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ReInception
A corporation's immensely popular mind technology is eradicating socially unacceptable behavior in 2126 New York City. When a college student and a government labeled terrorist discover the truth of what's happening inside people's heads, they fight for their free will and the future of society.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
37 people are currently reading
4776 people want to read
About the author
Sarena Straus
6 books80 followersAuthor of the multi-award-winning novel, "ReInception" (Winding Road Stories, 2022)
A corporation's immensely popular mind technology is eradicating socially unacceptable behavior in 2126 New York City. When a college student and a government-labeled terrorist discover the truth of what's happening inside people's heads, they fight for their free will and the future of society.
Writer, attorney, and child safety advocate, Sarena has appeared as a commentator on numerous TV and radio shows. She is also the author of "Bronx DA: True Stories from the Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence Unit." In 2010, Bronx DA was sold as a pilot to CBS/Paramount.
ReInception is the recipient of multiple awards including and American Writing Award, Literary Titan Gold Award, and a LitPick Five Star review.
A corporation's immensely popular mind technology is eradicating socially unacceptable behavior in 2126 New York City. When a college student and a government-labeled terrorist discover the truth of what's happening inside people's heads, they fight for their free will and the future of society.
Writer, attorney, and child safety advocate, Sarena has appeared as a commentator on numerous TV and radio shows. She is also the author of "Bronx DA: True Stories from the Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence Unit." In 2010, Bronx DA was sold as a pilot to CBS/Paramount.
ReInception is the recipient of multiple awards including and American Writing Award, Literary Titan Gold Award, and a LitPick Five Star review.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 11, 2024
Writer Sarena Straus describes a dystopian setting where big tech and government have colluded to brainwash the populace.
And it’s actually even more insidious than that.
What started as a means by which addicts could “alter” how their minds work to better deal with their problems is, of course, abused by the powers that be into controlling how people think. This could be read as an allegory for censorship and centralized abuses and that lifted it above the crowd of other YA books in this genre.
Straus is a good writer but she kind of goes in too many directions here. I liked the dystopian fantasy, and the backstory, and to be honest her somewhat clumsy romance was endearing rather than tedious. But, the pacing is all off, this meandered some and the science was sketchy, some of the writing was not great. All in all, though, not bad.
The allusions to Orwell and Bradbury were fun and Straus puts this together well for us.
This looks like she’ll write more and there was even a sequel released in November 2024. I’m done but I can see someone wrapping up in the cozy blanket of this fantasy (series) and continuing on with Straus’ vision.
And it’s actually even more insidious than that.
What started as a means by which addicts could “alter” how their minds work to better deal with their problems is, of course, abused by the powers that be into controlling how people think. This could be read as an allegory for censorship and centralized abuses and that lifted it above the crowd of other YA books in this genre.
Straus is a good writer but she kind of goes in too many directions here. I liked the dystopian fantasy, and the backstory, and to be honest her somewhat clumsy romance was endearing rather than tedious. But, the pacing is all off, this meandered some and the science was sketchy, some of the writing was not great. All in all, though, not bad.
The allusions to Orwell and Bradbury were fun and Straus puts this together well for us.
This looks like she’ll write more and there was even a sequel released in November 2024. I’m done but I can see someone wrapping up in the cozy blanket of this fantasy (series) and continuing on with Straus’ vision.
November 28, 2022
It was such a joy to write this book. It brings together so many things that interest me-- science, law, technology, issues of privacy and autonomy. Mostly, I reveled in the ability to speculate about what our world will be like a hundred years from now because of decisions we make today. At times, I frightened myself considering what the future will bring--the possibilities are terrifying, but also exciting.
I hope that reading this book will make you think, speculate, wonder, and perhaps even reconsider how you think about certain things and how things you do today matter tomorrow.
Please share your thoughts and ideas with me. I love hearing from readers and knowing what you imagine the world will look like in a hundred years. In the end, it's up to us to shape the future into something hopeful.
I hope that reading this book will make you think, speculate, wonder, and perhaps even reconsider how you think about certain things and how things you do today matter tomorrow.
Please share your thoughts and ideas with me. I love hearing from readers and knowing what you imagine the world will look like in a hundred years. In the end, it's up to us to shape the future into something hopeful.
January 4, 2023
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
An engrossing, intellectually stimulating, and quick-moving sci-fi thriller, ReInception is absolutely fantastic.
What’s fun is that this concept - mind control - has been a kind of hokey idea in recent years, relegated to classic sci-fi almost, but this novel modernizes it and reimagines it in a way that fits the science we know now and the process by which a government or corporation would implement it. One of the most fascinating things about this novel is that it seems entirely plausible. I’m not going to get into it, as that’s part of the experience, but it does not seem far-fetched.
The setting was really fun. You have a New York that’s flooded in the bottom levels and the surrounding area near-inhabitable. Society has been divided into workers, called Proles, who are genetically modified, and the rich elites who can choose to have elective modifications to not only change their appearance but alter their moods.
A major theme in the novel is choice, in allowing people control over their own bodies. I’m a huge proponent of that regarding reproductive justice, so there were large parallels to that in how parents can turn off a young person’s sex drive or make them find alcohol disgusting. Keeps them safe, sure, but it also keeps them from experiencing all aspects of life and prevents them from learning how to make choices or learn from mistakes. That aspect was fantastic and so interesting.
The storyline moves at a great pace - it speeds past the boring stuff and takes its time with the character-developing scenes and action sequences. The story itself is not entirely unpredictable but there is a twist that I should have seen coming but was too distracted by the world-building, intriguing ethical questions, and the little love story.
For once, we have a younger man and a slightly older woman. Usually, when you have a twenty-year-old girl main character, you have an older dude that has to show her the ropes, so to speak, but in this case, we have a twenty-year-old, experienced girl and an eighteen-year-old boy. He’s more experienced in some ways, and she in others, so there is no power imbalance - in fact, they are perfectly balanced in their knowledge of the world and their personalities. It’s not exactly a sunshine + grouchy trope, but it comes close. I thought their relationship and how it developed was very well done. I really liked both of them!
And despite their ages, this is definitely not a YA or new adult novel. It’s a perfect example of how you can have a novel featuring young people but not have it fall into YA tropes.
Overall, highly highly recommended.
An engrossing, intellectually stimulating, and quick-moving sci-fi thriller, ReInception is absolutely fantastic.
What’s fun is that this concept - mind control - has been a kind of hokey idea in recent years, relegated to classic sci-fi almost, but this novel modernizes it and reimagines it in a way that fits the science we know now and the process by which a government or corporation would implement it. One of the most fascinating things about this novel is that it seems entirely plausible. I’m not going to get into it, as that’s part of the experience, but it does not seem far-fetched.
The setting was really fun. You have a New York that’s flooded in the bottom levels and the surrounding area near-inhabitable. Society has been divided into workers, called Proles, who are genetically modified, and the rich elites who can choose to have elective modifications to not only change their appearance but alter their moods.
A major theme in the novel is choice, in allowing people control over their own bodies. I’m a huge proponent of that regarding reproductive justice, so there were large parallels to that in how parents can turn off a young person’s sex drive or make them find alcohol disgusting. Keeps them safe, sure, but it also keeps them from experiencing all aspects of life and prevents them from learning how to make choices or learn from mistakes. That aspect was fantastic and so interesting.
The storyline moves at a great pace - it speeds past the boring stuff and takes its time with the character-developing scenes and action sequences. The story itself is not entirely unpredictable but there is a twist that I should have seen coming but was too distracted by the world-building, intriguing ethical questions, and the little love story.
For once, we have a younger man and a slightly older woman. Usually, when you have a twenty-year-old girl main character, you have an older dude that has to show her the ropes, so to speak, but in this case, we have a twenty-year-old, experienced girl and an eighteen-year-old boy. He’s more experienced in some ways, and she in others, so there is no power imbalance - in fact, they are perfectly balanced in their knowledge of the world and their personalities. It’s not exactly a sunshine + grouchy trope, but it comes close. I thought their relationship and how it developed was very well done. I really liked both of them!
And despite their ages, this is definitely not a YA or new adult novel. It’s a perfect example of how you can have a novel featuring young people but not have it fall into YA tropes.
Overall, highly highly recommended.
November 1, 2022
This is a remarkable book. Brilliant, gripping, endlessly creative. I am not a sci-fi fan generally, although I love any good story and I truly admire an author who can create another world, or a glaringly convincing description of ours in the future.
Strauss conceives of a futuristic NYC and the US of the 2100's that is chilling and intuitive given current trends; things like climate change and our current and horrid state of divisive politics. But more than that, she is incredibly detail-oriented and logical about how that world has come about. The characters are relatable and real. The poetry of the speech- the brilliant patois the author creates- is fun and interesting to learn and follow.
I have nothing negative to say about this book other than, for me at least, it ended too quickly. It's obvious that the book is set up for a sequel and I can't wait, but I would have read a longer book to achieve a more permanent "ending." Regardless, as long as a book expanding on the adventures of her characters is coming, I'm happy.
Strauss conceives of a futuristic NYC and the US of the 2100's that is chilling and intuitive given current trends; things like climate change and our current and horrid state of divisive politics. But more than that, she is incredibly detail-oriented and logical about how that world has come about. The characters are relatable and real. The poetry of the speech- the brilliant patois the author creates- is fun and interesting to learn and follow.
I have nothing negative to say about this book other than, for me at least, it ended too quickly. It's obvious that the book is set up for a sequel and I can't wait, but I would have read a longer book to achieve a more permanent "ending." Regardless, as long as a book expanding on the adventures of her characters is coming, I'm happy.
February 3, 2023
I didn’t know how much I actually enjoyed the genre of science fiction until I read this book! I was fully immersed in this story within the first few pages, it’s fast paced, thrilling and also has heart. It does end on a cliff hanger, but I’m certainly looking forward to seeing where the rest of the story goes.
Thank you so much to @katieandbreypa for sending me this ARC, my opinions are my own
Thank you so much to @katieandbreypa for sending me this ARC, my opinions are my own
January 25, 2023
This book was a wild ride. I almost wish I read it slower so it could have stayed with me longer.
In a future America, ReInception is a technology used to rewire brain patterns. While this technique started with good intentions, to help people beat addictions, but the government has taken ReInception to extremes: changing the thought patterns of people who don't conform.
The worldbuilding was fantastic. Straus developed a futuristic city with new terminology, dialects, and even a new people group (the Prole), but it all felt natural to me. The fear of essentially brainwashing was imminent and kept the stakes high. And the pacing was so fast that it was so easy to keep turning pages!
Romance has to be well done in books for me to get on board, and I was absolutely rooting for Leandrea and Ward. He was such a lovable and empathetic character. In fact, every side character was well written!
I am ready for book two now please??? When will it be here??
In a future America, ReInception is a technology used to rewire brain patterns. While this technique started with good intentions, to help people beat addictions, but the government has taken ReInception to extremes: changing the thought patterns of people who don't conform.
The worldbuilding was fantastic. Straus developed a futuristic city with new terminology, dialects, and even a new people group (the Prole), but it all felt natural to me. The fear of essentially brainwashing was imminent and kept the stakes high. And the pacing was so fast that it was so easy to keep turning pages!
Romance has to be well done in books for me to get on board, and I was absolutely rooting for Leandrea and Ward. He was such a lovable and empathetic character. In fact, every side character was well written!
I am ready for book two now please??? When will it be here??
December 5, 2022
great futuristic novel
Great fun easy read. College age kids in a future that is controlled. A little bit of angst and some mystery.
Great fun easy read. College age kids in a future that is controlled. A little bit of angst and some mystery.
November 6, 2022
so, so good!
Wow, this book kept me up reading until the wee hours! Can’t wait to see what happens with these characters! Great job, Sarena!
Wow, this book kept me up reading until the wee hours! Can’t wait to see what happens with these characters! Great job, Sarena!
January 7, 2025
This book made me remember why I fell in love with dystopian books in the first place.
It was fast paced with incredible world building and extremely thought provoking.
It makes you really think about technology, ethics and takes a topic that is discussed in theory in todays society and makes it very real and shows those consequences.
Leandrea was a decent main character. Yes she was scared and whiny for 80% of the book but she was also brave and did something in a world where nobody else bothered to. I think a lot of us would feel the same way if in her situation. To go against something you've believed and been taught your whole life?? She deserves her small moments of weakness. She also was very realistic. When she was out of breath while running for her life I chuckled because...cardio truly is the worst.
I also enjoyed the language that Straus created for the Proles.
My only cons:
- I didn't like the audiobook narrator....she sounded like Siri.
- I didn't like how Leandrea kept bringing up the fact that Ward was only 18 and was sooooo young even though homegirl is only 20 herself.
- The romance was a bit too faced paced for me. They went from hating each other to falling in love with what seemed to be only 10 minutes.
It was fast paced with incredible world building and extremely thought provoking.
It makes you really think about technology, ethics and takes a topic that is discussed in theory in todays society and makes it very real and shows those consequences.
Leandrea was a decent main character. Yes she was scared and whiny for 80% of the book but she was also brave and did something in a world where nobody else bothered to. I think a lot of us would feel the same way if in her situation. To go against something you've believed and been taught your whole life?? She deserves her small moments of weakness. She also was very realistic. When she was out of breath while running for her life I chuckled because...cardio truly is the worst.
I also enjoyed the language that Straus created for the Proles.
My only cons:
- I didn't like the audiobook narrator....she sounded like Siri.
- I didn't like how Leandrea kept bringing up the fact that Ward was only 18 and was sooooo young even though homegirl is only 20 herself.
- The romance was a bit too faced paced for me. They went from hating each other to falling in love with what seemed to be only 10 minutes.
September 28, 2022
This is one of my favorite books of the year. It had a bit of everything - a star-crossed love story for the ages packed with fun and adventure and mixed in with some serious social commentary on class, corporate power, and the dangers of technology. Straus creates a believable futuristic world strongly rooted in history which felt like a natural progression of where our modern world seems to be headed. Well worth the read!
July 26, 2023
I liked the general concept of the world, but feel like it could have been explored a bit more. What was there felt at bit too much surface-level. The overall plot felt a bit too generic and focused a bit too much on the love story towards the latter half, and the ending didn't feel all that satisfying.
But I enjoyed reading it, although I had higher hopes based on the premise, none of the issues I had was a deal breaker. I'll probably read a sequel to see where it all leads!
But I enjoyed reading it, although I had higher hopes based on the premise, none of the issues I had was a deal breaker. I'll probably read a sequel to see where it all leads!
June 5, 2023
This was so good!! I was grabbed from the beginning, with lines like "REINCEPTION WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND...whether you want it or not" how could it not possibly catch your attention?
I loved the 1984 meets Futurama vibes. Honestly, there's not much about this book I didn't enjoy. The author does a fantastic job building this complex society with different castes, she created new snippets to give you a real world feel like you've watched this happen. The scary part is, it's all actually feasible.
The algae blooms in the lakes, drought, over population, and of course war. All of this leading to the different castes, population control, and eventually brainwashing. The technology that the author created is so fascinating. It's akin to the technology from They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera.
I liked how they kept referring to today technology as basically archaic. It was good for a laugh.
In her plot, the author gives us both positive and negative aspects of ReInception, facts and fiction.
The character growth was slow, but steady.
Leandrea starts off so naive and clueless to just about everything to do with the situation. But she is a kind-hearted person. I enjoyed watching her learn all this information about ReInception and how her attitude changed throughout the book.
Poor Hallyn. He was a good character in the beginning. I was so sad to see what happened to him.
I'm not sure how I feel about Andromeda. She's this spoiled rich girl and acts like it, and her father is of course powerful.
Ward was a complex character from the get-go. He's so sweet, but can be a brute too.
The emotion during some scenes is on point. Especially the scenes with Kallum and the trial. Or some of the things the parents had said.
The language of the proles had me so confused. I couldn't even use context clues a good portion of the time. While I tried to not let it bother me, the language barrier between me and them caused me to not enjoy the book as much as I believe I could have.
The author did include a glossary and other reference material, but it's at the end of the book and I didn't want to keep flipping back every time something came up.
There was a little bit of romance in the beginning, but that fizzled. The potential between Leandrea and Ward, though... that's the romance I'm rooting for, even if it moved incredibly fast. I don't, however, like that Leandrea keeps mentioning Ward's age. She's twenty and his eighteen... she calls him young multiple times and it makes it weird. I could have done without that.
There are not "steamy" scenes. The one was a fade to black and the others are just briefly mentioned.
I liked the twist at the end. I really did not see it going that way. I'm really excited for the next book. I need to know what happens.
A good book for anyone looking for a dystopian fix.
You can read my original review, and others like it, at Bookswithachance.com!
I loved the 1984 meets Futurama vibes. Honestly, there's not much about this book I didn't enjoy. The author does a fantastic job building this complex society with different castes, she created new snippets to give you a real world feel like you've watched this happen. The scary part is, it's all actually feasible.
The algae blooms in the lakes, drought, over population, and of course war. All of this leading to the different castes, population control, and eventually brainwashing. The technology that the author created is so fascinating. It's akin to the technology from They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera.
I liked how they kept referring to today technology as basically archaic. It was good for a laugh.
In her plot, the author gives us both positive and negative aspects of ReInception, facts and fiction.
The character growth was slow, but steady.
Leandrea starts off so naive and clueless to just about everything to do with the situation. But she is a kind-hearted person. I enjoyed watching her learn all this information about ReInception and how her attitude changed throughout the book.
Poor Hallyn. He was a good character in the beginning. I was so sad to see what happened to him.
I'm not sure how I feel about Andromeda. She's this spoiled rich girl and acts like it, and her father is of course powerful.
Ward was a complex character from the get-go. He's so sweet, but can be a brute too.
The emotion during some scenes is on point. Especially the scenes with Kallum and the trial. Or some of the things the parents had said.
The language of the proles had me so confused. I couldn't even use context clues a good portion of the time. While I tried to not let it bother me, the language barrier between me and them caused me to not enjoy the book as much as I believe I could have.
The author did include a glossary and other reference material, but it's at the end of the book and I didn't want to keep flipping back every time something came up.
There was a little bit of romance in the beginning, but that fizzled. The potential between Leandrea and Ward, though... that's the romance I'm rooting for, even if it moved incredibly fast. I don't, however, like that Leandrea keeps mentioning Ward's age. She's twenty and his eighteen... she calls him young multiple times and it makes it weird. I could have done without that.
There are not "steamy" scenes. The one was a fade to black and the others are just briefly mentioned.
I liked the twist at the end. I really did not see it going that way. I'm really excited for the next book. I need to know what happens.
A good book for anyone looking for a dystopian fix.
You can read my original review, and others like it, at Bookswithachance.com!
December 15, 2022
In Sarena Straus's novel ReInception, an amazing medical procedure (the titular "reinception") modifies a client's brain to modify their behavior and unwanted desires, whether that be a change in personality, the removal of a bad habit or anything else the client may want. After a terror attack at a protest against the lower classes' treatment, protagonist Leandrea finds herself sucked into an underground movement against both the procedure and those pushing it and is forced to confront the full implications of both the modifications and the purposes of the people behind it.
ReInception's greatest strength comes from the thought Straus clearly put into her premise. We see in dialogue, action, and elements of the setting how making a procedure like reinception accepted and even commonplace would change society and social attitudes and the social and philosophical divisions likely to arise from it. Some characters are wholly invested in it and whose lives have been drastically improved, some even going so far as to wish it to become mandatory. In contrast, others question the wisdom and morality of essentially eliminating part of a person's free will. Though the narrative favors the "free will" side of things, this isn't just a morality play; every character is well fleshed-out and believably acting how they deem best.
The narrative unfolds at a good pace; Straus successfully establishes a potentially difficult premise and setting in the first few chapters without resorting to infodumps, and quickly introduces our protagonist and gets the story moving. The dialogue is also natural and believable throughout, even when the discussions get philosophical. The conspiracy central to the main plot is unveiled gradually throughout the novel; Straus shares enough to hold the reader's interest, but one always has the sense that there's more to this world than what's on the surface.
ReInception is an excellent science fiction novel with a focus on genetic engineering. The adventure readers go on as they follow the characters in the battle for humanity's free will is engaging and thrilling. With the moral question of what is right or wrong and what is the benefit for society as a whole at the forefront of this novel, it will be hard to put down once you start.
ReInception's greatest strength comes from the thought Straus clearly put into her premise. We see in dialogue, action, and elements of the setting how making a procedure like reinception accepted and even commonplace would change society and social attitudes and the social and philosophical divisions likely to arise from it. Some characters are wholly invested in it and whose lives have been drastically improved, some even going so far as to wish it to become mandatory. In contrast, others question the wisdom and morality of essentially eliminating part of a person's free will. Though the narrative favors the "free will" side of things, this isn't just a morality play; every character is well fleshed-out and believably acting how they deem best.
The narrative unfolds at a good pace; Straus successfully establishes a potentially difficult premise and setting in the first few chapters without resorting to infodumps, and quickly introduces our protagonist and gets the story moving. The dialogue is also natural and believable throughout, even when the discussions get philosophical. The conspiracy central to the main plot is unveiled gradually throughout the novel; Straus shares enough to hold the reader's interest, but one always has the sense that there's more to this world than what's on the surface.
ReInception is an excellent science fiction novel with a focus on genetic engineering. The adventure readers go on as they follow the characters in the battle for humanity's free will is engaging and thrilling. With the moral question of what is right or wrong and what is the benefit for society as a whole at the forefront of this novel, it will be hard to put down once you start.
January 20, 2023
Dear Sarena Straus,
I need another book ASAP!
Omg. This book was incredible. We meet Lea who is living in the year 2126, decades after a second civil war has rocked the United States. The world is is shambles, but technology has helped people progress, even to the point where bad habits can be zapped away. Not everyone is so lucky. There are 2 castes of people and not every one is lucky enough to have the opportunities that Lea and her friends do. She has a run in with a grumpy Prole who goes just by Ward (raised by the government) and a whole new way of thinking is opened to her.
There's a few trigger warnings in this book, very limited spice and the I highly suggest referring to the glossary for word pronunciations/meanings so you aren't lost in the slang (or feel like an old person talking to a teenager LOL)
I flew through this book because I could not put it down. I will be suggesting it to everyone who wants a good sci-fi dystopian read.
I need another book ASAP!
Omg. This book was incredible. We meet Lea who is living in the year 2126, decades after a second civil war has rocked the United States. The world is is shambles, but technology has helped people progress, even to the point where bad habits can be zapped away. Not everyone is so lucky. There are 2 castes of people and not every one is lucky enough to have the opportunities that Lea and her friends do. She has a run in with a grumpy Prole who goes just by Ward (raised by the government) and a whole new way of thinking is opened to her.
There's a few trigger warnings in this book, very limited spice and the I highly suggest referring to the glossary for word pronunciations/meanings so you aren't lost in the slang (or feel like an old person talking to a teenager LOL)
I flew through this book because I could not put it down. I will be suggesting it to everyone who wants a good sci-fi dystopian read.
October 25, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
What if you could control those pesky habits and addictions you can't seem to shake? Just how far would you go to stop overeating, smoking, or even suppress some of your sexual desires? What about for our children?
It was not obvious from the start, but this is book #1 of who knows how many. Not really a cliff hanger ending, but you know more needs to be written and discovered. Not sure if the next book will offer more questions about how this story's society has and is changing, so I will have to wait for the next book.
I very much enjoyed the concept of this future "what if" world. It did make me think about the implications of free will. It was a good and engaging story. No true ending in this book. There is a romance element in this book and I am not big on romances. Mostly I did not think the romance portion built up sufficiently and seemed to be just tossed in. But I am not well versed in how to write a romance.
I will be on the lookout for the next book. In the mean time, have a GoodReads.
What if you could control those pesky habits and addictions you can't seem to shake? Just how far would you go to stop overeating, smoking, or even suppress some of your sexual desires? What about for our children?
It was not obvious from the start, but this is book #1 of who knows how many. Not really a cliff hanger ending, but you know more needs to be written and discovered. Not sure if the next book will offer more questions about how this story's society has and is changing, so I will have to wait for the next book.
I very much enjoyed the concept of this future "what if" world. It did make me think about the implications of free will. It was a good and engaging story. No true ending in this book. There is a romance element in this book and I am not big on romances. Mostly I did not think the romance portion built up sufficiently and seemed to be just tossed in. But I am not well versed in how to write a romance.
I will be on the lookout for the next book. In the mean time, have a GoodReads.
December 26, 2022
ReInception is a thrilling, exciting, and dark look at a future where people can reprogram their minds to eliminate undesirable habits. In a vividly realized world of haves and have nots, where corporations control and spy on citizens, Leandra is a college student who accidentally gets caught up in a resistance movement led by the underclass, known as the Proles, who have been genetically modified to be stronger and bigger than normal, but who served as the laborers. She meets and falls for a Prole, Ward, and they work together to uncover dangerous secrets that can bring down the system. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced plot, the swoony romance, and the technological dystopian themes. Highly recommend it!
February 4, 2023
If you enjoy dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and sci-fi reads, this one is for you. Great debut novel! It's such an interesting concept, but I could easily see how something like this could happen. I really enjoyed the story and could imagine the different scenes with such ease. It was a good mix of action, dark secrets, twists, and newfound knowledge for the characters. Fans of the Uglies series would enjoy this for sure. Really hoping for a second book 👀
4.5⭐
4.5⭐
November 11, 2023
ReInception hooks you immediately and keeps you reading. In a world where one can fix all manner of issues: addiction, sexual deviance, or unwanted personality traits, with ReInception, someone without any modifications is unheard of. Enter Lea: an unmodified woman who discovers that things aren't quite what they seem and shockingly, the government is up to no good.
I could absolutely see this becoming a series like The Hunger Games and would love to see this on screen. If you love sci-fi with a touch of romance, this is for you!
I could absolutely see this becoming a series like The Hunger Games and would love to see this on screen. If you love sci-fi with a touch of romance, this is for you!
May 13, 2023
This fast paced, intense science fiction thriller was so much fun! The futuristic setting was interesting and creative! I was really intrigued by the premise and the detail the author put into creating this world. I was completely immersed in this book within the first few pages and by the time I finished it I was left wanting more! I’m really looking forward to returning to this world.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 21, 2024
This was my Blind Date with a Book from Black Rose Creative so all I knew was that it would be YA Sci Fi. It took me a little to get used to everything in the world since it was unfamiliar to me (I read nothing about the book before), but I enjoyed the twists and turns. The cliff hanger intrigued me enough to read a second one when it comes out.
September 25, 2023
I just stayed up wayyy too late reading the incredible ending to this breathtaking book. It was truly an amazing read full of twists and turns in a beautifully haunting dystopian world. It was the perfect spooky dystopian sci-fi. I demand a second book, please, because I need to know what happens next. This is an instant 5 star, and I highly recommend it.
January 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book I won from Goodreads. I found the story refreshing told from this author's perspective. I adore the well-developed main character and the story history 'lessons' at the beginning of each chapter were unique and informative/enlightening. I want more about Leandrea and more from this author.
November 23, 2022
I was reached out to read and review this book. And wow, I went in knowing little to nothing. I really freaking enjoyed it. The idea of the ReInception device/technology seems completely plausible for our real life. I was completely captivated through the whole thing. I cannot wait to read the next book when it's out. Especially with that cliffhanger.
January 1, 2023
ReInception is a great novel set in an idealistic or dystopian future (depending on the literal height of your social status). The characters all felt very real and alive and there was an ambiguity to the world that I really appreciated. The threat levels were solid throughout and built steadily to the racing climax of the novel. 5/5, would definitely recommend.
December 17, 2025
I read this shortly after finishing Daggermouth - one of my top dystopian reads, ever - and was a bit worried I would compare the two and unfairly judge ReInception. I was wrong. While vastly different, this book hit just as hard.
The first in a three book series, ReInception takes place in a 2126. Through the use of technology called ReInception society has begun to eradicate crime and what they deem “bad habits”. Want to lose weight? Stop smoking, control sexual impulses? ReInception is the answer. Or is it?
Leandrea, and un-modified, uni student decides to attend a protest against ReInception amongst the Prole (lower class) her world is quickly turned upside down. Everything she thought she knew about her world is brought into question and she has to decide how far she’s willing to go to be on the right side of the debate about the safety and ethics of ReInception.
This book will have you questioning everything and everyone. In a world where even your mind isn’t safe, how do you fight back against those who control everything - including you.
Sometimes terrifyingly prophetic, this book will keep your attention until the last pages. I can not wait to get into book two, and for the release of the final in the series.
If you enjoy dystopian fantasy, this is one you don’t want to miss. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy - on of the best pieces of bookmail I’ve received. 🫶
The first in a three book series, ReInception takes place in a 2126. Through the use of technology called ReInception society has begun to eradicate crime and what they deem “bad habits”. Want to lose weight? Stop smoking, control sexual impulses? ReInception is the answer. Or is it?
Leandrea, and un-modified, uni student decides to attend a protest against ReInception amongst the Prole (lower class) her world is quickly turned upside down. Everything she thought she knew about her world is brought into question and she has to decide how far she’s willing to go to be on the right side of the debate about the safety and ethics of ReInception.
This book will have you questioning everything and everyone. In a world where even your mind isn’t safe, how do you fight back against those who control everything - including you.
Sometimes terrifyingly prophetic, this book will keep your attention until the last pages. I can not wait to get into book two, and for the release of the final in the series.
If you enjoy dystopian fantasy, this is one you don’t want to miss. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy - on of the best pieces of bookmail I’ve received. 🫶
October 10, 2022
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of ReInception, a futuristic sci-fi thriller that sometimes hits a little too close to home. Coincidentally, I read this right after after Gutter Child and felt that there were many similar themes, including racial disparities created by a more privileged group. The world (futuristic NYC) that is created in this novel is extremely well thought out, including language, modes of transportation, and types of beings. I also felt that overlying legal drama added an interesting layer of complexity of the novel that tied everything together. I didn’t realize this would be a series, but I am looking forward to reading the next one.
July 3, 2023
I received a copy of this novel in a giveaway. This is a first book in a trilogy.
This story is set in a future where through the use of technology people's personality, habits and interests can be modified, such as by taking away an addiction, or, more nefariously, to adjust the beliefs and behavior of political opponents. Society is divided into the people who live above the flooded remains of old New York, the upper class, and those who live below, the lower class called the Prole. The Prole are humans modified to be bigger and stronger so they are fitter for heavy physical labor and they are treated not much better than slaves. This story follows a university student named Leandrea as she gets involved in a revolutionary movement.
The start of this book was rather weak. For Leandrea's birthday she and her friends attend a protest against modification. A bit of a strange birthday activity especially considering Leandrea isn't much of a revolutionary to start with but rather her boyfriend Hallyn is. Also this group of friends seemed very unlikely to me to be friends at all considering they have wildly opposing political beliefs. One of the friends is just there because she wants to date Hallyn and honestly that character could just as well not have been part of the story at all because she is mentioned again only once and Leandrea barely even thinks of her.
So they go to this protest and all the world's leading anti mod figures are all gathered together on stage. In a country where ReInception, the behavioral mod company, pretty much controls everything and gets rid of opponents one way or another, everyone important is gathered on the one stage in an announced protest. A stage that then gets bombed. I thought this was rather silly, how dumb are these people that they would make such an easy target of themselves? They didn't seem to have taken any security measures of their own. Also they just die there and the event is never spoken of again in the book. Where is the international outrage?
After surviving the chaos Leandrea does not bother to visit her friends and ask if they are ok. In fact it takes her 3 days to show up at her boyfriend's doorstep to see if he's alright.
I really feel the start of this book could have used some more thought. The immersion in this first section wasn't very good either. You don't get a very good insight into the main character's feelings and motivations at the start. However, this vastly improves after the introduction and you get a much closer feel to Leandrea.
After this the story improves considerably and so does the quality of the writing itself. The behavioural modification thing and the impact on society was quite interesting and I liked how the story progresses overall and how Leandrea gets more and more tangled into the cause of the revolutionary movement. I also enjoyed how it was not just Prole vs upper class but also Prole infighting.
The story was pretty solid but unfortunately the characters were not very strong. Leandrea doesn't have much of a personality. She's just a university student. I'm not sure what she's even studying. She doesn't have anything going for her. She has no interesting personality traits, hobbies, or interesting skills or useful knowledge. Fortunately Ward is a bit more fleshed out.
I didn't like the made up Prole language very much.
Overall this novel was not bad, but left a lot to be desired.
May 25, 2024
I enjoyed this story as it caused me to look at the society in which I live. I believe there are different ways of seeing the other people in a world. To purposely disadvantage a group is not unheard of. My only issue is that the tale ended without a meaningful conclusion. I am guessing a sequel is on the way?
June 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this science fiction read. This book was incredibly well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. This was a fast-paced read that I read in one sitting, however there were a couple moments that I felt went by too quickly. I appreciated that this book had glossary in the back, although I wish I had realized it was there sooner since there were a couple moments where I felt lost. Overall I really enjoyed this one!
November 2, 2022
I received this Ebook as a Goodreads Giveaway. The freebie in no way influenced my rating. Once I got a chapter or so into this novella, I really enjoyed the read. Did not see the twists at the end coming. I love that in a book!
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