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Empathy
A fast-paced thriller set in a world where empathy is a service, a luxury and a corruption. For one pleasure-nymph, it may also be her only weapon.
In the near future, the ultra-rich have abandoned the Earth’s surface to cruise the skies in the luxurious comfort of Sky Towns. Here, the ultimate indulgence is the pleasure-nymph, a high-class prostitute whose enhanced, ‘empathic’ nervous system amplifies the sensations experienced by her client. So who would kidnap and torture a nymph, and leave her for dead?
The skin-tech who finds the nymph erases the ordeal from her memory as part of healing her. He also steals her savings, leaving her with a pressing need to advertise her return. But this will alert the kidnappers to her survival and she has no idea who took her or why – much less the threat she poses to their horrifying plans.
In the near future, the ultra-rich have abandoned the Earth’s surface to cruise the skies in the luxurious comfort of Sky Towns. Here, the ultimate indulgence is the pleasure-nymph, a high-class prostitute whose enhanced, ‘empathic’ nervous system amplifies the sensations experienced by her client. So who would kidnap and torture a nymph, and leave her for dead?
The skin-tech who finds the nymph erases the ordeal from her memory as part of healing her. He also steals her savings, leaving her with a pressing need to advertise her return. But this will alert the kidnappers to her survival and she has no idea who took her or why – much less the threat she poses to their horrifying plans.
- GenresSpeculative Fiction
223 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2022
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 26, 2022
EMPATHY is a close to home, future set sci-fi that will draw in even those readers that typically don't reach for the sci-fi genre. A solid who-done-it plot is driven forward with intrigue that allows the reader to sort through the information that is revealed. Lee avoids exposition in her writing, although at times I found myself craving a little more information and insight at times, I think it would detract from the story. The effect of letting the story reveal itself allows the reader to feel how the protagonist would be feeling throughout the story itself.
The protagonist herself is what is known in the story as a 'pleasure-nymph'; an empath that's been fitted out with future technology that transforms the human body into a living breathing sex-toy. She navigates finding her footing back in her 'old life', after having been kidnapped, and tortured, but who by, and why?
I was delighted by plot twists along the way and enjoyed reading the protagonists character arc.
It's a novel that explores politics, intrigue, sex and ownership of sensuality in a creative and intelligent way. A great debut novel by Lee, and an author that I hope I get to read more from in the future.
It's like if Memoirs of a Geisha was set in a dystopian future.
The protagonist herself is what is known in the story as a 'pleasure-nymph'; an empath that's been fitted out with future technology that transforms the human body into a living breathing sex-toy. She navigates finding her footing back in her 'old life', after having been kidnapped, and tortured, but who by, and why?
I was delighted by plot twists along the way and enjoyed reading the protagonists character arc.
It's a novel that explores politics, intrigue, sex and ownership of sensuality in a creative and intelligent way. A great debut novel by Lee, and an author that I hope I get to read more from in the future.
It's like if Memoirs of a Geisha was set in a dystopian future.
August 14, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book - a pleasure nymph in a futuristic city - but friends told me I had to read it. They were right. The characterisation is surprisingly deep. I really enjoyed it and read it in a weekend. It's extremely well written and gripped me from beginning to end.
June 28, 2022
Amazing. I was transported to Sky Town and with every word was drawn deeper into the world of the pleasure nymphs. I couldn't put the book down as I needed to know who and why.
May 30, 2023
A dark but gripping story of near-future pleasure nymphs. The comparison with Attwood is apt.
But beware: non-consensual sex, violence, reported torture.
But beware: non-consensual sex, violence, reported torture.
August 30, 2025
I absolutely loved the premise for this book, but the execution was lacking.
For starters, there were all these characters who we knew nothing about, and so much talk of fashion which unless you’re into it, you’ll have no idea what’s being said. I also found the world building quite confusing.
Secondly, there were a few typos (eg ‘too’ instead of ‘to’) and a fair bit of rambling, but we can look past that.
Furthermore, some chapters drew you in more than others. For example, the first quarter of the book and the third quarter were great. The second was dull and I almost DNF’d it. The fourth- the ending- after I’d really started to get into the book, was so damn anticlimactic and just seemed like a desperate rush to tie up loose ends. It really disappointed me.
Another thing, the book was sold to me as “a sci-fi book for women who don’t know they love sci-fi” but I’ve always loved sci-fi, felt a little weird to assume that because I’m a woman, that I don’t. Especially from an author who’s trying to spread the kind of messages that are in her novel.
Finally, all the non consensual sex scenes just made me exceptionally uncomfortable. I get that it was necessary for the plot at times, but far out, a warning or some more empathy towards people who have actually experienced it would be nice.
Overall, I’m giving this book 3 stars as it’s a debut and it was an incredible premise. Hopefully Fay can step it up with her next novel and put her ideas onto paper better.
For starters, there were all these characters who we knew nothing about, and so much talk of fashion which unless you’re into it, you’ll have no idea what’s being said. I also found the world building quite confusing.
Secondly, there were a few typos (eg ‘too’ instead of ‘to’) and a fair bit of rambling, but we can look past that.
Furthermore, some chapters drew you in more than others. For example, the first quarter of the book and the third quarter were great. The second was dull and I almost DNF’d it. The fourth- the ending- after I’d really started to get into the book, was so damn anticlimactic and just seemed like a desperate rush to tie up loose ends. It really disappointed me.
Another thing, the book was sold to me as “a sci-fi book for women who don’t know they love sci-fi” but I’ve always loved sci-fi, felt a little weird to assume that because I’m a woman, that I don’t. Especially from an author who’s trying to spread the kind of messages that are in her novel.
Finally, all the non consensual sex scenes just made me exceptionally uncomfortable. I get that it was necessary for the plot at times, but far out, a warning or some more empathy towards people who have actually experienced it would be nice.
Overall, I’m giving this book 3 stars as it’s a debut and it was an incredible premise. Hopefully Fay can step it up with her next novel and put her ideas onto paper better.
May 7, 2024
An engaging sci-fi thriller debut(?) about a "pleasure nymph" sex worker caught in both a dangerous plot and a precarious business.
The book is short, evocative, and fast-paced. The immediacy of the first person narration works well with the theme of empathic physical touch and also the somewhat paranoid situation in which our main character finds herself.
(Minor spoilers ahead) Occasionally it felt like the mystery was being solved mostly "off-screen", by other characters, or through happenstance, but even that works with the main character's struggle for agency over herself and her situation. To me the more interesting facet was her relationships to Gerry, the out-of-touch rich client, and to Ianto, the well-meaning outsider cop. Both used her for physical pleasure, but her status as sex worker makes her an even more potent fantasy for them--something to be used, yes, but also a damaged damsel to be "saved", regardless of her wishes or wellbeing. I think I had a more negative view of them both than the narration intended, but to me this added a level of well-meaning danger on top of the looming threat of kidnapping and torture.
The book is short, evocative, and fast-paced. The immediacy of the first person narration works well with the theme of empathic physical touch and also the somewhat paranoid situation in which our main character finds herself.
(Minor spoilers ahead) Occasionally it felt like the mystery was being solved mostly "off-screen", by other characters, or through happenstance, but even that works with the main character's struggle for agency over herself and her situation. To me the more interesting facet was her relationships to Gerry, the out-of-touch rich client, and to Ianto, the well-meaning outsider cop. Both used her for physical pleasure, but her status as sex worker makes her an even more potent fantasy for them--something to be used, yes, but also a damaged damsel to be "saved", regardless of her wishes or wellbeing. I think I had a more negative view of them both than the narration intended, but to me this added a level of well-meaning danger on top of the looming threat of kidnapping and torture.
December 2, 2022
So first up: this book contains adult content, all types, lots of it. And for once it isn't gratuitous, it's not just inserted into the story to spice up the dull bits, it's integral.
There are so many strands to this book that I suspect I will be rereading it, something I reserve only for the best books - those that make me think, that leave a lingering taste, that echo for days and weeks after you finish them, as the best novels can do. It's not a comfortable book, but less dystopian than I first thought (although there's quite a lot of that). No simple characterisations, no easy answers. Any more and I'll be giving out spoilers.
It's very visual, with opulent descriptions. When it's a movie it will be more 'The Hunger Games' and not so much 'A Handmaid's Tale' to which it is compared on the cover (I assume that's the reference to Atwood - yes, but also no).
There are so many strands to this book that I suspect I will be rereading it, something I reserve only for the best books - those that make me think, that leave a lingering taste, that echo for days and weeks after you finish them, as the best novels can do. It's not a comfortable book, but less dystopian than I first thought (although there's quite a lot of that). No simple characterisations, no easy answers. Any more and I'll be giving out spoilers.
It's very visual, with opulent descriptions. When it's a movie it will be more 'The Hunger Games' and not so much 'A Handmaid's Tale' to which it is compared on the cover (I assume that's the reference to Atwood - yes, but also no).
August 15, 2022
I loved this book from the word 'go'. While 'this book is great its about a sci-fi sex worker' is a bit of a tough selling point for some conversations, I've still managed to get most of my friends and some of my family reading! Described pretty much everywhere as 'Asimov's sci-fi meets Atwood's Handmaid's Tale', I think that this book is a fascinating exploration of 'the oldest profession' and how it's updated for a techno-organic world. Plus, trying to solve your own attempted murder is always an intriguing story.
If any of that sounds interesting to you, then you're like me and you'll probably love this book too.
If any of that sounds interesting to you, then you're like me and you'll probably love this book too.
November 27, 2022
I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed this, given I don’t normally read fiction, especially science fiction. But after the first chapter or so, the story keeps you gripped and it only builds. What really surprised me was that I loved the description of clothes and makeup. Who would have thought such matters would be so inspiring and thought provoking! They created a nice contrast with the essentially helpless position their wearers were in.
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this. It's not my usual genre but Fay was kind enough to do a presentation at our local library and gave such great information about SF and women writers that I decided to read it.
It was really original and quite a page turner. You couldn't help but care about the protagonist. The world Fay has created is quite challenging, but the book has a lot to say about social justice as well as being entertaining. I look forward to reading more of her books!
It was really original and quite a page turner. You couldn't help but care about the protagonist. The world Fay has created is quite challenging, but the book has a lot to say about social justice as well as being entertaining. I look forward to reading more of her books!
October 21, 2023
Fay Lee has a hit on her hands with Empathy. Even a non-sci-fi fan like me found I couldn’t put it down after the first page. How else would I have met a pleasure-nymph? Intrigued by the name? I was! Fay writes very well and with great clarity in this thought-provoking book for adults that twisted and turned before all became clear. I don’t know if there will be a sequel, but I’m looking forward to Fay’s next book.
October 29, 2023
A well paced and challenging novel. The story grabs you hard from the beginning and doesn't let go. I found parts challenging due to the treatment of the main character, however, just keep at it even if you have to put the book aside for a little bit. The payoff with the ending wouldn't be as impactful without the treatment of the main character. Everything appears to get resolved, but there's enough left that the author could revisit this world if they wish to. I certainly hope that they do.
August 15, 2022
Such an enjoyable read! Empathy re-kindled my obsession with speculative fiction. Lee’s writing style is poetic in the way it reflects the protagonists point of view and her character building draws you in from the very first chapter. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
November 16, 2022
I read this in preparation for meeting Fay Lee next Tuesday (24/11/22).
Woah!
I think I forgot about the life I had and just immersed myself in this world.
I also like a good mystery..
Hard to determine who is good, bad or just scapegoat.
Excellent read, highly recommend it.
Woah!
I think I forgot about the life I had and just immersed myself in this world.
I also like a good mystery..
Hard to determine who is good, bad or just scapegoat.
Excellent read, highly recommend it.
October 4, 2023
Really liked it. Very original, sexy, and thought-provoking. Reminded me a bit of Margaret Atwood -- similarly bleak yet light (even irreverent). Really conveyed the normalcy and mundane nature of dystopia
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March 17, 2024Empathy is a sci-fi novel that will appeal to many people who don't like sci-fi novels. The story is driven by human characters and their feelings, rather than by aliens and impossible technology. It is set in the future but it addresses the here and now. Highly recommended.
August 19, 2025
A brutal and thrilling mystery set within a vivid sci-fi world. Lee’s debut offers grim revelations, layered characters, and great action in a story that somehow still left me with hope. For fans of 'Red Rising' and 'The Handmaid's Tale'.
September 19, 2023
Best 1st novel and best si fi /fantasy I’ve read in several years An original concept, masterful storytelling, paced just right to blend psychological drama with action.
September 22, 2023
For those who love fantasy, sci-fi stories this is the one for you. Fay writes beautifully taking you on an intriguing journey into the life of a sex nymph. Enjoy.
September 25, 2023
A fascinating scifi novel that looks at a future dystopian world, with brilliant scenarios. It engages the reader to a dramatic conclusion.
March 23, 2024
An imaginative tale of pleasure nymphs and murder plots, well written, slowly revealed, and laden with sexual politics to boot. I really enjoyed this gender crossing, sci-fi whodunnit.
May 5, 2024
Random pick from my local library. Really great read. Had to force myself to put it down and go to bed. Story is well paced and interesting.
September 27, 2023
This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I thank my friend for sharing this recommendation with me. I really enjoyed it.
"Empathy" is a whodunnit set in the glittering Sky City of Paradise, where the very-rich live above the squalor and poverty below on the ground. Pleasure nymphs have been surgically modified to feel the sensations of sexual arousal and amplify them as they share them with anyone they touch. The story begins with a nymph having been kidnapped, tortured and left for dead, with little memory of this episode. What has happened to her, who did this, and are they likely to return to finish her off?
I'm impressed with Fay Lee's writing style. It puts me in mind of some of John Scalzi's work, in that the prose is clear and transparent without unnecessary flourishes and complications. Her pacing is exquisite, and I finished reading this page-turner of a book in a day or so. The complications of gender for nymphs was interestingly written, and there was some thought-provoking material about the nature of control, consent and agency in this world where the very rich can buy "consent". Sometimes I would have liked to have seen more fleshing out of the world or some of the less central characters; but the economy of her writing contributed to the fast pacing of the book, so I can't really complain about that. Perhaps there might be other books by Lee in the future that give us a more rounded impression of this world? I would welcome that.
That said, my quibbles with the ending are fairly trivial. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, would recommend it to other readers, and I'll look forward to any further books Fay Lee publishes.
"Empathy" is a whodunnit set in the glittering Sky City of Paradise, where the very-rich live above the squalor and poverty below on the ground. Pleasure nymphs have been surgically modified to feel the sensations of sexual arousal and amplify them as they share them with anyone they touch. The story begins with a nymph having been kidnapped, tortured and left for dead, with little memory of this episode. What has happened to her, who did this, and are they likely to return to finish her off?
I'm impressed with Fay Lee's writing style. It puts me in mind of some of John Scalzi's work, in that the prose is clear and transparent without unnecessary flourishes and complications. Her pacing is exquisite, and I finished reading this page-turner of a book in a day or so. The complications of gender for nymphs was interestingly written, and there was some thought-provoking material about the nature of control, consent and agency in this world where the very rich can buy "consent". Sometimes I would have liked to have seen more fleshing out of the world or some of the less central characters; but the economy of her writing contributed to the fast pacing of the book, so I can't really complain about that. Perhaps there might be other books by Lee in the future that give us a more rounded impression of this world? I would welcome that.
That said, my quibbles with the ending are fairly trivial. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, would recommend it to other readers, and I'll look forward to any further books Fay Lee publishes.
September 27, 2023
Sexual but not salacious, fantastical but grounded - Fay Lee's novel is a remarkable foray into a world where pleasure is inculcated in the receiver whether they like it or not. With a keen eye for descriptions, outfits, and technology, Fay tells a tale of a strange society not so far removed from our own. Despite the heavy themes, it's a relatively light read - no grimdark SF grind here - but it has things to say, and its delicate quills will stick in your mind.
August 26, 2024
Beautiful and evocative prose combined with a compelling story that examines the commodification of emotional labor and the exploitation of those (primarily women) compelled to provide it. Not an easy read, but a rewarding one, and one that left me thinking about it long after I'd finished the book.
December 27, 2022
A remarkable sci fi book. Cleverly written, great attention to detail, takes the reader to another place with intriguing characters, power plays, technology, and crime interwoven. Really enjoyed reading it.
September 11, 2023
Empathy is a thought-provoking novel that pushes the boundaries of science fiction and sexuality. A fascinating read!
September 19, 2023
What a gripping original read!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews