He grins. “I know a woman who falls for a partial derivative when I see one.”

you know, this was actually rather superb? The potential ability and intellect of these kids, set in such a bleak future really comes to shine through. When I thought they were all just airheads and wasn't really expecting much of this story, I assumed it would just be an average read. But the first EVA just over half way through brought a tear to my eye and from then on, it was clear to me I was hooked and cared about what happened. SO that's a great sign right there.

whilst I can't really get behind all the slang and moral torpidity and the medianess is extreme, this is still a brave, engaging work with a lot riding inside.