Jonathan Maberry continues to amaze and entertain me with his range and quality of writing. Dead of Night, the first book in a series by the same Jonathan Maberry continues to amaze and entertain me with his range and quality of writing. Dead of Night, the first book in a series by the same name is no different. A prison doctor injects a condemned prisoner with a formula designed to punish him by keeping him awake while his body rots in its grave. However, things don’t follow his plan. The drugs have unforeseen side-effects. When the killer wakes up before he’s buried, he’s hungry, infected, and contagious.
Several main characters are well-defined with depth, but many of them are not likeable. The main local police officers are Officer Desdemona Fox and Sergeant JT Hammond. Fox is not a congenial main character, but she does care about protecting the community. She likes high speed chases, swears a lot, is a good cop and ex-military, and acts quickly under pressure, but she’s not a very nice person. JT is the most likeable character in the story. He’s organized, tidy, loves comics, and is detail-oriented. However, despite his long tenure with the department, he’s never experienced true danger. Readers also get a perspective from the antagonists in this novel, providing more insight into the situation.
The story has a solid plot and there is a feeling of deep anxiety throughout the novel. The story moves at a reasonable pace, but could have been tightened a bit to make it more impactful. Despite this it’s got plenty of exciting scenes, a different twist on zombies, and great world-building. Themes include scientific experiments, revenge, grief, rage, murder, fear, confusion, family, friends, community, and political and military maneuvering and actions.
Overall, this was an entertaining and emotional story filled with tension that kept me turning the pages. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 25, 2011....more
Set in a dystopian near-future Britain, One of the Boys is set in a time when research has found a gene that predicts violence. Antonia and Bea arSet in a dystopian near-future Britain, One of the Boys is set in a time when research has found a gene that predicts violence. Antonia and Bea are sisters and mothers to boys. Antonia had her son tested to make sure he didn’t possess the violence gene. However, Bea refuses to let her son take a test. She doesn’t feel his life should be predetermined by a positive or negative test result. Both will do anything to protect their sons.
All parents of boys seven and under can get tested. But the ramifications of testing or not testing, as well as the testing result, has significant effects on the quality of life. Antonia and her husband Owen have a son Jack, who is slightly younger than Bea and Alfie’s son Simon. Owen is a pediatrician who opens a clinic to test and treat boys who test positive. They’re financially successful and Antonia tends to treat Jack gently with a light hand. Bea and Alfie struggle financially and Simon is treated more firmly. A third mother, Zara, and her son Malcolm, are presented as a contrast. In Malcom’s case, his parents elect to test him, and his results come back positive for the gene.
The premise is thought-provoking with a plot that is dark and full of secrets. It looks at nature versus nurture and the social and economic impacts resulting from the test result or the lack thereof. Additionally, parenting styles and parent-child relationships made this story intriguing as do a murder mystery, and the different treatments of girls and boys. Social media’s role throughout the story added another dimension to the tale. However, the twists in this book were relatively easy to see coming. Additionally, the story is told from four different points of view and goes backwards and forwards in time. While this gives great insight into the lives of the characters, it adversely affected the pacing for me. Despite this, the originality and storyline kept me rapidly turning the pages. Woven into this story are politics, legal ramifications, medical privacy, relationships between mothers and sons, and much more.
Overall, this is a provocative, intriguing, and disturbing read. It makes one think of genetic testing and the potential political, legal, social, medical, and economic impacts it could have. The moral and ethical considerations alone make for energetic discourse. There are discussion questions and an author’s note at the end of the novel that are worth reading as well.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was July 11, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 3.15 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Chasers by James Phelan is the first book in the Alone teen post-apocalyptic series. It features Jesse, who has been attending a United Nations YoChasers by James Phelan is the first book in the Alone teen post-apocalyptic series. It features Jesse, who has been attending a United Nations Youth Ambassador camp. He and his three new friends, Dave, Mini, and Anna are on the subway when there’s an explosion and fireball. They crawl from the wreckage and enter a Manhattan that has buildings in ruins and deserted streets with wrecked cars and building debris blocking many of them. The only other survivors seem to be infected with a virus that turns them into thirsty predators. What has happened? Is help on the way? Will they survive? Are there other uninfected survivors?
The characters pulled me into the story, but their quest for survival kept me rapidly turning the pages. Where should they go that is safe and has food and water? There’s planning, disagreements, uncertainties, explorations, unfriendly encounters, fears, and more. The teens’ emotions and reactions seemed somewhat realistic. The world-building was well done, the story line interesting, and an ending twist that I did not see coming.
Overall, this engaging novel kept me entertained. If you enjoy teen post-apocalyptic novels, then I recommend that you check out this series.
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2011. ...more
A fantastic protagonist, exciting scenes, and a shocking story kept me captivated throughout White Smoke, John Gilstrap’s newest novel in the VictA fantastic protagonist, exciting scenes, and a shocking story kept me captivated throughout White Smoke, John Gilstrap’s newest novel in the Victoria Emerson dystopian series. It also has aspects of a political thriller and an action thriller.
Victoria (Vicky) Emerson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia when a nuclear war was imminent. When she couldn’t take her sons into the bunker for Congress, she resigned and she, her two youngest sons (Caleb and Luke), and her escorts, Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley end up in Ortho, West Virginia. The world is in chaos after an electromagnetic pulse has wiped out all electronics and technology. With Victoria as the de-facto leader of the town, they are trying to provide housing for refugees that are starting to inundate the town. Living off the land is necessary. Food, clothing, shelter are needed. Medicines are in short supply. The town has established rules for those that want to stay. Criminals face a type of frontier justice that can be brutal.
Victoria receives a request from the deposed president of the United States to come to the bunker at Hilltop Manor 40 miles east of Ortho. A ruthless group of people has imprisoned the remnants of the U.S. government. They plan to punish the former rulers. Meanwhile, citizens that have gathered outside Hilltop Manor are starving. Victoria feels she has to answer the call, but it won’t be easy. Brigands terrorize travelers along the road. Can she succeed in returning the rule of law to society? Victoria is optimistic, honest, caring of others, cautiously trusting of others, and inspires them as well. However, she isn’t perfect, and that adds realism to the story. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth and several are dynamic, experiencing changes in attitude or outlook as they respond to events.
This book is exactly what one would expect from a well-written dystopian thriller with lots of concern over how to survive and protect one’s family, but it is so much more than that. It raises several questions about justice, cooperation, leadership, fear, power struggles, supporting others, trust, desperation, political infighting, having to deal with the loss of all of the electronics we rely upon today, and much more. The loss of electricity, basic sanitation, running water, and communications present problems that most have not faced in their lifetimes.
The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the events in the book. I felt as though I had been transplanted to West Virginia and was living through the events. Survival, adjusting to a new normal, and strength of character take center stage in this novel. The plot is intriguing, includes several twists and turns, and definitely has some surprises. The action and suspense had me rapidly turning the pages.
Overall, this book was riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and pulse-activating. Would we have the skills to rebuild and survive if this actually happened? This is the third book that I have read by this author and the third in this series. I recommend that the series be read in order for best understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the events that have occurred. I hope there will be another book featuring Victoria. I also want to read Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave series.
Kensington Books and John Gilstrap 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 February 21, 2023.
--------------------------------------- My 4.72 rounded to 5 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
Blue Fire by John Gilstrap is shocking, disturbing at times, suspenseful, and definitely pulse accelerating. I’ve seen it classified as post-apocaBlue Fire by John Gilstrap is shocking, disturbing at times, suspenseful, and definitely pulse accelerating. I’ve seen it classified as post-apocalyptic, political thriller, and action thriller among others. Those are all fitting classifications to me.
Victoria (Vicky) Emerson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia when the nuclear war was imminent. When she couldn’t take her sons into the bunker for Congress, she resigned and she, her two youngest sons (Caleb and Luke), and her escorts, Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley end up in Ortho, West Virginia after much of the world is in chaos and an electromagnetic pulse has wiped out all electronics and technology. With Victoria as the de-facto leader of the town, they are trying to provide housing for refugees that are starting to inundate the town. Living off the land is necessary. Food, clothing, shelter are needed. Medicines are in short supply. The town has established rules for those that want to stay and there is a type of frontier justice that can be brutal for criminals. When a cry of “Blue Fire”, the code phrase for imminent danger is raised, the town must protect itself. Who will survive? Will the town successfully defend itself or be overrun or surrender?
Vicky’s goal of protecting and providing for her family and the town is clear. She certainly isn’t perfect and that adds realism to the story. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth, but readers can see growth in Caleb and Luke. We also get insights into other characters as the points of view occasionally shift to Vicky’s third son, Adam, to the Congressional bunker, and to the antagonists.
This book is exactly what one would expect from a well-written post-apocalyptic thriller with lots of concern over how to survive and protect one’s family, but it is so much more than that. It raises a lot of questions about justice, cooperation, leadership, desperation, political infighting, having to deal with the loss of all of the electronics we rely upon today, and much more. The loss of electricity, basic sanitation, running water, and communications present problems that most have not faced in their lifetimes. Who will show courage, leadership, spirit, and ingenuity and who will let their fear, greed, and self-interest guide their actions?
The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the events in the book. I felt as though I had been transplanted to West Virginia and was living through the events. Additionally, the triggers for this book felt all too real. My one quibble with the book is that while the point of view changed (which was fine), the time went back forth between days. I felt it would have been a smoother read if it was told sequentially and varied by point of view.
Overall, this book was riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about. Would we have the skills to rebuild and survive if this actually happened? This is the second book that I have read by this author and the second in this series. I recommend that the series be read in order for best understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the events that have occurred. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Ortho, its residents, and the world. I also want to read Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave series. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Kensington Books and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------- My 4 star review will be posted 3-4 days after it appears at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
Marieke Nijkamp’s new novel, At the End of Everything, is an emotional ride with moments that range from heartbreaking and desperate to suspensefuMarieke Nijkamp’s new novel, At the End of Everything, is an emotional ride with moments that range from heartbreaking and desperate to suspenseful and hopeful. This young adult / teen novel is well-written and character driven. The setting is mainly the Hope Juvenile Treatment Center near the fictional town of Sam’s Thorne, Arkansas. The teens housed there aren’t wanted. They’ve been sent there for a variety of reasons, but they had little help from any family or concerned citizen to keep from being sent to the facility. One day they wake up and realize they’ve been abandoned. There aren’t any guards, cooks, or other staff. After initially thinking this is their chance for freedom, they discover a pandemic is affecting the world outside and they’re on their own.
The story is told from three points of view: Logan, Emerson, and Grace. Logan can’t talk except through a made-up sign language that he uses with his twin, Leah. Logan reads and writes well, while Leah talks for both of them. Emerson is a non-binary person with authority, gender identity, and commitment issues. Grace is outspoken and has anger issues. All three play pivotal roles in the story, but readers get to know several other characters as well. As supplies dwindle and the plague affects the residents of the Center, the group has to decide what actions should be taken, who can be trusted, and how to survive.
The three main characters are reasonably well-developed; they’re flawed, but show growth over time. Several teens show amazing strength of character and courage while some show less desirable traits. It would have helped to have more in-depth information on the teen’s backgrounds. However, the reader does get bits and pieces. Who will survive? Will they have food and medical supplies?
The book is emotional and intense. The teens had already been abandoned by family and friends. Now, it seems even those that are supposed to rehabilitate them have left them on their own. Additional themes include food supply issues, a desire to feel safe, homelessness, fear, trust, anxiety, discrimination, gender identity, leadership, caring for others, stealing, assault, movement restrictions, the loss of normal routines, and much more.
The author does a great job of portraying the hardships and lack of amenities as well as the friendships and struggles faced by the teens. This story hooked me immediately and kept me interested throughout. However, I would have liked a little more closure at the end in an extended epilogue.
Overall, it’s suspenseful and there are a few surprises along the way. While this is my first book by the author, I want to check out her other novels.
SOURCEBOOKS Fire and Marieke Nijkamp provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is set for January 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------- Due to publishing guidelines, my review will not be posted until early December....more
Crimson Phoenix by John Gilstrap is shocking, disturbing at times, suspenseful, and definitely heart-pounding. I’ve seen it classified as dystopiaCrimson Phoenix by John Gilstrap is shocking, disturbing at times, suspenseful, and definitely heart-pounding. I’ve seen it classified as dystopian and post-apocalyptic and it has aspects of both.
Victoria (Vicky) Emerson is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia. When Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley Show up at her doorstep and uses the code phrase ‘Crimson Phoenix’, Vicky knows that the United States is on the verge of a nuclear war. She yells at her sons Caleb and Luke to get dressed and get their go-bags. They’ve prepped for this all of their lives. McCrea and Copley are to take her to a secure bunker in West Virginia. When they get there and she finds out her sons can’t come in, she resigns. They head west towards the military academy where her third son is attending school.
Vicky’s goal of protecting her family is clear. She certainly isn’t perfect and that adds realism to the story. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth, but Caleb seems to have grown the most during the course of the book. We also get insights into other characters as the points of view occasionally shift to Vicky’s third son, Adam, to the Congressional bunker, and to Caleb.
This book is exactly what one would expect from a well-written post-apocalyptic thriller with lots of concern over how to survive and protect one’s family, but it is so much more than that. It raises a lot of questions about justice, cooperation, leadership, desperation, political infighting, having to deal with the loss of all of the electronics we rely upon, and much more.
The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the events in the book. I felt as though I had been transplanted to West Virginia and was living through the events. Additionally, the triggers for this book felt all too real. Two phrases have stuck with me: concentric circles and actions have consequences. Are you intrigued? Then, I recommend that you read the novel.
Overall, this book was riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about. This is the first book that I have read by this author and the first in this series. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Vicky and her sons as well as Joe and Paul. I also want to read his Jonathan Grave series.
Kensington Books and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 23, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....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
HUNTRESS RISING by Lee Roland is the first book in the Angel of Death paranormal post-apocalyptic action thriller. The world has changed after both WoHUNTRESS RISING by Lee Roland is the first book in the Angel of Death paranormal post-apocalyptic action thriller. The world has changed after both World War III and a plague with much of today’s technology has been lost in 2085. However, new dangers have appeared in the form of werewolves and vampires. Maat Ferris has been hunting and killing werewolves since she was a teenager and werewolves call her Suriel, Angel of Death. While she has been living quietly for a couple of years, that is about to change. When she meets Colonel Xavier, her quiet live comes to an end and the action starts. Maat is one of the strongest female protagonists that I have encountered lately. Xavier is aggressive and has a deadly temper. When they end up having to work together, will either survive?
The main characters are compelling and definitely someone you can root for. They have depth and distinct flaws and virtues. Their goals are clear and proactive. The writing was absorbing, fascinating, and impactful. The world-building is fantastic. The plot was engrossing, moving, powerful and suspenseful. The ending was dramatic and action filled with a satisfying resolution, but plenty of threads to pull for the next book in the series.
Overall, this was an intriguing and heart-pounding book with a bit of romance, a lot of violence, and some thought-provoking concepts. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. If you like exciting and gripping post-apocalyptic action thrillers with a strong female protagonist, then this could be the next series for you.
Many thanks to Backlit PR - The Wild Rose Press, Inc. and Lee Roland for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
ANCIENT PROTECTOR by Katie Reus is the first book in the Ancients Rising paranormal romance and fantasy series. This is a spin-off of her Darkness serANCIENT PROTECTOR by Katie Reus is the first book in the Ancients Rising paranormal romance and fantasy series. This is a spin-off of her Darkness series, but can be read without reading that series. It is also the second book by this author that I have read. Star’s sister has been abducted and she and her pack mates are determined to rescue her and head to their safe house.
Star and Lachlan are both Alphas of their packs and complement each other well. With two strong protagonists, this story line was bound to be exciting. Their characters are compelling, well-drawn, charming, and at times, funny. Their characters were three-dimensional and their goals were clear. The secondary characters were well-rounded and enhanced the story. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and the stakes were high. The prose was well-written, entertaining and engaging. I loved the writing style. The plot twists were believable, but not quite as unexpected as I would have liked. The world building is terrific. There are a few steamy scenes in the second half of the book.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining book that has depth to it. Themes include shifters, witches, vampires and humans existing in the same world, romance, abduction, rebuilding lives, family relationships, friendship, greed, power and much more. I recommend this to those that enjoy paranormal romantic suspense with plenty of action scenes and some depth to the underlying themes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.
Many thanks to KR Press, LLC – Author Collective 20 and Katie Reus for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
Lawrence Wright’s political and medical thriller The End of October was published early in 2020 and written slightly before the recent pandemic. DLawrence Wright’s political and medical thriller The End of October was published early in 2020 and written slightly before the recent pandemic. Dr. Henry Parsons is the deputy director for infectious diseases at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. After attending a conference in Geneva, Switzerland, he is sent to Indonesia where forty-seven people have died with acute hemorrhagic fever. What he finds is horrifying in multiple ways. When an infected man leaves the country to join the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Henry joins forces with a Saudi Arabian price and doctor to quarantine those that have been exposed. What caused the virus? Is it a form of biowarfare, an accidental escape from a laboratory, or something natural that is new?
Henry is sincere, frugal, intelligent, compassionate, curious, and radiates confidence. However, he can also be reticent and steely. He also feels guilt and shame for actions early in his career. The other characters have varying degrees of depth. While most of the book is from Henry’s point of view, readers also get the occasional point of view from his wife Jill, his daughter Helen, a reporter, and a deputy director for homeland security.
I thought this book was well-researched. Be prepared for in-depth discussions of the history and nature of viruses and prior pandemics as well as discussions around the science of combatting them. Additionally, many of the things we recently experienced with the coronavirus pandemic occurred in this novel. Examples include how unprepared the world was for it from a public health standpoint. This included things like the lack of ventilators and personal protective equipment and the understaffing at hospitals to handle the workload. It also shows how scientists worked tirelessly to develop a vaccine. However, the book also shows the breakdown of trust, economic impact, fear, hatred, and much more. The difficulty of quarantines and the run on store supplies and groceries also found its way into the novel. One big difference is that this novel goes even further to include some geopolitical actions that take the story to another level.
Overall, this is a heartbreaking, riveting, and frightening novel that kept me engaged throughout. If you enjoy medical and political thrillers as well as science and history of viruses and pandemics, then I highly recommend this novel.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was April 28, 2020. ---------------------------------------- My 3.84 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
THE PARADISE FACTORY by Jim Keen is the first book in the Cortex series and is a New York 2055 cyberpunk story. Alice Yu is a New York policewoman andTHE PARADISE FACTORY by Jim Keen is the first book in the Cortex series and is a New York 2055 cyberpunk story. Alice Yu is a New York policewoman and a former United Nations marine. The book starts with her and her partner being ambushed. He is abducted and she is left on the street injured. With New York bankrupt and 99% unemployment, she elects to bring her partner back from the forbidden Fourth Ward Territory against orders and without backup. As she works to rescue her partner, a young boy, Red, is trying to deliver a letter to Manhattan. Their paths cross and they team up on the lawless Brooklyn Bridge that is ruled by a criminal empire.
The story line is interesting with a setting where sentient machines leading to a breakdown in the human social order and Alice and Red’s dual tasks. However, the writing style of flashbacks and switching points of view between Alice and Red broke up the rhythm and flow of the story for me. Both Alice and Red were characters that you could root for and both had clear goals. The world building needed some work to fully satisfy me. The plot twists were believable and several were unexpected. The ending was dramatic.
Overall, this was an entertaining and intense read. It includes several themes including PTSD, sentient machines, unemployment, greed, criminal empires, murder and much more. While my rating is three stars, I do plan to read the next book in the series. I recommend this to science fiction and cyberpunk fans.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and Jim Keen for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
I received this Kindle e-book through a Goodreads Giveaway. It is a series of novellas and shorts that cover about 2000 years of human history. 'PrisoI received this Kindle e-book through a Goodreads Giveaway. It is a series of novellas and shorts that cover about 2000 years of human history. 'Prison Planet' starts 5 years into the timeline and had an interesting setting and character, but was so short that it left me unsatisfied. 'Chipped" is three years after the first short. I did not like the main character and was happy to finish it. 'Plague', 'John's Story' and 'Escape' were my favorite stories in the book. They were inter-related with characters showing up in all three. This starts a year after 'Chipped' when a pandemic of a new variant of Ebola occurs that is airborne. This story told of the struggles of the main character and some close supporting characters to survive. It has lots of action and treachery. 'Dr. Killjoy's Lecture' was a short that did not seem to move me. However, he did show up again in a later story. 'Post-apocalyptic Adventures of Ott & Ren: Bay of Wolves takes place around 300 years later. It had action and adventure galore. The main characters were not the most likeable, but I found myself rooting for them. 'The Last Stop' takes place more than 1700 years later. This story includes the science fiction portion of the book. It had a lot of characters and three different cultures to keep track of throughout the story. Who are the good guys? Who will survive? Who is a traitor? Read it to find out. I enjoyed this story....more
I won the kindle edition of this novel in a Goodreads Giveaway.
In the City-State of Manhattan, water is the commodity of the day after a man-caused eI won the kindle edition of this novel in a Goodreads Giveaway.
In the City-State of Manhattan, water is the commodity of the day after a man-caused environmental event called The Dry. The City-State has a doge who is both the spiritual and political leader. The novel does cover a lot of ground from corrupt governments, political shenanigans, environmental stresses, medical experimentation, murder, manipulation of a large number of people, rebellion against oppression, male dominance in a new "city-state order" and personal relationships.
I have read other dystopian novels and enjoyed them. However, I felt disconnected to this novel all of the way through. It was originally written for a tv show and that is how it felt reading it. There was a narrator sitting beside me telling me what I was seeing while I occasionally heard conversations. I just could not enjoy it. Additionally, the characters seemed somewhat flat with very little growth or depth. There were a few editing errors as well. I wanted to like it, but unfortunately, this novel was not for me....more
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