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A review by ebook_em
Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Womb City is a cyberpunk sci-fi horror novel set in a future Botswana were people can upload their consciousness into different bodies, thereby extending their lifespans. It explores themes of surveillance, criminality, class, citizenship, reproductive justice, motherhood, memory, and bodily autonomy. Between that premise and the stunning cover, I was so excited to read this and expected that it might be a 5 star read.
Unfortunately, the execution did not deliver what I hoped for. I was hooked in the beginning but the plot quickly shifted to that of a crime thriller with a lot of running around. I didn't feel connected to the characters and they delivered long monologues that cheapened the important messages of the book. With some clunky world-building and inconsistent pacing, I really had to push through to the end of this. I'm disappointed because the premise of this novel is genius but I think this needed a few more rounds of editing to tighten it up. I do want to read more from this author, because xe introduces ideas that appeal to me so much as someone who loves speculative fiction.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC copy.
Unfortunately, the execution did not deliver what I hoped for. I was hooked in the beginning but the plot quickly shifted to that of a crime thriller with a lot of running around. I didn't feel connected to the characters and they delivered long monologues that cheapened the important messages of the book. With some clunky world-building and inconsistent pacing, I really had to push through to the end of this. I'm disappointed because the premise of this novel is genius but I think this needed a few more rounds of editing to tighten it up. I do want to read more from this author, because xe introduces ideas that appeal to me so much as someone who loves speculative fiction.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC copy.