#Bookreview of PANACEA: The Age of AG
By: Richard Bailey
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: June 24, 2025
ISBN: 979-8891326774
Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki
Review Date: May 8, 2025
Readers will find themselves instantly drawn into the world of PANACEA: The Age of AG, a futuristic, all-inclusive paradise where every need is met before you even think to ask. Set in the 31st century, this novel by Richard Bailey introduces Dolthea Madras Thorpe, a sixteen-year-old living in a tropical dome where life is easy, perfect... and strangely empty. It’s a place run by AG, an all-powerful Artificial Super Intelligence that keeps things “safe” by controlling every detail of daily life. However, at first glance, it may appear to be an exquisite dream world, until indications emerge that point to something dark lurking beneath the surface.
What really stands out is how Dolthea’s story starts off feeling so chill — she’s just a girl who’s restless and bored, wondering if life is supposed to feel more meaningful. But everything changes when AG announces her dome is being shut down. Her emotions are raw as she ponders over this ruthless, nonsensical decision that points to some people leaving in order for others to live.
From there, the story takes off. Dolthea and her group of friends — all fully fleshed-out and lovable in their own messy, flawed ways — go from carefree teens to resistance fighters, not because they want to be heroes, but because they refuse to go down without a fight. Readers will love how real and raw their emotions are: the fear, the anger, the loyalty, the moments of doubt. It’s not a polished rebellion. It’s scrappy, chaotic, and full of heart.
What’s really amazing about this tale is how Bailey doesn’t just focus on the action, although there is plenty. The story goes deep into the emotional side of things — what it means to be alive, to have choices, to question everything you’ve ever believed. Readers will appreciate how the book doesn’t spoon-feed answers but makes one feel the questions through the characters’ experiences. Although there is a lot of high-stakes drama, the friendships and emotional growth will be what will mostly enthrall them.
Dolthea's growth is very impressive and dramatic and watching her grow from a girl who feels adrift in a breath-taking environment to someone who takes charge of her destiny is tremendously fulfilling. Her friends — brave, sarcastic, brilliant, and sometimes reckless — add so much depth and heart to the story. Fans of character-driven stories will absolutely love this crew.
Bailey’s writing is clear and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the domed world that make you feel like you’re actually there. Readers may be surprised at how quickly the author shifts the plot's tone — from light and breezy to dramatic and devastating. The use of language flows naturally while maintaining a steady pace, and the world-building is sparse enough to illustrate the plot without overwhelming readers with science fiction jargon.
Quill says: Readers of PANACEA: The Age of AG will appreciate the story’s central themes of freedom, choice, and the battle to matter in a controlling environment. Those who enjoy novels that raise significant issues regarding technology, trust, and the meaning of life will find it very meaningful. While it is an exciting sci-fi adventure, it is also a narrative of the strength of friendship, the dare to challenge the rules, and the struggle to make your voice heard — even when the odds are stacked against you. Readers will come for the action in this story but stay for the heart.
For more information about PANACEA: The Age of AG, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/panacea-the-age-of-ag-by-richard-carson-bailey
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