Ashme’s Song

Ashme’s Song
by Brad C. Anderson
Published by Shadowpaw Press
Review by Toby A. Welch  
$26.99 ISBN 9781998273164

When a Brad C. Anderson book drops into my life, I know I am in for an entertaining ride! I loved his last book, Duatero, so my expectations for Ashme’s Song were high. And it absolutely delivered!

Ashme is the main character in this dystopian science fiction novel. An “indigo child” with the ability to manipulate technology to her will, she lives in New Mesopotamia, a futuristic world shaped by control and conformity. She spends much of the story protecting her twin brother, who is quirky and neurodivergent—traits that are not prized in their society. 

For me, this is ultimately a story of one’s calling versus one’s loyalty, a struggle that people have faced throughout history. Seeing this theme play out in the future kept me glued to the pages. Ashme is fiercely protective of her brother, yet equally drawn to join the resistance against the regime ruling her country. Those competing pulls wage a constant battle within her. It’s an age-old conflict, told through a fresh lens. 

Even as AI and genetic modification become more common in our everyday world, I couldn’t quite imagine a future where those advancements are pushed this far. After reading Ashme’s Song, I feel like I’ve gotten a glimpse of where things could go. It’s entertaining in fiction, but terrifying to ponder in reality.

Character names can make or break a novel for me. Ordinary names bore me, but names that require a pronunciation guide aren’t much better. Ashme’s Song walks that fine line perfectly. Sergeant Limp Dick is my favourite as I could immediately picture the kind of character Anderson was portraying. Then you have Melammu, Sura, Hamilcar, Ganzer, Avalyn, Keshda, and many more. The names add flavour without being distracting. 

Ashme’s Song is a fresh and much-needed reminder that science fiction needs to take up more space on readers’ bookshelves. The way whole other worlds are created and populated with characters – human and otherwise – never ceases to amaze me. New Mesopotamia is a crazy and mesmerizing place, something that could only come from a mind like Anderson’s. It’s not surprising he worked in the biotech sector and has previously published award-nominated speculative fiction. Both experiences clearly fed into Ashme’s Song, a novel he spent eight years writing. 

You’ve probably clued in by now that I am a fan of Anderson’s work and Ashme’s Song. Ready to dive into a world of excitement and strife? Pick up this dystopian sci-fi thriller! 

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