Gory modern sci-fi thriller with a military twist! Neil is a UK government hitman who has an artificial brain, wetware, which he uses to alter the host body’s physical processes, such as enhanced speed, for combat and survival needs. After each assignment Neil must upload the mission’s success via wi-fi to his superiors, and then he must commit suicide after every mission to erase all evidence in order to ensure he doesn’t talk to enemies. This setup allows Neil to escape culpability every time. However, his psychological stability is deteriorating, and he is getting careless. When Neil kills himself with a pile-driver in Iraq, he fails to crush the brain, leaving evidence for bright medical scientist Ariana; who must investigate his brain and its oddities while maintaining her job in an increasingly sexist country.

Neil is not a likable protagonist; though his wife was a victim of a bomb most of his actions, either reported or committed, were despicable and evil. I gathered that this could be attributable to the past abuse he suffered or his wife’s death, and this made me see Neil as a conflicted human, trapped in the super-soldier mentality. And yet he also represents a saviour, whose skills can afford freedom to escape from the depicted sexist and vicious Iranian state. Walk In The Flesh has a western perspective, culture, and influences, specifically concerning modern technology like phones, wi-fi, etc. Most of the novel was an alternative present, the background being the Iranian government having recently set off a bomb in London and the Americans having nuked Tehran in retaliation. There were certainly parallels to be made with modern-day terrorism.

Criticism: the wrong words were often used or were sometimes placed incorrectly in the sentence, and there were missing apostrophes. There were many switches to background scenes that occurred too quickly after introducing a new scene, breaking the flow of what was happening in the present. Further to this, I felt Neil’s struggle to save his soul would lead him to individual redemption or stability, but after reading the end I wasn’t sure where the author will take his morality next.

Overall this is a complete thrill-ride, interspersed with dramatic action sequences and conspiracy; and told from multiple viewpoints. Both the main plot halves came together seamlessly and believably. It had a seriously stylish conclusion that kept me swiftly flicking through pages. All loose ends were neatly tied up and the structure of the novel was very good. The ending was exciting, spy-like, and memorable. It was a stunning debut novel and a commendable work. I would read more of this author’s work!