It is the twenty-sixth century. The world is now divided into several territories under the rule of 200 designated rulers. Thanks to the work of a twenty-first-century scientist, Mason Pratt, the rulers can live beyond what is humanly possible. They only need Supplicants, people genetically engineered through CRISPR technology, whose sole purpose on Earth is to pray for continued life and vitality for a designated ruler. Out of territorial greed, Alois Volpe, a ruler, hires Typhon, a cyborg warlord commanding a legion of CRISPR-modified mercenaries, to assassinate Grand Master Tyl Fontaine, a fellow aging ruler, and annihilate his Supplicants. KAX, a Supplicant of the Grand Master, survives the bloodbath, only to end up in the hands of Typhon’s mercenaries and later his fortress. Soon, she gives birth to a child, whom Typhon claims as his heir. However, when the child goes missing, KAX must not only find him but also live on the run, escaping the wrath of Typhon and Venator, a cyborg contracted by Typhon to hunt down the duo. Find out more in Supplicant by Kip Cassino.

If you are looking for a dystopian sci-fi novel laced with adventure, suspense, plot twists, and a touch of drama, Supplicant by Kip Cassino is a worthy pick. Teasing the idea of a technologically and scientifically advanced future world, Cassino weaves an enthralling tale, introducing readers to a diverse, fascinating cast. The world-building is expansive, integrating existing cultures and geopolitical settings into the oppressive, dystopian world. This made both the cast and their world relatable. The dynamic conversations revealed the characters’ emotions and personalities. I quickly grew to like some and loathe others. In a world where their lives are at the mercy of the powerful, the duo must rely on their wits and hard-to-come-by friendship to survive. Cassino paints a clear picture of the advantages and disadvantages of technological and biological advancements to human civilization. We also see the roles human beings play in every outcome.

Supplicant by Kip Cassino takes place in a future world where a small group of powerful people, the sempiternals, live almost forever. This only works because their life is supported by the prayers of humans, the supplicants, who were genetically created for this very purpose. The story is about KAX, a specially designed supplicant, and her young son, Palido (Talos), surviving in a world controlled by these immortal rulers and their cyborg armies. KAX faces imprisonment, physical torture, and harsh environments while doing everything she can to protect Palido. Along the way, she sees how people are used for power, how the system really works, and what she must give up to survive. Her journey blends action, political plotting, and moments where hope shines through, highlighting both the harshness and the bravery in this world. Will KAX manage to keep Palido safe? Can they somehow change the way things are?

Kip Cassino’s Supplicant pulls you into a tense and dangerous world that sticks with you. Seeing everything from KAX’s point of view makes it easy to understand her life, her fears, and her struggles. I could tell exactly how determined she was, almost as if I was living it with her. The book doesn't gloss over the cruelty of the sempiternals or the mercenaries, but it also reveals KAX’s cleverness and how her resilient spirit pushes her forward no matter what. The relationship between KAX and Palido makes the story more personal and keeps it unpredictable because they both face their own tough decisions and challenges. The combination of technology, faith, and politics keeps the tension high, so it’s difficult to put the book down. People who enjoy survival stories, dangerous situations, and sci-fi worlds will be drawn into Supplicant.

The world is not what it used to be. Once-great nations have fallen, and technology has turned the corner. In its place stands an assortment of fiefdoms ruled by a select group known only as the 'two hundred.' The two hundred have lived long lives thanks to one man's breakthrough in technology and the regular supplications of genetically bred humans whose only purpose is to keep these powerful people alive. But even in paradise, problems abound as distrust and power plays lead to frequent strife among the power brokers. Kax is a gifted female supplicant and a victim of one of these dangerous power plays. Her journey to finding a haven brings her to the attention of unscrupulous individuals who see a unique opportunity in her gifts. Only time will tell if Kax succeeds in Kip Cassino's Supplicant.

Kip Cassino uses a mix of ancient and modern elements in the world-building and origin stories for each faction in Supplicant. Each political entity has a unique name with a detailed history that connects it to present-day countries. One example is the Beehive Republic with its American and Mexican constituent states. Cassino uses the same approach with the military factions. His descriptive storytelling style presents modern marvels of technology, such as hyper-intelligent cyborgs, alongside ancient contraptions better suited to a prehistoric timeline. The result of this approach to storytelling is a fascinating planetary political structure that will immerse readers in the nonstop intrigue. The author blends rapid pacing with attention to detail in the skirmishes between the factions, emphasizing their strategies and weaponry. Supplicant is a riveting story with a thought-provoking theme about the future of the human race.