If you enjoy unusual and very different military thrillers and science fiction, then The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville may If you enjoy unusual and very different military thrillers and science fiction, then The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville may be the book you’ve been wanting to read. Legends tell of a warrior who can’t be killed. In this story, he’s known as “B” and he wants more than to kill and to die and come back to life repeatedly. When a dead soldier comes back to life, B wonders if there’s another with similar abilities to his own.
While I enjoy both military thrillers and science fiction, this one didn’t quite live up to its potential. The authors have written a novel that is stylistically different. However, it didn’t quite work for me. The writing style felt uneven and unfocused at times which adversely affected the flow and made it harder to follow. It’s non-linear and contains graphic violence at times. Unfortunately, only three of the many characters have any depth to them. Despite this, it has a great premise and is thought-provoking. The prose is also poetic at times and the worldbuilding is excellent.
Overall, this is a unique and fascinating novel that captures the imagination.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Del Rey, Keanu Reeves, and China Mieville provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be July 23, 2024. -------------------------------------- My 2.8 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy books with a main character who finds herself in the middle of a crisis and hoping to survive, then look no further than Joe Pitkin’s If you enjoy books with a main character who finds herself in the middle of a crisis and hoping to survive, then look no further than Joe Pitkin’s Exit Black. Imperium is an orbiting laboratory that still has working labs, but is now the first low orbit space hotel for the wealthy. Dr. Chloe Bonilla, the resident biophysicist wonders whether babysitting space glampers is worth the distraction from her research.
A private rocket delivers several billionaires plus a sponsored social media influencer. However, among the staff are members of a global group called the Reckoners intent on changing the economic inequality on Earth. This group takes control of the space hotel and demand $8 billion in ransom from their wealthy hostages. Additionally, they forced the other support staff in the room with the wealthy hostages. Their problem? Chloe woke up and left her room before they got to her. It’s up to her to save the hostages.
While most of the book is from Chloe’s point of view, readers get insight into a few of the other characters as well. Chloe has insomnia, can be stubborn when challenged, has a sense of detachment, and enjoys brainteasers. The other characters have varying degrees of depth, but felt rounded with complex traits. This includes a couple of the antagonists. What a beginning prologue! It pulled me into the story immediately. While the story is descriptive, it doesn’t slow the pacing, which is heart-poundingly fast. After the opening gala for the space tourists, the velocity of the tale increases significantly. I felt like I was fighting for survival along with Chloe.
The story instills in the reader a feeling of deep anxiety for Chloe and the safety of the hostages as Chloe tries to save them and herself. It was compelling to see how different people act and react under stress. The book has a wonderfully executed action thriller plot and good character development along with a low earth orbit setting that adds another dimension. The worldbuilding was excellent. I was transported into the terrifying situation Chloe and the hostages found themselves in. The epilogue contains some surprises that completely caught me off-guard. Themes include wealth inequality, social inequality, oppression, injustices, loneliness, relationships, lies, secrets, anger, moral and physical struggles, and much more.
Overall, this is an action-packed science fiction thriller that is also thought-provoking with complex characters and plenty of angst and suspense. It kept me guessing what would happen next throughout the novel. The author is a superb space action-thriller storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat rapidly turning the pages.
Blackstone Publishing and Joe Pitkin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 20, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
January Fifteenth by Rachel Swirsky is a near-future speculative fiction novel set in four locations in the United States. January Fifteenth is thJanuary Fifteenth by Rachel Swirsky is a near-future speculative fiction novel set in four locations in the United States. January Fifteenth is the day all Americans receive their Universal Basic Income payment. The entire book takes place on this one day and oddly enough I read the book on January fifteenth.
The book switches back and forth between four individuals and gives a perspective of their lives and of various viewpoints on Universal Basic Income. Hannah took her two children and fled an abusive ex-wife on a previous January Fifteenth. Janelle is a young, broke journalist interviewing passersby about the policy she once opposed. She is raising her younger sister after their parents’ deaths. Olivia is a wealthy college freshman. Today’s the day students across the country compete to squander their payments. Sarah is a pregnant teen walking with other women and children in her community to pick up their payments.
The switching back and forth between four characters affected the pacing for me, despite some interesting scenarios. I was thoroughly intrigued by Hannah’s and Sarah’s stories, and even Janelle’s story had some interesting twists. The one that I liked the least was that of Olivia. However, that is the one that has the biggest twist to it that I didn’t see coming. Unfortunately, there is no real conclusion to the situation each woman is in.
Overall, this was a great premise, but didn’t deliver everything I expected. Despite this, I am glad I read it and the concept is thought-provoking. The author’s note gives a little information about Universal Basic Income programs and speculates on what impact it could or might have. She poses some good questions.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 14, 2022....more
Tension, protection for a diplomatic mission, and alien species kickstart an excellent book by Jack Campbell: Implacable. Admiral John Black Jack Tension, protection for a diplomatic mission, and alien species kickstart an excellent book by Jack Campbell: Implacable. Admiral John Black Jack Geary’s Alliance fleet has been sent to protect a diplomatic mission to the territory belonging to the Dancers. The Dancers are called that due to their movements. They resemble spiders with a wolf’s head and their intentions are unknown. When another alien species with superior technology arrives, the mission becomes even more complicated. However, the most serious danger comes when Admiral Geary is presented with orders that he believes are contrary to the ideals of the Alliance. Will he obey them or risk tearing apart the Alliance and endangering his fleet?
It was amazing to see Admiral Geary respond to events as they occurred. His outlook on the Alliance as well as the fleet he is responsible for is always clear. He is viewed as a hero by many, but some of his actions in this novel are questioned by some of his fleet officers. Many characters brim with personality. But which of their agendas are for the good of all and which ones are self-serving?
This book is the third one in The Lost Fleet: Outlands series. There are several other subseries in the The Lost Fleet collection as well. Since this is the first book I have read by this author, it took me a short while to get into the story and understand who was who. There are many characters in this novel, but several have been in prior books. If you’ve read them, it will likely be easy to reconnect with old friends.
The plot is twisty with harrowing scenes, plenty of layers, thought-provoking instances, and a larger-than-life protagonist. The multiple conflicts and the diplomatic challenges move the story forward rapidly. Relationships, power, knowledge, and understanding others who are different play varying roles in this tense science fiction thriller. A new threat seems to lurk around every corner. Trying to understand the fallout from the actions of Admiral Geary, aliens, and other Alliance officers expanded the story and kept me turning the pages. While many of the threads in this story line are brought to a satisfactory conclusion, there are some things left to be revealed in the next book in the series.
Overall, this is a tense and exciting science fiction thriller that kept me on an emotional rollercoaster. It was engaging, atmospheric, and suspenseful and did a great job of keeping me hooked. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I recommend reading this series in order. Enthusiasts of space exploration science fiction thrillers will likely enjoy this novel.
Berkley Publishing Group – Ace and Jack Campbell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 04, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 3.91 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Critical Mass by Daniel Suarez is the second book in the Delta-V science fiction techno-thriller series. Set in the near future between 2038 and 2Critical Mass by Daniel Suarez is the second book in the Delta-V science fiction techno-thriller series. Set in the near future between 2038 and 2042, this novel has it all for readers who enjoy hard science fiction. It’s gripping, vivid, suspenseful, and filled with thrills and chills that feel credible and believable. When circumstances during an unsanctioned commercial asteroid-mining mission forces the team to leave two members stranded, the ones that make it back to Earth need to mount a rescue mission. However, global political tensions and devastating climate change effects consume governments who aren’t willing to invest in space. The crew decides to mount their own rescue in time for the asteroid’s next approach by Earth. Nevertheless, it won’t be easy or straightforward.
The prologue immediately pulls readers into the story line. The first few chapters introduce readers to the main characters: James, Priya, and Jin, as well as several major secondary characters. The characters have varying degrees of depth with James having the most. His sense of purpose was unwavering while those of others sometimes seemed to meander. James has a strong sense of justice and determination that readers can easily support. The dynamics between the characters added to the intensity of the story line.
The world-building is phenomenal, making it easy to visualize what is happening in the book. Technical details of many items that seem plausible captured my interest. The author does a great job of making the technologies easy to understand to those who aren’t scientists and engineers. The plot is suspenseful, tense, and intense. It builds momentum and peaks with an astonishing conclusion. It also gives insight into the behaviors and actions of governments, entrepreneurs, and adventurers. Everyone has agendas, but some are self-serving while others are working for the good of many. There were constant threats whether from the environments, governments, or others intent on their own achievements. Themes explored included climate change, dangerous rescue missions, space exploration and technologies, medical advancement, governmental and political pressure, entrepreneurship, trust, power, economics, and resources.
Overall, this science fiction techno-thriller was entertaining, convincing, and felt terrifyingly realistic. The tension was so thick I could feel it. The novel also had suspense, compelling and diverse characters, and a thought-provoking story line. This emotional rollercoaster kept me rapidly turning the pages. If you enjoy high-octane science fiction, then this may be the series for you. A list of references for further reading is included at the end of the book on the science technologies and themes that were explored.
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and Daniel Suarez provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 31, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.12 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Justin Cronin brings readers a powerful premise and excellent world-building in The Ferryman. This post-apocalyptic science fiction novel featuresJustin Cronin brings readers a powerful premise and excellent world-building in The Ferryman. This post-apocalyptic science fiction novel features a world founded by The Designer and consisting of three islands. Prospera is where the administrators, enforcement personnel, and wealthy live. The Annex is where support staff live and the third is the Nursery. Prospera’s citizens live long lives in luxury until the monitor embedded in their forearm falls below 10 percent indicating that their physical and/or mental health has deteriorated significantly. They are then retired and take a ferry ride to the Nursery where their bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped, and they restart life.
The main character, Proctor Bennett, is the managing director for District Six of the Department of Social Contracts, Enforcement Division. He’s a ferryman, who helps people through their retirement process and onto the ferry, using enforcement when necessary. But Proctor finds he has problems. He’s a tortured, but capable protagonist. Then, one day he is summoned to retire his father, who gives him a cryptic and confusing message before being forced on the ferry. Meanwhile the support staff are questioning their place in the social hierarchy and rumors of a resistance group spread.
The author brilliantly portrayed the islands, the people, and their very different lifestyles. The story has a complex and deeply involved plot. While I was transported to this archipelago of three islands, at times I felt the pacing was somewhat slow in the first half of the book. I was also confused at times in trying to understand what was really happening. However, the last half of the novel picked up the pace and had plenty of action. Readers should pay close attention to the details of what is and what isn’t being said to get clues. There’s plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged and guessing. Trying to understand the fallout from things lets multiple characters’ personalities shine or become tarnished. What an ending! Will it catch you by surprise?
Overall, this book is emotionally-charged, unique, intense, challenging, and thought-provoking, with fantastic world-building and great characterization. It’s creative and is captivating with its unpredictable plot. Themes include children, health, social status, fighting for justice, empathy, political maneuvering, and much more. This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m looking forward to seeing what he writes next. I believe this could have a fascinating sequel.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Justin Cronin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 02, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 3.49 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Mur Lafferty infuses Station Eternity, the first book in the Midsolar Murders series, with danger, murder, a sentient space station, and a great pMur Lafferty infuses Station Eternity, the first book in the Midsolar Murders series, with danger, murder, a sentient space station, and a great premise - Everywhere Mallory Viridian goes a murder occurs and she has the insight to solve the case. When she gets the opportunity to take refuge on Station Eternity, she thinks the murders will stop if she is only around aliens. Her life is quiet until a shuttle with humans arrives and havoc ensues.
Mallory has become an amateur detective due to her ability to spot key clues overlooked by the experts. To avoid others as much as possible, she became a writer. She’s lonely, depressed, calm, and serious. She loves details, acts on instinct, and can be impulsive. The large number other characters have varying degrees of depth that is revealed slowly throughout the novel, but are nowhere near as developed as Mallory.
The cross between science fiction and mystery as a premise worked well. The main character was relatable, likeable, and it was easy for me to want Mallory to succeed. What a great first sentence! However, the book quickly goes back and forth in time without notice causing one to feel unsettled and disrupting the flow and pacing. These instances are also from different points of view and only slowly reveal what has happened in the past. Despite this, the plot was interesting and complex. Additionally, the variety of aliens on the space station added to the unique world-building. From size to communication capabilities, there was significant diversity among the extraterrestrials.
It was hard to put the book down because there was always something new happening in this story that piqued my interest. Danger, mystery, and some surprising moments are interspersed throughout it along with some action and red herrings. The last fourth of the novel became more of a true page-turner. There was a surprise or two revealed near the end of the book and the main mystery reaches a satisfying conclusion, but there are several loose ends that could be the basis for book two in the series.
Overall, this novel was entertaining and had great world-building. It highlights family drama, political intrigue, secrets, trust, connections, relationships, and acceptance. Exceptional characters and intense fight scenes made this an entertaining read. If you like science fiction and mysteries, then this may be the series for you. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------ My 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Curfew by Jayne Cowie is set in a dystopian near-future Britain. This story is set in a time and place were women dominate workplaces, public spacCurfew by Jayne Cowie is set in a dystopian near-future Britain. This story is set in a time and place were women dominate workplaces, public spaces, and government. Women are no longer afraid to walk home alone or catch the last train or bus. Why? All men (and boys 10 years old or older) are electronically tagged and aren’t allowed out of their residences between 7 P.M. and 7 A.M. Failure to adhere to the curfew will result in a three-month prison sentence for the first offense.
Things are better now. Right? Cohabitation licenses require multiple weeks of couples counseling. Violence against women has dropped significantly. The other side is that men are limited by the shifts they can work. Additionally, if they have violated curfew, it is tough to find a job. When a woman is murdered after midnight, it couldn’t have been a man because a Curfew tag is a solid alibi. Isn’t it?
This story is told from the points of view of four women. Pamela is a senior police officer nearing retirement who investigates the murder. Sarah Wallace is a single mom who has rebuilt her life after sending her husband to prison for violating curfew. They’re divorced, but he is going to be released soon. Their teenage daughter, Cass Johnson, hates living in a world that restricts boys and argues continually with her mom and her teacher, Helen Taylor. Helen teaches a class on the history of curfew. She has also applied for a cohabitation certificate with her boyfriend Tom.
All four women are reasonably well-developed, but not very likeable much of the time. The multi-angled character process is effective. Readers start to see how each women connects to and understands or misunderstands the others. This adds complexity and depth to their relationships. Besides the story going back and forth between these four women, it moves back and forth in time from the present day to four weeks earlier. While this gives a great view of the lives of the women and their friends, it also slows the pace somewhat.
This story features a Britain with repressive control systems and an absence of individual freedoms for men and boys as a needed alternative to the violence against women that is so prevalent in the world today. The plot is twisty and provocative. It doesn’t take into consideration gender identities other than male and female. However, it does look at generational differences in points of view regarding the Curfew Laws.
Overall, this is novel makes one think about issues as well as providing a good murder mystery.
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was March 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 3.86 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Pines is the first book in Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines trilogy. The author gives readers creative world-building and a struggling main character.Pines is the first book in Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines trilogy. The author gives readers creative world-building and a struggling main character. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke had just arrived in Wayward Pines to locate two missing federal agents. He and a fellow agent are immediately involved in a severe vehicle accident. Ethan comes to in a hospital without his identification, cell phone, wallet, and briefcase. As the days pass, he’s unable to get satisfactory answers to his questions. Additionally, he’s unable to contact his wife Theresa or his boss. No one seems to believe he’s who he says he is.
Ethan Burke comes across as confused and full of self-doubt, but also as someone who feels he’s somewhat entitled to special treatment due to being a federal agent. As the story progresses, we see Ethan become homesick as well as feel hopeless and terrified. However, his determination finally shines through. Ethan isn’t as a likeable a main character as many would prefer, but readers will likely feel for him as the scenes unfold.
This story combines science fiction with suspense and horror. As a reader, I often felt as confused as Ethan was. However, the book kept me engaged and turning the pages. With twists and turns, the story has a deeply involved plot, and a fascinating setting as well as a unique premise. The descriptive narrative transported me to Idaho with Ethan and the people in Wayward Pines. The finale where readers and Ethan learn what is really going on is creative.
Overall, this novel was somewhat uncomfortable at times, entertaining, and imaginative. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 18, 2022. ---------------------------------------- My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Loading...
