The story focuses on two "proxies", bred and raised to be subservient to their "primes", but still human. For me this raises a lot of interesting issues such as the meaning of family, where we get our sense of identity from, and the way the characters negotiate the process of unpicking their complex and at times codependent proxy/prime relationships.

The overall story arc covers themes of transhumanism and eugenics, and the conflict between rival factions in those areas. This for me was the most interesting part of the book as it raises questions over the ethical aspects but also back to the themes of identity and what it means to be human.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and character work. The main characters felt solid and consistent, and although flawed they all felt lovable in their own way.

The ending feels like it's fairly neatly wrapped up but I would definitely continue reading if a sequel or even a trilogy were to come around.