Futuristic setting. Check. Dystopian images. Check. Cybernetic organisms. Check. Fantastic story with interesting characters. Oh, definitely check. This book has everything that a true sci fi fan looks for and more. With the creation of the 22nd century as he sees it, Y.T. Cheng has entered the sci fi world with a strong first novel. While, Cheng admits on the back cover that this book was written as a side project while he was attending college, he has produced an adventure that is worth the read. I found the story arc to be fascinating and different from the usual books that incorporate similar plot devices, but there were still hints of many genre greats. I think readers who enjoy the work of writers like Isaac Asimov, William Gibson and Phillip K. Dick, will find elements of The Human Inside that will keep them turning the pages.
While I personally enjoyed it because of its science fiction connections, Cheng finds a way to surprise readers by incorporating literary devices typically associated with the genres of romance or comedy. This all plays well with the plot that focuses on a doctor from Amborg Industries, the creation of half human/half cyborg young adults, referred to as Amborgs. The Amborgs are used to assist law enforcement in restoring order in the dystopian future. With the twists and turns provided by Cheng’s thrilling adventure, the reader is left turning page after page as fast as they can to find out if the Amborgs will be able to succeed in saving humanity from its less ethical members.
This book is a great read and a lot of fun. I think it would be perfect for anyone looking to escape from reality 500-plus pages. I think it is obviously an enjoyable read for any fans of science fiction, but I also think people who don’t typically pick up books from the genre could find a lot to like in the pages of The Human Inside. I’d recommend this book to anyone just looking for a good adventure and a fun read.