“A riveting opening series instalment that introduces spirited characters and an unforgettable dystopian world.”

If you’re searching for a space sci-fi novel that fuses gritty dystopian intrigue with a dash of the fantastical, Frank Kennedy’s Blend—the first book in The Rogues of Teton series—should rocket to the top of your reading list. Kennedy, a prolific author with a passion for big-canvas storytelling, delivers a tale that’s as much about the resilience of the human spirit as it is about the perils of engineered societies and the politics of survival. In a genre crowded with familiar tropes, Blend stands out for its world-building, character depth, and timely social commentary.

Welcome to Teton: A World on the Brink

Set on the planet Teton, Blend plunges readers into the megalopolis of Vandress—a city of ten towering “Megas” where humanity clings to survival after a catastrophic event known as the Collapse. Life on Teton is harsh, with the population forced to live indoors, shielded from a hostile climate. But the real danger comes from within: a society riven by prejudice, political extremism, and the legacy of bioengineering gone awry.

At the heart of the story is Arliss Dubai, a “Blend”—a human enhanced with superhuman vision and strength, originally created to help build Teton’s cities. Easily identified by their blue skin, Blends are now outcasts, scapegoated by the ruling “Pure Breathers,” a group whose rise from fringe extremism to political dominance has set the stage for a new era of segregation and oppression. After five years in a lunar prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Arliss returns home, desperate to reconnect with his wife, Meera, and their son, Kip—a rare hybrid known as a “Patchie”.

The cover art for Blend is as vivid as the story beneath it. Image credit: Amazon

But homecoming is anything but simple. Arliss is ambushed by government enforcers, only to be saved by mysterious, otherworldly figures who hint at ancient powers stirring beneath the city. As he navigates a world on the brink of revolution, Arliss must protect his family, unravel the secrets behind his imprisonment, and confront forces—both human and cosmic—that threaten to tear Vandress apart.

Why Blend Hits Different: Themes and World-Building

What sets Blend apart from the average space sci-fi thriller is its fearless exploration of discrimination, identity, and the cost of progress. Kennedy’s Teton is a society obsessed with purity, where engineered humans are marginalised and political factions vie for control. The rise of the Pure Breathers and their campaign to expel Blends from society echoes real-world debates about immigration, civil rights, and the dangers of populist extremism.

Yet, for all its social commentary, Blend never loses sight of its characters. Arliss’s journey is one of resilience and redemption, as he battles not just external enemies but the scars of betrayal and loss. His son, Kip, is drawn into the orbit of the Pikers, an anti-government youth group whose actions blur the line between rebellion and criminality. The cast is boldly defined, with no obvious villains—just individuals forced to make impossible choices in a world that refuses to see them as human.

Kennedy’s world-building is immersive and meticulously detailed. From the labyrinthine architecture of the Sinquin Mega to the shadowy corridors of power, every setting feels lived-in and real. The narrative is driven by dialogue and shifting perspectives, giving readers a panoramic view of a society on the edge.

Critical Acclaim and Reader Buzz

Blend has been met with enthusiastic reviews from both critics and readers. Early Reviewers call it

“a riveting opening series instalment",

praising Kennedy’s ability to craft

“a fascinating world and equally absorbing characters.”

The book’s blend of intense sci-fi action and jaw dropping revelations has drawn comparisons to genre-bending classics, appealing to fans of both hard science fiction and speculative fantasy.

“Smashes together gritty sci-fi action with fantastical ‘wait, did that just happen?’ moments.”

Amazon reviewers echo this sentiment, highlighting the book’s “broken cities, fantastical mysteries, and characters who’ve been screwed over but refuse to stay down.” The narrative’s open-ended mysteries and unresolved subplots have left readers eager for the next instalment in The Rogues of Teton series.

Meet the Author: Frank Kennedy

Frank Kennedy is no stranger to the space sci-fi scene. With over 23 books to his name, including the acclaimed Impossible Future and Beyond the Impossible series, Kennedy has built a reputation for expansive world-building and thought-provoking storytelling. A former journalist and English teacher, he brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for “big questions” to his work. Influenced by the likes of Stephen King and J.R.R. Tolkien, Kennedy’s stories are as much about the moral dilemmas of progress as they are about interstellar adventure.

Kennedy’s writing is shaped by a desire to avoid derivative tropes, instead crafting universes that feel both imaginative and authentic. His approach is organic, often sparked by vivid dreams or images that gradually coalesce into complex narratives. He’s a firm believer in the power of science fiction to explore the boundaries of humanity, technology, and ethics.

The Rogues of Teton: What’s Next?

Blend is just the beginning. The book ends with several tantalising mysteries unresolved, and Kennedy has confirmed that sequels are in the works. The series promises to delve deeper into the politics of Teton, the fate of the Blends, and the cosmic forces lurking beneath the surface. The titles for the upcoming books 2,3, and 4 are, Rogue, Spark, and Forge. While Blend hasn’t yet picked up major awards, its critical reception and growing fanbase suggest it’s a series to watch for anyone invested in the future of space sci-fi.

Final Verdict: Should You Read Blend?

If you crave space sci-fi that’s as much about heart and humanity as it is about high-stakes action, Blend delivers. It’s a book for readers who love broken cities, complex characters, and the thrill of discovering a new world with every page. Whether you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan or just looking for your next immersive read, Frank Kennedy’s Blend is a bold, thought-provoking adventure that deserves a place on your shelf.

Discover more about Blend and The Rogues of Teton:

• Frank Kennedy Official Site

Stay tuned to Scinexic.com for more space sci-fi stories and reviews from the final frontier.