Subject Twenty-One

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

What if our future lies 40,000 years in our past? Subject Twenty-One is an astonishing debut novel in which a young woman's refusal to accept the status quo opens her eyes to the lies her society is built on.

Elise's world is forever changed when she is given the opportunity of a lifetime - to work at the Museum of Evolution and be a Companion to the Neanderthal, Subject Twenty-One.

As a Sapien, a member of the lowest order of humans, she and others like her are held responsible for the damages inflicted on the world by previous generations. This job may be Elise's only chance to escape a stagnating life in an ostracised and impoverished community.

But it doesn't take long for Elise to realise that, away from the familiarity and safety of her home, her own secrets are much harder to conceal.

And the longer she stays the more she comes to realise that little separates her from the exhibits . . . and a cage of her own.

© A.E. Warren 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Critics Review

  • A stonking good sci-fi & coming-of-age story all wrapped into one . . . a book that tackles humanity, hardship, and classism at the deepest level.

    Magic Radio Book Club

  • An unputdownable exploration into the ethics of science

    Buzz Magazine

  • A laudable debut with a sustained narrative and characterisations that demand the reader keep on their toes.

    NB Magazine

  • Incredible . . . without a doubt one of the best YA sci-fi books I’ve ever read.

    Out and About Books

  • An unexpectedly wonderful read. Unique and engaging with full Jurassic vibes to boot.

    Fictional Maiden

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