Serpent & Dove meets Arcane in this dystopian romance debut that follows a cunning memory merchant who deals a little extra happiness on the side and the handsome rookie officer on her tail! In 2460, eighteen-year-old Liv Newman dreams of a future beyond her lower-class life in the Metro. As a Proxy, she uses the neurochip in her brain to sell memories to wealthy clients. Maybe a few illegally, but money equals freedom. So when a customer offers her a ludicrous sum to go on an assignment in no-man’s-land, Liv accepts. Now she just has to survive. Rookie Forceman Adrian Rao believes in order over all. After discovering that a renegade Proxy’s shady dealings are messing with citizens’ brain chemistry, he vows to extinguish the threat. But when he tracks Liv down, there’s one problem: her memories are gone. Can Adrian bring himself to condemn her for crimes she doesn’t remember? As Liv and Adrian navigate the world beyond the Metro and their growing feelings for one another, they grapple with who they are, who they could be, and whether another way of living is possible.
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“Reading helps me imagine what it might be like to laugh harder, scream louder, love deeper. To live fully for myself, and no one else, at least in my dreams.”
This book offers a nostalgic return to the young adult dystopian genre of the 2010s. I really appreciate the dual points of view, which provide a deeper understanding of the characters. It's a strong debut with a refreshing cozy dystopian atmosphere. The story explores themes of living life fully and self-discovery, with beautifully crafted world-building and characters.
Watching the characters grow and make the right choices is also captivating. The found family theme was a wonderful aspect, though I wish it had been explored more. My main regret is that the romance develops too quickly, spanning just a week. Despite this, I enjoyed the writing style and the way the story unfolds. One of the moments I cherish most is when Adrian takes Liv's book with him everywhere, staying up late to read it and filling its pages with doodles that capture their shared memories, helping him feel connected to her. It’s such a touching and endearing scene, filled with warmth and tenderness. It reveals just how much he values her book as a piece of her soul. He clearly understands that the book symbolizes a deep part of who she is, and his actions beautifully reflect the emotional connection he feels towards her. If there is a sequel, I’m eager to explore more, and I’ll definitely pick up the next installment if available.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
0Thank you @jtewwrites for the e-arc!
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