Review of 2084

[Li Zapata]

[Following is a volunteer review of "2084" by Kadon Landon Peterson.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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2084 by Kadon Landon Peterson is a book that features a world in which body modifications and eugenics are as normal as eating. The lines that define human, machine, animal, and God are blurred. We follow one of the last humans who were naturally born and haven't been modified. His name is Dune and he is the son of a well-known engineer and architect. Dune has a personal issue with authority, so he ends up on a mission to destroy the systems that have shaped the world as he currently knows it. He works with the second biggest authority in his world, a religious organization of natural-born humans, to fight a war for their bodily autonomy.

The book itself is well-written and presents an exciting setting! The details of the setting were revealed gradually and always left me excited for the next bit I could get. The two large organizations participating in the narrative seemed very fleshed out. Both had realistic wants and needs, that many hold today, which then evolved into two extreme and opposing ways of thinking.

Dune is also well written. He has a very intense way of thinking fueled by his history, family, and the world around him. I was infinitely intrigued by the way he thought and talked with people. However, while Dune is a product of good writing, he is not a good person. That fact only adds to how unique this book is, though. Many characters do morally grey things, but it is rare to see a character be such an overtly bad person. This, unfortunately, left room for me to be upset when the plot did not condemn the actions of Dune when he performed or condoned terrible things.

It should be clear that 2084 covers many intense and triggering topics. Some things were integral to the plot, while others were unneeded and disturbed me the most while reading. If you intend to read this book, know that it is not for the faint of heart and should be strictly for mature audiences.

The thing I disliked most about this book, however, is the women. I really enjoyed Fennec’s story and personality, but I couldn’t help but notice she is relegated to only be a victim and an object of Dune’s affection. Many of the other women are the same: victims or tools for men and the plot. If not for the misogynistic writing, I think this book could’ve been a great read.

So, while the setting was intriguing and the characters were unique, I think the misogynistic writing of women and the unnecessary inclusion of some of the disturbing content warrant a 4 out of 5 stars.

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2084
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