Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq is a dystopian novel about a futuristic society ruled by women. In this world, women are groomed for leadership while men are taught subservience. Family, considered a patriarchal construct, is a criminal offense. Women become “manufacturers” of children who are conditioned to the idea of individuality, while men are conveniently termed “mankeys” and considered second-class citizens. They are made to believe that gender reassignment is the only way to have a better life. In the middle of all this is Nick Wong, a gig magician who is a product of the Children’s Centre. These are government-run schools designed to cultivate girls to live in the new society and to condition boys into thinking that they are the by-product of a long history of patriarchal corruption and abuse and that they must follow the New World Order rules. Nick is different. He begins to see the world around him in a new light. His increasing curiosity and desire to seek the truth escalate into a quest for human connection. With the help of Beatrice, a good friend and confidant, they both embark on a journey that will change their lives forever.

Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq examines the matriarchal society where men are stripped of their power and are considered second-class citizens and where the concept of family is rejected in favor of individualistic principles. Huzcotoq puts into perspective the far-reaching consequences of this New World Order that is strictly feminist in design. Through its magnificently constructed narrative, Huzcotoq interweaves ideas and conversations about gender inequality and the concept of family, conveniently creating a distinction between matriarchal and patriarchal ideals. It explores the harm of human individuality and disconnection through the eyes of the characters that we meet in the story. The overarching theme of Huzcotoq’s novel is the importance of building genuine human connections regardless of your gender identity or what you believe in. The world is more complex and more chaotic than we think. In an unforgiving fictional world such as this, finding solace and comfort in other people is a luxury not everyone can afford.

Severed Roots is a dystopian thriller by Nego Huzcotoq. The story is set in an alternate world where the patriarchy has been successfully removed. It has been replaced by a female-dominated society in which men are the subservient gender, and whose population and birth rates are closely controlled and monitored by the government. Nick Wong is a magician who grew up in the dreaded Children's Centers. Like the rest of his fellow men, Nick is seemingly willing to do his part to right the wrongs of the past. However, when his best friend Beatrice plunges into a spiral of despair over her desire to start a family, it sets off a chain of events leading Nick to a place that may provide the two with a bright future. Will he succeed?

Nego Huzcotoq capitalizes on an intriguing premise and weaves an engaging plot to keep readers invested until the end. What if men were subservient to women in society? Will it end wars and bring peace? What is the true role of the traditional family structure? These are some of the questions examined in Severed Roots. Huzcotoq wastes little time in getting the reader into the scheme of things, doing a stellar job of creating a world that feels like a genuine totalitarian dystopia. Nick has a likable personality that you find easy to identify with, which makes him a compelling protagonist. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to readers who love dystopian tales.