Stop me if you’ve heard this one. In the near future, technology improves and begins to take over human jobs, leading to all sorts of stress as society begins to collapse. This isn’t my first dystopian rodeo! Despite the familiar themes, Helen Philip’s spin on this theme is unique, though, and worth the read.

Philip’s world is populated by AI-powered humanoid robots known as hums. The book begins with the protagonist, a mother of two young children named May, receiving a subtle face tattoo from a hum. The purpose of this tattoo? It’s an experiment to foil the facial detection systems of the world. An act of resistance.

As the pages race by, the dystopian future begins to feel all too present. This was especially true when a pharmacist-hum shifted seamlessly from prescription advice to an integrated advertisement for beauty products. Or, you could consider the ever-present “bunnies” attached to everyone’s wrist that end up functioning as the children’s therapist.

The environmental crises looms large as the family, flush with cash from the experimental tattoo procedure, indulges in a vacation at the local “wilderness,” which isn’t quite as wild as it seems—at least not in woodsy way.

Philips’ book is written in brief chapters which propel the reader at breakneck pace through the drama. This is a dystopian tale you will not want to miss.

Philips, Helen. Hum: A Novel. Marysue Rucci Books, 2024, Epub.