In a near-future world transformed by an anti-aging vaccine, society grapples with overpopulation, resource scarcity, and the ethical fallout of a banned immortality upgrade that causes psychosis among the wealthy elite. As compulsory euthanasia laws are enforced and "Supers" are hunted, two women—Ruth, the scientist behind the original cure, and Mara, an investigator with personal motives—form an uneasy alliance to stop the rogue creator of the deadly SuperJuve from unleashing an even greater threat.
Set in a near-future society transformed by the discovery of an anti-aging vaccine, the story follows Ruth, a scientist whose research into her daughter's fatal disease inadvertently leads to the creation of ReJuve, an annual injection that halts aging and prevents age-related diseases. Her work is co-opted by Erik Grundleger, who, with the backing of wealthy elites, develops SuperJuve—a one-time injection granting practical immortality to the rich, known as Supers. The resulting explosion in population, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation prompts governments to impose a mandatory end-of-life age at 120 and to outlaw SuperJuve, which is found to cause psychosis. Omnicide investigators like Mara are tasked with tracking down and executing Supers. The narrative alternates between Ruth and Mara, who form an uneasy alliance to stop Grundleger, who is rumored to be alive and working on even more radical interventions, as they confront the catastrophic consequences of unchecked scientific advancement and social inequality.
Readers highlighted the book's detailed world-building, noting the plausibility of its dystopian future and the thorough exploration of the societal, ethical, and environmental consequences of extended lifespans. The dual perspectives of Ruth and Mara were frequently praised, with many finding their contrasting personalities and evolving relationship compelling. The depiction of overpopulation, loss of green spaces, and the stratification between those who can afford immortality and those who cannot resonated with readers, as did the integration of themes such as privilege, healthcare, and the moral dilemmas of scientific progress. The pacing, suspense, and thriller elements, including twists and a high-stakes cat-and-mouse dynamic, were also cited as strengths, as was the nuanced portrayal of the antagonist, Erik Grundleger.
Some readers expressed minor criticisms, such as a desire for more development in the book's falling action, feeling that the conclusion read more like a movie script than a novel. A few noted that the scientific terminology, while generally accessible, could have been explained more thoroughly for those less familiar with the subject matter. There were also comments that Mara was initially difficult to connect with emotionally, though this improved as her backstory was revealed. Additionally, one review mentioned that certain intense scenes near the end might be disturbing for some readers.
The book has received a high average rating (4.64 out of 5) from 72 ratings and 41 full reviews, with many readers noting its suitability for book clubs due to the range of discussion topics it raises. The narrative structure moves between past and present, providing context for the societal changes and the personal motivations of the main characters. The story draws on contemporary concerns about aging, medical ethics, and environmental sustainability, and references to other dystopian works and real-world scientific trends are woven throughout. The book is categorized as science fiction, thriller, and general fiction, and was published in April 2025.