I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

More queer autistic scientist women, please!

The Outside by Ada Hoffmann is a complicated novel that blends autism, heretics, "madness" and understanding in a world where humans are governed by AI Gods. Since the whole book is about going past what your mind is capable of understanding, it's not always easy to follow what's happening.

I loved the characters, and I loved Yashira, Elu and Egna especially. It was interesting to root for both sides, or at least be attached to characters on both sides, because it didn't seem like there was a scenario where both of them would win. I headed into this book thinking it was a standalone, but based on the ending, I really felt like there's a sequel coming.

I admit, the whole "everything is a lie" thing repeating all the time got frustrating after a while, and the book was denser than I would have liked, but those are personal preferences. Those who enjoy science fiction where there is a bigger focus on the science part will be likely to enjoy this.