The Prynne Viper

By: Bianca Marais

Narrated by: Genesis Oliver, Shiro Kihagi, Bianca Amato, Julio Monge, Sura Siu

In a futuristic world where predictive software can map out the lives of every living person and their descendants, Naomi Prynne is on trial. The charge: endangerment by way of a pregnancy.

Thirteen jurors will determine whether Naomi is allowed to carry the pregnancy to term, but the jurors are also all plaintiffs, the software having predicted how Naomi Prynne’s child will affect each of them in life-changing ways. Among them: a history professor who has given up on her own dreams for the sake of the greater good; a student participating in his first ever trial who’s about to discover an earth-shattering truth; and a former mathematician, who knows all too well the dark machinations of the state, but is prohibited from speaking out against them. The future of the Prynne Viper - an acronym for “viable person” - is in their hands.

But this Prynne Viper is unlike Naomi’s other pregnancies. This time, Naomi Prynne is carrying a secret, one with the power to alter the future into something incalculable, and therefore, unpredictable.

©2021 Bianca Marais (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC.

A compelling short story

In this futuristic society, many things have changed from the time before and citizens are expected to sacrifice for the greater good. Software is now able to determine how the life of every person will play out. How they will behave, grow, do in school, if they will save another person or harm someone, etc. This "predictive software" can predict an embryos interaction with other people once it becomes an adult.

Naomi Prynne is on trial, charged with endangerment for being pregnant. The court will determine whether her pregnancy will be carried to full term. But first, the predictive software will tell each juror how exactly the existence of Prynne’s potential child , the “viper” (an acronym for “viable person”), will affect their own life and the life of their family members in generations to come.

A fascinating, compelling short story. The book reminds me of 1984, The Handmaid’s Tale and The School for Good Mothers and more. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Very thought provoking

So many elements and thought provoking themes in this story. Love how reflective it is of the present day and what “progress” could possibly lead to in the future. Also verily enjoyed the last minute plot twist in the end. A very satisfying listen 🎧

Excellent

Thought provoking and beautifully narrated. Held my attention though to the end. Job well done by all.

excellent

starts out a little slow, but it gets nice and meaty! Loved the story and the ending was perfect. Highly recommend!

Brilliant

If you like dystopian stories this is a must. I would give it 6 stars if I could