being shocked, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Passing out, Throwing up, (including someone taking Recorder’s helmet off after she throws up in it so she doesn’t choke on it), & Being put into a medical tanks filled with goo and freaking out (up to semi-detailed); An explosion, earthquake, helping others (including injured children), seeing a death, deaths of loved ones, injuries, blood/bleeding, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Panic & Anxiety (up to semi-detailed); A nightmare (with a corpse talking and someone turning into a giant bug, up to semi-detailed); Eavesdropping; Seeing someone being beat up by a bully, fighting, & bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Recorders are punished (shocked) by their drone if they do not act like they are supposed to (such as being emotional or helping a citizen because they are only to observe) and we see this happen on-page a handful of times (including when our main Recorder was a child, up to semi-detailed; *Spoiler, but about self-harm* ); The team is to gather information on what happened to a group of people on a secret location where many of them have died (one person wants to rescue the bodies, but because that is not their mission, they only rescue the ones who are alive in medical tanks); *Spoiler* ; Two scenes of those who have passed being “recycled” and the bodies (“shells” going on a conveyor belt), the person’s hair being cut-off, & the coldness of the whole process with grief (up to semi-detailed); Someone plans to get “good and drunk” after the passing of his family member; Many mentions of deaths, grief, bodies, retrieving bodies, seeing a murdered body in a video, finding bodies (and remembering seeing them), & a murderer (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of attempted murder, possible executions, & people disappearing who broke the government’s rules/laws; Mentions of survivors’ guilt after many others have died; Mentions of an unknown virus & someone’s plans to unleash it (biological weapon); Mentions of coffins, people who have passed being “recycled”, & the family receiving money from what’s left of the bodies (someone tells Recorder about his mother’s service and we see on-page two others); Mentions of Recorders and others being shocked & in pain; Mentions of an explosion, pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, throwing up and almost drowning in vomit (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of threats; Mentions of bullies, fighting, fights/beatings, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of champagne and cocktails at a party, drinks, drinking, a spiked punch bowl, & getting drunk (drinking because of a boss and wanting to get drunk after the death of a family member); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip, rumors, & eavesdropping; Mentions of an anti-obscenity law that Recorders uphold (others can be fined for cussing); Mentions of nightmares (including giant cockroaches & corpses); Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of animal experimentation (which didn’t happen) & someone planning to euthanize cats (but others rescued them and all of them made it except one that was pregnant); A few mentions of children not making it after a place self-destruct (and the heaviness of seeing a video of one of the children being scared and sedated); A few mentions of thieves & stealing; A few mentions of possible atrophy; A few mentions of parents arguing & grief (over a child being sick); A few mentions of couples breaking their contracts (divorce); A couple mentions of someone being beat up for his actions (assault to a girl); A mention of suicide; A mention of a someone dying in a mine because of a lack of oxygen; A mention of a man’s son dying (prior to the book); A mention of gambling; A mention of urine;
*Note: After some events, Recorder does not feel like she has a purpose anymore and is nothing (someone disagrees with her about this because every human is valuable, but she still believes it to be true); When Recorder says that children are forgettable individually so being in a larger unit maintains their neutrality and that she’s not important as an individual, someone else says that’s a lie; A side character’s grandfather calls him a parasite that ruined his daughter’s life (we see this in a chapter from his point of view and how the boy was only allowed to call his mother by her first name because of it); Another side character in a flashback is disrespectful to her controlling mother; Some people do not view Recorders as humans (even though they technically are; Another person is glad a Recorder is dead as he views them as spies for the Consortium); Those who are Recorders or other government service staff were “gifted” by their biological donors and it’s said that they redeem their gifting by doing service (they are gifted at the third trimester of pregnancy to “assure a better survival rate for the fetuses and to avoid further emotional complications for the donors, who are compensated for their contribution”); Often times unwanted or medically fragile pregnancies are gifted to the Consortium; A girl says that her biological mother didn’t want her and was going to give her to the Consortium but she was adopted by family members (this makes our Recorder wonder if her mother’s extended family knew that was an option, but she shakes away the thought); Mentions of children having “defects” and that the children won’t be normal inside and take too much from the parents (like medical appointments, counseling, therapies, and then causing the parents to be isolated, but the father is still committed to the child and mother; *Spoiler* ); Mentions of eugenics, genocide, an attempted genetic cleansing a hundred years prior to the book starting, & how destruction of a pregnancy is illegal and immoral; A couple mentions of guilt of parents for gifting their children; A mention of a horror video (movie); A mention of a young man wearing earrings; A mention of someone having a therapist.
Sexual Content- A head kiss, an almost kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two semi-detailed kisses (one forced), and a detailed kiss; A few kisses on-page in side characters’ chapters (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Noticing, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Wanting to touch & Wondering about touching a guy’s hair (barely-above-not-detailed); An on-page assault with a guy forcing an embrace and kiss on Recorder (she tries to push him off and wipes her lips multiple times afterwards, up to semi-detailed; Later, she tells someone that she doesn’t understand because kissing wasn’t pleasant like she’s heard it was; She feels shame and failure after it happens and will not wear the outfit she was wearing again; *Spoilers* ; Another guy is playing a young woman’s feelings in order to get information from her and her status; *Spoiler* ; Talks about the assault, assaulter, & kisses/kissing; Seeing couples kiss, embrace, & hold hands (barely-above-not-detailed); Couples do not get married in this world but have a “contract” & call the other their “partner” (there are also nonexclusive contracts that have a time limit; There is a mention of an uncle with a young contract partner); Recorders and Citizens are not allowed to be together in a romantic sense, but we hear about that happening once and both of them being sent away (and never heard from again; Someone calls it disgusting that they fell in love and he seduced the Recorder, but another says that they both must have been in love); In a side character’s chapter, we learn that he was with a much-older woman (20+ years his senior) and that while they didn’t have a contract, they lived together (we see them in bed and cuddling together), she was pregnant, and that he wanted to marry her (which she didn’t understand why he would use that word because it was outdated and thinks he will leave her at some point because he’s too young; *Spoiler* ; A couple guys tease and flirt with Recorder a few times (including saying that she had an “emotional reaction” to him & another one flirts with her and she takes it as him belittling her); A grandmother teases her granddaughter that if she doesn’t go after a guy, she will to show him how to make a woman happy; A guy comments on a woman’s “assets” and enjoying “that kind of athleticism”; Two ‘babe’s; Mentions of the assault, forced kiss, & others treating the assaulter rudely and hitting him; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & consent; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, exes, & break-ups (these terms aren’t used but the idea of them are); Mentions of a guy who is full of himself; Mentions of couples, hand holding, embraces, & them kissing; Mentions of flirting, winks, & blushes; A few mentions of handsome guys; A few mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of a guy flexing his muscles; A mention of the guy who “mauled” Recorder and another guy hoping he enjoyed it (which he didn’t); A mention of learning how to “fend off unwanted advances”; A bit of love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A side character’s mother body shames her (saying that her arms are “like a miner” and shouldn’t be showing); A couple mentions of a young guy taking off his shirt and others whistling at him; A mention of puberty.
-Recorder, age 24
POV switches between Recorder & flashbacks to others’ POV (Alec, Kyleigh, Timmons, Jordan, Zhen, Max, & James)
Sci-fi
354 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{ Older Girls who enjoy sci-fi books may enjoy this book more and could add a full star to that rating. }
This was wildly different from really any book I’ve ever read before. She’s basically like a robot and when events happen that alter her, she has to learn to manage her emotions and life without her technology—including having to monitor her own vials and knowing when to eat. Recorders are said to keep everyone honest and safe, but some will argue that point because of past troubles with them.
Even after typing this looooong review, I’m still unsure of how I feel about this book, so let’s list some pros and cons:
Pro- I was able to follow along pretty well and never felt too overwhelmed by the sci-fi plot. The author explained things very well and naturally, it never felt like info-dumping.
Con- The story did start to drag for me around the halfway point.
Pro- I liked seeing the eventual found family trope.
Con- There was a lot of characters and names to keep track of (including the same person being called three different names 🥴)
Pro- this was incredibly different from my normal read and I liked that aspect.
Con- The cockroaches were disgusting and completely icky as someone who can’t stand those. I now have trust issues for this author and creatures she adds to this series.
Pro- Our main Recorder didn’t understand different idioms and taking them literally was so Amelia Bedelia-like and I really liked that part.
Con- At times, it stated to feel overly sad and depressing to me. That could totally be me, but I was waiting for something good to finally happen to these characters.
I really wanted to really like this book. It didn’t quite meet my expectations, I’ll admit. Major sci-fi fans will probably enjoy this one more, but I struggled with different elements of this book. I needed more hope throughout it and it sorely lacking that element. I do plan to continue the rest of the series as I own them and am curious about certain things. The concept is there and the characters were well done, but for some reason it still didn’t meet the expectations I had for it.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
December 19, 2021
Wow! What an emotional, exciting, unique, and utterly beautiful story!
Cathy McCrumb has a beautiful style that immersed me in the story heart and soul. The setting and world is so real, and the characters are my absolute favourites. I adored watching Recorder grow and change and all the relationships were complex and wonderful.
I highly recommend this book! Such a wonderful read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.
Cathy McCrumb has a beautiful style that immersed me in the story heart and soul. The setting and world is so real, and the characters are my absolute favourites. I adored watching Recorder grow and change and all the relationships were complex and wonderful.
I highly recommend this book! Such a wonderful read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.
March 19, 2024
Recorder by Cathy McCrumb - Book 1 in the Children of the Consortium Series
5 Stars
Wow, what an ending! I must read book 2 immediately! This is book 1 in a Christian Sci-Fi series that really is #SciFiWithHeart as many have said. I am not usually someone who reads the Sci-Fi genre because I have a fear of not understanding what's going on - but this was SUPER easy to understand and you are immediately connected to our characters, their relationships and the friendships made. Cathy truly tugs at your heart strings in this one as our main character, who is a Recorder, starts to realize she has value for who she is.
I can't say too much for this as I really think you should go in this book knowing as little as possible, but to quote the synopsis, "Recorder has no family, friends and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias. Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, she tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger." The story goes on from here as time starts to run out for Recorder in all the events that take place.
From the very first chapter, you are immersed in the story and I am so glad this was a book club read with my friends because it really made me step outside of my comfort zone and find something I really enjoyed. If you are someone who is interested even in the least to try Sci-Fi, highly recommend checking this one out because it was not confusing. The audio was great but I think it's best to read in physical format or at least have an ebook or physical copy on hand to read in tandem with the audio because we do have some flashbacks that I missed were flashbacks sometimes for not paying enough attention and would start back over on that audio chapter.
There are some faith elements in this - light but it's there and I appreciated that. This book ends where you really need book 2 on DECK by the way, so make sure you are prepared before you dive in!💛
5 Stars
Wow, what an ending! I must read book 2 immediately! This is book 1 in a Christian Sci-Fi series that really is #SciFiWithHeart as many have said. I am not usually someone who reads the Sci-Fi genre because I have a fear of not understanding what's going on - but this was SUPER easy to understand and you are immediately connected to our characters, their relationships and the friendships made. Cathy truly tugs at your heart strings in this one as our main character, who is a Recorder, starts to realize she has value for who she is.
I can't say too much for this as I really think you should go in this book knowing as little as possible, but to quote the synopsis, "Recorder has no family, friends and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias. Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, she tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger." The story goes on from here as time starts to run out for Recorder in all the events that take place.
From the very first chapter, you are immersed in the story and I am so glad this was a book club read with my friends because it really made me step outside of my comfort zone and find something I really enjoyed. If you are someone who is interested even in the least to try Sci-Fi, highly recommend checking this one out because it was not confusing. The audio was great but I think it's best to read in physical format or at least have an ebook or physical copy on hand to read in tandem with the audio because we do have some flashbacks that I missed were flashbacks sometimes for not paying enough attention and would start back over on that audio chapter.
There are some faith elements in this - light but it's there and I appreciated that. This book ends where you really need book 2 on DECK by the way, so make sure you are prepared before you dive in!💛
January 30, 2022
Characters: I enjoyed seeing the Recorder learn to adapt to life without all of her sci-fi technological advances. She had a distinct way of talking that set her apart from the other characters.
Language: Clean. The fake cuss words did start getting on my nerves after a while, and I wish they'd been excluded altogether.
Moral: While this book didn't have much Christian content at first, more started coming into play during the second half. I'm thinking the next book in the series will further develop that thread. If I had to pick a theme, I'd go with something along the lines of your job doesn't make you who you are.
Plot: The first fifty or so pages had lots of action in them! Once the characters reached their space ship, things became a little more character-driven as the Recorder focused on figuring out her life and solving a mystery.
Random comments: I wasn't a fan of a couple of characters implying they might have evolved, but I'm hoping they'll come to see this as false in the next book.
Romance: Clean. Just a kiss or two.
Writing: Cathy McCrumb's writing style worked well for this book!
Overall: Recorder was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and sci-fi novels.
Language: Clean. The fake cuss words did start getting on my nerves after a while, and I wish they'd been excluded altogether.
Moral: While this book didn't have much Christian content at first, more started coming into play during the second half. I'm thinking the next book in the series will further develop that thread. If I had to pick a theme, I'd go with something along the lines of your job doesn't make you who you are.
Plot: The first fifty or so pages had lots of action in them! Once the characters reached their space ship, things became a little more character-driven as the Recorder focused on figuring out her life and solving a mystery.
Random comments: I wasn't a fan of a couple of characters implying they might have evolved, but I'm hoping they'll come to see this as false in the next book.
Romance: Clean. Just a kiss or two.
Writing: Cathy McCrumb's writing style worked well for this book!
Overall: Recorder was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and sci-fi novels.
June 16, 2024
When I say I don't read sci -fi, I mean it. I had to add a sci-fi tag to my account here on GR after reading this book and I've been here almost from the beginning, guys. All I can say is, my buddies on BookTube made me do it. You know who you are.
Anyway.
4.5 ⭐
This is sci-fi, yes, but it's much more than that or I wouldn't have read it. When I heard everyone on BookTube talking about it, I was immediately intrigued by the concept of a main character who is not allowed to experience emotion in an effort to maintain a balanced record of all events for the powers that be (in this case, a galactic big brother).
This concept allows the author to explore a lot of themes that interested me within the format of an engaging and nail-biting story, filled with characters (all human except for drones - again, probably wouldn't have read it if there were like aliens and stuff) who were very real despite their futuristic environment.
I had some questions at the end that I hope are answered in the next couple books in the series. Some aspects of the story I found difficult to track but I got the gist of what was going on. Mostly I was there for the character interaction and development, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Anyway.
4.5 ⭐
This is sci-fi, yes, but it's much more than that or I wouldn't have read it. When I heard everyone on BookTube talking about it, I was immediately intrigued by the concept of a main character who is not allowed to experience emotion in an effort to maintain a balanced record of all events for the powers that be (in this case, a galactic big brother).
This concept allows the author to explore a lot of themes that interested me within the format of an engaging and nail-biting story, filled with characters (all human except for drones - again, probably wouldn't have read it if there were like aliens and stuff) who were very real despite their futuristic environment.
I had some questions at the end that I hope are answered in the next couple books in the series. Some aspects of the story I found difficult to track but I got the gist of what was going on. Mostly I was there for the character interaction and development, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
May 1, 2024
um. WoW. 😭😭
Did not expect to love this book as much as I did. I’m not a sci-fi girly, after all. But the grip this story has on me now. 🫣 I need the next one in the series NOW.
Did not expect to love this book as much as I did. I’m not a sci-fi girly, after all. But the grip this story has on me now. 🫣 I need the next one in the series NOW.
March 14, 2024
I've heard this book described as sci-fi with heart and I couldn't agree more!
From the very first chapter, I was sucked in! Cathy does a marvelous job of setting the stage: of creating the world and societal structure, and also building the intensity and anticipation in certain moments. You feel for Recorder in how she longs for connection and feeling. I read this for a book club and I had to force myself to put the book down long enough to update them on my thoughts in our group chat!
All of the characters are well-written and distinct--very human. You get backstories via flashbacks that don't take the reader out of the main story but help build the characters.
I didn't know their was a romance in this but hooray, that makes it even better! I must say I am a sucker for a male love interest who sees more to her than others do, who appreciates her value even if others don't.
If you are wanting to try out sci-fi, I would definitely recommend starting with this one as it has the sci-fi elements without being confusing or too sciency. But a word of caution: you need to have the 2nd book handy as soon as you finish this one!!
Also, the audiobook is excellent! (My only complaint is she said Ensign wrong, but other than that, I think the narrator perfectly captured Recorder!)
Content: eugenics, loss of parental rights, death of parent
Christian faith rating: 1/3 (it is definitely Christian but it is fairly subtle which I am guessing it will be expanded upon more in the next books)
From the very first chapter, I was sucked in! Cathy does a marvelous job of setting the stage: of creating the world and societal structure, and also building the intensity and anticipation in certain moments. You feel for Recorder in how she longs for connection and feeling. I read this for a book club and I had to force myself to put the book down long enough to update them on my thoughts in our group chat!
All of the characters are well-written and distinct--very human. You get backstories via flashbacks that don't take the reader out of the main story but help build the characters.
I didn't know their was a romance in this but hooray, that makes it even better! I must say I am a sucker for a male love interest who sees more to her than others do, who appreciates her value even if others don't.
If you are wanting to try out sci-fi, I would definitely recommend starting with this one as it has the sci-fi elements without being confusing or too sciency. But a word of caution: you need to have the 2nd book handy as soon as you finish this one!!
Also, the audiobook is excellent! (My only complaint is she said Ensign wrong, but other than that, I think the narrator perfectly captured Recorder!)
Content: eugenics, loss of parental rights, death of parent
Christian faith rating: 1/3 (it is definitely Christian but it is fairly subtle which I am guessing it will be expanded upon more in the next books)
February 5, 2022
This book. Can I give it 10/5 stars? I had the huge pleasure of reading an advanced copy of Recorder, and my goodness it did not disappoint! This was honestly such a timely read, and I found myself relating to Recorder so much. Recorder is stripped from everything familiar and comforting, and she has to work through so many human emotions. She so often feels like she's drowning, but in the midst of her struggles, she finds friends such as Timmons (SQUEAL) and Max and Jordan that encourage her and help her work through her struggles. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down because McCrumb's characters became MY friends helping me work through MY struggles, and I just felt like I was right there with Recorder in her strange, ever-changing world.
All in all, I love this book. So much.
All in all, I love this book. So much.
February 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️Amazing! So much fun!
August 29, 2023
“Just because a drone used to hurt you doesn’t mean you need to hurt yourself.”—brb, crying
This book is absolutely incredible. Character driven sci fi with the sweetest slow burn romance, found family, a character allowing herself to feel and understand what it is to be human, plus a mystery to solve?! GIMMEEEEEE.
Nate and the Recorder are OTP and no one can dissuade me from this. And the change from “The Recorder isn’t really a human” to “I must protect her with my life” is so beautiful <3 *sob*
Also the giant bugs were gross.
Also when the drone hurt the Recorder I wanted to DESTROY it, tear it limb from limb, because how DARE it hurt my Recorder >:(
This book is absolutely incredible. Character driven sci fi with the sweetest slow burn romance, found family, a character allowing herself to feel and understand what it is to be human, plus a mystery to solve?! GIMMEEEEEE.
Nate and the Recorder are OTP and no one can dissuade me from this. And the change from “The Recorder isn’t really a human” to “I must protect her with my life” is so beautiful <3 *sob*
Also the giant bugs were gross.
Also when the drone hurt the Recorder I wanted to DESTROY it, tear it limb from limb, because how DARE it hurt my Recorder >:(
May 2, 2024
4-4.5 stars!! WOW!
Sci-fi isn't my kind of genre normally. I have always struggled with it, and being honest, the beginning confused me for a hot minute. I also struggled with recorder being so robotic but I understand it's the point. I listened to this and that maybe attributed to me constantly putting this down to process then pick up again. I probably needed to physically read this. Once the plot ticked up...whew!...it definitely kept me engaged. The blossoming romance was adorable and that endinggggg!! 😭😭😳😳 need book 2 pronto!
Sci-fi isn't my kind of genre normally. I have always struggled with it, and being honest, the beginning confused me for a hot minute. I also struggled with recorder being so robotic but I understand it's the point. I listened to this and that maybe attributed to me constantly putting this down to process then pick up again. I probably needed to physically read this. Once the plot ticked up...whew!...it definitely kept me engaged. The blossoming romance was adorable and that endinggggg!! 😭😭😳😳 need book 2 pronto!
Did Not Finish
May 21, 2025DNFd in chapter 12 because I was just so not interested, and I felt bored 🤷🏼♀️
May 25, 2022
I am a little conflicted with my review here. I think I'm settling on a 3.75 rating...and I'll explain why.
Recorder is a fascinating sci-fi novel. It's a deep exploration of a nameless character that has been raised to reject normal human tendencies, instead becoming a recorder meant to watch and record. But when she has the opportunity to change, she fights against her training and against her new friends that are trying to help her learn what it means to be a human.
This was fascinating because the book is a struggle. It's her fighting against herself. We got a very good look at who she is and it really builds up to an epic second book, which I'm very excited for.
That said, this book would be dull for someone looking for a book with a solid plot. This has a plot, but a lot of it feels like setup for a climax that we never got. So I would describe this as a really good, if not slightly dull, book.
Recorder is a fascinating sci-fi novel. It's a deep exploration of a nameless character that has been raised to reject normal human tendencies, instead becoming a recorder meant to watch and record. But when she has the opportunity to change, she fights against her training and against her new friends that are trying to help her learn what it means to be a human.
This was fascinating because the book is a struggle. It's her fighting against herself. We got a very good look at who she is and it really builds up to an epic second book, which I'm very excited for.
That said, this book would be dull for someone looking for a book with a solid plot. This has a plot, but a lot of it feels like setup for a climax that we never got. So I would describe this as a really good, if not slightly dull, book.
February 22, 2023
4 ½ stars 🌟
I really liked Recorder. She kind of talked and acted like a robot, which is part of what made her such an interesting character. But then I also loved seeing her have to navigate unsuppressed human emotions for the first time and make new friends and not to mention the romanceeee. So sweet 😭❤️
On another note, this book may not be for you if you don't like 1st person POV or have a fear of giant killer bugs. Also while the book is completely clean, there's also not really any faith content other than a couple mentions of God and maybe prayer and a girl wearing a cross necklace. I'm assuming there will be more in the next book.
I really liked Recorder. She kind of talked and acted like a robot, which is part of what made her such an interesting character. But then I also loved seeing her have to navigate unsuppressed human emotions for the first time and make new friends and not to mention the romanceeee. So sweet 😭❤️
On another note, this book may not be for you if you don't like 1st person POV or have a fear of giant killer bugs. Also while the book is completely clean, there's also not really any faith content other than a couple mentions of God and maybe prayer and a girl wearing a cross necklace. I'm assuming there will be more in the next book.
November 26, 2021
A riveting Sci-fi adventure with excellent world building and compelling character growth.
A well written, engaging debut, with realistic and convincing world building, I liked how the author used a dual timeline to show not tell the past events, utilizing functions of the plot. I had a hard time putting this one down and I liked the growing relationships between the characters that we got to see in the past and the present.
Overall, a must read for fans of sci-fi, the author artfully constructs a mysterious futuristic world, terrifying and intriguing, compelling and consistent, this book did a fantastic job of reeling me in and keeping me invested as the story unfolded, while also bringing up deeper questions of what it means to be human. I am excited to see where this series will go!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A well written, engaging debut, with realistic and convincing world building, I liked how the author used a dual timeline to show not tell the past events, utilizing functions of the plot. I had a hard time putting this one down and I liked the growing relationships between the characters that we got to see in the past and the present.
Overall, a must read for fans of sci-fi, the author artfully constructs a mysterious futuristic world, terrifying and intriguing, compelling and consistent, this book did a fantastic job of reeling me in and keeping me invested as the story unfolded, while also bringing up deeper questions of what it means to be human. I am excited to see where this series will go!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 2, 2025
It's a mystery and a story about someone who's always considered herself only a tool learning to be a person; what more could I ask for?
February 12, 2022
pooled ink Reviews:
OH MY WORD. THIS BOOK. WHERE IS THE SEQUEL???? *deep breaths*
WARNING: If you have things you need to get done then DO NOT pick up this book (yet). Once you start it, that's it. You're in until the end and forcing yourself to put it down before it's over will cause excruciating pain and great distraction.
But in all seriousness...
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. The cover and blurb don't do it justice. I'm not sure anything really could. This book intrigued me even if I wasn't sure it would be something I'd wholly enjoy. I do read science fiction, but I can be very picky. This book, however, turned out to be the perfect balance of tech and characters and plot. Never boring, never overly technical, never distractingly clinical or arrogantly written...it was amazing and I might cry over the thought of the months separating me from book 2.
Recorder is just that, a recorder. That isn't her name because Recorders don't have names. Raised in The Consortium, she's been trained to subdue her emotions and strive for impartiality, neutrality. Now older, trained, and with drones of her own, she's been sent out on her first mission only for it go horribly awry. Hehe and that is when we get to all of the good n' messy stuff like emotions and friendship and love and stopping secret bad guys!
I really adored the Recorder. She grew on me the more I read and the more she evolved, but even from the start there was just something about her that made me root for her. And NATE. *swoons* Oh my precious Nate. I shipped Nate and the Recorder right away and CATHY MCCRUMB I WILL SCREAM IF YOU SINK THAT SHIP (haha). You'll meet so many fantastic characters like Max (*gives him a hug*), Jordan (*salutes*), Alec and Zhen (*fist bumps both of them*), and Kyleigh (*high-fives her and a cat*). I've grown so protective of this group and oh I can't bear not knowing how it will all end!
I won't ramble on for ages here, I'll save that for my blog, but just know that this was fantastic and I whole-heartedly recommend it!
Recorder, the first book in the new sci-fi trilogy Children of the Consortium, invites us into a world where there are eyes always watching, always recording, always monitoring. Humans and Recorders live together but separate, each understanding their roles and precarious standing, until one Recorder is stripped of her ability to record and a crew of humans decide to show her how to live and love. A gripping balance of sci-fi adventure and philosophical pondering threaded through with all that makes humans human from humor to hate and love to loss. Do not miss out on this stellar debut!
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2021/09/14/reco...
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
OH MY WORD. THIS BOOK. WHERE IS THE SEQUEL???? *deep breaths*
WARNING: If you have things you need to get done then DO NOT pick up this book (yet). Once you start it, that's it. You're in until the end and forcing yourself to put it down before it's over will cause excruciating pain and great distraction.
But in all seriousness...
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. The cover and blurb don't do it justice. I'm not sure anything really could. This book intrigued me even if I wasn't sure it would be something I'd wholly enjoy. I do read science fiction, but I can be very picky. This book, however, turned out to be the perfect balance of tech and characters and plot. Never boring, never overly technical, never distractingly clinical or arrogantly written...it was amazing and I might cry over the thought of the months separating me from book 2.
Recorder is just that, a recorder. That isn't her name because Recorders don't have names. Raised in The Consortium, she's been trained to subdue her emotions and strive for impartiality, neutrality. Now older, trained, and with drones of her own, she's been sent out on her first mission only for it go horribly awry. Hehe and that is when we get to all of the good n' messy stuff like emotions and friendship and love and stopping secret bad guys!
I really adored the Recorder. She grew on me the more I read and the more she evolved, but even from the start there was just something about her that made me root for her. And NATE. *swoons* Oh my precious Nate. I shipped Nate and the Recorder right away and CATHY MCCRUMB I WILL SCREAM IF YOU SINK THAT SHIP (haha). You'll meet so many fantastic characters like Max (*gives him a hug*), Jordan (*salutes*), Alec and Zhen (*fist bumps both of them*), and Kyleigh (*high-fives her and a cat*). I've grown so protective of this group and oh I can't bear not knowing how it will all end!
I won't ramble on for ages here, I'll save that for my blog, but just know that this was fantastic and I whole-heartedly recommend it!
Recorder, the first book in the new sci-fi trilogy Children of the Consortium, invites us into a world where there are eyes always watching, always recording, always monitoring. Humans and Recorders live together but separate, each understanding their roles and precarious standing, until one Recorder is stripped of her ability to record and a crew of humans decide to show her how to live and love. A gripping balance of sci-fi adventure and philosophical pondering threaded through with all that makes humans human from humor to hate and love to loss. Do not miss out on this stellar debut!
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2021/09/14/reco...
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
August 11, 2022
I don’t read a lot of sci-fi, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one. But man, this book stole my heart. It’s very character driven, which isn’t always something I like. I tend to love fast paced stories with a lot of action. But Cathy is such a master at character work that you just love spending time with this found family.
Especially Timmons. Truly, I am not the type to fawn over male characters, but Nathaniel Timmons is an exception. You will see what I mean when you read this wonderful story.
I love how the Christian elements came through later on, especially the emphasis on the value of human life, family, and friendships against the background of a very unfeeling and clinical society. This book had a beautiful message. I can’t wait for book 2. Can’t. Wait. Especially after the ending we got! I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!
I listened to this on audio and I think it greatly enhanced the experience (even though the narrator pronounced “viscous” as “vicious” several times, which made me laugh, lol), and I hope to do so with book 2 as well. :)
Especially Timmons. Truly, I am not the type to fawn over male characters, but Nathaniel Timmons is an exception. You will see what I mean when you read this wonderful story.
I love how the Christian elements came through later on, especially the emphasis on the value of human life, family, and friendships against the background of a very unfeeling and clinical society. This book had a beautiful message. I can’t wait for book 2. Can’t. Wait. Especially after the ending we got! I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!
I listened to this on audio and I think it greatly enhanced the experience (even though the narrator pronounced “viscous” as “vicious” several times, which made me laugh, lol), and I hope to do so with book 2 as well. :)
August 13, 2022
Soo good. So sad, so deep. I love the characters so much. I really can’t wait to see how the story continues.
October 14, 2023
The Giver meets Star Trek. Please and thank you.
Content:
Violence, an unwanted kiss
Content:
Violence, an unwanted kiss
August 30, 2025
This is the first sci-fi book I have ever read to get 5 stars. It was amazing. While definitely sci-fi, McCrumb doesn't get too technical, and she makes the MC so poignant and the side characters so engaging that I stayed connected the entire time.
The audiobook has some mispronunciations, but it is otherwise very well done.
The audiobook has some mispronunciations, but it is otherwise very well done.
July 1, 2024
3.5⭐️
This is my first Sci-Fi and while it is not a favorite genre I loved getting to know the Recorder and seeing her interact with other humans as she adjusts to losing the technology that controls her. I found that very intriguing. There were a lot of characters to follow and at times I felt a little lost but that could be because I was missing my historical Christian fiction that I am used to 😬☺️
This is my first Sci-Fi and while it is not a favorite genre I loved getting to know the Recorder and seeing her interact with other humans as she adjusts to losing the technology that controls her. I found that very intriguing. There were a lot of characters to follow and at times I felt a little lost but that could be because I was missing my historical Christian fiction that I am used to 😬☺️
November 28, 2021
Although Dystopian Science Fiction is not my preferred genre of choice this debut novel by Cathy McCrumb was pretty interesting. It definitely captures your imagination and brings you into a complete different world. This story is told through the point of view Recorder and we see his world through his eyes. It was interesting and captivating. I will admit that at points I was disinterested but not because the writing was lacking but simply because its just not my kind of writing.
Overall if you enjoy science fiction and dystopian stories you will definitely enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Overall if you enjoy science fiction and dystopian stories you will definitely enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 6, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. It has a good underlying thread, but it is poorly executed. If you like loads of drama and angst, with a smattering of sense, you might enjoy it.
September 4, 2025
A stunning, thought provoking novel! I did not expect to be so moved by this story, but it sucked me in and Recorder has won me over completely. The unique premise captured my imagination and that ending is so beautiful and bittersweet. I loved the themes of worth and friendship as well as the yearning and discovery of self. Even though there are incredibly sad moments and themes, there is always an undercurrent of hope running throughout the plot.
With her slightly robotic speech, Recorder is such an endearing character and I can’t wait to watch her soar through the rest of the series! Nate was another sweet character. I loved how gentle he was and he better make it out or I’ll riot 😅. Kylie, Max, J, Alec and Jen (tried to spell their names as best I could but I listened to the audiobook 😂) were amazing and I loved the found family in this story!
I am on the edge of my seat waiting to uncover more answers and find out what happens to these beloved characters next! I can’t wait to add this series to my physical collection as I think it’s shaping up to be my favorite sci-fi series yet!
With her slightly robotic speech, Recorder is such an endearing character and I can’t wait to watch her soar through the rest of the series! Nate was another sweet character. I loved how gentle he was and he better make it out or I’ll riot 😅. Kylie, Max, J, Alec and Jen (tried to spell their names as best I could but I listened to the audiobook 😂) were amazing and I loved the found family in this story!
I am on the edge of my seat waiting to uncover more answers and find out what happens to these beloved characters next! I can’t wait to add this series to my physical collection as I think it’s shaping up to be my favorite sci-fi series yet!
August 23, 2025
Picked this one up from the library and started reading while on a weekend trip. Proceeded to then ignore my family members to finish it during naptime, and walked about the rest of the weekend in a book hangover daze.
Being human is such a complicated thing. The Recorder finds this out when her usual mechanisms for interfacing with the world are ripped away from her, and she must [gasp] decipher social cues and read facial expressions without assistance. This is a struggle that resonated pretty deeply with me, especially as she navigated the times when she misread or misinterpreted things. And then there's the greater drama unfolding in the background, with the slow realization that the people she'd implicitly trusted may not be best for either her or humanity at large.
Suffice it to say, I immediately ordered my own copy...and then the remainder of the series. I can't wait to see what's coming next.
Being human is such a complicated thing. The Recorder finds this out when her usual mechanisms for interfacing with the world are ripped away from her, and she must [gasp] decipher social cues and read facial expressions without assistance. This is a struggle that resonated pretty deeply with me, especially as she navigated the times when she misread or misinterpreted things. And then there's the greater drama unfolding in the background, with the slow realization that the people she'd implicitly trusted may not be best for either her or humanity at large.
Suffice it to say, I immediately ordered my own copy...and then the remainder of the series. I can't wait to see what's coming next.
February 16, 2023
Oh my goodness. My heart. I cannot. How could you do this to us Cathy???? I need book 2. I NEED IT
Recorder follows a woman who is part human, part drone controlled being. She has no hair, no identity and her sole purpose is to record accurately. Never allowed to intervene or else suffer the consequences. But when a mission goes wrong and her implants and drones are destroyed, can she still call herself Recorder?
Recorder follows a woman who is part human, part drone controlled being. She has no hair, no identity and her sole purpose is to record accurately. Never allowed to intervene or else suffer the consequences. But when a mission goes wrong and her implants and drones are destroyed, can she still call herself Recorder?
October 30, 2023
Honestly, this book took me a bit by surprise. Typically, I prefer sci-fi on screen to written sci-fi. I like the visual effects, worlds, and stories, but often find the world building drudgery and too hard to understand in books (unlike fantasy worldbuilding for some reason? I think all the science is harder for me to follow). So, I put this one off, despite the raving reviews. I had friends who said it was phenomenal, so I put it on my TBR, but didn't prioritize it until I met the author and saw the very Iron Giant-esque cover for the sequel (we bonded over our mutual trauma XD). Now that I've read it, I must say I believe this may perhaps be my favorite read of the year.
First of all, it was easy to read and follow. The worldbuilding was peppered in just perfectly enough to make it intriguing and yet still easy to understand. I wanted to learn more and explore. It was done with such a light, skilled hand. We spent most of our time on a ship, and yet McCrumb kept us on our toes, engaging the reader, building tension, and fleshing out the culture of her society and its unique structure. We got snippets of other places like the Consortium the Recorder grew up in and the stark contrast against the outside world was so effectively portrayed through the variety of responses she observed in the characters around her.
As a bit of a sidenote, I will say that for some reason, I expected the story to be about robots or androids or something like that. I’m honestly not sure where I got that idea from or why I developed that expectation, but I was surprised to learn the story had so many humans in it XD
However, speaking of characters and their dynamics and responses to the Recorder. *insert absolute fangirling* This book was so freaking well-written! Well-paced with the tension and reveals, well-developed with the beautifully different character dynamics and growth, and the well-built world, well-plotted story points, all of it. It was like a delectable treat or stunning work of art. I was so thoroughly impressed on a technical level, but emotionally, I was simply not prepared.
My absolute favorite part of the book was the team the Recorder was placed on and watching how each one interacted with one another and with her. Spanos, Timmons, Jordan, and DuBois absolutely tore my heart out with their brilliant flashback chapters. And of course, we cannot neglect Max, Kyleigh, Ross, & Elliot. McCrumb really pulled these threads together to spin a tightly woven, spellbinding tale. It was a page-turning, suspenseful mystery I just wanted to unravel. I couldn’t seem to put it down.
It was fascinating to watch the Recorder learn how society truly worked, miss or pick up on social cues, and being dropped into the deep end of a new culture with minute nuances. Watching her adapt and rooting for her from her severely disadvantaged starting point made this book such a treat. I’ve heard some say that the Recorder is an excellent example of autism, and upon reflection, I can totally see that from my own experience. The characters are all so brilliantly written, but when you drop them into situations together, that’s where the real magic happens.
Though, honestly, above all of the excellence of the writing, the plot, and the characters, what pushed this book over the edge for me was the absolutely stunning observation on humanity. The thematic exploration of worth, morality, and the bravery of choosing to do what is right no matter the sacrifice or cost resonated deeply with me. This story portrayed the depth of human suffering, deception, bitterness and rage, and searing grief and aching loss of our broken world is so effectively and beautifully overlayed into this sci-fi world. But there is also great valor and strength, a depth of compassion, and utter hope in growth and restoration. Along with a few nods to government interference and ridiculous, restrictive regulations. Ah! I simply don’t have the words for how this beautiful book made me feel. <3 GO READ IT!
Content: clean romance, subtle and sweet, no foul language (in fact, there was an anti-obscenity law and it was humorous to see how it was handled XD), and I don't remember any graphic violence, though there were some mild sci-fi injuries, etc. I heard a few complaints about the cockroach scene, but as someone who grew up with Men in Black, this was laughably harmless. So, some people have been a little grossed out, but I really just didn’t see what the big deal was personally. The themes, while deep, aren’t handled in a way that would make me want to give the book to an older audience. I’d feel fine giving the book to a preteen.
I’m dying to read the second book! Just writing the review makes me want to read this one again!
First of all, it was easy to read and follow. The worldbuilding was peppered in just perfectly enough to make it intriguing and yet still easy to understand. I wanted to learn more and explore. It was done with such a light, skilled hand. We spent most of our time on a ship, and yet McCrumb kept us on our toes, engaging the reader, building tension, and fleshing out the culture of her society and its unique structure. We got snippets of other places like the Consortium the Recorder grew up in and the stark contrast against the outside world was so effectively portrayed through the variety of responses she observed in the characters around her.
As a bit of a sidenote, I will say that for some reason, I expected the story to be about robots or androids or something like that. I’m honestly not sure where I got that idea from or why I developed that expectation, but I was surprised to learn the story had so many humans in it XD
However, speaking of characters and their dynamics and responses to the Recorder. *insert absolute fangirling* This book was so freaking well-written! Well-paced with the tension and reveals, well-developed with the beautifully different character dynamics and growth, and the well-built world, well-plotted story points, all of it. It was like a delectable treat or stunning work of art. I was so thoroughly impressed on a technical level, but emotionally, I was simply not prepared.
My absolute favorite part of the book was the team the Recorder was placed on and watching how each one interacted with one another and with her. Spanos, Timmons, Jordan, and DuBois absolutely tore my heart out with their brilliant flashback chapters. And of course, we cannot neglect Max, Kyleigh, Ross, & Elliot. McCrumb really pulled these threads together to spin a tightly woven, spellbinding tale. It was a page-turning, suspenseful mystery I just wanted to unravel. I couldn’t seem to put it down.
It was fascinating to watch the Recorder learn how society truly worked, miss or pick up on social cues, and being dropped into the deep end of a new culture with minute nuances. Watching her adapt and rooting for her from her severely disadvantaged starting point made this book such a treat. I’ve heard some say that the Recorder is an excellent example of autism, and upon reflection, I can totally see that from my own experience. The characters are all so brilliantly written, but when you drop them into situations together, that’s where the real magic happens.
Though, honestly, above all of the excellence of the writing, the plot, and the characters, what pushed this book over the edge for me was the absolutely stunning observation on humanity. The thematic exploration of worth, morality, and the bravery of choosing to do what is right no matter the sacrifice or cost resonated deeply with me. This story portrayed the depth of human suffering, deception, bitterness and rage, and searing grief and aching loss of our broken world is so effectively and beautifully overlayed into this sci-fi world. But there is also great valor and strength, a depth of compassion, and utter hope in growth and restoration. Along with a few nods to government interference and ridiculous, restrictive regulations. Ah! I simply don’t have the words for how this beautiful book made me feel. <3 GO READ IT!
Content: clean romance, subtle and sweet, no foul language (in fact, there was an anti-obscenity law and it was humorous to see how it was handled XD), and I don't remember any graphic violence, though there were some mild sci-fi injuries, etc. I heard a few complaints about the cockroach scene, but as someone who grew up with Men in Black, this was laughably harmless. So, some people have been a little grossed out, but I really just didn’t see what the big deal was personally. The themes, while deep, aren’t handled in a way that would make me want to give the book to an older audience. I’d feel fine giving the book to a preteen.
I’m dying to read the second book! Just writing the review makes me want to read this one again!
May 30, 2023
“Although I make social errors, I do not intentionally harm people. It is in your best interest to accept my offer of assistance.” “You really do talk like that. I thought Kye was pulling my leg.”
4.4 stars. A Connecticut Yankee in space. Excellent character and world building. Data does My Fair Lady. An individual raised and trained to be a passive, detached observer becomes isolated from her support system. Her awakening self-awareness is fraught and entertaining. A murder and potential epidemic increase drama. Not to mention cats and two-meter-long cockroaches.
‘After three minutes, I decided the Elders were incorrect. A purring cat, even an ugly, mostly hairless one, had value.’
That Recorder primly records emotional responses is appropriate to who she is, until she starts having them. Subtly pushes the right buttons without overt preaching. Excellent cover by Emilie Haney. Extra star for freshman effort, which was removed for the unsatisfying ending. The story doesn’t conclude; it stops. In something of a cliffhanger. Perhaps redeemed by the availability of Aberration.
“Winding deep into Pallas’s interior. … We had traveled one and a third kilometers when we encountered our first difficulty.”
Our Pallas is over 300 miles in diameter. Glaring discrepancies in the position of moons suggest that, though names are copied from this solar system, Recorder is set in a different one. Not to mention analog clocks, thick glasses, free weights, and heavy porcelain on spaceships.
“Some people say we evolved from the dust of stars. Others say we are uniquely formed by a divine being. Stardust or Creation. Either way, you are exceptional. You are the only one of you in all of space and time. You cannot be nothing.”
4.4 stars. A Connecticut Yankee in space. Excellent character and world building. Data does My Fair Lady. An individual raised and trained to be a passive, detached observer becomes isolated from her support system. Her awakening self-awareness is fraught and entertaining. A murder and potential epidemic increase drama. Not to mention cats and two-meter-long cockroaches.
‘After three minutes, I decided the Elders were incorrect. A purring cat, even an ugly, mostly hairless one, had value.’
That Recorder primly records emotional responses is appropriate to who she is, until she starts having them. Subtly pushes the right buttons without overt preaching. Excellent cover by Emilie Haney. Extra star for freshman effort, which was removed for the unsatisfying ending. The story doesn’t conclude; it stops. In something of a cliffhanger. Perhaps redeemed by the availability of Aberration.
“Winding deep into Pallas’s interior. … We had traveled one and a third kilometers when we encountered our first difficulty.”
Our Pallas is over 300 miles in diameter. Glaring discrepancies in the position of moons suggest that, though names are copied from this solar system, Recorder is set in a different one. Not to mention analog clocks, thick glasses, free weights, and heavy porcelain on spaceships.
“Some people say we evolved from the dust of stars. Others say we are uniquely formed by a divine being. Stardust or Creation. Either way, you are exceptional. You are the only one of you in all of space and time. You cannot be nothing.”
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