the book hive

Always Human

by Ari North

ISBN: 9781499811100

“[A] radiant book. Charming, heartfelt, and unabashedly queer…”

—Lilah Sturges, Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass; The Magicians: Alice’s Story

Submit your proof of pre-order of ALWAYS HUMAN by Ari North before 5/19/2020, and receive exclusive content from Ari herself!

In the near-future, people use technology to give the illusion of all kinds of body modifications—but some people have “Egan’s Syndrome,” a highly sensitive immune system that rejects these “mods” and are unable to use them. Those who are affected maintain a “natural” appearance, reliant on cosmetics and hair dye at most to help them play with their looks.

Sunati is attracted to Austen the first time she sees her and is drawn to what she assumes is Austen’s bravery and confidence to live life unmodded. When Sunati learns the truth, she’s still attracted to Austen and asks her on a date. Gradually, their relationship unfolds as they deal with friends, family, and the emotional conflicts that come with every romance. Together, they will learn and grow in a story that reminds us no matter how technology evolves, we will remain… always human.

Rendered in beautiful detail and an extraordinary color palette, Always Human is a sweet love story told in a gentle sci-fi setting by a queer woman cartoonist, Ari North.