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Synth
A rookie detective and a case that could redefine history... Some truths are hard to swallow.
Vampire -a taboo slur from childhood tales, reserved for degenerate Reborn and outcasts of society.
Dedicated officer of the law Valya Gorski strives to be an example of perfection within the Carneth Police Department. Granted the rare opportunity to join the Detective Unit, Gorski is determined to prove her worth. But when she is partnered with a ruthless senior detective known for pushing the limits and ruining his partners' careers, what Gorski uncovers shakes her to the core.
Her first investigation brings her face to face with a human-and he's nothing like the ones at the farm. He's taller. Smarter. Stronger. Angry . And more capable than Gorski could have ever imagined.
Confronted with the horrifying reality of how her society sustains itself, Gorski's sense of duty and morality collide. As she races to determine who can be trusted, she must make an impossible uphold the law or pursue a truth that leaves her wondering if her own people, the Reborn, are closer to the monsters from childhood folktales than she realized.
Unravel the truth in a world of deception with Synth , the dark detective novel with an imaginative fantasy twist. From the author that brought you the dystopian adventure Veles comes a page-turning tale of crime, romance, and betrayal that will leave you craving more!
Vampire -a taboo slur from childhood tales, reserved for degenerate Reborn and outcasts of society.
Dedicated officer of the law Valya Gorski strives to be an example of perfection within the Carneth Police Department. Granted the rare opportunity to join the Detective Unit, Gorski is determined to prove her worth. But when she is partnered with a ruthless senior detective known for pushing the limits and ruining his partners' careers, what Gorski uncovers shakes her to the core.
Her first investigation brings her face to face with a human-and he's nothing like the ones at the farm. He's taller. Smarter. Stronger. Angry . And more capable than Gorski could have ever imagined.
Confronted with the horrifying reality of how her society sustains itself, Gorski's sense of duty and morality collide. As she races to determine who can be trusted, she must make an impossible uphold the law or pursue a truth that leaves her wondering if her own people, the Reborn, are closer to the monsters from childhood folktales than she realized.
Unravel the truth in a world of deception with Synth , the dark detective novel with an imaginative fantasy twist. From the author that brought you the dystopian adventure Veles comes a page-turning tale of crime, romance, and betrayal that will leave you craving more!
448 pages, Hardcover
Published July 11, 2023
12 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Marie
2 books34 followersEngineer by trade, P. J. Marie has always been a storyteller at heart. Inspired by the captivating tales that her Ukrainian grandfather used to tell about life on the Canadian prairies, P. J. has always looked at life through a narrative lens.
An avid creator, P. J. loves the design process from start to finish and is always working on projects that meld the structured world of engineering with her creative passions. Whether world-building, crafting cosplays, or building custom bookshelves for her ever-growing collection of novels, manga, and terrible monster movies, P. J. is always working on something.
In her spare time, she enjoys collecting new skills, drinking copious amounts of tea, and spending time with her family and adorable doggo.
---
Occasionally I review books and post about them on Instagram (@authorpjmarie) and here on Goodreads.
This is how I rate them:
3 stars – Solid book, but not really for me.
This was a perfectly fine book, but something about it just didn’t click with me. It probably isn’t my typical genre, or I struggled with some aspects of the story, or it struggled to hold my attention. Either way, it’s still a solid book, and I will recommend it to the audience that I think will enjoy it most.
4 stars – Great/Good book.
I enjoyed this book! It captured my attention and kept me engaged throughout. It made me care about the character(s) and their world and want to know more about it.
5 stars – Amazing book.
This book stole my attention and made me feel. I’m going to reread it, or at least think about it for days on end and probably annoy people by talking about it obsessively. These are the books that haunt my dreams and make my mind spin. Something about this story resonates with me, and I keep these books with me forever.
I do not assign star ratings below 3.
My focus will always be promoting books that I love. Reading is personal.
If I don’t like a book or it doesn’t suit my preferences, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the book wasn’t good. Everyone enjoys different things. Unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of time to read, so if I dislike something, I DNF and move on. I would much prefer to find my next new favourite book and help promote it than leave a review on a book I didn’t enjoy :)
I always try to include a list of warnings/triggers in my reviews, and while I do my best to be thorough, please don’t rely solely on my list. Everyone has different tolerances, so I may not identify everything for your specific boundaries (and I may leave some out to avoid spoilers).
An avid creator, P. J. loves the design process from start to finish and is always working on projects that meld the structured world of engineering with her creative passions. Whether world-building, crafting cosplays, or building custom bookshelves for her ever-growing collection of novels, manga, and terrible monster movies, P. J. is always working on something.
In her spare time, she enjoys collecting new skills, drinking copious amounts of tea, and spending time with her family and adorable doggo.
---
Occasionally I review books and post about them on Instagram (@authorpjmarie) and here on Goodreads.
This is how I rate them:
3 stars – Solid book, but not really for me.
This was a perfectly fine book, but something about it just didn’t click with me. It probably isn’t my typical genre, or I struggled with some aspects of the story, or it struggled to hold my attention. Either way, it’s still a solid book, and I will recommend it to the audience that I think will enjoy it most.
4 stars – Great/Good book.
I enjoyed this book! It captured my attention and kept me engaged throughout. It made me care about the character(s) and their world and want to know more about it.
5 stars – Amazing book.
This book stole my attention and made me feel. I’m going to reread it, or at least think about it for days on end and probably annoy people by talking about it obsessively. These are the books that haunt my dreams and make my mind spin. Something about this story resonates with me, and I keep these books with me forever.
I do not assign star ratings below 3.
My focus will always be promoting books that I love. Reading is personal.
If I don’t like a book or it doesn’t suit my preferences, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the book wasn’t good. Everyone enjoys different things. Unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of time to read, so if I dislike something, I DNF and move on. I would much prefer to find my next new favourite book and help promote it than leave a review on a book I didn’t enjoy :)
I always try to include a list of warnings/triggers in my reviews, and while I do my best to be thorough, please don’t rely solely on my list. Everyone has different tolerances, so I may not identify everything for your specific boundaries (and I may leave some out to avoid spoilers).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 25, 2023
Not your typical vampire story but one that will have you glued to each page and finding yourself having a hard time putting this story down. I'd you like modern vampire stories with a good twist and great writing then pick up The Synth series because after reading Book One you'll want more to sing your teeth into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 21, 2023
Immersive dystopian society populated by a species both foreign and familiar... the Reborn. This story gradually leads us through a look at our own society and values. By placing humanity in a place on the food chain that we might find uncomfortable, it calls upon us to reflect on the place of humanity in the real world. An interesting mystery with broader social commentary, very enjoyable
September 16, 2024
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Synth
Thank you to P.J. Marie for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
After years of working in the streets as a patrol officer, Vayla sees her chance to become a detective. Rumors have it Hakim’s last partner became a drainer due to the long hours and lack of downtime. But Vayla’s dream is to become a detective and help bring criminals to justice. Yet even though Vayla knew the hours would be long and the crime scenes brutal, she never could have expected the darker underbelly of her society. One that she has unwittingly been a part of for years.
Synth takes the concept of vampires and flips some of the long standing perceptions. Reborn are the dominant species instead of humans. And to become a drainer, means they devolve into the familiar vampiric state readers know. High off the feel of draining, they become deadly hunters with elongated fangs and claws. But here’s the other twist. Reborn hunt for pleasure versus need. They can access food with blood or synthetic blood just like humans in our world can go to the grocery store and buy meat or meat substitutes.
Which leads to the dark and highly disturbing part of Synth. This piece of the reborn culture was so well integrated into the storyline and plays so close to how meat is farmed in real life. It will send chills through the reader as the reality of what is happening hits. There are farms in this world, human farms. Humans are taken in as babies, and raised in horrid conditions to have their blood harvested to feed the reborn population.
As a detective Vayla’s first big case is on a farm and she sees firsthand where her food comes from. When she meets her first human born outside a farm, it is an entire culture shock. She and all other reborn are raised to believe humans are nothing more than animals. Yet the human she encounters outside the farm holds an intelligence well above the animal level and can actively hold a conversation. Everything Vayla has been led to believe is put in question. And with her discovery, there comes a choice. Continue to consume blood and remain ignorant, or open her eyes fully to the problem.
Synth does such a phenomenal job showing how ethical implications affect the characters. The writing creates a creepy, dark and intense atmosphere that drives the reader to know more. Not to mention the fully realized characters and conflicts that arise both personal and professional. The plot is a tightly woven combination of tension and action. Readers who enjoy crime thrillers and dark fantasy have to give this a try.
Thank you to P.J. Marie for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
After years of working in the streets as a patrol officer, Vayla sees her chance to become a detective. Rumors have it Hakim’s last partner became a drainer due to the long hours and lack of downtime. But Vayla’s dream is to become a detective and help bring criminals to justice. Yet even though Vayla knew the hours would be long and the crime scenes brutal, she never could have expected the darker underbelly of her society. One that she has unwittingly been a part of for years.
Synth takes the concept of vampires and flips some of the long standing perceptions. Reborn are the dominant species instead of humans. And to become a drainer, means they devolve into the familiar vampiric state readers know. High off the feel of draining, they become deadly hunters with elongated fangs and claws. But here’s the other twist. Reborn hunt for pleasure versus need. They can access food with blood or synthetic blood just like humans in our world can go to the grocery store and buy meat or meat substitutes.
Which leads to the dark and highly disturbing part of Synth. This piece of the reborn culture was so well integrated into the storyline and plays so close to how meat is farmed in real life. It will send chills through the reader as the reality of what is happening hits. There are farms in this world, human farms. Humans are taken in as babies, and raised in horrid conditions to have their blood harvested to feed the reborn population.
As a detective Vayla’s first big case is on a farm and she sees firsthand where her food comes from. When she meets her first human born outside a farm, it is an entire culture shock. She and all other reborn are raised to believe humans are nothing more than animals. Yet the human she encounters outside the farm holds an intelligence well above the animal level and can actively hold a conversation. Everything Vayla has been led to believe is put in question. And with her discovery, there comes a choice. Continue to consume blood and remain ignorant, or open her eyes fully to the problem.
Synth does such a phenomenal job showing how ethical implications affect the characters. The writing creates a creepy, dark and intense atmosphere that drives the reader to know more. Not to mention the fully realized characters and conflicts that arise both personal and professional. The plot is a tightly woven combination of tension and action. Readers who enjoy crime thrillers and dark fantasy have to give this a try.
June 25, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It took me a while to get into this book, at first, I thought going from more fantasy-based novels to a crime/ thriller type novel with fantasy elements could have been the cause however, after having finished the book, I can now say the book itself is a slow read.
I did enjoy this book it gave me 70's detective crime novel vibes which I absolutely loved. This is the first of this type of novel I have read, and I have to say I would read more. The authors take on "Vampires" in this novel is really compelling I feel like a lot or research went into it and the author took a risk tackling the "Vampire" story, most novels of this type can be cheesy, and a bit too romanticized Synth manages to steer away from these stereotypes while still giving the reader what they expect from a "Vampire" novel. As said in the description "VAMPIRE—a taboo slur from childhood tales, reserved for degenerate Reborn and outcasts of society." gives the reader a different take on "vampires" and almost makes you think twice about how they (in the story) view themselves and their take on living.
I will say it is extremely easy to forget that this story contains "Vampires" at all because the crime/ thriller aspect of it really drags you in, I found this interesting not only because I was expecting the stereotypes of a novel like this but also Synth really managed to build characters and relationships through the telling of the investigation's and crime alone and did not rely on the force-feeding descriptions that some authors do unfortunately fall into.
I gave this book a four star purely because it is the first of its kind I have read and I wasn't sure what I was expecting, the slow burn story line mixed with a hint of romance took me a while to get used too. The chapters are long, and I feel like a lot of the action hit at the very end of the book.
I really do look forward to reading more of the Reborn series and can't wait for the next book.
It took me a while to get into this book, at first, I thought going from more fantasy-based novels to a crime/ thriller type novel with fantasy elements could have been the cause however, after having finished the book, I can now say the book itself is a slow read.
I did enjoy this book it gave me 70's detective crime novel vibes which I absolutely loved. This is the first of this type of novel I have read, and I have to say I would read more. The authors take on "Vampires" in this novel is really compelling I feel like a lot or research went into it and the author took a risk tackling the "Vampire" story, most novels of this type can be cheesy, and a bit too romanticized Synth manages to steer away from these stereotypes while still giving the reader what they expect from a "Vampire" novel. As said in the description "VAMPIRE—a taboo slur from childhood tales, reserved for degenerate Reborn and outcasts of society." gives the reader a different take on "vampires" and almost makes you think twice about how they (in the story) view themselves and their take on living.
I will say it is extremely easy to forget that this story contains "Vampires" at all because the crime/ thriller aspect of it really drags you in, I found this interesting not only because I was expecting the stereotypes of a novel like this but also Synth really managed to build characters and relationships through the telling of the investigation's and crime alone and did not rely on the force-feeding descriptions that some authors do unfortunately fall into.
I gave this book a four star purely because it is the first of its kind I have read and I wasn't sure what I was expecting, the slow burn story line mixed with a hint of romance took me a while to get used too. The chapters are long, and I feel like a lot of the action hit at the very end of the book.
I really do look forward to reading more of the Reborn series and can't wait for the next book.
June 18, 2023
*I received an ARC of this book for free via BookSirens and am reviewing voluntarily*
4.5 stars!!
This was a really great start to a new series. Think light urban fantasy meets cop mystery.
Valya Gorski is a member of a race called the Reborn. Essentially, they are vampires living in the modern world - but don’t call them that to their face. The Reborn get their food from animals called humans, and don’t really question beyond that.
Valya is a young cop looking to make detective. She gets given her shot, but in doing so is exposed to things that make her question reality and set her down a path she never imagined.
Synth is fast-paced and entertaining. We get to engage in some great cop mystery through Valya’s work, and this is something I hope we see more of in the next book as there are a couple of intriguing loose ends.
Valya is a good protagonist. She’s obviously smart and that’s reflected in her choices, although she’s still young by Reborn standards and some of her naiveté comes across on the page. She has occasional on-the-nose dialogue outbursts about her moral struggle which I think could have remained internal, but it does still help to build this picture of her as young and somewhat inexperienced. I think watching her grow in the next books will be really entertaining, because she has potential (I hope!) to become a real Kate Daniels-style badass.
For me, this book really picked up after the 25% mark and I couldn’t get enough. It also kept me guessing right up until the very end. I’ll be reading the next one for sure!
4.5 stars!!
This was a really great start to a new series. Think light urban fantasy meets cop mystery.
Valya Gorski is a member of a race called the Reborn. Essentially, they are vampires living in the modern world - but don’t call them that to their face. The Reborn get their food from animals called humans, and don’t really question beyond that.
Valya is a young cop looking to make detective. She gets given her shot, but in doing so is exposed to things that make her question reality and set her down a path she never imagined.
Synth is fast-paced and entertaining. We get to engage in some great cop mystery through Valya’s work, and this is something I hope we see more of in the next book as there are a couple of intriguing loose ends.
Valya is a good protagonist. She’s obviously smart and that’s reflected in her choices, although she’s still young by Reborn standards and some of her naiveté comes across on the page. She has occasional on-the-nose dialogue outbursts about her moral struggle which I think could have remained internal, but it does still help to build this picture of her as young and somewhat inexperienced. I think watching her grow in the next books will be really entertaining, because she has potential (I hope!) to become a real Kate Daniels-style badass.
For me, this book really picked up after the 25% mark and I couldn’t get enough. It also kept me guessing right up until the very end. I’ll be reading the next one for sure!
July 16, 2023
The is a supernatural police procedural focusing on the MC who is a reborn (technically a vampire but they do have differences) and prefer not to be called vampires choosing to be called Reborn. The reason for this is not explained fully in this book because they are a different race then humans they are stronger faster and regenerate like a typical vampire. However, they are not immortal although they have a very long lifespan and are born like human children but they apparently do struggle to conceive so they have a smaller overall population then humans. They nearly completely control the human population and in essence treat them as livestock.
I found it to be a fresh take on the lore and loved seeing how a few reborn learn the truth about their food source and begin to see humans in a different light. The book was interesting a bit slow in some parts but still engaging enough to hope the series continues I will definitely be reading it.
I found it to be a fresh take on the lore and loved seeing how a few reborn learn the truth about their food source and begin to see humans in a different light. The book was interesting a bit slow in some parts but still engaging enough to hope the series continues I will definitely be reading it.
July 11, 2023
After ten years' experience as an officer, Valya decides it's time to be a detective. For Valya's first case, she works alongside a ruthless partner and they investigate a strong and angry human. The story reads like Valya recounts her mission to the readers, making for an intimate read. This is a slow burn story.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
April 5, 2024
This was such a fascinating read! I was hooked on Gorski’s narration. She’s a reliable unreliable narrator— while we know she’s not seeing everything, she’s honest to a fault about what she does see. Her relationships took center stage, and you could see her develop as her beliefs were challenged.
PJ Marie is a world-builder at her core, and she’s done it again with this novel. I look forward to the next book in this series!
PJ Marie is a world-builder at her core, and she’s done it again with this novel. I look forward to the next book in this series!
February 16, 2024
Marie blends realistic social politics with an engaging take on vampires, creating a thriller that balances a lightly supernatural world with a tense thriller plot.
The Reborn are a civilised people, needing blood to survive but abhorring the idea of succumbing to bloodlust like the vampires of legend. Officer Valya Gorski has devoted her life to policing Carneth so when an opportunity to become a detective arises, she leaps at the chance. At first her investigation into a break-in at a blood farm provides stark confirmation that humans are the dumb animals that most Reborn think they are—if they think about where there blood comes from at all. However, a brief encounter with a wild human challenges first her belief that humans aren’t sentient, then her commitment to the law itself.
Marie portrays a world where vampires enslaved humanity so long ago that they haven’t merely developed into a society much like modern Western civilisation but with humans farmed as cattle, but do not question that things might ever have been different. Even the vocal minority who campaign for better treatment of humans argue on the basis of humans being able to feel rather than humans being fully equal with Reborn.
While the parallel with cattle farming—especially megacorporation cattle farming—is obvious, Marie doesn’t belabour the point, avoiding the novel feeling like a polemic on the evils of eating meat.
While Valya’s discovery that humans are capable of language, emotion, and other complex logical and social traits will come as no surprise to the reader—indeed, the opposite, that Valya not discover human sentience, would be more likely to feel forced or flat—the novel’s plot focuses on the specifics of such humans living secretly on the outskirts of a society of creatures that are both communally more numerous and individually stronger. Thus, the story is an engaging blend of first contact fantasy and espionage thriller.
Unlike many stories that take police investigation as their spine, book and television alike, the inciting crime—that of break-ins at a human farm—is not the only case Valya and her new partner are assigned. In addition to adding both further complexity to Valya’s juggling of her career and personal lives, this adds a greater sense of realism to the portrayal of an overworked and underfunded police force.
The conclusion of the book is entirely consistent with what came before without being the only possible conclusion. Thus, it is likely to satisfy readers whether or not they predicted the broader reveal. However, although the ending both resolves Valya’s initial conflict and marks a significant milestone in Valya’s life, and therefore allows the book to stand alone, it does not resolve all the problems that have been uncovered; thus, while a realistic portrayal of police work sometimes not having a tidy end, there is a clear sense this is the first novel in a series.
Valya is a well-crafted protagonist, both in a general sense and specifically for this plot. Marie skilfully balances her drive to serve the city with real conflict over how to respond to evidence that humans are not simple animals, portraying a realistic moral struggle without succumbing to constant angst and passivity.
Valya’s fellow police officers display a nuanced mix of drives, from apparent genuine devotion to public service through the social cachet of having authority to a relentless desire to solve puzzles. Combined with a growing indication that what someone says might be different from how they act when it comes to the crunch, this both avoids portraying the police as a single monolithic “good” or “bad” organisation, and adds tension to Valya’s efforts to follow her morals without exposing herself or the humans to those who would stop her—or are actively involved in the injustices she has discovered.
The non-officers, Reborn and human alike, similarly display complex—sometimes incompatible—beliefs and drives, adding to the sense that each character is a complete and nuanced person who exists as more than background colour or as a foil for Valya.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking a complex thriller with a fantastical edge.
The Reborn are a civilised people, needing blood to survive but abhorring the idea of succumbing to bloodlust like the vampires of legend. Officer Valya Gorski has devoted her life to policing Carneth so when an opportunity to become a detective arises, she leaps at the chance. At first her investigation into a break-in at a blood farm provides stark confirmation that humans are the dumb animals that most Reborn think they are—if they think about where there blood comes from at all. However, a brief encounter with a wild human challenges first her belief that humans aren’t sentient, then her commitment to the law itself.
Marie portrays a world where vampires enslaved humanity so long ago that they haven’t merely developed into a society much like modern Western civilisation but with humans farmed as cattle, but do not question that things might ever have been different. Even the vocal minority who campaign for better treatment of humans argue on the basis of humans being able to feel rather than humans being fully equal with Reborn.
While the parallel with cattle farming—especially megacorporation cattle farming—is obvious, Marie doesn’t belabour the point, avoiding the novel feeling like a polemic on the evils of eating meat.
While Valya’s discovery that humans are capable of language, emotion, and other complex logical and social traits will come as no surprise to the reader—indeed, the opposite, that Valya not discover human sentience, would be more likely to feel forced or flat—the novel’s plot focuses on the specifics of such humans living secretly on the outskirts of a society of creatures that are both communally more numerous and individually stronger. Thus, the story is an engaging blend of first contact fantasy and espionage thriller.
Unlike many stories that take police investigation as their spine, book and television alike, the inciting crime—that of break-ins at a human farm—is not the only case Valya and her new partner are assigned. In addition to adding both further complexity to Valya’s juggling of her career and personal lives, this adds a greater sense of realism to the portrayal of an overworked and underfunded police force.
The conclusion of the book is entirely consistent with what came before without being the only possible conclusion. Thus, it is likely to satisfy readers whether or not they predicted the broader reveal. However, although the ending both resolves Valya’s initial conflict and marks a significant milestone in Valya’s life, and therefore allows the book to stand alone, it does not resolve all the problems that have been uncovered; thus, while a realistic portrayal of police work sometimes not having a tidy end, there is a clear sense this is the first novel in a series.
Valya is a well-crafted protagonist, both in a general sense and specifically for this plot. Marie skilfully balances her drive to serve the city with real conflict over how to respond to evidence that humans are not simple animals, portraying a realistic moral struggle without succumbing to constant angst and passivity.
Valya’s fellow police officers display a nuanced mix of drives, from apparent genuine devotion to public service through the social cachet of having authority to a relentless desire to solve puzzles. Combined with a growing indication that what someone says might be different from how they act when it comes to the crunch, this both avoids portraying the police as a single monolithic “good” or “bad” organisation, and adds tension to Valya’s efforts to follow her morals without exposing herself or the humans to those who would stop her—or are actively involved in the injustices she has discovered.
The non-officers, Reborn and human alike, similarly display complex—sometimes incompatible—beliefs and drives, adding to the sense that each character is a complete and nuanced person who exists as more than background colour or as a foil for Valya.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking a complex thriller with a fantastical edge.
September 28, 2023
Exciting, thrilling, different and thought provoking.
February 9, 2024
I love this new world that was created. I couldn’t help but race to the finish so I could learn more and more about it! And now I need more! I’ll be devouring the entire series as soon as it’s out.
July 16, 2023
Valya Gorski is a vampire, cop and eventual human rights activist that works too much and needs more sleep. As if her plate it not full enough, she becomes engrossed in a dangerous, clandestine mission that could cost her everything, including her life. A lot of focus is spent on her meeting up with her human contact and eventually getting some plans together for a secret undertaking. Although a few of these chapters were a bit monotonous; work, rush out to meet Warren in the forest and get back to the precinct for more work, they set the stage for an exciting ending. Replete with knowable characters, jerk family members, bad friends and some shooting, Synth is a good series starter leaving you anxious for the next book.
Thanks to Hidden Gems for the ARC. I have voluntarily left this review and look forward to the next book in this series.
Thanks to Hidden Gems for the ARC. I have voluntarily left this review and look forward to the next book in this series.
August 3, 2023
Synth is a delicious work of speculative fiction, mixing some of my favourite elements from detective thrillers and urban fantasy with compelling dystopian world building to create a very strong start to what promises to be a breakout new series.
P.J. Marie injects interesting and well developed characters into a world just different enough from our own to be fascinating without having to suspend disbelief and then lets the story breathe with the courage to not shy away from some hard truths - truths that left me reflecting on some of the big questions in our own world long after I put the book down.
Having read PJ's debut novel Veles I had very high expectations for Synth, and she definitely exceeded them! PJ continues to showcase her talent for storytelling, and I'm excited to read what the rest of The Reborn series has in story for Valya, Carneth, and the world around them.
P.J. Marie injects interesting and well developed characters into a world just different enough from our own to be fascinating without having to suspend disbelief and then lets the story breathe with the courage to not shy away from some hard truths - truths that left me reflecting on some of the big questions in our own world long after I put the book down.
Having read PJ's debut novel Veles I had very high expectations for Synth, and she definitely exceeded them! PJ continues to showcase her talent for storytelling, and I'm excited to read what the rest of The Reborn series has in story for Valya, Carneth, and the world around them.
July 11, 2023
I have read this book giving my honest review.
Got into the book 1/2 way through. Love vampires enjoyed.
Plenty going on.won’t spoil you have to read for yourselves.
Hope you enjoy it too .
Got into the book 1/2 way through. Love vampires enjoyed.
Plenty going on.won’t spoil you have to read for yourselves.
Hope you enjoy it too .
July 12, 2023
4 Stars for an outstanding intro to a deeply thought provoking series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. "Thank you" to the author for the opportunity to discover a whole new take on a very familiar pop culture villain - the vampire. And for redefining the best and worst of them, by shaping them into the Reborn.
Readers, you are going to want to pick this book up to discover just how successfully the author has blended different genres and created mind bending, thought provoking storytelling.
This is a blend of mystery, thriller, urban fantasy, alternate history, and horror. The author expertly intertwines elements of all of those genres in this intro to the The Reborn series.
For me, the two genres that take front and center in Synth are mystery and horror.
The Reborn live in a world that uniquely mirrors our own contemporary human one. Interestingly, at a stage similar to the advancement of technology during the advent of the Internet.
In Synth, 'vampire' is a vulgar slur to the Reborn. So the reader will see very little of that word written on the pages unless uttered by characters behind closed doors.
Valya, the main character, is a Reborn. She is also a rookie detective assigned to solving murders, thefts, and break-ins. She even has the veteran partner who pushes her to her limits, and the demands of her job take a toll on her work-life balance. All of which are the 'norm' in life and mystery novels.
Synth reads at times like an alternate history. The Reborn live an eerily 'human' lifestyle and existence. And it's implied that historically there was a divergence between humans and Reborn. However, the history of the Reborn has yet to be fully uncovered.
I had moments where I pondered my own perceptions, wondering "what would our planet be like if we weren't the predominant sentient species"?
We humans fear creatures born in fiction. They hunt us on the pages of books and in our nightmares. And there are those of us that believe in the existence of supernatural beings capable of haunting us in the 'real' world.
In Synth, the Reborn don't mysteriously haunt humans, they farm us like livestock or hunt us as wildlife. It's blatant and bluntly laid out for us in the narrative, as most Reborn don't question that norm. The element of horror for the reader is in how candid and explicit the narrative is with regards to the human condition, which is revealed as Valya's perceptions of her own existence are shattered.
It's disturbing to have our own species brought to the level of thoughtless creatures meant for consumption. Until Valya meets a sentient and healthy human for the first time, that's all we see them as as well. It's quite frankly terrifying to ponder.
I feel like there should be a trigger warning added, with regards to abduction and captivity. It's more than implied that our human young are included in the farming process.
The reader watches the horror unfold as Valya gets to know the species that her own kind consume daily. It's an unnerving process, and key to a greater mystery that is the focal point of the entire Reborn series. It's fascinating as hell to read.
Thankfully, synth is an alternative for Valya's digestion. It's a synthetic version of human flesh and blood, which she chooses to consume. Think of the human equivalent of giving up meat in your diet. Considering how the thought of Valya not consuming humans as she gets to know her human friend actually carries weight, it's a very fitting title for the novel.
There is a potential for romance between Valya and her human friend. But, to be honest, the mystery and horror surrounding the narrative overshadow that. All things considered, I'm not sure that it works as a key element in the series. Valya's perceptions about humans are too newly shattered for her to pursue romantic involvement with one.
My feedback to the author would be to dial back on Valya's internal dialogue. It's lengthy and often redundant. She overthinks to the point where I would prefer that a lot of what she ruminates over be played out in a 'show don't tell' way.
It's natural for anyone real or fictional to have a unique thought process. But, it feels like 40% of the narrative in Synth is Valya's internal voice mulling over plans and expressing worries over the outcome of her choices.
There doesn't always have to be action. But I think the novel could be improved upon by turning that internal dialogue into external conversations and active engagement.
Bravo to the author for creating a world in Synth that is so refreshingly new. The writing is deeply thought provoking. This is on my Favourites list because this story has impact. As threads of the mystery unravel and revelations happen, both Valya and the reader share a journey of questioning perceptions.
I give this a solid 4 stars for a superb first book in a genre bending series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. "Thank you" to the author for the opportunity to discover a whole new take on a very familiar pop culture villain - the vampire. And for redefining the best and worst of them, by shaping them into the Reborn.
Readers, you are going to want to pick this book up to discover just how successfully the author has blended different genres and created mind bending, thought provoking storytelling.
This is a blend of mystery, thriller, urban fantasy, alternate history, and horror. The author expertly intertwines elements of all of those genres in this intro to the The Reborn series.
For me, the two genres that take front and center in Synth are mystery and horror.
The Reborn live in a world that uniquely mirrors our own contemporary human one. Interestingly, at a stage similar to the advancement of technology during the advent of the Internet.
In Synth, 'vampire' is a vulgar slur to the Reborn. So the reader will see very little of that word written on the pages unless uttered by characters behind closed doors.
Valya, the main character, is a Reborn. She is also a rookie detective assigned to solving murders, thefts, and break-ins. She even has the veteran partner who pushes her to her limits, and the demands of her job take a toll on her work-life balance. All of which are the 'norm' in life and mystery novels.
Synth reads at times like an alternate history. The Reborn live an eerily 'human' lifestyle and existence. And it's implied that historically there was a divergence between humans and Reborn. However, the history of the Reborn has yet to be fully uncovered.
I had moments where I pondered my own perceptions, wondering "what would our planet be like if we weren't the predominant sentient species"?
We humans fear creatures born in fiction. They hunt us on the pages of books and in our nightmares. And there are those of us that believe in the existence of supernatural beings capable of haunting us in the 'real' world.
In Synth, the Reborn don't mysteriously haunt humans, they farm us like livestock or hunt us as wildlife. It's blatant and bluntly laid out for us in the narrative, as most Reborn don't question that norm. The element of horror for the reader is in how candid and explicit the narrative is with regards to the human condition, which is revealed as Valya's perceptions of her own existence are shattered.
It's disturbing to have our own species brought to the level of thoughtless creatures meant for consumption. Until Valya meets a sentient and healthy human for the first time, that's all we see them as as well. It's quite frankly terrifying to ponder.
I feel like there should be a trigger warning added, with regards to abduction and captivity. It's more than implied that our human young are included in the farming process.
The reader watches the horror unfold as Valya gets to know the species that her own kind consume daily. It's an unnerving process, and key to a greater mystery that is the focal point of the entire Reborn series. It's fascinating as hell to read.
Thankfully, synth is an alternative for Valya's digestion. It's a synthetic version of human flesh and blood, which she chooses to consume. Think of the human equivalent of giving up meat in your diet. Considering how the thought of Valya not consuming humans as she gets to know her human friend actually carries weight, it's a very fitting title for the novel.
There is a potential for romance between Valya and her human friend. But, to be honest, the mystery and horror surrounding the narrative overshadow that. All things considered, I'm not sure that it works as a key element in the series. Valya's perceptions about humans are too newly shattered for her to pursue romantic involvement with one.
My feedback to the author would be to dial back on Valya's internal dialogue. It's lengthy and often redundant. She overthinks to the point where I would prefer that a lot of what she ruminates over be played out in a 'show don't tell' way.
It's natural for anyone real or fictional to have a unique thought process. But, it feels like 40% of the narrative in Synth is Valya's internal voice mulling over plans and expressing worries over the outcome of her choices.
There doesn't always have to be action. But I think the novel could be improved upon by turning that internal dialogue into external conversations and active engagement.
Bravo to the author for creating a world in Synth that is so refreshingly new. The writing is deeply thought provoking. This is on my Favourites list because this story has impact. As threads of the mystery unravel and revelations happen, both Valya and the reader share a journey of questioning perceptions.
I give this a solid 4 stars for a superb first book in a genre bending series.
July 3, 2023
“This has been going on since before you were born, and it’s bigger than you could possibly imagine."
Detective thriller with vampires! Although term "vampire" is a slur here and they will write you up for using it. They prefer to be called Reborn.
I've been craving some vampire stories(is it still called craving if it's happening everyday?) and I also wanted to read something with human farming again, because apparently it mesmerises me in books and I didn't expect those two things combined in one book. Such a cool concept with nontraditional vampires, and no, they don't sparkle, but they are also unique, vampire society who live and work like us, they have laws and farms(human farms) and even human rights activists!
It's NA, so finally MC my age that I could relate to, and there's no spice, just intense tension at one point and it was delicious!
Before I started I thought it was too long and I would need several days to finish, but nope, read in a day, devoured would be more accurate and now I want more!
I got an E-ARC from author and this is my very honest review.
Detective thriller with vampires! Although term "vampire" is a slur here and they will write you up for using it. They prefer to be called Reborn.
I've been craving some vampire stories(is it still called craving if it's happening everyday?) and I also wanted to read something with human farming again, because apparently it mesmerises me in books and I didn't expect those two things combined in one book. Such a cool concept with nontraditional vampires, and no, they don't sparkle, but they are also unique, vampire society who live and work like us, they have laws and farms(human farms) and even human rights activists!
It's NA, so finally MC my age that I could relate to, and there's no spice, just intense tension at one point and it was delicious!
Before I started I thought it was too long and I would need several days to finish, but nope, read in a day, devoured would be more accurate and now I want more!
I got an E-ARC from author and this is my very honest review.
July 14, 2023
"Synth" by P. J. Marie is a captivating fusion of fantasy and noir detective genres that offers an innovative and thought-provoking reading experience. The first installment in 'The Reborn' series, the book introduces us to Valya Gorski, a driven police officer navigating her new role in the Detective Unit.
Marie sets the tone right from the start, presenting a world where "Vampire" is a disparaged term and where "Reborn" are the society's backbone. Valya's character development is expertly handled, her grit and ambition balanced by her moral dilemma, providing readers with a protagonist they can root for and relate to.
The narrative takes a compelling turn as Valya discovers the unsettling truth about her society, brilliantly blurring the line between heroes and villains. As she grapples with this reality, Valya's commitment to duty and her sense of right and wrong come under severe test, making for an intense, engrossing plot.
Marie sets the tone right from the start, presenting a world where "Vampire" is a disparaged term and where "Reborn" are the society's backbone. Valya's character development is expertly handled, her grit and ambition balanced by her moral dilemma, providing readers with a protagonist they can root for and relate to.
The narrative takes a compelling turn as Valya discovers the unsettling truth about her society, brilliantly blurring the line between heroes and villains. As she grapples with this reality, Valya's commitment to duty and her sense of right and wrong come under severe test, making for an intense, engrossing plot.
June 29, 2023
This book was a riveting read and it kept me gripped throughout.
It's an easy read with lots of intriguing scenes. The characters were greatly developed and this contributed to a smooth and fascinating plot.
Gorski is the main female character and she develops feelings for Warren. Gorski is a tenacious vampire police officer, and Warren is the total opposite of her. He's a human on a mission. Their worlds collide and it was captivating witnessing their relationship flourishing. Other characters play an ample role in this story and I cannot wait to keep reading it.
There's lots to love in this book and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's an easy read with lots of intriguing scenes. The characters were greatly developed and this contributed to a smooth and fascinating plot.
Gorski is the main female character and she develops feelings for Warren. Gorski is a tenacious vampire police officer, and Warren is the total opposite of her. He's a human on a mission. Their worlds collide and it was captivating witnessing their relationship flourishing. Other characters play an ample role in this story and I cannot wait to keep reading it.
There's lots to love in this book and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2023
I rarely read detective books and never vampire books, but as soon as I heard the combination, I knew I needed to pick this one up. And it is SO good! If there is such a genre as 'vampire literature' then this is it. The world-building is extensive, making for a fully immersive experience into the vampire/Reborn police department of Carneth. The characters are likable and easy to spend time with and to cheer for. Mostly, however, the pacing is so, so perfect. Synth reads like a literary thriller or suspense novel that builds speed with each chapter and the last hundred pages feel like a high-pressure sprint. It's fantastic. The Reborn will be a series so, warning, there is a cliffhanger. Highly recommended!
January 6, 2025
Fascinating premise and strong voice for Gorski, but the book was weighed down heavily by tons of exposition, unnecessary logistical context, and unrealistic dialogue. Overall the author had a steady firm hand on language but this could really use a serious developmental edit to be more readable. I enjoyed what few bits of romance occur but they happened almost 400 pages in and aren’t explored further. There’s talk of a conversation between the two love interests that NEVER happens. Quite frustrating when you have to sit through four pages of explanation on dock storage container movements. The book could easily have been cut in half and would have been fine because then the interesting elements of world building would really pop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
Absolutely fantastic
It’s been a while since a book has gripped me so hard.
There are some ideas in it which made me uncomfortable ( to close and hit home), what are sentient beings, the idea of people not knowing farm to plate, the morals and ethics ring true for the reborn society as much as the do in our RL society today, and the factions of those who believe that they are above rules. , laws and justice.
I can’t wait for book two
It’s been a while since a book has gripped me so hard.
There are some ideas in it which made me uncomfortable ( to close and hit home), what are sentient beings, the idea of people not knowing farm to plate, the morals and ethics ring true for the reborn society as much as the do in our RL society today, and the factions of those who believe that they are above rules. , laws and justice.
I can’t wait for book two
January 14, 2024
very good
I really enjoyed the story. Can’t wait to read the next one. Gets a little to in-depth with details though.
I really enjoyed the story. Can’t wait to read the next one. Gets a little to in-depth with details though.
February 9, 2024
Planet of the Apes - now with vampires
I found this book rather bland, borring and predictable.
There is a lot of telling and not much showing. In fact not much goes on at all. It's an endless string of three events repeating: stakeouts where nothing happens, supply drop offs where nothing happens and talking about correct police procedures where only talk happens. In other places, where the dialogue could have been really interesting and character depth building, the author chooses to have the MC recaunt the dialogue to the reader as it happens. It leaves a distance between the reader and the characters and hence they remain flat and uninteresting. Supposedly this is also an 'enemy to lovers' story, yet the chemistry between the supposed lovers is without spark or urgency. The final big reveal is no big reveal at all, being as the story is rather predictable. It was not difficult figuring out who was the mysterious helper of the human liberation operation. Ends on a deflated cliff hanger (would that be a hill hugger?). I will not read the next book in the series.
I found this book rather bland, borring and predictable.
There is a lot of telling and not much showing. In fact not much goes on at all. It's an endless string of three events repeating: stakeouts where nothing happens, supply drop offs where nothing happens and talking about correct police procedures where only talk happens. In other places, where the dialogue could have been really interesting and character depth building, the author chooses to have the MC recaunt the dialogue to the reader as it happens. It leaves a distance between the reader and the characters and hence they remain flat and uninteresting. Supposedly this is also an 'enemy to lovers' story, yet the chemistry between the supposed lovers is without spark or urgency. The final big reveal is no big reveal at all, being as the story is rather predictable. It was not difficult figuring out who was the mysterious helper of the human liberation operation. Ends on a deflated cliff hanger (would that be a hill hugger?). I will not read the next book in the series.
January 11, 2024
Vampire books? I’ve read em all. This one? Something I’ve never encountered before. This book doesn’t tell, it shows. It takes you on a journey so effortlessly you don’t realize you’re no where near where you started. The level of detail and realism worked into the story without bogging it down is *chefs kiss*.
You have vampires, hotties, murder, mystery, corruption, friendship, and a BA FMC. A true pleasure to read. This isn’t my full review but they don’t have a save draft function so here for now
You have vampires, hotties, murder, mystery, corruption, friendship, and a BA FMC. A true pleasure to read. This isn’t my full review but they don’t have a save draft function so here for now
October 24, 2023
Ok, where to begin.
I'm not a huge fan of vampire stories because most are so similar. This is NOT your average vampire book. It was such a fresh take, and I absolutely loved it!
Just don't call them vampires! They are Reborn, and they are the major presence in this world.
Our MC Gorski (Valya) is a reborn who is a young cop who wants to be a detective. She is given a trial run with one of the most respected detectives in the precinct. He's also the worst to work with. But Valya is strong-willed and hard-working. She will do anything to be a detective until her first case changes everything!
The world building is phenomenal in this book, though I wasn't shocked. The authors last book was just as emersive. Marie has a great way of making you feel like you're actually in the story with these characters who seem so real. They are relatable and thought-provoking.
As Valya and a few of the characters struggle with the reality of what's actually happening in the world around them, you are right there with them. The truth is a lot to handle when you've been taught something completely different your whole life.
This book pairs current event type situations in a semi-dystopian world, where vampires have taken over, and humans are bred for food.
I enjoyed watching Valya evolve and interact within this world and form relationships she never asked for or knew she needed. The growth of the characters flows naturally throughout. That paired with the storyline made for a great book that I'd love to see turned into a movie.
I'm not a huge fan of vampire stories because most are so similar. This is NOT your average vampire book. It was such a fresh take, and I absolutely loved it!
Just don't call them vampires! They are Reborn, and they are the major presence in this world.
Our MC Gorski (Valya) is a reborn who is a young cop who wants to be a detective. She is given a trial run with one of the most respected detectives in the precinct. He's also the worst to work with. But Valya is strong-willed and hard-working. She will do anything to be a detective until her first case changes everything!
The world building is phenomenal in this book, though I wasn't shocked. The authors last book was just as emersive. Marie has a great way of making you feel like you're actually in the story with these characters who seem so real. They are relatable and thought-provoking.
As Valya and a few of the characters struggle with the reality of what's actually happening in the world around them, you are right there with them. The truth is a lot to handle when you've been taught something completely different your whole life.
This book pairs current event type situations in a semi-dystopian world, where vampires have taken over, and humans are bred for food.
I enjoyed watching Valya evolve and interact within this world and form relationships she never asked for or knew she needed. The growth of the characters flows naturally throughout. That paired with the storyline made for a great book that I'd love to see turned into a movie.
June 22, 2024
O plot já é conhecido: ela (uma espécie de vampiro) percebe que os humanos são muito mais do que alimento, e passa por uma crise existencial, na qual, ao se deparar com o Warren (humano), passa a querer ajudá-lo.
Gostei que ele deixa bem claro que ela não é especial por estar ajudando os humanos nem nada, por às vezes podemos pensar que ela tem uma “moral compass” mais alta que os dos demais, mas enfim, Warren dá um bom gelo nela por um tempo.
A progressão do relacionamento entre eles foi muito bem feito e as dúvidas que foram surgindo também.
Eu gostei do amigo dela e a revelação do contato dos humanos foi meio óbvia, mas mesmo assim eu gostei. O cara - que eu não lembro o nome - deixa umas margens de dúvida e acho que fez sentido, mas com certeza teria sido mais fácil se ela já soubesse quem ele era.
Recomendo.
Gostei que ele deixa bem claro que ela não é especial por estar ajudando os humanos nem nada, por às vezes podemos pensar que ela tem uma “moral compass” mais alta que os dos demais, mas enfim, Warren dá um bom gelo nela por um tempo.
A progressão do relacionamento entre eles foi muito bem feito e as dúvidas que foram surgindo também.
Eu gostei do amigo dela e a revelação do contato dos humanos foi meio óbvia, mas mesmo assim eu gostei. O cara - que eu não lembro o nome - deixa umas margens de dúvida e acho que fez sentido, mas com certeza teria sido mais fácil se ela já soubesse quem ele era.
Recomendo.
August 10, 2023
This is not your typical vampire book! I did not even realize the heroine was a “vampire” until a bit into the book. The author uses the vampire species as a convention to tell a deeper story.
If you like crime mysteries with some interesting twists, you may enjoy this book.
I hope this author writes a sequel,
If you like crime mysteries with some interesting twists, you may enjoy this book.
I hope this author writes a sequel,
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