I liked the premise of an ecological science fiction novel, but this didn’t quite work. I found the environmental message was too strong – forced upon the reader by constant reiteration to the point of stalling the pacing. Every time something happened, we then returned to the importance of the environment.

I didn’t sense any depth to the characters. Jason’s ability to make anyone do as he wished meant there was no heightened tension even in moments of conflict, as all he had to do was speak. It made it predictable – there was no other outcome possible than what Jason desired. He also appeared happy to give away produce that had been referred to as valuable and rare, which undermined his apparent leaning.

Tarise felt objectified, especially the references to her as just ‘the woman’ on multiple occasions. Her sudden and miraculous development of a talent that’s supposed to take years of training was, frankly, boring. The one random chapter from her point of view also could have been handled in a more tactful way.

The plot was slow-paced with no change in rhythm and, as mentioned, no change in pace. We don’t experience what any of the characters truly feel. There was either very little growth from the main characters, or unbelievable change of minds and hearts – especially when you realise that’s technically because they’ve been drugged.

I liked the idea, and I liked the message behind it. But unfortunately, it could have done with a little more plot and development for me.