BABY X was a fun thrilling ride. I enjoyed every minute of this book. If you"re a science fiction fan this story is for you.



Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my gifted ALC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a near-futuristic tale told through the eyes of three women as they navigate a world in which fertility and eugenics are at the very forefront of everyone's thoughts.

Each character - Ember, Quinn and Lily - brings a different dynamic to the story, showing the pros and cons to living in such a world. While Ember and Quinn's story focus on a potentially illegally made baby, Lily's focuses more on living in a world of 'selected' people created from embryos which have been specifically chosen to eradicate most illnesses and to increase specific attributes.

The story is, in absolutely every way, insane in the very best way. It raises the questions of morality and what it means to be 'perfect' in a dramatic and engaging way and the narrators for this book in particular bring real life to each story, leaving the readers hanging on their every word, desperate to hear the happy ending they want.

As a fan of Blake Crouch’s, Dark Matter, I had my eyes on this one as the “sci-fi” doesn’t take over the book,, if you know what I mean. Great, creative futuristic world. Entertaining, fas pacing throughout, twists, too! What more could you want?! Worth a read for sure. Thank you Net Galley for the chance to listen before publishing day!

*Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

It's a great sign when I get so into an audiobook that I just *have* to read my physical copy to get to the ending faster. I absolutely devoured Baby X - a thriller that toes the line of science fiction. It reads like a Black Mirror episode in the best way! The idea of developing technology to the point where you can select genes at scale, steal people's DNA and create gametes from them... It all just made me uncomfy in that way where you can see how it could happen.

Loved the twists and turns along the way, as well as the final screw twist. Eeeeee!! I'd recommend this to fans of Blake Crouch, or those who thought his writing was a little too "science-y" for them.

In a time where even an eye lash can provide enough DNA to create life, and celebrity DNA is being auctioned off to the highest bidder, Ember has found her niche. She is the DNA security guard to the stars and no star shines brighter than that of Trace Thorne. The last time his genetic make up had been for sale, it had cost him a whopping 5 million dollars to keep it off the auction block. With Ember by his side he feels safer than ever. That is until a heavily pregnant fan named Quinn appears and mutters six words that will turn his world upside down, "I think this is your baby."

This book was an easy choice for me when it was offered as the Aardvark Book Club book for March of this year. I am a thriller junky and adding in the sci-fi/genetics aspect made it all the more intriguing to me. I was already in the process of reading it when the audiobook was offered through Netgalley, and I was approved. Nothing pleases my ADHD brain more than being able to read while I do any number of mind numbing activities Folding laundry for a house of six is the pinnacle audiobook listening time.

"Our generation is coming of age now with access to more information than anyone like us has ever had." - Radia

Baby X is told through the eyes of three very different women. Ember who is launching her own business protecting the DNA of the elite. Quinn the young woman who believes she may be carrying Thorne's child, and Lily a young journalist looking for THE story to give her an edge over her competition at work. A lot of author's who attempt multiple POV's like this have a tendency to eventually cause them to blur into a singular personality. Kira Peikoff completed the multi-POV effortlessly (or at least she made it look effortless). The execution of the multiple viewpoints is given the chefs kiss by having each woman portrayed by a different narrator. I really love when audiobooks have differentiation between their characters like a full cast or a different voice for the MMC and FMC. Not that there is anything wrong with a singular narrator, just that more usually heightens the listening experience.

At around 20% into the book, I took a little index card and wrote down my theories for the rest of the book. I was only 50% correct. There is this twist, and it's a small one, but when it was revealed I was a little bit shooketh. Kira Peikoff is like a slight of hand magician, while you're watching her shuffle the cards, she has secretly added an extra ace to the deck.

Baby X is a light thriller interspersed with romance, family dynamics, and a thought provoking view on embryonic selection and the implications of "designer babies". I would love to read more books that delve into the what ifs of bioengineering. This book receives a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. I recommend it to lovers of futuristic thrillers, or just thrillers in general. This would be a fantastic read for those wanting to dip their toe into the thriller genre.

4.5 ⭐️ (Rounded down) This was a great mixture of Sci-Fi and thriller, and made for a very entertaining read. I'll be honest, I could predict the big plot twist after the first third of the book, BUT that didn't take away from the story for me. If anything it made me want to keep reading so I could know how it all happened. I listened to the audiobook for this one and it was amazing, I think I stayed up till 3 am because I didn't want to stop listening. I think if you're a fan of Black Mirror, or even books by John Marrs and Blake Crouch, you'll enjoy this one! The world building was really well done without being too overwhelming, and it's not too crazy to think that 30 years from now we could be having similar problems.

Baby X written by Kira Peikoff and narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, Imani Jade Powers, and Abigail Reno was an intriguing listen. The narrators did a terrific job. I just so happened to listen to a book (The Quit List) narrated by Abigail Reno right before this listen. I was pleasantly surprised to hear her voice again. I am also a fan of the other two narrators (Local Woman Missing, The Roughest Draft), The voices were easy to listen.

This was such an interesting, futuristic read. I did not see what was coming until almost the very ending, right after Baby X was born. I really enjoy books that tie things up at the very end and you have an "a-ha" moment. This book definitely gave me all the a-has!

The concept was very interesting and really made me think. What will things be like in 2050? Gosh, I hope things do not go the way of this book. That's creepy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 3.5/5 stars.

Baby X by Kira Peikoff, brought to life by Dreamscape Audio, is a riveting speculative thriller that explores the ethical and personal ramifications of advanced biotechnology. I love an audiobook narrated by a cast and this one does not disappoint featuring the talented trio of Jennifer Araya, Imani Powers, and Abigail Reno. Their performance immerses listeners in a chilling near-future where DNA theft and its consequences take center stage.

This a fast-paced, thriller raises important questions about the future of biotechnology and privacy. The audiobook format enhances the experience, with top-notch narration that brings the characters and their dilemmas to vivid life. Whether you're an audiobook lover or new to the format, Baby X offers a gripping and thought-provoking experience that’s hard to pause with an ending twist that will have you floored.

So who is this for? Fans of Blake Crouch, John Marrs, and Black Mirror will find something to love in this imaginative and disturbing vision of the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced listeners copy, out June 4th!

☆☆☆☆☆

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape_media for this ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I havent been so enthralled in a book, especially an audiobook, recently as much as I was by Baby X. An absolute page turner that got me thinking and hanging on ro every word. It's mix of science and medical tech, presenting an all-too possible near future, combined with juicy drama and great characters, makes it an easy 5 stars.

Also, kudos to the three narrators who gave voice to the main characters. They brought so much distinct vivacity to every thought and interaction.

I cant wait to add this one to my shelves.

This book had such a unique premise. I really enjoyed it. Baby X is set in the future in a time where you are able to not only order a baby but it can be made from the cells of two people. Genetics has advanced so that you can preselect your baby to ensure that there are no risk factors, such as any defects or disabilities. This has led to people trying to steal the cells and DNA from superstars and celebrities to create a child that may be particularly attractive or have musical abilities. Trace is a musician who has been blackmailed into purchasing back his own stolen DNA. He decides to hire Ember to protect this from happening again. Ember's career has been built on keeping people like Trace safe from this type of theft which can lead to people having children they never intended to create.

The premise is interesting but Peikoff does a great job of taking this book a step further by adding a suspenseful mystery to it. When Ember and Trace run into a very pregnant Quinn and she tells them she believes she is having Trace's child, they begin to question everything. I enjoyed the stories of all three characters and the logistical intricacies of this dilemma. Lily is also brought in with a separate storyline as she is trying to hit it big as a reporter while covering some aspects of genetic conception. The audio was super well done. It was one of those books that you found chores to do around the house just so you could have an excuse to keep listening. The entire experience captivated me up through the thrilling end.

I highly recommend this to people who enjoyed The Measure as I think there are some similarities to this type of writing. I think anyone would find this to be a great book for those who want to add to their beach bag but don't want the traditional romance or women's fiction options.

3 stars

Basics
Author: she/her, US
Genre: speculative thriller, sci-fi
Setting: near futuristic US
Themes: loneliness, grief, progress of perfection, birth & rebirth
Mood: thought-provoking

Characters
Ember: a bio-security guard hired to protect a famous singer's cells from DNA theft
Lily: a budding journalist and naturally-made human wrestling with her parents' desire to select a new baby
Quinn: a surrogate who agrees to work for a widower looking to raise him and his late husband's selected embryo

Pros
+ There are so many interesting concepts to think about in this book (the ability to steal other people's DNA to create babies, pre-selecting ebryos based on predicted genetic outcomes, using genetic code for revenge/outing people, pre-selected kids suing their parents for choosing them despite major health flaws, etc).
+ It would be a great book club choice. The ethical/moral nuances would create a really dynamic and layered group discussion.

Neutral
/ I'm not a huge fan of the narrator for some reason I can't explain. Of course, this is completely subjective.

Cons
- I'm not finding attachment to any of the characters. I'm mildly enjoying the ride, but not invested.
- The writing is a bit too melodramatic for my taste. Characters think and speak in ways that make me cringe, especially listening on audio.

TW: intimate partner abuse (off-page), spousal death (off-page)

Comp Recs: Black Mirror, The One by John Marrs

Baby X by Kira Peikoff is a standalone speculative thriller and it absolutely blew my mind! This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I’m certain it won’t be the last.

Wow! Just wow!!! This is one of those books that once you start reading you should not stop until you reach the end! I couldn’t get enough of this book and had to know what would happen next! There were so many twists and turns and unexpected occurrences that I was afraid to stop reading!

I really don’t think I have the words to describe just how amazing this book was (but I'll try)!

Set in the near future, the events of this book feel so real. Like they are on the way to happen now. I found this book to be absolutely captivating and fascinating! As much as I didn’t want the book to end, I had to know how it all worked out!

I thought the characters were great! They were fascinating and I loved watching them go through life and seeing how things came to be for them. Wow!!!

The narration by Jennifer Jill Arraya, Imani Jade Powers, and Abigail Reno was amazing!!! I loved how they brought this book to life!

This is a must read for 2024!!! I know I’ll be reading it again!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was an interesting story to read, especially while pregnant with my first kid. Things this book touched on do not seem that far away from our society. There are multiple POV's that sometimes overlapped a little bit too much for me, but I was able to separate the characters once I got to know them a little more. I also did not see the ending coming that connected all the characters together. I assumed the mom did something more than what they kept telling their daughter to protect herself while pregnant, but wasn't sure what. I definitely am interested in this kind of sci-fi so this was right up my alley.

4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed this one, the not so far future really seemed like a real possibility. You get 3 POVs and when you understand why you got each one, it really ties the book together perfectly. It's speculative thriller fiction, so it's very reminiscent of John Marrs and Black Mirror. The narrators were easy to listen to and kept me glued to the story. The selection of your future baby and the way "unforeseen" (the natural way) were looked down on, really freaked me out. This was definitely a fun one but also so creepy 😂

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed Baby X. I loved the uniqueness aspect of this book. So many things are rewritten these days, so it was nice to have read a book that I can honestly say I haven’t read the concept before.

We have 3 different point of views throughout this book. I liked how the author told multiple sides of this story and how Baby X affected different families. I kept wondering throughout the book how these 3 different narrators fit together, but it was a surprisingly well put -up together ending. And ultimately I really enjoyed this futuristic concept of how radication of sickness might be played out.

Overall I would recommend Baby X. It has a futuristic/sc-fi/thrillerish theme. 4 stars for me!

***Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC copy in return for an honest review***

kira peikoff had my jaw on the floor, BABY X was incredible and will be one of my top books of 2024 🧡 thank you dreamscape media for the early audio copy 🎧

when any biological matter can be used to create life, stolen celebrity DNA sells to the highest bidder- or the craziest stalker- in this futuristic thriller!

peikoff’s writing style made this sci-fi thriller an easy one to understand! I loved all aspects of the plot and the ideas of the near future seemed extremely realistic. like why isn't there an air purifier ceiling fan already invented?! when all three of the pov’s storylines intersected at the end, I think I audibly gasped.

I’ve seen buzz for this one when it was one of aardvark book club’s selections a few months back but shockingly haven't seen many reviews! once I started reading baby x through it’s short chapters, I couldn't put it down. the only thing that stood in the way of finishing it in one sitting were my precious hours of sleep, haha!

also, the cast of narrators did a fantastic job of bringing each of the characters to life!

FIVE big stars! 🧬

A very unique and interesting read/ listen. The narrators were great. It was a little difficult to differentiate all 3 voices. If I missed the chapter change announcement, I would be a little confused to what was happening from Ember to Quinn.

I set my expectations a little too high for this one. When I read the description and heard about it in my book group I HAD to read it. I was lucky enough to get an ALC of it and from the beginning I was captivated. However, I feel like the story took a turn and got a little messy. It still kept my attention, I found all the characters held their own with their role in the book, but I was most invested in Quinn, naturally, because of the pregnancy.

The ending, especially the epilogue seemed out of place for me. Still a fun listen.

Thanks so much NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.

I am surprised that I enjoyed this so much.
It was well written, don't get me wrong, but this is so different compared to the suspense/thrillers I normally read.

This story takes place about 25 years in the future and technology is BLOOMING.
Say goodbye to planned and unplanned pregnancies and hello to lab conception. However, not just in the way you think.... but with DNA samples extracted from things like saliva and skin cells. This DNA is then converted into sperm and eggs and fertilized in a lab setting. Then you can pick and choose which embryos you'd like based on their DNA traits.
With this, cells can be stolen from the elite and sold for big bucks on the dark web without your knowledge or consent. You simply do not find out until the child is looking you in the face.

There are multiple perspectives in this story.
Quinn, a surrogate. Lily, a journalist. Ember, security detail to prevent corruption and stolen DNA. All of their storylines are so different until they are not and become intertwined.
My attention was kept, and I was very intrigued. I did not expect the ending.

I listened to the audio book of "Baby X" and really enjoyed the narrations. Each narrator was successful in ensuring you felt the different emotions as well as distinguished who was speaking.

Thank you Kira Peikoff, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book really did read like a bizarre black mirror episode and I’m still trying to decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing. I felt like it was predictable yet intriguing. Farfetched yet somehow maybe possible at some point. I knew exactly where this book was going from the start so it didn’t feel all that thrilling to me but it still kept my attention, it was a relatively quick read for me I just didn’t find it utterly captivating. It’s an okay 3 stars for me.

Baby X was an extremely gripping, futuristic yet presently important novel. I found the audiobook at times confusing—the female narrators have distinctly different voices, but I think it's difficult for my mind to make characters feel different just because the voice has changed in narration. This is a phenomenal speculative thriller for people who enjoy media about an over-technologized future turned sour.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing an ARC!