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brittni_in_ink's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
A hopeful take on the post-apocalyptic wasteland, this queer road trip is a wild ride that tugs at the heartstrings.
In the salt flats of near-future Utah, salvager Valentine and his van partner Ace take on jobs to save up for a visa to Salt Lake City. Valentine dreams of the benefits of a visa, which include access to testosterone and transition surgery. When Osric, a handsome A.I. trapped in an android body, shows up with a job offer, Valentine's dream is within reach - until it turns out that the job involves tracking down androids who may becoming self-aware...
There's so much to love about this book. From the dual POV format (alternating between Valentine and Osric) to the salt pirates, androids, and wastelanders who inhabit the book, there's a unique flavour to Hess's post-apocalyptic world. The book involves themes of personal autonomy and identity, which characters explore in different ways, giving the book a well-crafted sense of cohesion. The relationship between Valentine and Osric is the clear core of the story and the attention to the relationship dynamics gives the book a cosy tone.
However, there are some heavier instances in this sometimes harsh world. Relationships and friendships get messy and, as in real relationships, some problems get worked out, and some don't. That's what gives Hess's writing an edge - there's a vulnerability and authenticity in the characters' personalities, frustrations, and hard-won joy.
There were a couple of elements that could've used a bit more filling out, but by keeping the story focused on Valentine and Osric, there's room for suspension of disbelief. I mostly wanted to get to know more of the androids outside of their identity as a group earlier on.
It's also worth mentioning that the book also discusses big social problems - the excess of resources in the city and the scarcity in the wasteland communities, or the mistreatment of androids, as examples. It felt pretty relevant to our world today, along with the Teegardeners, who act as a metaphor as well as a worldbuilding note. World Running Down definitely feels of our time and asks some tough questions that the characters don't have solutions for.
I loved the little nods to Shakespeare throughout, and the importance of the arts throughout the story. I'd love to hear what a Gunman Gee record sounds like!
Overall, World Running Down was a read I'll be thinking about for a long while. Besides including a lot of my favourite sci-fi elements - androids becoming self-aware, robots (or A.I.) in love, and a hopeful future - the book is a reminder that kindness and generousity can make a real difference in a world running down.
In the salt flats of near-future Utah, salvager Valentine and his van partner Ace take on jobs to save up for a visa to Salt Lake City. Valentine dreams of the benefits of a visa, which include access to testosterone and transition surgery. When Osric, a handsome A.I. trapped in an android body, shows up with a job offer, Valentine's dream is within reach - until it turns out that the job involves tracking down androids who may becoming self-aware...
There's so much to love about this book. From the dual POV format (alternating between Valentine and Osric) to the salt pirates, androids, and wastelanders who inhabit the book, there's a unique flavour to Hess's post-apocalyptic world. The book involves themes of personal autonomy and identity, which characters explore in different ways, giving the book a well-crafted sense of cohesion. The relationship between Valentine and Osric is the clear core of the story and the attention to the relationship dynamics gives the book a cosy tone.
However, there are some heavier instances in this sometimes harsh world. Relationships and friendships get messy and, as in real relationships, some problems get worked out, and some don't. That's what gives Hess's writing an edge - there's a vulnerability and authenticity in the characters' personalities, frustrations, and hard-won joy.
There were a couple of elements that could've used a bit more filling out, but by keeping the story focused on Valentine and Osric, there's room for suspension of disbelief. I mostly wanted to get to know more of the androids outside of their identity as a group earlier on.
It's also worth mentioning that the book also discusses big social problems - the excess of resources in the city and the scarcity in the wasteland communities, or the mistreatment of androids, as examples. It felt pretty relevant to our world today, along with the Teegardeners, who act as a metaphor as well as a worldbuilding note. World Running Down definitely feels of our time and asks some tough questions that the characters don't have solutions for.
I loved the little nods to Shakespeare throughout, and the importance of the arts throughout the story. I'd love to hear what a Gunman Gee record sounds like!
Overall, World Running Down was a read I'll be thinking about for a long while. Besides including a lot of my favourite sci-fi elements - androids becoming self-aware, robots (or A.I.) in love, and a hopeful future - the book is a reminder that kindness and generousity can make a real difference in a world running down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria
Minor: Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Alcoholism, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Blood, Classism, and Toxic friendship
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