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Baby X
When any biological matter can be used to create life, stolen celebrity DNA sells to the highest bidder—or the craziest stalker—in this propulsive thriller.
With a vivid imagining of the future, _Gattaca _meets Black Mirror in Kira Peikoff’s Baby X.
In the near-future United States, where advanced technology can create eggs or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. Famous singer Trace Thorne is tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Sick of paying ransom money for his own cell matter, he hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety.
Ember will do anything she can to protect her clients. She knows all the Vault’s tricks—discarded tissues, used straws, lipstick tubes—and has prevented countless DNA thefts. Working for Thorne, her focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him, but she knows she hasn’t let anything slip—love or not, his DNA is safe. But then she and Thorne are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby, and all bets are off.
Brilliantly plotted and terrifyingly prescient, Baby X is an unpredictable and relentless speculative thriller perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and John Marrs.
With a vivid imagining of the future, _Gattaca _meets Black Mirror in Kira Peikoff’s Baby X.
In the near-future United States, where advanced technology can create eggs or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. Famous singer Trace Thorne is tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Sick of paying ransom money for his own cell matter, he hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety.
Ember will do anything she can to protect her clients. She knows all the Vault’s tricks—discarded tissues, used straws, lipstick tubes—and has prevented countless DNA thefts. Working for Thorne, her focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him, but she knows she hasn’t let anything slip—love or not, his DNA is safe. But then she and Thorne are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby, and all bets are off.
Brilliantly plotted and terrifyingly prescient, Baby X is an unpredictable and relentless speculative thriller perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and John Marrs.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
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March 31, 2024
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3.5 Stars
This book was pretty good and very unique. I am not a big science fiction fan but speculative fiction floats my boat so I thought I’d give this a try and I am glad I did. What an imagination Kira Peikoff has.
Told from multiple points of view, my favourite format, Baby X is about the future of DNA, embryos and science that goes too far. The pacing of the book had me frantically turning pages as I wanted to find out what would happen next. I thought for sure I would be bored to tears with the scientific terminology but Peikoff kept it interesting and didn’t make me feel stupid. (She has a master’s in bioethics) Not all the characters are likeable but there are ones to cheer for and I liked getting each person’s perspective because I felt like I got to know them from the inside.
Three and a half stars is a decent book and I did enjoy most of it even though I figured out one of the twists. BUT…towards the finish there is another twist and I didn’t see it coming and I loved the way everything and everyone came together at the end. It did get a bit over the top but I am going to let it slide because it is speculative. I am going to round up (which I rarely do) because it was just so damn entertaining, it surprised me, it was a fast, easy read and I like popcorn thrillers to a certain extent. I ain’t mad I read it!
3.5 Stars
This book was pretty good and very unique. I am not a big science fiction fan but speculative fiction floats my boat so I thought I’d give this a try and I am glad I did. What an imagination Kira Peikoff has.
Told from multiple points of view, my favourite format, Baby X is about the future of DNA, embryos and science that goes too far. The pacing of the book had me frantically turning pages as I wanted to find out what would happen next. I thought for sure I would be bored to tears with the scientific terminology but Peikoff kept it interesting and didn’t make me feel stupid. (She has a master’s in bioethics) Not all the characters are likeable but there are ones to cheer for and I liked getting each person’s perspective because I felt like I got to know them from the inside.
Three and a half stars is a decent book and I did enjoy most of it even though I figured out one of the twists. BUT…towards the finish there is another twist and I didn’t see it coming and I loved the way everything and everyone came together at the end. It did get a bit over the top but I am going to let it slide because it is speculative. I am going to round up (which I rarely do) because it was just so damn entertaining, it surprised me, it was a fast, easy read and I like popcorn thrillers to a certain extent. I ain’t mad I read it!
May 2, 2024
I appreciate Gattaca, Black Mirror, Blake Crouch and John Marrs, so when this book was marketed towards me using those heavy-hitters, resistance was futile.
Think Gattaca's gene selection meets the chilling violation of bodily autonomy, where a mere strand of hair becomes the key to birthing a baby with your DNA. It's a premise that's as outrageous as it is disturbingly plausible. You might also recognise thematic elements of Black Mirror, the Miley Cyrus episode, Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too, in particular, amongst others.
I won't give away too much of the plot, but trust me, it's a ride you want to hop on blindfolded.
Why 3 stars? Firstly, 3 is a good rating for me. I liked it. And this was a high 3, more like a 3.5.
I found myself thoroughly engrossed. Baby X’s wild scenarios somehow feel eerily conceivable, which is precisely what makes for top-notch speculative fiction for me.
Minor nitpicks? Sure. Sometimes I had trouble suspending my disbelief which might be a "me" issue, and the telling-over-showing ratio felt a bit off. Plus, I couldn't help but compare it to the queen of speculative fiction, Margaret Atwood, but that's again on me. Although there were plenty of twists to keep me captivated, I saw one of the big reveals coming, unfortunately.
But don’t let that put you off. This book still has my praise. It's a really unique, trippy page-turner that I'm completely confident will hit the right chords for many.
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and The Quick Brown Fox & Co. | Crooked Lane Books | Meryl Moss Media Group for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
___
Page-turning premise that makes you ponder. RTC.
___
Black Mirror meets Gattaca? Couldn't resist. My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and The Quick Brown Fox & Co. | Crooked Lane Books | Meryl Moss Media Group for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Think Gattaca's gene selection meets the chilling violation of bodily autonomy, where a mere strand of hair becomes the key to birthing a baby with your DNA. It's a premise that's as outrageous as it is disturbingly plausible. You might also recognise thematic elements of Black Mirror, the Miley Cyrus episode, Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too, in particular, amongst others.
I won't give away too much of the plot, but trust me, it's a ride you want to hop on blindfolded.
Why 3 stars? Firstly, 3 is a good rating for me. I liked it. And this was a high 3, more like a 3.5.
I found myself thoroughly engrossed. Baby X’s wild scenarios somehow feel eerily conceivable, which is precisely what makes for top-notch speculative fiction for me.
Minor nitpicks? Sure. Sometimes I had trouble suspending my disbelief which might be a "me" issue, and the telling-over-showing ratio felt a bit off. Plus, I couldn't help but compare it to the queen of speculative fiction, Margaret Atwood, but that's again on me. Although there were plenty of twists to keep me captivated, I saw one of the big reveals coming, unfortunately.
But don’t let that put you off. This book still has my praise. It's a really unique, trippy page-turner that I'm completely confident will hit the right chords for many.
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and The Quick Brown Fox & Co. | Crooked Lane Books | Meryl Moss Media Group for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
___
Page-turning premise that makes you ponder. RTC.
___
Black Mirror meets Gattaca? Couldn't resist. My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and The Quick Brown Fox & Co. | Crooked Lane Books | Meryl Moss Media Group for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
I was hoping my 500th NetGalley review would be for a MEMORABLE book-AND IT WAS!
Fast forward about 25 years from now, when any two people in the USA can make a baby because of a technological breakthrough called IVG-in vitro gametogenesis.
Any biological matter from a person can be used to create life-saliva, an eyelash or hair follicle or matter from a discarded tissue-but usually a cheek cell swab is combined with either sperm or an egg-the embryo grown in a test tube, and then analyzed for future traits and health concerns. On “Conception Day” prospective parents get to choose which one to implant.
Very few parents choose to conceive a baby the old fashioned way-these “unforeseen children” are such a gamble-no predicting how he or she will turn out.
BUT WITH ADVANCES, COME NEW THREATS…
Celebrities like famous singer, Trace Thorne are targeted by “The Vault”-a black market site devoted to stealing DNA from “desirable” parents and selling it to the highest bidder-which often is the celebrity himself.
Buy it back or risk meeting a biological child you never conceived.
So when a new service becomes available, Thorne hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to protect his DNA. She knows all of “The Vaults” tricks, so when they are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby, Ember thinks it’s impossible.
But, is it?
Lily, is an “unforeseen” child and budding journalist who wants to expose the bias of “selection clinics” and make a name for herself by doing so.
The narratives of Ember, Quinn and Lily alternate in “round robin” style until the SURPRISING conclusion!
It took a few chapters from each to set up the story, but I REALLY enjoyed how it all came together in the end!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her review for additional insight!
If you enjoy SPECULATIVE fiction, or John Marrs, this book is a MUST for your TBR list!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Crooked Lane Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Fast forward about 25 years from now, when any two people in the USA can make a baby because of a technological breakthrough called IVG-in vitro gametogenesis.
Any biological matter from a person can be used to create life-saliva, an eyelash or hair follicle or matter from a discarded tissue-but usually a cheek cell swab is combined with either sperm or an egg-the embryo grown in a test tube, and then analyzed for future traits and health concerns. On “Conception Day” prospective parents get to choose which one to implant.
Very few parents choose to conceive a baby the old fashioned way-these “unforeseen children” are such a gamble-no predicting how he or she will turn out.
BUT WITH ADVANCES, COME NEW THREATS…
Celebrities like famous singer, Trace Thorne are targeted by “The Vault”-a black market site devoted to stealing DNA from “desirable” parents and selling it to the highest bidder-which often is the celebrity himself.
Buy it back or risk meeting a biological child you never conceived.
So when a new service becomes available, Thorne hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to protect his DNA. She knows all of “The Vaults” tricks, so when they are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby, Ember thinks it’s impossible.
But, is it?
Lily, is an “unforeseen” child and budding journalist who wants to expose the bias of “selection clinics” and make a name for herself by doing so.
The narratives of Ember, Quinn and Lily alternate in “round robin” style until the SURPRISING conclusion!
It took a few chapters from each to set up the story, but I REALLY enjoyed how it all came together in the end!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her review for additional insight!
If you enjoy SPECULATIVE fiction, or John Marrs, this book is a MUST for your TBR list!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Crooked Lane Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
January 16, 2024
What in the Black Mirror did I just read??
The Plot- Set in the 2050s. 🫠 Almost all pregnancies begin in a lab to create a “designer baby”. New reproductive technology can turn any cell into a sperm or egg cell. Allowing a couple to select physical, emotional, and mental traits for the future baby. You could have a child with literally anyone's DNA as long as you can get your hands on it. The Vault is known for stealing famous people’s DNA and selling it to the highest bidder. Which leaves “important people” at risk. You meet Thorne--he's a rockstar and he is terrified of having his DNA stolen. So he hires Ember to be his DNA-guard: She follow him around and ensure that no traces of his DNA are left behind for someone to steal. Throne world comes crashing down when Quinn who is pregnant claims Thorne is the father....but how is this possible? Didn't he hire someone to make sure something like this never happens? The story is told from three women POVs from the past, and present, that intertwined flawlessly – Quinn, Ember and Lily.
🧬Ember- Head of bio-security
🧬Quinn-who claims Throne is her baby’s father.
🧬Lily - is a young journalist
My Thoughts- I really enjoyed this book. I quickly became immersed in this not-too-distant future. A super interesting concept, made eerie and sinister in how potentially realistic it is. The future world described is so well detailed and so realistic to have followed on from our current world that I left me in the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this. I was mind-blown and honestly had a little anxiety lol. I could totally see this happening, and that what makes it so eerie. Stolen DNA, engineered babies, shopping for your child…The writing was absolutely engaging. I was captivated by the first page. I would say this is a medium pace thriller. I wish we had Thorne POV you only got his side when reading Ember pov. I think it would of added a different layer to the story. The ending I did not see coming. I was blown away when everything fell into place.
🔬Baby X weaves in ethical concerns about genetic engineering and DNA use and the use of technology. Captivating storyline, I would absolutely recommend this book.
✨Thanks to NetGalley and The Quick Brown Fox & Co./Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ✨
The Plot- Set in the 2050s. 🫠 Almost all pregnancies begin in a lab to create a “designer baby”. New reproductive technology can turn any cell into a sperm or egg cell. Allowing a couple to select physical, emotional, and mental traits for the future baby. You could have a child with literally anyone's DNA as long as you can get your hands on it. The Vault is known for stealing famous people’s DNA and selling it to the highest bidder. Which leaves “important people” at risk. You meet Thorne--he's a rockstar and he is terrified of having his DNA stolen. So he hires Ember to be his DNA-guard: She follow him around and ensure that no traces of his DNA are left behind for someone to steal. Throne world comes crashing down when Quinn who is pregnant claims Thorne is the father....but how is this possible? Didn't he hire someone to make sure something like this never happens? The story is told from three women POVs from the past, and present, that intertwined flawlessly – Quinn, Ember and Lily.
🧬Ember- Head of bio-security
🧬Quinn-who claims Throne is her baby’s father.
🧬Lily - is a young journalist
My Thoughts- I really enjoyed this book. I quickly became immersed in this not-too-distant future. A super interesting concept, made eerie and sinister in how potentially realistic it is. The future world described is so well detailed and so realistic to have followed on from our current world that I left me in the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this. I was mind-blown and honestly had a little anxiety lol. I could totally see this happening, and that what makes it so eerie. Stolen DNA, engineered babies, shopping for your child…The writing was absolutely engaging. I was captivated by the first page. I would say this is a medium pace thriller. I wish we had Thorne POV you only got his side when reading Ember pov. I think it would of added a different layer to the story. The ending I did not see coming. I was blown away when everything fell into place.
🔬Baby X weaves in ethical concerns about genetic engineering and DNA use and the use of technology. Captivating storyline, I would absolutely recommend this book.
✨Thanks to NetGalley and The Quick Brown Fox & Co./Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ✨
February 9, 2024
Stealing DNA , black market sites, and choosing the perfect embryo. All quite terrifying! I hope the future never brings such a thing!
The Vault is a black market scam that steals and then sells DNA from desirable individuals. They are all about $$ and willing to do almost anything to get the payoff they seek.
Obviously, this is speculative fiction! The pacing didn't hold up for me though. There were three POV's that didn't flow well, the characters felt disconnected. I wasn't as engaged as I would have liked to be and ended up skimming some pages. I'd get hooked and read, read, then the story would get bogged down with techy jargon and I'd want to quit.
Very intriguing premise, but the execution failed me. I didn't connect with any characters, so I wasn't invested. Also, some of the happenings were too over the top for me even though I really enjoy sci-fi thrillers. Check out more reviews because I may be a bit of an outlier!
Thanks to NG for my arc. OUT March 5, 2024
The Vault is a black market scam that steals and then sells DNA from desirable individuals. They are all about $$ and willing to do almost anything to get the payoff they seek.
Obviously, this is speculative fiction! The pacing didn't hold up for me though. There were three POV's that didn't flow well, the characters felt disconnected. I wasn't as engaged as I would have liked to be and ended up skimming some pages. I'd get hooked and read, read, then the story would get bogged down with techy jargon and I'd want to quit.
Very intriguing premise, but the execution failed me. I didn't connect with any characters, so I wasn't invested. Also, some of the happenings were too over the top for me even though I really enjoy sci-fi thrillers. Check out more reviews because I may be a bit of an outlier!
Thanks to NG for my arc. OUT March 5, 2024
April 17, 2024
4.2/5 .𖥔 ݁ 🪐˖
GIRL what a banger of a read. This is crazy to me, I was on the phone telling my mum all about this world Peikoff has created. That's how you know it's good.
Plot જ⁀➴
As a future geneticist - this premise was everything to me. I absolutely loved the premise, and how the plot unraveled. You get multiple points of view from women who each have their own struggle in this dystopian society, where designer babies are very much the norm.
I can't even phathom myself living in this world - it was just so believable that I was nervous throughout the chapters frequently. The idea that someone could steal your DNA, bring your child into the world, and you may not be able to do anything about it? That's a massive ethical / legal dilemma that I was not even prepared to think about and truly, I don't know where I sit.
If you want a Black Mirror thought provoking plot, this is for you.
And yes, this is a thriller - and reads like one as well. I really should have seen the big plot twist coming, but I was fooled.
Characters જ⁀➴
Ember is badass. She's a biochemist (like myself), a business woman, a survivor, problem solver - all bundled into a firey personality suited to her name. I'd like to say I'd enjoyed her chapters the most, but , but I was always second guessing what she was up to. She's a girls girl through and through. Iconic
Quinn, is also badass in her own way. I felt like she had the most personality, and was certainly the most relatable. I felt nothing for sympathy for Quinn.
Lily, I was initially frustrated with. All I can say to that is, trust the process. She's so loving and has such a big heart.
World/Setting જ⁀➴
This is set post oh god I'll have to go back in look - but in what I would consider a dystopian future. It was creepy, it was thought provoking. The writing style was great, I could imagine the scenery perfectly and each image delivered the appropriate emotional punch.
Pacing જ⁀➴
I was hooked. Always. Always wanting to turn the page. Everything was relevant. I devoured this in like a day. Every character's POV was well paced. I have genuinely zero complaints.
would I recommend this? Yes. 1 million percent. Yes. Even if you don't like thrillers.
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
⋆˙⟡♡ score card:
plot: 3.5/5
characters: 3.5/5
world/setting: 4/5
pacing: 5/5
enjoyment: 5/5
total: 4.2 /5ੈ✩‧₊˚
➳ i have revised these scores after thinking about it a bit more, can't be in the 5 star shelf im sorry
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
reading log ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
hours of reading: 4
avg. minutes per session: 20
avg. pagers per minute: 3.2
10/04 4:19pm
we are 54% of the way through, and i'm just so concerned for all the different female characters. this is a dystopia that seems very real and i'm very scared
10/04 1:02pm
oh BROTHER i did not see this coming all i keep saying out loud is oh no oh no oh no
10/04 8:49am
this feels like george orwell mixed with black mirror mixed with orphan black
09/04 7:38pm
oooohh the big ethical debate around designer babies. have we taken science too far? is this a comment on darwinism? we shall soon see
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
pre-reading ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘
as a biochemist myself the premise of this is absolutely so intriguing! i'm going to be critical of the science, and it feels very black mirror-ish? a recipe for addicting.
GIRL what a banger of a read. This is crazy to me, I was on the phone telling my mum all about this world Peikoff has created. That's how you know it's good.
Plot જ⁀➴
As a future geneticist - this premise was everything to me. I absolutely loved the premise, and how the plot unraveled. You get multiple points of view from women who each have their own struggle in this dystopian society, where designer babies are very much the norm.
I can't even phathom myself living in this world - it was just so believable that I was nervous throughout the chapters frequently. The idea that someone could steal your DNA, bring your child into the world, and you may not be able to do anything about it? That's a massive ethical / legal dilemma that I was not even prepared to think about and truly, I don't know where I sit.
If you want a Black Mirror thought provoking plot, this is for you.
And yes, this is a thriller - and reads like one as well. I really should have seen the big plot twist coming, but I was fooled.
Characters જ⁀➴
Ember is badass. She's a biochemist (like myself), a business woman, a survivor, problem solver - all bundled into a firey personality suited to her name. I'd like to say I'd enjoyed her chapters the most, but , but I was always second guessing what she was up to. She's a girls girl through and through. Iconic
Quinn, is also badass in her own way. I felt like she had the most personality, and was certainly the most relatable. I felt nothing for sympathy for Quinn.
Lily, I was initially frustrated with. All I can say to that is, trust the process. She's so loving and has such a big heart.
World/Setting જ⁀➴
This is set post oh god I'll have to go back in look - but in what I would consider a dystopian future. It was creepy, it was thought provoking. The writing style was great, I could imagine the scenery perfectly and each image delivered the appropriate emotional punch.
Pacing જ⁀➴
I was hooked. Always. Always wanting to turn the page. Everything was relevant. I devoured this in like a day. Every character's POV was well paced. I have genuinely zero complaints.
would I recommend this? Yes. 1 million percent. Yes. Even if you don't like thrillers.
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
⋆˙⟡♡ score card:
plot: 3.5/5
characters: 3.5/5
world/setting: 4/5
pacing: 5/5
enjoyment: 5/5
total: 4.2 /5ੈ✩‧₊˚
➳ i have revised these scores after thinking about it a bit more, can't be in the 5 star shelf im sorry
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
reading log ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
hours of reading: 4
avg. minutes per session: 20
avg. pagers per minute: 3.2
10/04 4:19pm
we are 54% of the way through, and i'm just so concerned for all the different female characters. this is a dystopia that seems very real and i'm very scared
10/04 1:02pm
oh BROTHER i did not see this coming all i keep saying out loud is oh no oh no oh no
10/04 8:49am
this feels like george orwell mixed with black mirror mixed with orphan black
09/04 7:38pm
oooohh the big ethical debate around designer babies. have we taken science too far? is this a comment on darwinism? we shall soon see
︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶
pre-reading ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘
as a biochemist myself the premise of this is absolutely so intriguing! i'm going to be critical of the science, and it feels very black mirror-ish? a recipe for addicting.
March 5, 2024
Update 3/5/24: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Meryl Moss Media Group for sending me an ARC of Baby X in exchange for an honest review.
In the near future, almost all pregnancies begin in a lab. Any cell can be manipulated into an egg or sperm cell, allowing any couple to create a biological child. Further, couples are given a profile of each of their embryos and then they select the one to be implanted. Ember Ryan operates a bio-security business designed to protect celebrities’ DNA from The Vault, a shadowy group that facilitates stolen cell pregnancies. Originally hired by superstar singer Thorne to protect him on tour, she’s now his fiancée, but their relationship is strained when a young pregnant woman named Quinn approaches them in a coffee shop and says she thinks she’s carrying his baby. Meanwhile, Lily is a young reporter trying to earn a full time job at a trendy magazine. But she’s haunted by her fear that being an Unforeseen—a baby conceived naturally rather than Selected—will leave her permanently second best.
Baby X is a science fiction hybrid. The Ember/Thorne/Quinn storyline is a classic mystery/thriller. Is Quinn really carrying Thorne’s baby, and if so, how and why? Who or what is behind The Vault, what are their purpose and endgame, and can they be stopped? The Lily storyline is much more subtle, speculative fiction that the the book more philosophical and emotional depth. Assume we could develop the genetic tools described in this story … should we use them? Avoiding inherited disease is pretty non-controversial, but allowing parents to select their children’s strengths and weaknesses feels fraught with risk, though the characters here seem to make relatively benign choices. And what would the emotional impact of such choices be on those Selected and Unforeseen? It’s all interesting stuff.
My biggest issue with Baby X was that the two storylines feel quite unrelated until almost the very end. But that’s a minor quibble. Overall, this is a solid, entertaining speculative thriller. Recommended.
Thorne gazed at the stranger coolly. His tone hardened. “I’ve never seen you in my life.”
“I know, and I’m sorry.” The woman’s blue eyes seemed sincerely apologetic. “But I’m pretty sure you’re still going to be a dad.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Meryl Moss Media Group for sending me an ARC of Baby X in exchange for an honest review.
In the near future, almost all pregnancies begin in a lab. Any cell can be manipulated into an egg or sperm cell, allowing any couple to create a biological child. Further, couples are given a profile of each of their embryos and then they select the one to be implanted. Ember Ryan operates a bio-security business designed to protect celebrities’ DNA from The Vault, a shadowy group that facilitates stolen cell pregnancies. Originally hired by superstar singer Thorne to protect him on tour, she’s now his fiancée, but their relationship is strained when a young pregnant woman named Quinn approaches them in a coffee shop and says she thinks she’s carrying his baby. Meanwhile, Lily is a young reporter trying to earn a full time job at a trendy magazine. But she’s haunted by her fear that being an Unforeseen—a baby conceived naturally rather than Selected—will leave her permanently second best.
Baby X is a science fiction hybrid. The Ember/Thorne/Quinn storyline is a classic mystery/thriller. Is Quinn really carrying Thorne’s baby, and if so, how and why? Who or what is behind The Vault, what are their purpose and endgame, and can they be stopped? The Lily storyline is much more subtle, speculative fiction that the the book more philosophical and emotional depth. Assume we could develop the genetic tools described in this story … should we use them? Avoiding inherited disease is pretty non-controversial, but allowing parents to select their children’s strengths and weaknesses feels fraught with risk, though the characters here seem to make relatively benign choices. And what would the emotional impact of such choices be on those Selected and Unforeseen? It’s all interesting stuff.
My biggest issue with Baby X was that the two storylines feel quite unrelated until almost the very end. But that’s a minor quibble. Overall, this is a solid, entertaining speculative thriller. Recommended.
January 26, 2024
4.5🌟
Technology changes quickly. Can you even imagine where we’ll be in about 25 years? This read will provide you a sneak-peek into one possible (and somewhat disturbing) scenario.
Gone are the days of both planned and unplanned pregnancies. No more concerned parents hoping and praying their baby will be born healthy and happy.
Now conception happens in a lab. (No not like that!😂). It’s all quite scientific with DNA samples extracted from saliva, skin or almost any part of you.
These cells are converted into sperm and eggs then fertilized in a lab. (So much for romance!)
Once the top three embryos are identified it is up to the parents to choose which will be implanted. A bit controversial...but hey that's sci fi.💁🏼♀️
So…what’s most important to you for your child? Is it Intelligence? Physical and or mental health? Maybe you want a child who will excel in athletics. It’s your choice…but choose wisely!
Woohoo! What a premise! Right!?
Told from the perspective of three women.
Quinn: A surrogate for those couples who cannot carry their chosen baby.
Lily: A budding journalist who was a ‘traditional’ baby not a chosen one, something she keeps to herself. Funny though, her parents seem to be hiding secrets of their own too.
Ember: The scientist who developed a DNA lab dedicated to taking down corruption. Until the tables were turned on her.
Three distinctly separate storylines. That is until they all intersect with one whopper of a twist that left my head spinning.
Don’t miss this latest futuristic sci-fi from the very talented Kira Peikoff.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books
Technology changes quickly. Can you even imagine where we’ll be in about 25 years? This read will provide you a sneak-peek into one possible (and somewhat disturbing) scenario.
Gone are the days of both planned and unplanned pregnancies. No more concerned parents hoping and praying their baby will be born healthy and happy.
Now conception happens in a lab. (No not like that!😂). It’s all quite scientific with DNA samples extracted from saliva, skin or almost any part of you.
These cells are converted into sperm and eggs then fertilized in a lab. (So much for romance!)
Once the top three embryos are identified it is up to the parents to choose which will be implanted. A bit controversial...but hey that's sci fi.💁🏼♀️
So…what’s most important to you for your child? Is it Intelligence? Physical and or mental health? Maybe you want a child who will excel in athletics. It’s your choice…but choose wisely!
Woohoo! What a premise! Right!?
Told from the perspective of three women.
Quinn: A surrogate for those couples who cannot carry their chosen baby.
Lily: A budding journalist who was a ‘traditional’ baby not a chosen one, something she keeps to herself. Funny though, her parents seem to be hiding secrets of their own too.
Ember: The scientist who developed a DNA lab dedicated to taking down corruption. Until the tables were turned on her.
Three distinctly separate storylines. That is until they all intersect with one whopper of a twist that left my head spinning.
Don’t miss this latest futuristic sci-fi from the very talented Kira Peikoff.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books
June 13, 2024
4.25 Stars
A page-turner!
If you're a fan of Black Mirror, this is for you!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Kira Peikoff, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
A page-turner!
If you're a fan of Black Mirror, this is for you!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Kira Peikoff, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
March 1, 2024
spoilers for this dumpster fire of a book
(edited this shit for readability)
Kira Peikoff: hmmm, I kinda wish I had come up with Gattaca, you know, the hit movie with Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke?
Me: don't we all, Kira, don't we all
Kira: yes, probably. Do you think I could do it?
Me: do what?
Kira: come up with Gattaca but better. It could be a thriller about, for example, three women, you know, more female-centered, hell yeah
Me: uhm, sure, but maybe you should add something unique? To make it your own
Kira: oh, yeah. Like what?
Me: I don't know, you want to write the book, don't you?
Kira: yes, yes, that's true, haha
Me: ...
Kira: ... what about if the society can make babies from any type of cell and celebrities have theirs stolen and get extorted?
Me: that...actually sounds kind of interesting. You could explore how that affects the whole concept of fame and privacy. I imagine celebrities would strictly operate anonymously, which you could connect to the rise of VTubers. You also have the opportunity to really get into bodily autonomy and paranoia, maybe even how adoration is focused on genetic makeup rather than skill - sounds cool.
Kira: what do you mean, "operate anonymously"?
Me: oh, I just figured public figures would REALLY try to be on their guard
Kira: good point, but that sounds boring. I'm just gonna make one of the main characters a bio-guard! Get it? A bodyguard but for your DNA! She'll just clean everything up after a concert, genius!
Me: that doesn't really sound like it'd be the perfect protective measure to me
Kira: and one of them is gonna be a surrogate!
Me: uhm, okay, sure, why not. So, it's gonna be Gattaca but with stolen DNA, is that the setting?
Kira: setting? Yeah, it's gonna be totally sci-fi.
Me: oh yeah, I know, the premise is sci-fi
Kira: people love that stuff, right? So I'm gonna pack everything in there I think!
Me: wait, "everything"?
Kira: so they're gonna have babies made in the lab, parents choosing their favorite embryo based on predictions like their physical stamina (me: doesn't that come from training??), people easily living till, I don't know, 110, cosmetic procedures that make you look young forever, robot animals...what else...OH, 3D printers have been THE thing, so they'll have 3D-printed EVERYTHING! Guns, food - speaking of food, how about carb-free baked goods? That's an invention I'M looking forward to hahahahaha
Me: wha-, how does that tie in with the rest though?
Kira: pff, no one cares about that! I'll just mention these things in passing so people can really FEEL the sci-fi, you know? I'm also gonna capitalize some words randomly, I heard you do that in Speculative Fiction
Me: uh, I'm not 100 % sure about that, I mean there's a lot to unpack about ageism and beauty standards and all that stuff, but as long as the focus will be on the eugenics narrative-
Kira: oh no no no, I won't use that word
Me: what? Narrative? I can tel-
Kira: no, eugenics! That's far too reminiscent of bad things, you know? And they'll only use the process for good, like maximizing your child's skills or eradicating disabilities
Me: woah woah woah, what was that last part?
Kira: yeah, cause they're all bad, right? Maybe I'll include a passage about a child who sues their deaf parents because they're deaf too
Me: you WHAT
Kira: yes! And another will kinda resent her parents for choosing her even though she shows an inclination towards depression
Me: and you don't think it's weird to portray people with disabilities as questioning whether they should even be ALIVE?
Kira: noooo! Of course not! They're all good at something else
Me: GUR-
Kira: also, I'd rather showcase how hard it can be to be chosen because you are more skilled and beautiful than average
Me:
Kira: also one of the main characters will want to gift a grieving widower a chatbot that mimics the mannerisms and voice of his deceased husband as a Christmas gift (exactly like in that one Black Mirror-episode, why invent my own thing haha), the other will not accept any boundaries set by her parents and draft an article where she makes her mum's criminal past public and the last one will have no personality and totally will be rescued by her husband at the end AND even sacrifice herself for him! #strongfemalecharacters
Me: ...the ones we should root for?
Kira: yes, of course! And the police will send a highly pregnant woman who's a key witness alone to a hotel without protection so she can get kidnapped because there's no other logical way I could make that happen haha
Me: this sounds like ass
Kira: oh it WILL be
- ARC provided by NetGalley -
(edited this shit for readability)
Kira Peikoff: hmmm, I kinda wish I had come up with Gattaca, you know, the hit movie with Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke?
Me: don't we all, Kira, don't we all
Kira: yes, probably. Do you think I could do it?
Me: do what?
Kira: come up with Gattaca but better. It could be a thriller about, for example, three women, you know, more female-centered, hell yeah
Me: uhm, sure, but maybe you should add something unique? To make it your own
Kira: oh, yeah. Like what?
Me: I don't know, you want to write the book, don't you?
Kira: yes, yes, that's true, haha
Me: ...
Kira: ... what about if the society can make babies from any type of cell and celebrities have theirs stolen and get extorted?
Me: that...actually sounds kind of interesting. You could explore how that affects the whole concept of fame and privacy. I imagine celebrities would strictly operate anonymously, which you could connect to the rise of VTubers. You also have the opportunity to really get into bodily autonomy and paranoia, maybe even how adoration is focused on genetic makeup rather than skill - sounds cool.
Kira: what do you mean, "operate anonymously"?
Me: oh, I just figured public figures would REALLY try to be on their guard
Kira: good point, but that sounds boring. I'm just gonna make one of the main characters a bio-guard! Get it? A bodyguard but for your DNA! She'll just clean everything up after a concert, genius!
Me: that doesn't really sound like it'd be the perfect protective measure to me
Kira: and one of them is gonna be a surrogate!
Me: uhm, okay, sure, why not. So, it's gonna be Gattaca but with stolen DNA, is that the setting?
Kira: setting? Yeah, it's gonna be totally sci-fi.
Me: oh yeah, I know, the premise is sci-fi
Kira: people love that stuff, right? So I'm gonna pack everything in there I think!
Me: wait, "everything"?
Kira: so they're gonna have babies made in the lab, parents choosing their favorite embryo based on predictions like their physical stamina (me: doesn't that come from training??), people easily living till, I don't know, 110, cosmetic procedures that make you look young forever, robot animals...what else...OH, 3D printers have been THE thing, so they'll have 3D-printed EVERYTHING! Guns, food - speaking of food, how about carb-free baked goods? That's an invention I'M looking forward to hahahahaha
Me: wha-, how does that tie in with the rest though?
Kira: pff, no one cares about that! I'll just mention these things in passing so people can really FEEL the sci-fi, you know? I'm also gonna capitalize some words randomly, I heard you do that in Speculative Fiction
Me: uh, I'm not 100 % sure about that, I mean there's a lot to unpack about ageism and beauty standards and all that stuff, but as long as the focus will be on the eugenics narrative-
Kira: oh no no no, I won't use that word
Me: what? Narrative? I can tel-
Kira: no, eugenics! That's far too reminiscent of bad things, you know? And they'll only use the process for good, like maximizing your child's skills or eradicating disabilities
Me: woah woah woah, what was that last part?
Kira: yeah, cause they're all bad, right? Maybe I'll include a passage about a child who sues their deaf parents because they're deaf too
Me: you WHAT
Kira: yes! And another will kinda resent her parents for choosing her even though she shows an inclination towards depression
Me: and you don't think it's weird to portray people with disabilities as questioning whether they should even be ALIVE?
Kira: noooo! Of course not! They're all good at something else
Me: GUR-
Kira: also, I'd rather showcase how hard it can be to be chosen because you are more skilled and beautiful than average
Me:
Kira: also one of the main characters will want to gift a grieving widower a chatbot that mimics the mannerisms and voice of his deceased husband as a Christmas gift (exactly like in that one Black Mirror-episode, why invent my own thing haha), the other will not accept any boundaries set by her parents and draft an article where she makes her mum's criminal past public and the last one will have no personality and totally will be rescued by her husband at the end AND even sacrifice herself for him! #strongfemalecharacters
Me: ...the ones we should root for?
Kira: yes, of course! And the police will send a highly pregnant woman who's a key witness alone to a hotel without protection so she can get kidnapped because there's no other logical way I could make that happen haha
Me: this sounds like ass
Kira: oh it WILL be
- ARC provided by NetGalley -
March 5, 2024
*** Happy Publication Day ***
I was really blown away by this futuristic speculative fiction novel! Yes, fans of John Marrs will absolutely love this! Add this to your TBR list, you will NOT be disappointed.
This is set some time in the future, 2040 something I believe. Imagine where you can choose the characteristics that you want your child to have. Down to personality traits, dispositions, even to the professions they might choose. You can even be informed what diseases they might have. DNA is the way of the future. Wow!
The Vault is known for stealing famous people’s DNA to be turned into eggs and sperm. Then having children with whomever they want. INSANE RIGHT!!! Total chaos! For a very special high price, anything can be done.
That is all I’m going to say about this as I want you to go in with only this much information. You are in for quite a wild ride. So much medical information is given so pay close attention!
I’d like to thank Crooked Lane, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this special book. All opinions are my own.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was really blown away by this futuristic speculative fiction novel! Yes, fans of John Marrs will absolutely love this! Add this to your TBR list, you will NOT be disappointed.
This is set some time in the future, 2040 something I believe. Imagine where you can choose the characteristics that you want your child to have. Down to personality traits, dispositions, even to the professions they might choose. You can even be informed what diseases they might have. DNA is the way of the future. Wow!
The Vault is known for stealing famous people’s DNA to be turned into eggs and sperm. Then having children with whomever they want. INSANE RIGHT!!! Total chaos! For a very special high price, anything can be done.
That is all I’m going to say about this as I want you to go in with only this much information. You are in for quite a wild ride. So much medical information is given so pay close attention!
I’d like to thank Crooked Lane, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this special book. All opinions are my own.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 7, 2024
Baby X is an interesting science fiction piece from author Kira Peikoff. This is set in the near future, and considering the exponential ‘improvements’ in scientific advancement, some of the technology described in this sci-fi thriller aren’t so far-fetched. Such as devices in our eyes that can operate like our current mobile phones – where we are, in constant communication, always on-line, totally locatable etc.
However, this is about futuristic technology that can turn any cell from a human body into an ovarian egg, or a spermatozoon. Think about the possibilities here.
There is a nefarious group called The Vault who steal and develop such cells from famous/talented people to sell on the black market.
Imagine someone stealing a drinking straw from Professor Brian Cox to obtain cells to create a spermatozoon to engage with the cells obtained from a dining fork from Beyonce and create an embryo that can incubate in a surrogate – and produce a kid that will eventually be able to sing and dance like a superstar, look amazing, perfect hair all while solving some of the world’s most interesting problems regarding dark matter, or quantum mechanics (at the same time)?
This story involves a famous singer called Trace Thorne whose DNA is stolen and he’s subject to ransom demands for his own stolen DNA. He employs a DNA security expert (Ember) to tidy up after him, to make sure his DNA isn’t stolen. That is, she cleans up after him ALL THE TIME - (sounds good right?)
Well, it all turns out to go a bit pear-shaped when a pregnant woman called Quinn turns up who claims Thorne is the father of her baby, and a thriller ensues. There’s a number of characters who come and go, and some baddies we think are goodies and vice-versa. The usual trick.
This was an entertaining enough read and some of the science stuff was believable in a sci-fi type of way, and there are many twists and turns involved that arise – making this one an entertaining enough for followers of this genre. I’d imagine.
I enjoyed this enough to give this 3 Stars. I would highly recommend this one to fans of this genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy in return for my review.
However, this is about futuristic technology that can turn any cell from a human body into an ovarian egg, or a spermatozoon. Think about the possibilities here.
There is a nefarious group called The Vault who steal and develop such cells from famous/talented people to sell on the black market.
Imagine someone stealing a drinking straw from Professor Brian Cox to obtain cells to create a spermatozoon to engage with the cells obtained from a dining fork from Beyonce and create an embryo that can incubate in a surrogate – and produce a kid that will eventually be able to sing and dance like a superstar, look amazing, perfect hair all while solving some of the world’s most interesting problems regarding dark matter, or quantum mechanics (at the same time)?
This story involves a famous singer called Trace Thorne whose DNA is stolen and he’s subject to ransom demands for his own stolen DNA. He employs a DNA security expert (Ember) to tidy up after him, to make sure his DNA isn’t stolen. That is, she cleans up after him ALL THE TIME - (sounds good right?)
Well, it all turns out to go a bit pear-shaped when a pregnant woman called Quinn turns up who claims Thorne is the father of her baby, and a thriller ensues. There’s a number of characters who come and go, and some baddies we think are goodies and vice-versa. The usual trick.
This was an entertaining enough read and some of the science stuff was believable in a sci-fi type of way, and there are many twists and turns involved that arise – making this one an entertaining enough for followers of this genre. I’d imagine.
I enjoyed this enough to give this 3 Stars. I would highly recommend this one to fans of this genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy in return for my review.
Read
March 21, 2024I'm quitting this book. I'm bored to dang death and life is too short.
signed,
Wrong reader from hell.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
signed,
Wrong reader from hell.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
March 5, 2024
THIS IS THE BOOK I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED! I’ve been reading (if we’re being honest here) some very similar ARCs lately. This fall/winter is full of books that are decent, but full of the same themes. This book is completely fresh, original and one of a kind!
This book is set in the near future, with GenG growing up and dealing with their Millennial parents. Phones are nearly obsolete, everyone uses autonomous cars, and a new version of parenthood has come to be. No longer do you have to have a baby the old-fashioned way; now you can submit a DNA sample, and any two people can have their cells turned into sperm/eggs. The healthiest cluster of cells is analyzed, and parents can choose which embryo to implant based on intelligence, physicality, looks and risk for disease.
Babies born this way are called Selected, and except for in rural and religious areas, this is now commonplace. The problem? People are trying to pay top-dollar to have a celebrity’s baby. Famous people now have to hire bio-cleansing experts to get rid of their DNA everywhere they go. One napkin or fork left behind could mean a stranger having a child with them - obviously not an ideal situation!
I don’t want to get too much into the story, as trying to review science fiction can sometimes make the book come off as cheesy. This definitely wasn’t cheesy, and it doesn’t seem highly unrealistic. DNA is easy to get - but adding in the science of turning cells from the mouth into eggs makes everything almost horrific. I’m very picky about the sci-fi that I read, but I had a good feeling about this one, and I wasn’t disappointed. This was original, tense, engaging, page-turning, suspenseful and thoughtful. I don’t think I’d change a thing about it - five stars.
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Kira Peikoff and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 5, 2024.)
This book is set in the near future, with GenG growing up and dealing with their Millennial parents. Phones are nearly obsolete, everyone uses autonomous cars, and a new version of parenthood has come to be. No longer do you have to have a baby the old-fashioned way; now you can submit a DNA sample, and any two people can have their cells turned into sperm/eggs. The healthiest cluster of cells is analyzed, and parents can choose which embryo to implant based on intelligence, physicality, looks and risk for disease.
Babies born this way are called Selected, and except for in rural and religious areas, this is now commonplace. The problem? People are trying to pay top-dollar to have a celebrity’s baby. Famous people now have to hire bio-cleansing experts to get rid of their DNA everywhere they go. One napkin or fork left behind could mean a stranger having a child with them - obviously not an ideal situation!
I don’t want to get too much into the story, as trying to review science fiction can sometimes make the book come off as cheesy. This definitely wasn’t cheesy, and it doesn’t seem highly unrealistic. DNA is easy to get - but adding in the science of turning cells from the mouth into eggs makes everything almost horrific. I’m very picky about the sci-fi that I read, but I had a good feeling about this one, and I wasn’t disappointed. This was original, tense, engaging, page-turning, suspenseful and thoughtful. I don’t think I’d change a thing about it - five stars.
(Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Kira Peikoff and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 5, 2024.)
February 7, 2024
This book right here! 5/5 stars! If you like John Marrs - Author speculative thriller books (The one, The passengers, The minders, The marriage act) then this is right up your alley! Fast paced and short chapters too!
Set in the near future, technology has advanced at an alarming rate and so has the genetics field. Anyone can create a baby now with any 2 cells from any 2 people. This causes its own dilemma especially for the 'desirables' (people of fame, fortune or desirable traits) as your discarded cells can be potentially used without your knowledge to make a baby! We follow 3 women Quinn, Ember & Lily as the navigate the perils of what this means for them in a world we could one day recognise.
High praise for Kira Peikoff. Thanks to NetGalley and Quick Brown Fox&co for an advanced copy which is out in early March 2024!
Set in the near future, technology has advanced at an alarming rate and so has the genetics field. Anyone can create a baby now with any 2 cells from any 2 people. This causes its own dilemma especially for the 'desirables' (people of fame, fortune or desirable traits) as your discarded cells can be potentially used without your knowledge to make a baby! We follow 3 women Quinn, Ember & Lily as the navigate the perils of what this means for them in a world we could one day recognise.
High praise for Kira Peikoff. Thanks to NetGalley and Quick Brown Fox&co for an advanced copy which is out in early March 2024!
February 10, 2024
I've been trying to decide what to say about this without spoiling it and have finally decided.
This was a neat read. There are three POVs and it's unclear how they are related until you get well into this. And once that happens, that makes this even more interesting. I liked how the author pulled this off and not very like anything I've read lately. I admit to not being into the romance aspect until everything else came together at the end and then, looking back, I thought it was kinda lovely. So, well done on that front also. The medical tech is what made me want to read this but there was much more to this speculative fiction and I appreciated that.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an Advance Reader's Copy.
This was a neat read. There are three POVs and it's unclear how they are related until you get well into this. And once that happens, that makes this even more interesting. I liked how the author pulled this off and not very like anything I've read lately. I admit to not being into the romance aspect until everything else came together at the end and then, looking back, I thought it was kinda lovely. So, well done on that front also. The medical tech is what made me want to read this but there was much more to this speculative fiction and I appreciated that.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an Advance Reader's Copy.
March 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
July 2, 2024
Kira Peikoff is full of creative ideas about what IVF could be like in the future. Some of it even seems possible. Her book Baby X held my interest for the most part, but then I started to wish the writing style was more polished. Much of the dialogue is too full of today’s slang, which will sound outdated in just a few years, and doesn’t make sense for a novel set far in the future.
I didn’t predict the twist at end and thought that part was very well written. I’m bumping my rating up a star because the conclusion was so surprising and satisfying.
Additionally, the author lives near me in central New Jersey, and I enjoyed reading her references to local places such as the Watchung Reservation.
All in all, an enjoyable book for sci-fi fans.
Thank you Netgalley for the digital ARC for review consideration. I’m giving it 3.5 stars and I always round up.
I didn’t predict the twist at end and thought that part was very well written. I’m bumping my rating up a star because the conclusion was so surprising and satisfying.
Additionally, the author lives near me in central New Jersey, and I enjoyed reading her references to local places such as the Watchung Reservation.
All in all, an enjoyable book for sci-fi fans.
Thank you Netgalley for the digital ARC for review consideration. I’m giving it 3.5 stars and I always round up.
September 25, 2024
3 Stars
In Keira Peikoff's "Baby X," the future is a place where 3D cartridges replicate food. Cell phones and laptops are a thing of the past, and “smart lenses” have become the new norm. The most frightening aspect of this tale is that any biological cell from a person can used to create eggs or sperm, rendering traditional reproduction obsolete. Furthermore, celebrity DNA is being stolen and sold on the black market. Additionally, those who wish to have a baby can undergo a detailed "selection" process to choose the desired traits for their embryos before conception.
The story is told through the perspectives of three women. Ember, who runs a security firm that safeguards celebrity clients from cell theft by The Vault, is hired by a famous singer. Quinn, a young surrogate betrayed by someone she trusted, is now pregnant with a child and unsure of who the parents are. And Lily, nearing the end of her post-graduate fellowship at Vanguard, is competing for a full-time position against Radia, who, unlike her, was genetically selected as an optimal embryo.
Peikoff ambitiously explores the societal and ethical consequences of embryo selection. Should parents be able to determine their child's physical and intellectual attributes? Is it justified by the potential to prevent genetic disorders and predisposed illnesses? The novel also lobes into the possible discrimination based on characteristics like race, religion, and sexual orientation, alongside the regulation and transparency of the IVG (In-Vitro Gametogenesis) clinics that offer this opportunity to parents.
While the premise is fascinating, the book falls short in its execution. It attempts to tackle multiple concepts and characters but doesn't explore them deeply enough. Furthermore, certain plot developments and technological advancements seem implausible. The characters' narrative voices also start to blend despite their supposed differences in characteristics and experiences, making them feel indistinguishable at times. The chapters end abruptly, shifting to another character's perspective, disrupting the story's flow.
For fans of speculative fiction seeking an engaging narrative filled with unexpected twists, Baby X is a compelling choice. However, readers looking for a more intricately developed and satisfying story with greater depth may find this book somewhat lacking.
In Keira Peikoff's "Baby X," the future is a place where 3D cartridges replicate food. Cell phones and laptops are a thing of the past, and “smart lenses” have become the new norm. The most frightening aspect of this tale is that any biological cell from a person can used to create eggs or sperm, rendering traditional reproduction obsolete. Furthermore, celebrity DNA is being stolen and sold on the black market. Additionally, those who wish to have a baby can undergo a detailed "selection" process to choose the desired traits for their embryos before conception.
The story is told through the perspectives of three women. Ember, who runs a security firm that safeguards celebrity clients from cell theft by The Vault, is hired by a famous singer. Quinn, a young surrogate betrayed by someone she trusted, is now pregnant with a child and unsure of who the parents are. And Lily, nearing the end of her post-graduate fellowship at Vanguard, is competing for a full-time position against Radia, who, unlike her, was genetically selected as an optimal embryo.
Peikoff ambitiously explores the societal and ethical consequences of embryo selection. Should parents be able to determine their child's physical and intellectual attributes? Is it justified by the potential to prevent genetic disorders and predisposed illnesses? The novel also lobes into the possible discrimination based on characteristics like race, religion, and sexual orientation, alongside the regulation and transparency of the IVG (In-Vitro Gametogenesis) clinics that offer this opportunity to parents.
While the premise is fascinating, the book falls short in its execution. It attempts to tackle multiple concepts and characters but doesn't explore them deeply enough. Furthermore, certain plot developments and technological advancements seem implausible. The characters' narrative voices also start to blend despite their supposed differences in characteristics and experiences, making them feel indistinguishable at times. The chapters end abruptly, shifting to another character's perspective, disrupting the story's flow.
For fans of speculative fiction seeking an engaging narrative filled with unexpected twists, Baby X is a compelling choice. However, readers looking for a more intricately developed and satisfying story with greater depth may find this book somewhat lacking.
July 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
I had a really good time reading this fast paced sci fi thriller. I thought the fertility and baby engineering parts fascinating and wish the novella had dived deeper into those societal aspects
I expected this one to be more science fiction but it ultimately ended up being more of a thriller. I would primarily recommend it to fans of suspense that are looking for a new fun twisty story in the vein of John Marrs
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I had a really good time reading this fast paced sci fi thriller. I thought the fertility and baby engineering parts fascinating and wish the novella had dived deeper into those societal aspects
I expected this one to be more science fiction but it ultimately ended up being more of a thriller. I would primarily recommend it to fans of suspense that are looking for a new fun twisty story in the vein of John Marrs
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 4, 2024
I will start off by saying that I am the target audience for this book. While I read a wide variety of books, I love science fiction; speculative fiction in particular is probably my favorite genre of all. So I was looking forward to Baby X by Kira Peikoff. Unfortunately, this book was a huge letdown and frankly I'm surprised it has a rating as high as it does.
On the surface this may come across as just a sci-fi thriller book, but it's also full of so many unexplored social themes and issues (Privacy, Safety, Playing "God", Oppression vs Discrimination, Moral Right vs Wrong, Informed Consent, Justice and Equity, Equality of Access, Unforeseen Complications) Peikoff had so many opportunities to explore here, and this is just one example of how the book falls short.
Reading Baby X feels like watching a cheesy B movie produced for cable. The writing is amateurish and awkward. The scenes between Ember and Thorne were positively cringe-worthy. It also feels as if Peikoff's "science" is based on fantasy rather than reality and what could actually be possible in ten years time. I'll admit I don't know a whole lot about science myself, but the whole baby making process described seems absolutely ridiculous and I'm not sure what's described could even ever be possible.
The only aspect I really enjoyed was reading about the world building and the future tech. But even that too is flawed. Some of the tech described is just too advanced to happen in a decade.
There are three MCs whose perspectives rotate throughout the book and the only one I liked was Lily, but even she comes off as whiny at times. Quinn was portrayed as a weak, ditzy female. But the worst was Ember and her insta-love romance with Thorne. I came to dread her chapters and started skimming them halfway through.
Baby X isn't really a thriller either. At no time was I on the edge of my seat or worried that something bad was going to happen.
The small mystery "twist", which is the book's only other positive, doesn't happen until almost the very, very, very end (and can be seen coming). It's a nice surprise but it doesn't make up for what the book lacks. Overall, a lot of promise that never pays off.
Thank you to The Quick Brown Fox & CO, Kira Peikoff, and Netgalley for an advance digital copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and given voluntarily.
1 ½ stars rounded up to 2 stars
For readers of:
Science Fiction, Thrillers, Mysteries, Speculative Fiction, Science, Genetic Engineering, General Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Action, Adventure
On the surface this may come across as just a sci-fi thriller book, but it's also full of so many unexplored social themes and issues (Privacy, Safety, Playing "God", Oppression vs Discrimination, Moral Right vs Wrong, Informed Consent, Justice and Equity, Equality of Access, Unforeseen Complications) Peikoff had so many opportunities to explore here, and this is just one example of how the book falls short.
Reading Baby X feels like watching a cheesy B movie produced for cable. The writing is amateurish and awkward. The scenes between Ember and Thorne were positively cringe-worthy. It also feels as if Peikoff's "science" is based on fantasy rather than reality and what could actually be possible in ten years time. I'll admit I don't know a whole lot about science myself, but the whole baby making process described seems absolutely ridiculous and I'm not sure what's described could even ever be possible.
The only aspect I really enjoyed was reading about the world building and the future tech. But even that too is flawed. Some of the tech described is just too advanced to happen in a decade.
There are three MCs whose perspectives rotate throughout the book and the only one I liked was Lily, but even she comes off as whiny at times. Quinn was portrayed as a weak, ditzy female. But the worst was Ember and her insta-love romance with Thorne. I came to dread her chapters and started skimming them halfway through.
Baby X isn't really a thriller either. At no time was I on the edge of my seat or worried that something bad was going to happen.
The small mystery "twist", which is the book's only other positive, doesn't happen until almost the very, very, very end (and can be seen coming). It's a nice surprise but it doesn't make up for what the book lacks. Overall, a lot of promise that never pays off.
Thank you to The Quick Brown Fox & CO, Kira Peikoff, and Netgalley for an advance digital copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and given voluntarily.
1 ½ stars rounded up to 2 stars
For readers of:
Science Fiction, Thrillers, Mysteries, Speculative Fiction, Science, Genetic Engineering, General Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Action, Adventure
June 24, 2024
I loved the uniqueness of this story! It's not like anything else I've ever read. I truly loved the suspense in the twists, many I was truly shocked about when things were revealed. A refreshing futuristic read! Truly gripping and intriguing!
December 28, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!
The synopsis of Baby X had me hooked immediately. A world where biological matter can be used to create babies with everyone and the challenges that poses for famous people who are now risking seeing children of themselves being born without their consent? Sign me up!
But, after reading this: don't sign me up.
Let's start with the positives. Baby X is written very accessibly and despite some intense sci-fi world building, the story is not hard to get into. The plot is like a rollercoaster, easy to get through and makes you want to keep reading. The author is good at building suspense and keeping you engaged.
Sadly, besides the core idea of 'everyone being able to have babies with famous people and the reprocussions of that' the book doesn't add anything new to the sci-fi genre. The worldbuilding felt a bit predictable and wasn't really something I hadn't read before. And when it does ask big questions about privacy, agency and reproductive rights, it tends to answer them in the same paragraph, not allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
The characters all ended up feeling a bit flat to me. Baby X weaves three different POV's together, but the three characters it focuses on don't feel very different from each other in tone of voice. No one's motivations are very clear and it's quite hard to connect with the characters because you don't really get to know them. The conversations between them also feel quite unnatural and very exposition heavy, moving the plot along without spending much time with the characters' own thoughts and feelings. This also results in the main love story in the book not feeling very believable and when we get a random sex scene in the middle of the book it feels like it comes out of nowhere and there's no chemistry to be found.
No thriller is complete without a good twist, but sadly this book doesn't really nail that either. I'm a big believer in the fact that you should be able to guess a twist yourself if you pay attention and it shouldn't come as a complete shock, but this one was obvious from the start leaving no room for speculation.
An interesting premise, I just wish the execution was a bit better.
2,5*
The synopsis of Baby X had me hooked immediately. A world where biological matter can be used to create babies with everyone and the challenges that poses for famous people who are now risking seeing children of themselves being born without their consent? Sign me up!
But, after reading this: don't sign me up.
Let's start with the positives. Baby X is written very accessibly and despite some intense sci-fi world building, the story is not hard to get into. The plot is like a rollercoaster, easy to get through and makes you want to keep reading. The author is good at building suspense and keeping you engaged.
Sadly, besides the core idea of 'everyone being able to have babies with famous people and the reprocussions of that' the book doesn't add anything new to the sci-fi genre. The worldbuilding felt a bit predictable and wasn't really something I hadn't read before. And when it does ask big questions about privacy, agency and reproductive rights, it tends to answer them in the same paragraph, not allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
The characters all ended up feeling a bit flat to me. Baby X weaves three different POV's together, but the three characters it focuses on don't feel very different from each other in tone of voice. No one's motivations are very clear and it's quite hard to connect with the characters because you don't really get to know them. The conversations between them also feel quite unnatural and very exposition heavy, moving the plot along without spending much time with the characters' own thoughts and feelings. This also results in the main love story in the book not feeling very believable and when we get a random sex scene in the middle of the book it feels like it comes out of nowhere and there's no chemistry to be found.
No thriller is complete without a good twist, but sadly this book doesn't really nail that either. I'm a big believer in the fact that you should be able to guess a twist yourself if you pay attention and it shouldn't come as a complete shock, but this one was obvious from the start leaving no room for speculation.
An interesting premise, I just wish the execution was a bit better.
2,5*
August 2, 2024
4 exceeded my expectations ⭐️s
In the not too distant future, even a stray eyelash can be mined for DNA to create an embryo. Brush up against someone at a bar, and your stolen DNA can be used to make a baby without your consent.
From the beginning, two of the three rotating storylines are clearly interwoven, while the third is developed as a loosely connected solo strand. But, wham, when they all twist together, it’s like a triple helix of superior DNA.
The trio of female narrators do an excellent job. Hooray! No sing-song delivery! No monotony of reading every sentence aloud in the exact same way! The only time I wished I was reading the book with my eyes rather than my ears was when the results of a genetic lab report went on for over a minute. But hard to complain when the rest of the 10 hour audiobook kept my ears and mind engaged.
I received the ARC audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
In the not too distant future, even a stray eyelash can be mined for DNA to create an embryo. Brush up against someone at a bar, and your stolen DNA can be used to make a baby without your consent.
From the beginning, two of the three rotating storylines are clearly interwoven, while the third is developed as a loosely connected solo strand. But, wham, when they all twist together, it’s like a triple helix of superior DNA.
The trio of female narrators do an excellent job. Hooray! No sing-song delivery! No monotony of reading every sentence aloud in the exact same way! The only time I wished I was reading the book with my eyes rather than my ears was when the results of a genetic lab report went on for over a minute. But hard to complain when the rest of the 10 hour audiobook kept my ears and mind engaged.
I received the ARC audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2024
3.5 stars
The technology to make this story a reality is not far in the future. We have all heard about DNA sequencing, splicing and the concept of designer babies.
I would have sworn high and low that this is John Mars had I not seen the author’s name.
What if you can not only choose the best traits in your unborn child (intelligence, health) but also where the DNA comes from. What if you want the father or mother to be your favourite celebrity?
No longer do celebrities need to worry about annoying paparazzi photos, now they need to worry their DNA from coffee cups, forks or discarded straw, is used on the black market, sold to the highest bidder.
A fast paced near future sci-fi made for an entertaining read.
The technology to make this story a reality is not far in the future. We have all heard about DNA sequencing, splicing and the concept of designer babies.
I would have sworn high and low that this is John Mars had I not seen the author’s name.
What if you can not only choose the best traits in your unborn child (intelligence, health) but also where the DNA comes from. What if you want the father or mother to be your favourite celebrity?
No longer do celebrities need to worry about annoying paparazzi photos, now they need to worry their DNA from coffee cups, forks or discarded straw, is used on the black market, sold to the highest bidder.
A fast paced near future sci-fi made for an entertaining read.
September 23, 2023
4.5 rounded up
I could not believe how much I liked this unique thriller. Combination domestic thriller with medical thriller. Set in the not too distant future, I could totally see this happening, and that what makes it so creepy. Stolen dna, engineered babies, shopping for your child, I had permanent goosebumps on me while reading this. I love reading things that could very well happen, gives an extra layer of thriller to it. Plus that twist at the end, EPIC!
Review also posted to instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxiDjArAn...
Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for an arc of this book. Will definitely be adding this to my permanent collection when it releases mar 5/24
I could not believe how much I liked this unique thriller. Combination domestic thriller with medical thriller. Set in the not too distant future, I could totally see this happening, and that what makes it so creepy. Stolen dna, engineered babies, shopping for your child, I had permanent goosebumps on me while reading this. I love reading things that could very well happen, gives an extra layer of thriller to it. Plus that twist at the end, EPIC!
Review also posted to instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxiDjArAn...
Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for an arc of this book. Will definitely be adding this to my permanent collection when it releases mar 5/24
January 28, 2024
If you're looking for an engaging science fiction story about the horrors that we could be facing with technology, specifically the selling of DNA, then you are going to be sadly out of luck. The writing is bland, the characters are worse, and the decision to have three different POVs is maybe the most baffling thing of all. As for the thriller angle that's supposed to be on display here, it all merely felt like a weird and convoluted joke.
March 6, 2024
Happy Pub Day!
The past and present collide in the future as people are able to choose the child they want to have. Genetic testers and screens can provide parents with a full genetic background before implantation to insure a child is a healthy, higher achiever. But what if you felt the possible child between yourself and your partner wouldn't produce that? Stolen DNA from star athletes, senators, and musicians leads to people with gifts, riches, and success to guard their DNA through hiring bioguards - those who will make sure none of your DNA is left behind at a restaurant, concert, or meeting.
And that's how Trace Thorne and Ember meet; Thorne - a world famous musician - hires Ember to be his bioguard. They didn't plan to fall in love but their love is deep, full of trust. Ember does everything she can to protect Thorne and his DNA. But then Quinn approaches them in a cafe and delivers the worse possible news - Quinn is pregnant with Thorne's baby. Ember failed him. And worst yet, Ember has a very dark secret about her life before Thorne.
This was an interesting and unique read, unlike most of the books I've read. It was engaging and delivered such a wonderful twist that I didn't see coming!
This 4 star read is one I would certainly recommend for anyone who enjoys sci-fi mixed with mystery. I'm greatly looking forward to looking at other books published by Kira Peikoff!
The past and present collide in the future as people are able to choose the child they want to have. Genetic testers and screens can provide parents with a full genetic background before implantation to insure a child is a healthy, higher achiever. But what if you felt the possible child between yourself and your partner wouldn't produce that? Stolen DNA from star athletes, senators, and musicians leads to people with gifts, riches, and success to guard their DNA through hiring bioguards - those who will make sure none of your DNA is left behind at a restaurant, concert, or meeting.
And that's how Trace Thorne and Ember meet; Thorne - a world famous musician - hires Ember to be his bioguard. They didn't plan to fall in love but their love is deep, full of trust. Ember does everything she can to protect Thorne and his DNA. But then Quinn approaches them in a cafe and delivers the worse possible news - Quinn is pregnant with Thorne's baby. Ember failed him. And worst yet, Ember has a very dark secret about her life before Thorne.
This was an interesting and unique read, unlike most of the books I've read. It was engaging and delivered such a wonderful twist that I didn't see coming!
This 4 star read is one I would certainly recommend for anyone who enjoys sci-fi mixed with mystery. I'm greatly looking forward to looking at other books published by Kira Peikoff!
March 5, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
BABY X by Kira Peikoff is an engrossing speculative fiction, medical, and psychological thriller mash-up that kept me turning the pages from start to finish. This story is set around 2040 and takes future human reproduction into a terrifying new realm.
The Vault is a black-market site that steals DNA from high profile individuals to use as blackmail. If you don’t want your DNA used to create a baby with the highest bidder somewhere in the world, you must pay to stop it.
Ember Ryan knows how the Vault works and has set up a business to protect an individual’s DNA. Her first major client is the famous country singer, Trace Thome. Ember will do anything to protect Trace’s cell matter while they travel together on his tour. They both begin to care for each other and soon become a couple and engaged after the tour ends.
While they are out for coffee, they are confronted by a young pregnant woman who claims to be carrying Trace’s child. But nothing is as it seems because Ember is hiding secrets that will change everyone’s futures.
This mash-up thriller has many interesting plot points that led to me think about bioethical and moral questions at every turn: stolen DNA, designer babies, babies that are ‘Selected’ or ‘Unforeseen’, IVF on steroids. It is fascinating and frightening at the same time. The story is told in three alternating distinct storylines by three women, and you do not learn how they all come together until the surprise twist at the end and that is all I can say without giving anything away.
I recommend this mash-up thriller that will leave you thinking about the issues in this story long after you finish and the possibility of them becoming our reality.
BABY X by Kira Peikoff is an engrossing speculative fiction, medical, and psychological thriller mash-up that kept me turning the pages from start to finish. This story is set around 2040 and takes future human reproduction into a terrifying new realm.
The Vault is a black-market site that steals DNA from high profile individuals to use as blackmail. If you don’t want your DNA used to create a baby with the highest bidder somewhere in the world, you must pay to stop it.
Ember Ryan knows how the Vault works and has set up a business to protect an individual’s DNA. Her first major client is the famous country singer, Trace Thome. Ember will do anything to protect Trace’s cell matter while they travel together on his tour. They both begin to care for each other and soon become a couple and engaged after the tour ends.
While they are out for coffee, they are confronted by a young pregnant woman who claims to be carrying Trace’s child. But nothing is as it seems because Ember is hiding secrets that will change everyone’s futures.
This mash-up thriller has many interesting plot points that led to me think about bioethical and moral questions at every turn: stolen DNA, designer babies, babies that are ‘Selected’ or ‘Unforeseen’, IVF on steroids. It is fascinating and frightening at the same time. The story is told in three alternating distinct storylines by three women, and you do not learn how they all come together until the surprise twist at the end and that is all I can say without giving anything away.
I recommend this mash-up thriller that will leave you thinking about the issues in this story long after you finish and the possibility of them becoming our reality.
February 22, 2024
I was blown away by this book! I was initially interested because I'm a big fan of Faith Gardner's Jolvix series. Upon starting this, I immediately knew it wasn't that but it was still in the general vicinity.
Baby X is a technothriller set in the 2050's, and the author thought of just about everything. Nearly all babies outside the religious South, are born through a Selection process so as to ensure health and prosperity. "Unforseens" which are babies conceived the old-fashioned way, are becoming a rarity.
With this new technology comes responsibility and risk. Philosophically, you are choosing the best candidate for a baby, or most like you, so obviously there's an ethical conundrum here. Kids can even sue you later on if you don't choose in their best interest.
One of our main focuses in this book is the loss of privacy and government overreach. I really thought this would end up taking one political direction and annoy me but it was balanced and made me like it even more.
Another downside of this type of conception is that it can be done with pretty much any kind of DNA, so if you're a Desirable aka a celeb or smarty, people will steal your DNA for the highest weirdo bidder on the dark web. That's where our story starts and it's a wild ride!
We're following 3 different women with different connections to this type of technology. They all have something valuable to add. The characters were really neat. I've read a few books by this author and this is her best yet
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
Baby X is a technothriller set in the 2050's, and the author thought of just about everything. Nearly all babies outside the religious South, are born through a Selection process so as to ensure health and prosperity. "Unforseens" which are babies conceived the old-fashioned way, are becoming a rarity.
With this new technology comes responsibility and risk. Philosophically, you are choosing the best candidate for a baby, or most like you, so obviously there's an ethical conundrum here. Kids can even sue you later on if you don't choose in their best interest.
One of our main focuses in this book is the loss of privacy and government overreach. I really thought this would end up taking one political direction and annoy me but it was balanced and made me like it even more.
Another downside of this type of conception is that it can be done with pretty much any kind of DNA, so if you're a Desirable aka a celeb or smarty, people will steal your DNA for the highest weirdo bidder on the dark web. That's where our story starts and it's a wild ride!
We're following 3 different women with different connections to this type of technology. They all have something valuable to add. The characters were really neat. I've read a few books by this author and this is her best yet
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
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