The Reality Gradient universe is a moment in time, in the future, when many events set into motion today finally come to a close. For example, cloning evolves into bioengineering to produce what are known as "models", engineered humans who work have been moderately engineered to possess certain traits. For example, check out the
Model Type Guide to determine where you might fit on the spectrum ;).
Models aren't identical like clones are, rather they are basic templates from which individual variations are stamped. Further, in the United States, the last names of models indicate the geographic regions they are from. Ordell Bentley, a protagonist in
Models and Citizens, was originally "manufactured" in the Bentley neighborhood of New York CIty.
Just a tidbit you might find interesting that I never come out and explicitly state in the novel. Happy reading!