Mere Mortal by A.J. Stevens

It's been a while since I've grabbed up a dystopian read...maybe because it feels like we're living in one? Anyway, this read dips a toe into the idea of immortality and, I'm betting, takes a deep dive into some interesting questions. Otherwise, I'm not sure what to expect with this one, but let's take a look!

 

MERE MORTAL

by A.J. Stevens

Splinter Press

YA Dystopian

292 pages

BEING HUNTED BY IMMORTALS IS BAD ENOUGH. BEING SIXTEEN MAKES IT WORSE.

The immortals have taken Mila’s sister.

Mila is determined to save her, despite the risks to the only life she's has ever known. She'll have to face her fears, her insecurities, and her stupid crush on the boy who friend-zoned before they overwhelm her.

Because if Mila can’t save her sister and the secrets she carries, the Immortals will take her tribe, her family, and everything it means to be human.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Science has brought immortality to some, but the rest of humanity finds themselves in a constant fight for their lives.

Mila is a nomad in a world where immortals rule. She and her tribe move from place to place, doing everything to avoid detection and be killed. Her mother was taken some time before, leaving her father and sister as her only family...one she will protect with her life. When her sister is attacked and becomes ill, Mila's determined to take her to the medic, but it's a several day journey and more than a little dangerous. She can't expect any help from her father or other tribe members, as there's reason to believe that the immortals seem to have discovered their location. If the tribe doesn't relocate immediately, they will be dead. Refusing to give up on her sister, Mila heads out to take her on her own. But she doesn't realize the secrets she's about to uncover, and these threaten to overturn the entire world.

This is a quick-paced read with several unique twists. First, there are immortals, who have formed due to scientifical development (not the godly realm). This, however, didn't include all humans, leaving those who received the transformation at the mercy of people who can't be killed. Technology plays a large role in the immortals' lives, while the nomads and rest seem to be on the rustic end for the most part. The high-tech side offers interesting explanations, while also leaving some logical holes...but it's an intriguing direction, which leads to an interesting main thought: what happens when life looses the meaning of birth and death? 

The characters are sympathetic and easy to connect with. Mila's desires and hopes are understandable, but then, she's a realistic character on many fronts. The dialogue, emotions, and decisions fit well to the her age and propel the plot forward. The world building happens bit by bit as the story flows, which did create a little uncertainty as to what was happening in the first chapters, but it doesn't take long for everything to set in and grab. While the writing keeps every page interesting, more than a few moments came in a little rushed or easy, but it never is enough to pull away from the plot. It was an exciting read from start to finish, and is sure to delight action and scifi fans.