About the book
Length: 372 Pages
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Date Published: October 2, 2023
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/8WXpAWd (USA)
https://amzn.eu/d/8cCr1rXÂ (UK)
https://a.co/d/i9zntEMÂ (Canada)Â
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199968167-the-half-life-empire
The Story Graph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/42971cc8-6951-4b22-aa91-ed12da67d885
Blurb
Hacker Kita Yamasaki would do anything to escape the post-apocalyptic landscape that was the result of the Forever Winter. But for a normal person, the only options are the war-hungry nation-state of Ex Cathedra or the isolationist United California. Fortunately, Kita is anything but normal.
When she finds a faded brochure for the BC Oasis—an underground greenhouse capable of sheltering a quarter million people—she jumps at the opportunity, even going so far as to steal a fission battery the oasis requires to operate at full capacity. There’s just one problem . . . The battery belongs to the ruthless judges of Ex Cathedra.
Now Kita finds herself the target of a deadly chase. In her race to safety, she picks up three fellow Dallas; his mute daughter, Crouton; and Bishop, a junk hunter. But will they betray her and take the battery for themselves? Is one of them a member of the cultist Iron-Blooded who worship the few remaining alien invaders scattered across Earth’s wasteland?
Faced with certain death if they’re caught by the judges’ power-armored soldiers, Kita must put aside her suspicions and make a headlong dash for sanctuary—and the promise of a new life.
When I read this book in 2024, Kita was one of the most unique female protagonists that I had ever read. Rereading the novel in 2025 only solidified my initial opinion.
Kita has lived in this post-apocalyptic hellscape crawling with aliens, judges out for blood, and other desperate humans all her life. Through the years, she has sustained several injuries from traumatic run-ins with any one of those groups. Now, she is determined to push through her physical limitations to get to the only place that might allow her a more peaceful life. An underground greenhouse that would shelter her and allow her to thrive without going to the surface much at all. I don’t think I’m qualified to say if this book counts as disability representation, but I definitely got those vibes as I read Kita’s character’s journey throughout the novel.
Half-Life Empire shares Kita’s journey as she travels to find that fission battery and the people she meets along the way. She saves Dallas, a prisoner, and ends up in the care of his mute daughter. She connects with Bishop, a junk hunter willing to help them in their mission. If you’re looking for a book with a rag-tag group of characters, truly look no further! These characters all have their own unique personalities, traumas, and strengths that work together as they face the hostile world of Ex Cathedra.
The book was well-paced throughout most of the novel, but I did find myself dragging through a few parts. Never enough for me to put down the novel for good, but I would recommend taking breaks if you ever hit one of those sections! The most interesting thing about post-apocalyptic settings to me is seeing the human desire for a meaningful, peaceful life overcome the harsh conditions of an environment that contradicts those things. This book shows that through the characters’ perseverance as they face roadblocks to their goals.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new science fiction novel with a unique female protagonist, a heart-pounding hostile environment, and a heart-warming ragtag group of characters.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 books
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