Baby X is a futuristic thriller/mystery in the style of Black Mirror and a consuming and exiting read.

The speculative developments in this future society are well detailed, playing on ethical concerns in their early emergence today. I loved the creativity in the exploration of the regulations and flow on effects of the new approaches to conception.

The writing was clever, articulate and enthralling. I couldn’t put it down and found the ending so gratifying. The societal dynamics were so well established in this the book that I think there is great potential to explore other stories in this world.

The narration was well dramatised, and contributed to the engaging nature of the story. I did find it hard at first to tell the voices of the three female leads apart, but as the story progressed the context made this much easier.

I would highly recommend to lovers of Black Mirror, Blake Crouch, or anyone looking for twisty and engaging speculative fiction.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Dreamscape media and Kira Peikoff for this read!

I really enjoyed this speculative thriller from start to finish. The author did an excellent job at telling the story from mixed POV. The plot was chillingly very realistic and intricately planned.

There was a continual build up of suspense until the end portion and I thought the end was the BEST way to wrap everything up. There are a twist or 2 in there which I didnt expect but loved

Overall a good bingeable read. Perfect for lovers of John Marrs speculative thrillers or sci fi/thriller Blake Crouch lovers.

3.5/5

First of all, I love how unique and original this story is. So many books I’ve read this year are following the same old formula so this one was a nice surprise. It’s fresh and different from everything else out there. I’m also a big fan of a full cast of voice actors in an audiobook production and this one is excellent.

Quinn, Ember and Lilly tell the story from their very different points of view. The story is beautifully weaved together for a clever ending. If you can, listen to this one on audiobook since the cast is so good.

Wow, this book blew me away! 💕 I was completely hooked from the beginning. The world building was insanely smart, the science aspect very effortless and easy to follow. The twists and turns really had me at the edge of my seat. This is the kind of realistic speculative science fiction that I absolutely love.

Set in a near-distant future, your DNA can be stolen and used to create biological children, even from the smallest genetic tissue. That becomes reality for musician Trace Thorne. He hires Ember to be his bio-security, collecting all Thorne’s DNA wherever he goes. Until a woman claiming to be carrying his child shows up out of nowhere, upturning their world and the future they were hoping to start together.

Told from the POV of three women - Quinn, Ember, and Lily - with fantastic narration performances from Jennifer Jill Araya, Imani Jade Powers and Abigail Reno. Each showcasing their character’s distinct personalities, it made the listening experience highly bingeable because I couldn’t turn it off! Their stories were so intertwined and gripping, I just adored how it came together in the end. It wouldn’t be a five star read without me shedding a tear! So big 5⭐️

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for the audiobook copy to review!

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

In a future where technology can create eggs or sperm from any person's cells, celebrities like singer Trace Thorne face the risk of encountering biological children they never conceived, driving him to hire bio-security guard Ember Ryan to protect his DNA from black market site the Vault. Despite Ember's expertise in thwarting DNA theft and her growing feelings for Thorne, their security is compromised when a pregnant woman named Quinn claims Thorne is the father of her baby.

I loved this book. Such a unique idea and a scarily plausible glimpse into the future. I don't often read sci fi, but this one was easily accessible with scientific concepts broken down into understandable explanations.

I listened on audiobook, and I appreciated the use of multiple narrators (Jennifer Jill Araya, Imani Jade Powers, Abigail Reno) to bring clarity to the shifting perspectives.

Highly recommend, and I will be adding Kira Peikoff's other books to my TBR.

Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the advanced audio copy

Baby X by Kira Peikoff
Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya; Imani Jade Powers; Abigail Reno

Bio-security guard Ember Ryan is an expert on Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Famous singer Trace Thorne has lost millions to blackmailers who hold his DNA hostage. If he doesn't pay them for his own DNA, they will sell it to the highest bidder. For Thorne, it's cheaper to pay a full time bio-security guard to be with him any time he's in public rather than risk more of his DNA finding it's way to Vault.

Ember loves this job and she's also fallen for Thorne. Everyone falls for Thorne but he's fallen for her, too. They are both walking on clouds with the happiness of their relationship when everything is shattered, their relationship, Thorne's peace of mind about his DNA security, and the future of Ember's bio-security business. An extremely pregnant woman confronts Ember and Thorne, saying she is carrying Throne's baby. Ember has a secret that is going to make everything worse.

This future world doesn't look like something I'd like to see. Mechanical pets that look real at first glance but give themselves away by the things that are off. Freedoms lost, so lost that people don't even realize they've lost them. So many hoops to jump to have a baby. Jump them and you don't face the scorn of society. Ignore them and you and your offspring are given labels for life. But then everyone is labeled nowadays. Each person's chance of passing on genetic flaws and virtues are known. Do you want to know your chances of developing debilitating and/or deadly diseases? Now those records are available to your kids. They can know the gambles you took by picking them from a bunch of embryos. Did you pick them for something good while you knew they had a high chance of being saddled with something very bad? Will they thank you or hate you for your choices?

Lots to wrap my mind around with this one. There is another woman in this story, Lily, and she's dealing with what she knows about herself that she never wants exposed. She can never feel okay with herself because of what she knows thanks to the beliefs of society. She feels the need to pretend because she's not like most people. But maybe she can use her story to explode her career choice into something that puts in her in front of others she is competing against.

How do all these people come together in this story? There are three narrators for the audiobook and I'm familiar with all three of them from previous audiobooks I've heard. They do a good job here with the viewpoints of Ember, Quinn, and Lily. The story is intriguing but disturbing at that same time.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.

<b>Read Completed 5/24/24 |</b> 3.5 stars
<b><I>Thank you to Dreamscape Media & Netgalley for this audiobook review copy! Receipt of this book for review did not affect my opinion in any way.</b></I>

I saw this title on NetGalley and any time you compare something to Black Mirror, you immediately have my attention. BABY X definitely fits the bill, and I also love the comparison to Gattaca as well, which I enjoyed watching in high school biology 😆 This book reads as a techno thriller / sci-fi thriller, which is a subgenera I'm also really enjoying right now.

This was an interesting futuristic concept where science is now able to change any cell into a gamete and embryo testing is a normal for everyone's child, so natural conception is now an oddity. There's also the issue of protecting yourself and any DNA you may leave behind so someone doesn't steal it to create their own baby. I suspended some disbelief here and went with the idea, and it was an interesting story to follow!

I liked the three different story lines here. The author did a great job at creating a plot for the three women who voice the story and giving them different background and challenges to follow. You also know that they have to connect at some point (also great for John Marrs fans) so I was wondering the whole time how one of them would actually connect and somehow I didn't see it coming! I think the author did a great job with the twists in the book and it certainly kept me on my toes.

I really enjoyed this read and it was easy to fly through! I did have a couple hang-ups in the writing where it didn't quite leave me with a four star rating. Some of the writing was just a little more... I don't quite know how to describe it. Kind of like how popcorn thrillers feel less dense? That's how I felt about the writing here. There was just something about it that could have pushed it into a higher rating for me, but didn't. The villain was also a little too villain-y. I like it more when there's a bit more grey area, or when it feels a bit more realistic. I was already suspending some disbelief so the supervillain kind of feel was a bit much for my tastes.

I'm interested to hear what other people think of this! It won't be a new favorite for me, but it was definitely entertaining.

AUDIOBOOK THOUGHTS: This book had three separate narrators for the three different POVs: Jennifer Jill Araya, Imani Jade Powers, and Abigail Reno. I really liked the voices of all three women and I think they did a great job voicing all of the characters! The narration was consistent and steady, never once taking me out of the listening experience. All of the voices were pleasing to listen to and I would listen to any one of them again!

What happens if you leave your DNA in a public place? Can anyone have it? Are they allowed to do anything with it? Do you own your DNA? In Baby X, Kira Peikoff speculates about a future where just a little DNA can spawn a life.

"Trace Thorne, a wildly popular singer, is tired of being targeted by The Vault - a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. He hires bio-security guard, Ember Ryan, to ensure his biological safety. Ember will do anything to ensure his safety. But when they are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, all bets are off."

This story is reminiscent of a Michael Crichton/Blake Crouch story - what happens when someone uses a technology for personal gain - regardless of the damage to others. There are two stories happening and it's a great twist the way KP ties them together. Chapters are short and KP makes you care about the characters.
This is near future speculative fiction. It's very easy to imagine the technology mentioned will be available soon.. I like that Peikoff doesn't get enamored with the science. There's a little bit but it never bogs down the story.

The full cast narration from Jennifer Jill Araya, Imani Jade Powers and Abigail Reno is wonderful. They give a great performance with this fantastic story from Peikoff.

The ending is wild. I was shaking my head - wondering how I didn't see it coming. Peikoff makes you think and enjoy a story at the same time. A great, quick read from Peikoff.

This one started off stronger than it ended. I thought I was on the wrong track with the ending because it seemed TOO obvious. I wasn't on the wrong track, alas. I did have one big surprise midway that I absolutely didn't see coming, which was great. With these kinds of speculative novels, I expect some challenging ideas about the impacts of scientific developments on humankind. I didn't really find anything new here. The book has been compared to Gattaca, and if you've seen the film then you've already considered many of the themes herein. Most of the themes are things that I had to debate 15 years ago in my bioethics classes. If you haven't, and don't have much exposure to bioethical implications of genetic advances, you may find this one more pleasurable than I did.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

The description does not do the book justice. Ember is cool but the other two perspectives are everything. At first I was kind of grossed out by this utopian future where babies are screened for disability because #disabilityisdiversity but you learn more and more about it as the story goes on.

Quinn is a professional surrogate. After having one baby for a couple she is hired by a man named Robert. Robert is secretive and too nice. And she is uncomfortable with things. It gets creepier and creepier as the pregnancy progresses.
Lily is a reporter and she is trying to investigate issues with the clinics, she is even more inspired when a clinic denies her own (61 year old) mother an implantation of a fetus already created.
Ember's career focuses on keeping famous people from having their DNA stolen.
This amazing story covers deep fakes, lab created babies, and surrogacy. I love futuristic stories like this because these are scary and interesting things.
I love when we start to see the way all these women are connected.
As for the narration? It was perfect! Every narrator was wonderful!
It would be neat to read this story from Lily's mom's perspective.

More books like this please! I am huge fan!

Baby X is giving Black Mirror Sci-Fi vibes that I am all about. Like the nearly tangible science fiction that kind of freaks you out because it could totally be something to happen in the near future, and with this book being set in the 2050's.. Maybe Kira Peikoff is onto something. Though, I HOPE NOT.

I thoroughly enjoyed Baby X! This story was told in 3 POV's (one of my favorite formats) with 3 separate story lines, telling each character's current experience with the way that pregnancies are conceived at this time, with embryos made out of cells that you can get just by having someone's DNA in your possession. Talk about highly scary, right? Especially for those in power, celebrities, people in abusive relationships, etc., these folks are wanting to protect their DNA at all costs. But on the positive side, normal families are able to see the entire genetic make up of their embryos before selecting which to implant, which makes natural conception basically out of the question to avoid any complications. They're able to predict future illnesses, athletic abilities, personality traits, and so on.

The only "negative" feedback I had was the middle of this story gets a bit repetitive, and there is a part toward the end where one of the characters is reading their own genetic possibilities, which did not translate well in the audiobook, as it was just a loooooong list of items. I ended up skipping through that part to get back to the story. Otherwise, the narrator was great and the audiobook was very engaging. Positively, I did NOT expect either twist. When the end was revealed, I was shook, but it brought the story together seamlessly. I am not normally a half star kind of gal, but I would definitely give this one a 4.5. It's better than a 4, but not quite perfect. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Kira Peikoff!

Thank you Netgalley and dreamscape media for the alc. My opinions are being left voluntarily. The cover immediately caght my eye and like my picks i go in blind.... this started off so good and so disturbing and was completely engrossed with the story and then nothing much happened the ending was fast and weird and I get.open ended books but definitely should have gone jn another direction....

3.5/5☆

4.5 stars

A fast paced futuristic book that had me needing to read on to see what happened. Initially I found Quinn’s timeline the most compelling, but the reveal at the end of Lily’s one really surprised me! There are a lot of interesting tech details that made the story seem real. I sort of wanted to reread it once I was done to see if there were more breadcrumbs. I think it’s best to jump into this one completely blind, I’m glad I didn’t see the comparisons before I read! If you are the type who enjoys thriller speculative science fiction, I would definitely give this a try!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced audio copy to form my honest opinions.

I purchased the physical copy of Baby X from Aardvark Book Club a few months ago but had yet to read it. When I noticed the audiobook on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it, especially since it featured a full cast. I am so glad I did because this was a sparkling five-star read for me! As someone who struggles to find Science Fiction that resonates, Baby X by Kira Peikoff was a refreshing and captivating discovery! Peikoff's novel unfolds through the perspectives of three characters, a narrative choice brought to life with stunning effectiveness in the audiobook version. Jennifer Jill Araya, Imani Jade Powers, and Abigail Reno’s exceptional performances elevate the experience because their voices imbue the characters with distinct personalities and emotions, enhancing the immersion and making it impossible to hit pause.

Baby X's premise is intriguing and timely, diving into the ethical and moral complexities of genetic engineering and biotechnology. I do not want to delve into specifics because I wish I went into this one blind, and I suggest you attempt that tactic! Peikoff’s speculative angle, reminiscent of the best Black Mirror episodes, instantly hooked me. Contrary to some reviews on Goodreads that mention a lack of engagement with the story, I found myself fully invested in the characters' journeys and the unfolding drama, so much so that I devoured the entire audiobook in less than 24 hours, a personal record that speaks volumes about the book's grip on my attention.

Peikoff skillfully explores the characters' ethical dilemmas, presenting a nuanced view of the scientific advancements that drive the plot. This depth, combined with the dynamic character arcs, results in an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant story. The intertwining of personal and scientific stakes makes for a compelling read that lingers long after the final chapter. While I did anticipate one of the major twists, which rendered its reveal somewhat anticlimactic, this did not diminish my enjoyment. The narrative includes numerous twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, maintaining high suspense and emotional investment.

Baby X is a must-read for speculative fiction fans and those who appreciate thought-provoking and engaging narratives. The audiobook's stellar narration further amplifies the experience, making it a standout example of how powerful audio storytelling can be. Despite its less than four-star rating on Goodreads, this book is a gem that deserves more recognition! If you're looking for a science fiction novel that captures the essence of Black Mirror, with all its ethical quandaries and narrative twists, Baby X is the book for you.

Wow! This book was such a wild ride! I'm not usually a huge fan of thrillers because I feel like they are very formulaic, but this book beat that theory into the ground. I loved the futuristic setting which gave it a bit of a sci-fi feel. The multi-pov kept the story moving along quickly. I literally had no idea what the twists were until they smacked me in the face, one after another. Such a fun read!

This was so good!!! The most interesting/original premise I’ve read all year. Highly recommend for fans of Jon Marrs and Black Mirror. As a lawyer I ate up all the legal ramifications.

Final note:
There was a mention of a famous basketballer whose water bottle had been stolen by a woman who was now pregnant with his child. He wanted to force her to have an abortion and have her arrest for theft, etc. I wish I knew what happened with this case and I’d welcome other books with stories about issues arising in this world!

I’m not usually a science fiction reader, but this book caught my eye and I had to read it. Set in the future, with all the crazy things technology could provide, it seemed very possible that this story could be our future. The story itself was engaging and Lily, Quinn and Ember each tell their parts of the tale with the connections finally coming together in the end. I enjoyed the story and its twists and turns, but hate the thought that we would ever become a society where we have so little privacy and offspring are “Selected” for their traits or where our DNA can be collected by strangers and used to create a baby. This was well written and I definitely recommend.

I typically read Science Fiction as an escape but this plot is so realistic it seems almost prescient. Stolen DNA, forced parenthood and designer embryos seem more ripped from the headlines instead of fantastical.

The tension started right away and didn’t let up. I listened to this on a road trip and the miles flew by.

Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya; Imani Jade Powers and Abigail Reno who all did a fantastic job reading life into these characters.

This audiobook was just posted to NetGalley yesterday, and I already finished it! I can say with the upmost confidence that this book has found its target audience (me)!

That’s right, I binged this book all in one “sitting” - I worked, made dinner, played with my kids, did laundry, finished a few round of sudoku, and got ready for bed while listening. That’s the beauty of audiobooks! And I LOVED IT! I’ve now read 47 books this year and I can GUARANTEE YOU this was a top-three read for 2024!!!!

Baby X had EVERYTHING I look for in a “hard sci-fi” thriller: a future made fraught by the technological advancement (in this case, medical and genetic technology), real science that is easily digestible but still makes you feel smart, questions of ethics, and an absolutely wild ride that kept me at the edge of my seat!

I was SO impressed by the author’s layout of the story and how the three narratives crossed paths, as well as the cast of narrators and their ability to bring each character to life. I was saying “oh my god!” at every twist and turn, and I thought the story was so beautifully layered.

You’ll hear me rave about this book for the rest of 2024 and beyond, mark my words!

Baby X is a sci-fi thriller set in the early 2050s. Much has changed in the world in terms of technology, but much remains the same. Baby X focuses on reproduction options. Most parents now "select" their embryos, based on the most desirable characteristics. Often, based on predisposition to diseases, but also based on traits like intelligence and athletic ability. Scientists have also determined a way to create sperm and egg from any DNA from a person, which has led to the theft of DNA from desirables, Nobel prize winners to professional athletes to famous musicians.

The story follows several women from very different backgrounds, a surrogate in her late twenties, a bio-bodyguard--a scientist who has made it her life's work to prevent DNA theft, and an intern at a prestigious publication. It's not clear at first how they're all connected, but I found their individual stories fascinating. The short chapters and character switches make it an especially fast read. So many of the chapters leave on a cliffhanger, so it makes you want to keep reading.

In terms of technology and the future world presented, I'd put this in a category of sci-fi lite. Those who don't generally go for science fiction shouldn't be deterred by the content. In the 2050s, technology has progressed, and the Christian Right haven't taken a stronghold over most states. Abortion rights have been enshrined and age is no longer a barrier to having and carrying a child. I found it thought-provoking to consider the ethical implications fascinating while thinking about selecting embryos, surrogacy, and defying natural biology. The audiobook is wonderfully narrated by some of my favorite narrators. They bring such life to this already engaging book. Overall, a fun and twisty read.

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley, for providing this ebook/audiobook ARC. All thoughts are my own.