A stunning debut novel that's as rich in ideas as it is in suspense, destined to become a modern classic of post-apocalyptic literature Anax thinks she knows history. Her grueling all-day Examination has just begun, and if she passes, shell be admitted into the Academythe elite governing institution of her utopian society. But Anax is about to discover that for all her learning, the history shes been taught isnt the whole story. And the Academy isnt what she believes it to be. In this brilliant novel of dazzling ingenuity, Anaxs examination leads us into a future where we are confronted with unresolved questions raised by science and philosophy. Centuries old, these questions have gained new urgency in the face of rapidly developing technology. What is consciousness? What makes us human? If artificial intelligence were developed to a high enough capability, what special status could humanity still claim? Outstanding and original, Becketts dramatic narrative comes to a shocking conclusion.