Noor

By: Nnedi Okorafor

Narrated by: Délé Ogundiran

From Africanfuturist luminary Okorafor comes a new science fiction novel of intense action and thoughtful rumination on biotechnology, destiny, and humanity in a near-future Nigeria.

Anwuli Okwudili prefers to be called AO. To her, these initials have always stood for Artificial Organism. AO has never really felt...natural, and that's putting it lightly. Her parents spent most of the days before she was born praying for her peaceful passing because even in-utero she was "wrong". But she lived. Then came the car accident years later that disabled her even further. Yet instead of viewing her strange body the way the world views it, as freakish, unnatural, even the work of the devil, AO embraces all that she is: A woman with a ton of major and necessary body augmentations. And then one day she goes to her local market and everything goes wrong.

Once on the run, she meets a Fulani herdsman named DNA and the race against time across the deserts of Northern Nigeria begins. In a world where all things are streamed, everyone is watching the "reckoning of the murderess and the terrorist" and the "saga of the wicked woman and mad man" unfold.

This fast-paced, relentless journey of tribe, destiny, body, and the wonderland of technology revels in the fact that the future sometimes isn't so predictable. Expect the unaccepted.

©2021 Nnedi Okorafor (P)2021 Tantor

A Fantastic story

This is the first story from an author who experienced life on the African continent that I have read. It combines current day events and perspective from the point of view of people who are from a different culture and perhaps, class with future technology. It also shows that you don’t have to have advantages created by money to affect change in the world.
Well done!

A realistic future with realistic consequences

The plot, themes, and technology in this piece were well thought out and interesting. AO is a unique protagonist with a singular voice. I loved her internal struggle with her dependence on technology because it feels so relevant. I also love how Ultimate Corp feels sadly realistic.
Where this didn’t hold up for me was the style. I felt like this book told me too much without putting in the details that I was hoping for, which made it difficult to connect with emotionally.
That being said, I had no trouble suspending my disbelief. This manages to have realistic technology with realistic consequences. A great commentary on our times.

Terrific read!

This is an extremely captivating work from great start to excellent finish. Highly recommended book!

Nice story

It was a fun short listen - Afro-cyberpunk type setting. Strong leading characters. I wanted more of something I can’t put a finger on it. It was good - I wish it was great.

Such an Intense read

When I read the synopsis I assumed this would be an easy light hearted read. Immediately you're thrown into conflicts. The main Characters literally fighting for their lives against EVERYONE, This book is the perfect example of how the Media can change the narrative/views of a situation to control what they want everyone to know/see. And how people with fail to see reason, even when presented with the truth. Its also a perfect example of how much the government controls in our everyday lives. Lastly it poses the question, if you had the ability to enhance your body with AI to help your overall life experience... WOULD YOU?

Such a great book, and the narrator is AMAZING.