Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by queer_bookwyrm
Zoi by Jane Mondrup
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5 ⭐
Zoi by Jane Mondrup is a science fiction novel that is wholly unique. I received a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was published by Space boy Books, just like the Marie Howalt novellas I've been liking. They are becoming a reliable source for great, character driven science fiction stories.
We follow Amira, a xenobiologist and astronaut, who has taken up residence inside an alien zoi with three other people. Zoi are macro single celled organisms that live and travel through space, and have started orbiting Earth at intervals. The Zoi isn't sentient, but makes adaptations to suit the needs of whatever biological creature interacts with it. For humans this means creating air filled spaces and taking care of any biological needs such as food, water, and waste extraction. Amira and the others with her have decided to take up permanent residence in order to further study the Zoi and have the opportunity to travel to interstellar space. Along the way the Zoi makes hormonal changes to each of them, fundamentally changing them and itself.
This was such a unique scifi story. Alien contact with a non sentient creature that fulfills all needs, but behaves like any other single celled organism. It reminded me a bit of Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis series, but simpler and more alien. We see Amira struggle with the changes and the implications of maybe never again talking to the family and friends they left on Earth. We also get alternating chapters following Amira leading up her long term expedition to the zoi. It was nice to the normalization of polyamorous relationships and alternative family structures being discussed. The Zoi suppresses any sexual urges, but it does seem like there are same gender relationships involving sensual relationships.
I wish there was more so I could see how Amira and her friends adapt to the zoi and the changes, but I also like how open ended the author made it. Definitely check this out if you're looking for a different kind of scifi. This title will be available in late June.
Zoi by Jane Mondrup is a science fiction novel that is wholly unique. I received a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was published by Space boy Books, just like the Marie Howalt novellas I've been liking. They are becoming a reliable source for great, character driven science fiction stories.
We follow Amira, a xenobiologist and astronaut, who has taken up residence inside an alien zoi with three other people. Zoi are macro single celled organisms that live and travel through space, and have started orbiting Earth at intervals. The Zoi isn't sentient, but makes adaptations to suit the needs of whatever biological creature interacts with it. For humans this means creating air filled spaces and taking care of any biological needs such as food, water, and waste extraction. Amira and the others with her have decided to take up permanent residence in order to further study the Zoi and have the opportunity to travel to interstellar space. Along the way the Zoi makes hormonal changes to each of them, fundamentally changing them and itself.
This was such a unique scifi story. Alien contact with a non sentient creature that fulfills all needs, but behaves like any other single celled organism. It reminded me a bit of Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis series, but simpler and more alien. We see Amira struggle with the changes and the implications of maybe never again talking to the family and friends they left on Earth. We also get alternating chapters following Amira leading up her long term expedition to the zoi. It was nice to the normalization of polyamorous relationships and alternative family structures being discussed. The Zoi suppresses any sexual urges, but it does seem like there are same gender relationships involving sensual relationships.
I wish there was more so I could see how Amira and her friends adapt to the zoi and the changes, but I also like how open ended the author made it. Definitely check this out if you're looking for a different kind of scifi. This title will be available in late June.