The Fertile Ones

A Dystopian Novel

By: Kate L. Mary

Narrated by: Isabella Tugman

Ara Murphy never wanted to be a mother, but the law is clear. She’s fertile, which means her body belongs to the human race.

It’s the year is 2067, and the world has been ravaged by pandemics. The population has dwindled, and fertile women are a rare and valuable commodity. In hopes of preserving our species, the United States has passed the Fertility Act, forcing all women to be screened. Participation in the program is supposed to be straight forward. Three years, one baby, then freedom.

But as Ara navigates the complex and invasive procedures within the program, she’s plagued by questions. Is the government really looking out for the good of the people, or do they have hidden motives? And how much more can they take from her in the name of survival?

Perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale, Station Eleven, The Power, and Vox, this dystopian tale of courage and bravery will keep you listening!

©2024 Kate L. Mary (P)2024 Kate L. Mary

Story is good, but…

I liked the story even though it seemed like a take off on The Handmaids Tale. Or maybe because it did, lol.

The story could have been a bit tighter since it was a bit repetitive at times, but it was still interesting. My biggest problem was with the narration. It was too much “telling instead of showing” like the narrative of a documentary.

Still, I would recommend the book. Will I buy another of the author’s books? Probably - as long as it doesn’t have the same documentary style narration.

The pacing was painfully slow

This was a great premise, and there were a lot of great ideas in the story, but there is so much fluff - so much “this this this” happened, so much that could’ve been taken out so that all that remained was the actual story. it’s a good idea executed with mediocrity. There were a few places in the narration that were repeated (editing) which doesn’t really bother me but I figured if I was going to review, the author would want to know this. Again, good premise but it’s not quite there.

Terrifying because it’s not impossible

Very well written. I was hooked from the beginning. What makes it so terrifying is the fact it’s not that far fetched. Worth the credit or money spent. Kate L Mary draws you into the worlds she creates and I’m looking forward to listening to more of her books. Narration was good. Wasn’t a fan that all the people that worked for the department of fertility sounded the same but otherwise it was okay.

Hits Close to Home

Very possible in today’s climate. Pace was good and story was exciting. Very descriptive writing style.

Twists and turns

Great engaging story Perfect for anyone looking for a dystopian novel. Loved the ending. Long read but totally worth it.

The story seems like it should be really out there, but under the right circumstances I could see it happening

The story was well written and believable.The narrator did a wonderful job.I started listening in the morning and it was so good I listened straight through until it was done.Now I'm going to look for more books by this author!

A truly EXCELLENT, and terrifying read!

The story, and its main character, felt like she was born directly out of my own mind, as myself. With all that’s going on now, politically, this was made even more anxiety-provoking for me…the unknown…possibly losing my own rights as a fertile human female. My hackles were raised nearly the entire time I was reading. I couldn’t stop listening/reading. An author’s choice in narrators can either make, or break, a story….and this lovely narrator deserves a gold medal, and a place high up on a pedestal. A truly wonderful read! Thank you, Kate!

The premise was interesting

Full disclosure I have 2 hours left of this book. This book had a compelling premise, a dystopian America where women are forced to give birth for the state under the guise of "safety," locked away by the Bureau of Fertility. But the execution is deeply frustrating.
The protagonist's rage is entirely misdirected: she blames the Bureau as if it operates in a vacuum, while giving a complete pass to the government and imperial system that built it. It's like screaming at the prison guards while pledging loyalty to the warden. Worse, she develops a romantic connection with the military officer stationed there, a literal enforcer of the system oppressing her.
Instead of interrogating the structures of power and oppression, the story turns into a weirdly sanitized romance with someone fully complicit in kidnapping, surveillance, and state violence. It undermines the gravity of the dystopia it portrays. There’s no accountability, no meaningful resistance, just a narrow, depoliticized lens on personal suffering.

If you want a story that truly tackles authoritarianism, imperialism, and reproductive control, this isn’t it. The focus stays on personal grievance instead of collective liberation, which is both disappointing and politically hollow.

Amazing. Scary. Enthralling.

This book was amazing. Scary in its potential truth of what our government is capable of. Well written. And captivating. The narration was spot on.

Started out great!

The first 1/4 of the book is good and has so much potential; most characters ever wrap up and the happily ever after ending screams teen romance.