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EVE is the new world, ruled by women for women. Separated into different clans, the women breed for genetic strength; ensuring that only the strongest, cleverest, fastest are born to further the human race. There is next to no crime and war is none-existent. Society is perfect – or it would be if there were no more males. Indeed, any males who are unfortunate enough to be born are reared in Domes, injected with a chip that will kill them if they try to escape the one-way glass walls they’re imprisoned in. They must compete to prove their worth for the opportunity to breed with the women. Except, some women want to cut that small inconvenience from their lives, making males more or less defunct. And if they can’t even uphold their basic function, then what use is there for them at all?
With strong characters, The Female Breeders is an absolute joy to read. Horev has written some women who are remarkable, intelligent, empathetic and morally grey. Likewise, she’s written men who have heart, humour and depth of feeling. Unlike other ‘men-are-the-enemy’ dystopian society tropes, this one has a bit more heart. The narrative isn’t just from one gender’s perspective, aimed at satisfying the stereotypes that are bountiful in the sub-genre. It’s refreshing and a veritable page-turner.
As Neen (young prodigy, early graduate and favoured by the High Councilwomen) begins her new deployment in determining the psychological suitability for the breeding programme, she begins to realise that not everything in EVE is as perfect as their leaders suggest. She uncovers the brutality that the males in Young Dome are subjected to, and is horrified by their treatment. And, when her best friend, Ems, unwittingly discovers a conspiracy hidden in plain sight, Neen knows that something must be done to stop the possible genocide of every man in the world.
S. A.
First published on Reedsy Discovery as part of their ARC program. You can read the original review here.