Augmented: A thrilling YA sci-fi packed with romance and rebellion

By Author / Illustrator

Kenechi Udogu

Genre

Science Fiction

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Faber & Faber

ISBN

9780571385843

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-06-2025

Synopsis

In a future where humans are enhanced to ensure the survival of society Akaego fights to prevent her power to grow plants from being weaponised by a corrupt regime.

'I was going to be a Mechsim. I was going to use my powers to make a difference.'

In a near-future London, where extreme weather has depleted plant life, 16-year-olds must surgically augment an ability to contribute to the new utopian society. Akaego moves to a prestigious academy after the late discovery of her rare ability - she can project a vocal frequency that accelerates plant growth.

As Akaego learns to use her new skill and is chosen for an internship with the mayor, she begins to feel like she can change society for the better . . . and it doesn't hurt that the mayor's gorgeous son, Joon, seems to be flirting with her. But then the Freestakers, an anti-enhancement group, warn Akaego not to get Augmented. Can she discover the truth of her ability, find the courage to rebel and keep her power out of the hands of those wishing to control it?

Praise for Augmented: 'A truly original novel. Brilliant, illuminating, I loved every second of it.' Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, author of Sunday Times bestseller The Principle of Moments. 'Brilliant . . . I cannot get the story out of my head.' Kathryn Evans, award-winning author of Beauty Sleep. 'Filled with so many twists and turns . . . I loved it!' David Fenne, author of Overemotional. 'Amazing . . . I couldn't put it down.' S. A. Gales, author of iNSiDE. 'Exciting and original.' Kathryn Clark, author of Things I Learned While I Was Dead

Download Extract

Reviews

Sam

Augmented is a fast-moving dystopian sci-fi read that will undoubtedly appeal to a wide range of KS3 readers. appeal to a wide range of KS3 readers. The book's main protagonist, Akaego, is a skilled coder who is recognised by the governing system for her rare and highly prized ability and quickly put to work. But... at what cost? Is she being revered for her talent or exploited? Certainly, a question well worth considering in any group reading or class situation. Do we respect, use or possibly abuse our friendships?

Set on an Earth so ravaged by climate change that stepping outside requires a full-body suit and an airlock, Augmented offers a fascinating glimpse into a future shaped by the consequences of some of the choices we make today. This fascinating read will certainly give its reader something to think about this summer.

This is a thought-provoking read that provides no end of points for discussion, particularly around how we use technology. A fabulous book with just the right amount of romance without losing the main storyline, lots of action, a good emphasis on family and a touch of humour, too. What more could a teen want from their summer read?

I'm not usually a sci-fi reader but I really enjoyed this book, definitely one I'll be recommending to my YA readers. PS: Loved the cover illustration too.

400 pages / Reviewed by Sam, teacher

Clair

Augmented is set in a future where the climate crisis has meant that plant life is depleted and there is a fight for survival. The decision has been taken to enhance abilities so that people can make a real difference. On an Earth where people can no longer go outside without wearing specially adapted hydration suits, there are fully enclosed parks to grow food and create clean air. The buildings need airlocks and there are atmospheric water generators. We follow Akaego (Engineer), a teenager with the power to make plants grow using her voice.

Augmented blends cutting-edge science with ethical dilemmas in a fresh way. I really enjoyed the author's style of writing. The characters feel real and relatable and the pace kept me hooked from the first page. I love the main character, Akaego, who is quick on the uptake and keen to prevent her special talent from being weaponised by a corrupt regime.

If you're into sci-fi, love technology and adventure, then Augmented is definitely worth reading. It raises issues including the use of technology, social justice and the environment. I found myself totally absorbed in this dystopian read, which incidentally I read during a heatwave - which made it all the more thought-provoking.

Margaret

Augmented is a totally absorbing crossover between a science fiction and dystopian world. It is set in a version of Britain, specifically London, where food is at a premium and people can only stay outside for very short times, without wearing specialised suits.

The premise of the story is that, at the age of 16, everyone has their special talent 'augmented' so that they can become useful members of society. Akaego is looking forward to her future, until she is discovered to have a very rare ability; she can make plants grow much quicker than usual, using just her voice. What follows is dangerous and highlights some of the issues that occur when an authoritarian ruler tries to manipulate the population.

The book is multi-layered with the emphasis being on how useful people are to the community and hence, how they are treated. We also have the situation where the youth have been brainwashed to accept that they have to focus on one specific skill set. Linked to all of this is a group called the 'Freestakers', those who do not believe in augmentation and want the freedom to chose their way of life; something that brings them into direct conflict with authority.

The author has created an excellent balance between the science fiction and dystopian concepts and the reader is totally drawn in to the world that they have created. Although the characters are late teens, there is nothing to make this inaccessible for the competent 12+ reader.

400 pages / Reviewed by Margaret Pemberton, librarian