"Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful" by Arwen Elys Dayton is a collection of short stories that explore the possibilities and consequences of genetic engineering. Through the eyes of six different characters living in different periods of scientific discovery, the book chronicles the advancements in genetic modifications over time, painting a cautionary tale about the implications it has on society and humanity. The common thread in all the stories is the character Tad Tadd, a religious zealot turned politician whose views on genetic modifications evolve as the years pass, reflecting the changing societal attitudes towards modifications.
The writing style of the book is described as haunting, compelling, and akin to something off a Black Mirror episode. The author, Arwen Elys Dayton, does an amazing job of world-building, creating scenes that are vivid and immersive, allowing readers to visualize and experience what the characters are going through. is noted for its unique storytelling approach of presenting each story as a separate narrative set in different time periods, ultimately weaving them together to paint a dark and thought-provoking picture of a future dominated by genetic modifications.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains content warnings for themes such as rape, homophobic violence, and general violence associated with genetic modifications and societal oppression.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance interwoven throughout the characters' stories, dealing with themes of love and acceptance in the context of societal changes.
From The Publisher:
"If you love Black Mirror, this . . . will send shivers down your spine." -Teen Vogue
"Appealing to fans of Black Mirror and Westworld, it's a thrilling read that explores an exciting and terrifying near-future." -Paste
"[An] extraordinary work. . . . Groundbreaking in both form and substance." -Hypable
This "powerful, poignant, and action-packed" (Bustle) novel is a twisted look into the future, exploring the lengths to which we'll go to remake ourselves into the perfect human specimens and what it means to be human at all.
The future is curious.
STRONGER
Today our bodies define us. We color our hair; tattoo our skin; pierce our ears, brows, noses. We lift weights, run miles, break records. We are flesh and blood and bone.
FASTER
Tomorrow has different rules. The future is no longer about who we are-it's about who we want to be. If you can dream it, you can be it. Science will make us smarter, healthier, flawless in every way. Our future is boundless.
MORE BEAUTIFUL
This is a story that begins tomorrow. It's a story about us. It's a story about who comes after us. And it's a story about perfection. Because perfection has a way of getting ugly.
A WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST SCIENCE FICTION BOOK OF 2018
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF 2018
4 STARRED REVIEWS!
"A deep and suddenly necessary exploration of the beautiful and terrible futures we face. Every story leaves you desperate for more. Somehow, the further from today Dayton travels, the more real it becomes." -Hank Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
"An alternately charming and horrifying exploration of what it means to be human and how far we'll go in pursuit of personal and societal 'perfection.' I devoured this book." -Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
Ratings (2)
Loved It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (5):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (3) |
What can you read after
Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful?
About the Author:
Arwen Elys Dayton was born on the West Coast of the United States in the 1970s to a math genius father and a romantic mother, who named her after an elf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Arwen has…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
