Thank you NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for this ARC!

This is a messy and emotional slow burn romance. The chemistry between the MC's is addictive. It's written so well I felt as if I was transported into this world. Also has great queer representation.

If you’re searching for a dystopian adventure with the emotional punch of The Hunger Games and the lived-in world-building of Divergent, The Mutant and the Mule by A.A. Blair deserves a spot at the top of your TBR pile. This novel isn’t just another survival story, but a raw, propulsive journey through a society that’s as oppressive as it is eerily plausible, anchored by characters who are equal parts vulnerable and fierce.

At the heart of the story is Helia, a Freeland infiltrator whose first mission behind enemy lines is as much about navigating her own conscience as it is about espionage. She’s not your typical, invincible dystopian hero; she’s haunted, flawed, and deeply human. Her alliance with Ari, a Mule who’s spent her life scraping by in the shadows, forms the emotional core of the book. Their partnership is messy, honest, and beautifully queer, offering a slow-burn connection that’s as much about survival as it is about learning to trust and love in a world that’s determined to erase people like them.

Blair doesn’t just tick the diversity box; the LGBT themes are blended easily into the plot, giving readers a relationship that feels authentic and hard-won. The chemistry between Helia and Ari is palpable, and their journey from wary allies to something more is handled with nuance and care. It’s a refreshing change from the usual dystopian fare, adding representation that fans of inclusive sci-fi will appreciate.

The action is cinematic, the stakes are sky-high, and the world-building is immersive, from the claustrophobic sewers to the chilling halls of the Department of Sanitation.

For readers who loved the found-family vibes of Six of Crows or the rebellion and romance of The Hunger Games, The Mutant and the Mule is a must-read. It’s a story about fighting back, finding yourself, and daring to love in the darkest of places. Highly recommended for anyone who likes their dystopias with a side of heart and a dash of queer magic.