In a near-future world devastated by deadly heat and dominated by the mysterious, ever-present Soundfield, scientist Hannah risks everything to protect her gifted, nonverbal son Isaac from a government intent on exploiting children like him. Exploring themes of maternal sacrifice, the ethics of scientific discovery, and the power of language and music, the story blends dystopian survival with a haunting meditation on what it means to keep a child safe in a silenced, uncertain world.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world transformed by the arrival of the mysterious Soundfield, the novel follows Hannah, a former scientist, and her young son Isaac, who possesses unique abilities connected to the Soundfield. The Soundfield, an unexplained atmospheric phenomenon, emits a constant hum and has rendered the sun's UV radiation deadly, forcing humanity to live nocturnally and adapt to food and resource scarcity. The government, operating under authoritarian rule, seeks out children like Isaac for the Atavism Project, believing their genetic and musical gifts may hold the key to understanding or communicating with the Soundfield. The narrative alternates between Hannah's present struggle to keep Isaac safe and flashbacks to her scientific career, exploring themes of maternal protection, language, music, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific discovery in a collapsing society. The story is set primarily in the UK, though the country is never explicitly named, and features elements of dystopia, science fiction, and thriller, with a focus on the emotional and psychological toll of survival in a world marked by environmental catastrophe and government control.

Readers praised the book's immersive world-building, atmospheric prose, and the detailed depiction of a society forced into nocturnal living due to climate change and the Soundfield. The relationship between Hannah and Isaac was frequently highlighted as a compelling emotional core, with Hannah's maternal instincts and Isaac's nonverbal but musically gifted character resonating with many. The scientific and musical aspects, including the plausible integration of genetics, language acquisition, and the Soundfield's musical language, were appreciated by those interested in speculative and academic fiction. The audiobook version received positive feedback for its narration and sound effects, which enhanced the eerie presence of the Soundfield. Some readers also noted the inclusion of sign language representation and minor queer themes as strengths.

A common criticism among readers was the book's pacing, particularly the slow build-up and the late arrival of key scientific explanations and plot revelations. Many found the ending abrupt or unsatisfying, with numerous plot threads left unresolved and the central mysteries—especially the nature and origin of the Soundfield—remaining largely unexplained. Some readers felt the story relied on familiar dystopian tropes and questioned the internal logic of the world-building, such as inconsistencies in the depiction of daily life, government control, and the consequences of musical ability. The density of scientific exposition and the lack of immediate answers led some to disengage, while others were frustrated by the open-ended conclusion and the sense that the book served more as the first installment of a series rather than a standalone narrative.

The book has generated a moderate level of reader engagement, with 146 ratings and 55 full reviews, and an average rating of 3.6 out of 5. Content warnings noted by readers include themes of blood, cancer, child death, chronic and terminal illness, grief, gun violence, and murder. The narrative's focus on the intersection of climate change, government authoritarianism, and the search for meaning in a changed world is frequently mentioned, as is the author's background as a composer, which informs the musical elements of the plot. While some readers compared the book to other dystopian works such as 'The Road,' 'The Hunger Games,' and 'Arrival,' others noted that the story's unresolved questions and ambiguous ending left them hoping for a sequel. The book is scheduled for publication on July 1, 2025, and is positioned within the genres of science fiction, dystopia, thriller, fiction, and horror.