The Interchange by Andrew Orange asks the question: “What would you do if you were the unquestioned sovereign of the world?” Tim is a Russian student and on the lower rung of society. One night Tim hears a voice in his head asking if he wants to switch bodies. Dreary in his half-asleep state, Tim agrees. Has Tim sealed the deal of a lifetime or made a pact with the devil? He wakes up in a strange room, in a different body and a different era in the future. The voice spoke the truth – Tim switched bodies with Hautama, Holiest Zen Emperor of Earth. Bewildered, curious, and questioning everything around him, Tim soon finds out the sunshine and rainbows of paradise are only a grandiose illusion of hell on earth.

Andrew Orange’s The Interchange is one of the most unique concepts I have read in quite a while. Tim and Hautama showcase a dichotomy of wills and intentions extremely well and captivated my interest by showing how subtle differences in ideology and life circumstances can completely change a person for better or worse. The dystopian future Tim finds himself in is described in all its gory details with Andrew Orange holding back no punches. Just when the tragedies and crimes against the world seem to peak, a whole new layer is peeled open. A story that scrutinizes zealotry, the ways of human life, and the extremes a world can turn into when one person’s rule dictates all. The Interchange is a short but thought-provoking and enjoyable read that left me in awe numerous times.

The Interchange contained a fascinating trope that I’ve seen in numerous places before; two people on very different paths swap bodies and get to experience how the other side lives. What keeps this version of the format fresh and exciting is Andrew Orange’s gift ...

It is time-travel through a body exchange, philosophical, religious, and existential musing. What more can you ask for in a sci-fi novella?

Right from the beginning, author Andrew Orange immerses us in a world full of suspense. The descriptions of the scenes are perfect, and it is a very balanced book in terms of dialogue and description. ... I recommend it.

The story itself muses on truth versus fiction, whether or not truth is actually meaningful, loneliness, time travel, higher powers or a lack thereof, a ticking clock, an allegory of haves versus have nots, empathy, the soul, a few meta moments, and a few pointed comments on the Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine. It's basically a novella and takes a little while to get going, but it picks up well - the future society is an interesting mix of a bunch of different ideas and refers to classic sci-fi like Logan's Run.

The story gives the reader food for thought when it comes to the world in which we live and how it is ruled by current administrations. Andrew Orange does a great job of introducing the various characters including the teachers and academia as well as the futuristic people. The scenes and locations in the current world as well as the future are vividly described and come to life in the story. The Interchange is smooth flowing and comfortable to read, filled with action and suspense as Tim must use his skills to survive and prevent disaster. All-round, a great story that is highly recommended to all adults.

When I first started reading this book I thought I wasn't going to like it, but the more I got into the book the more interested I became.