The science fiction book, Babylon Twins, is a strange little tale of human survival amidst a machine-created apocalypse.
El and Clo are twin girls. They and their younger brother, Dyre, avoid the machine takeover when their mom escapes with them into the forest. Ten years later, the children are grown. They must return to the city to find their mother. On the way they battle unique creatures within the surreal environment created by AI.
Babylon Twins has an original take on a post-apocalyptic world. The world-building was my favorite part. Robotic Santa Clauses wandering in the forest trying to capture stray humans? Yes, please. The plot was good and seemingly followed what two teenage girls would do in each situation. However, is that enough to recommend this book to you? Unfortunately, not really.
The characterizations were paper-thin. Clo is the sentimental and boy-crazy twin. El’s main characteristic is her ability to calmly problem solve, which usually just involves shooting something. Both girls are extremely violent, as is this new post-apocalyptic world. But the author clearly points out this was their style even before the machine takeover—as eight-year-olds. The lesson appears to be that society may lock you up now but just wait until the end times when your skills will be highly sought after.
For these reasons, Babylon Twins receives 2.5 stars from me. If you like to read for the plot and not the characters, you may enjoy the author’s inventiveness. Otherwise, it’s probably not a good choice.
Thanks to Girl Friday Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.