Maternal Instinct

Near-future Australia. No child lives in poverty and every child is safe. But at what cost?

19-year-old Monica never wanted a baby but the laws require her to give birth twice before she can move on with her life.

Now that her first son, Oscar, has arrived she's not so sure she wants to hand him over to be raised by professional parents: the Maters and Paters.

When Monica turns to her birth mother, Alice, for help, she triggers a series of events that force Alice to confront her own dark past. Alice must decide - help her daughter break the law, or persuade her to accept her fate and do what's best for the nation's children?

"Maternal Instinct is a thought-provoking read that’s also engrossing. Bowyer adds very real human reactions and emotions into a weird new world. This book is right up any dystopian-fan’s alley and will convert others." Aurealis Magazine

"If you liked Vox, you'll love this... Amazing debut by Rebecca Bowyer." Emily-Jane Clark, best-selling author of Sleep is for the Weak.

"Fans of The Handmaid's Tale will be instantly hooked... Maternal Instinct asks questions about humanity's final destination if we continue down society's current path of no real support for working parents." Virginia Franken, author of Life After Coffee

"It's a cracking good read about upholding the rules, until time shows you that maybe the rules aren't right in the first place. This is feminist dystopian fiction at its finest, set in a not-too-distant future that is not at all difficult to envisage. Settle in, because you won't be putting it down any time soon!" Amy Wakley-Ahearn, Handbagmafia

"A very well written novel, that I hope many people will enjoy..." ~ Ashleigh Meikle, The Book Muse

"Something of a blend of The Handmaid's Tale and 1984, this is a fantastic book. I was hooked early on and didn't want to put this one down. I read it over the course of a family vacation and stayed up far too late at night because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen." ~ Elle, Erratic Project Junkie

"The story is amazing, it is unique. I’ve never ever read anything like this before." ~ Anna S, NetGalley reviewer

"Absolutely amazing book. Kept me hooked and wondering what was going to happen with an absolutely bitter sweet ending. I'd love to see a second book carrying on from this! 5 stars." ~ Lauren H., NetGalley reviewer

"This book has such an UNIQUE storyline... When I say I couldn't put this book down, I mean I really couldn't." ~ Kade G., NetGalley reviewer

"Dystopia at its finest! It gave me “Brave New World” vibes (my all time favourite) which made “Maternal Instinct” a very enjoyable read for me." ~ Bettina M., NetGalley reviewer