"incredible book… I'm still buzzing with excitement."
– Charlie Jane Anders, Hugo Award-winning author
"World Running Down is a Valentine’s Day release in the vein of Becky Chambers’ cozy, progressive science fiction."
– Den of Geek"A profoundly charming, funny, romantic, and endearing read."
– Buzzfeed"Spunky, scrappy, and earnest, the heroes—both human and AI—of Hess’s wildly entertaining latest make pitch-perfect guides through a dystopian near-future… Hess uses android bodies to offer additional insight into the trans experience, focusing on issues of autonomy and self-discovery… A rip-roaring adventure plot helmed by characters whose vitality and hope one can’t help but root for. Fans of speculative fiction and inventive queer stories will delight in this playful and lovingly crafted romp."
– Publishers Weekly“A piercing mix of relevant social commentary braided into a riveting scifi adventure."
– Sunyi Dean, author of
The Book Eaters "Hess's debut makes me glad I'm a reader because I couldn't have gotten this story any other way. Books, like Hess's characters, still dare to love."
– R.W.W. Greene, author of
Twenty-Five to Life"Hess's story asks big questions about selfhood, identity and consciousness with sweetness and verve and a big dollop of queer love. A rousing and touching read."
– Khan Wong, author of
The Circus Infinite"Get ready for a wildly fun trans sci-fi adventure"
– BookRiot"Much more light and energetic than the usual dystopia, Hess’ story of queer lovers in a variety of forms should please those looking for a diverting and fun queer-sf read."
– Booklist"Engaging prose and compelling dialogue make this novel an easy read that will appeal to teen and adult readers who enjoy sci-fi that addresses social justice issues."
– Library Journal "It poured warmth and light into my chest brighter than the biggest Steward’s Eye. I can’t do it justice. The characters are my children – I have adopted them all. All of them. I am their found family."
– Kel Russell, Independent Bookseller
“Full of adventure, charm, and deeply human insights, the world in Hess’s
World Running Down is an apocalypse you won’t want to leave.”
– Seth Fried, author of
The Municipalists
