We Lived on the Horizon was a captivating and atmospheric read. Swyler's writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures with lines like, "The sea was a symphony of blues, crashing against the rocks in a timeless rhythm."

I was drawn into the characters' struggles and triumphs, their deep connection to the sea, and the enduring power of love and loss. The exploration of family secrets and the echoes of the past resonated deeply. However, the nonlinear narrative and the shifting perspectives took a bit of getting used to, and I occasionally found myself losing track of the timeline.

Overall, We Lived on the Horizon is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of human connection and the enduring power of the natural world.

I am so excited for this book to come out and for everyone to read it so we can discuss it. Be sure to add it to your pre-order list—it’s releasing on January 14, 2025. We’re planning to pick up an extra copy, so feel free to borrow it if you need one.

Erika mentioned that she has worked on this book for 10 years, and it really shows. The story is incredibly layered and nuanced, making this my favorite of hers so far. One of the blurbs compares her writing to that of Ursula K. Le Guin and Iain M. Banks. Having read Le Guin, I can wholeheartedly agree with that comparison.

The story is compelling. I found myself constantly reaching for my Kindle or Kindle app to sneak in a few pages whenever I could, and then devouring large portions at night. The world she’s created feels real and believable, almost like stepping into a Kazuo Ishiguro novel.

Yet, it’s also a quiet novel—one that invites pondering, wondering, and deep thinking. Themes of utopia and revolution, body autonomy, body mutilation, and technology are woven throughout. This will make an excellent book club pick.

I also think this book would pair wonderfully with T.J. Klune's "In the Lives of Puppets", "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro, and "Service Model" by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Just an absolutely incredible look into the future asking questions of class, race and the role of artificial intelligence.

In the city of Bulwark, there is a clear divide between the haves - those deemed "Saints" as there families sacrificed greatly in the past to preserve the city and those who are the have nots. The Saints, live in luxury in beautiful houses manned by complex AI systems. The have nots, work hard and spend as much time as possible avoiding places like the hospital where they may go into great debt. Some of the have nots are even Body Martyrs - and live to give up their own organs so that the Saints can continue to thrive.

Saint Enita Malovis, has spent her life devoted to bio-prosthetistism - growing organs and limbs for others that she attaches or inserts at no cost. She feels that is the least she can do as her life was saved by the donation of a liver. Enita is aging and has spent much of her free time growing limbs and skin to create a body that her house AI could inhabit It is her hope that the AI, Nix, will be able to take on her work after she passes.

However, before she finished her work, a rebellion begins to be planned in Bulwark. Enita needs to decide what she should do - can she truly defend the life of the Saints? What does this mean for Nix?

This book is so much more complex than my description - but only in an amazing and great way. If you love speculative fiction this should be your next book!
#atria #welivedonthehorizon #erikaswyler

Erika Swyler’s We Lived on the Horizon is a twisted sci-fi nightmare that’ll leave you questioning humanity’s future. The world's gone to hell in a handbasket, and the survivors are locked in a high-tech prison called Bulwark. It’s a place where the elite, the Sainted, live in luxury while the rest struggle to survive.

Enita, a brilliant bio-prosthetic surgeon, is at the heart of this twisted tale. She creates mind-blowing, yet disturbing body modifications. But things take a dark turn when she brings an AI, Nix, to life. Their bond is both fascinating and creepy.

The book is packed with body horror that’ll make your skin crawl. From grotesque surgical procedures to the disturbing implications of advanced prosthetics, Swyler doesn’t hold back. And the sci-fi elements are equally mind-boggling. AI, genetic engineering, and a world on the brink of ecological collapse create a terrifyingly plausible future.

If you’re into dystopian stories that blend sci-fi, horror, and social commentary, We Lived on the Horizon is a must-read. Just be prepared to have some nightmares.

This book isn’t just a story; it’s an experience that made me reflect on the fragile balance between human ambition and the technology we create. It’s one of those rare reads that lingers with you, leaving a deep, lasting impact. I couldn’t put it down.