Cannonball Read Bingo: I am counting this book for the “N” square.
Anwuli Okwudili is a young Nigerian woman who goes by AO, or “Autobionic Organism.” Due to an array of birth defects, followed by a freak car accident when she was a teenager, AO relies on cybernetic arms, legs, and organs to survive and function. But though she lives in a society where body augmentations are seen as unnatural, inhuman, and even sinful, AO is proud of who she is, both human and machine. After an incident at her local marketplace, AO goes on the run and meets Dangote Nuhu Adamu, also known as DNA. DNA is a cattle herder, is as traditional as AO is modern, and is also on the run after being falsely accused of terrorism. Despite their differences, AO and DNA journey together, facing mass surveillance, unearthly dust storms, and a malevolent mega-corporation.
This was a really enjoyable read. I loved AO as a protagonist. I am so used to young female protagonists who start out timid, self-effacing and awkward, and then grow into their strength. In refreshing contrast, AO is self-assured and confident from the beginning. She doesn’t need to learn to believe in herself; she just needs to find the best way to channel her pre-existing badassery. Noor is an action-filled thriller that takes on corporate malfeasance, streaming culture, and environmental devastation, while still managing to instill a sense of hope about the hope in the future. I would especially recommend it to fans of Afrofuturism, climate fiction or solarpunk.