In the Garden of Iden

In the Garden of Iden follows Mendoza, a cyborg botanist created by Dr. Zeus Inc., a 24th-century organization with access to time travel and immortality technology. The Company transforms children into immortal cyborg operatives who work throughout history to preserve valuable artifacts and resources. On her first field mission in 16th century Spain and England, Mendoza must navigate the complex world of mortals while pursuing her botanical research. Her assignment becomes complicated when she experiences unexpected emotions that challenge her training and perspective on humanity. The novel sets up the foundation for Baker's larger Company series, introducing readers to a world where immortal cyborgs operate in the shadows of human history. The story combines elements of historical fiction and science fiction while exploring the hidden activities of Dr. Zeus Inc.'s operatives. The narrative examines themes of immortality, human nature, and the cost of eternal life through the lens of a being caught between the world of mortals and machines.

Readers note the book's blend of historical fiction, sci-fi, and romance creates an unusual narrative style. The love story resonates with many readers while the time travel and immortal cyborg elements add complexity. Liked: - Rich historical details and immersive Tudor England setting - Complex character development of Mendoza - Dry humor and wit throughout - Balance of personal story with larger Company plotline Disliked: - Slow pacing in first third - Romance overshadows sci-fi elements for some - Abrupt tonal shifts between historical and future segments - Some found the ending unsatisfying Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Takes patience to get through the setup, but pays off by the end." Several reviewers compare it favorably to Connie Willis's time travel novels while noting Baker's darker tone and more intimate focus.

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis Time-traveling historians navigate Victorian England while attempting to preserve the timeline and deal with the consequences of their interference in the past.

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson, Nicole Galland A secret government organization combines magic and technology to send operatives through time on missions to change history.

The Clockwork Century by Cherie Priest An alternate history combines steampunk technology with Civil War-era espionage and features operatives working in secret to shape events.

The Just City by Jo Walton The Greek goddess Athena creates an experimental society by plucking people from different time periods to implement Plato's Republic.

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar Two agents from opposing factions conduct a secret correspondence across time while carrying out missions to alter history.

🌿 The novel's depiction of botanical preservation aligns with real historical efforts during the Age of Discovery, when plant hunters risked their lives collecting specimens across the globe. 🤖 Kage Baker worked as a theater artist and teacher before becoming a writer, which influenced her vivid character portrayals and dramatic storytelling. ⚔️ The Tudor England setting (during Mary I's reign) was meticulously researched, incorporating authentic details about the period's religious persecution and social customs. 🔮 The concept of cyborg immortality in the book was partly inspired by Baker's fascination with classical mythology, particularly stories of gods living among mortals. 🌹 The series title "The Company" is a nod to historical trading companies like the British East India Company, which similarly operated with vast, hidden networks of agents.