I’d never heard of this book until I read the synopsis on Aardvark’s app when it was selected as a March 2024 selection. The premise definitely intrigued me, and while I often struggle with sci-fi, this one sounded like it might be one that I’d like since it’s set on Earth and there were no space battles or warring races from different planets (I always struggle to keep everything straight in those cases).

In this book, Kira Peikoff takes readers on a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into a not-so-distant future where advancements in technology blur the lines of genetics and parenthood (and raise a lot of ethical questions). The premise is both intriguing and unsettling, as it explores the potential consequences of technology that allows for the creation of biological offspring without the traditional means of conception. Peikoff delves into the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise when science and genetics intersect with personal identity and relationships.

The book alternates between three female points of view: Ember, a bio-security guard tasked with protecting a world-famous rockstar from DNA theft; Quinn, a young woman who acts as a surrogate for couples who are unable to carry their own babies; and Lily, a young woman who dreams of becoming a writer and is looking for the story that will launch her journalism career.

Ember’s character is a strong and complex protagonist, caught between her duty to her job and the emotional turmoil that arises when she becomes entangled in the personal life of Trace Thorne – the rockstar who employs her to guard his DNA.

Quinn was the character that I enjoyed the most. She is young and naive and wants to do the right thing, but when she suspects the baby she is carrying may have been developed using stolen celebrity DNA, she places herself in danger when she starts to dig into the life of the man she carries the baby for.

Lily was also a sympathetic character, and while I liked her well enough, I never felt a super strong connection with her, mostly because I found her scenes to be less engaging. In the end, her character is very important to the overall story; I just wasn’t as invested in her scenes – mostly because I figured out pretty early on how she was connected – which led me to feel like her scenes were mostly just filler.

One of the standout elements of “Baby X” is Peikoff’s exploration of the concept of parenthood in a world where biology no longer dictates family ties. I found it really interesting that in this world, scientists have found a way to generate sperm and egg from any type of DNA, making it possible for same-sex couples to have a baby that is biologically related to both parents. People also have the ability to pick the most desirable embryo in that scientists have been able to develop DNA sequencing that gives the parents the ability to see what types of traits the child will have, as well as what potential illnesses they will likely develop in their life. It’s fascinating but also questionable. It’s definitely an intriguing concept, and throughout the novel, Peikoff invites readers to consider the ethical implications of technological advancements that have the power to redefine what it means to be a parent, a child, or a family.

In “Baby X,” Kira Peikoff has crafted a gripping and imaginative story that challenges readers to consider the far-reaching consequences of genetic technology. With its bold premise, complex characters, and a nice mystery to up the tension, this novel will make you think. Lovers of thrillers and mysteries will likely enjoy this one. I think I would have enjoyed it more had I not figured out what was going on about 1/3 of the way into the book. Still, it’s a decent read and one I would recommend to speculative fiction lovers.