Chameleon Assassin

Chameleon Assassin #1

by B.R. Kingsolver

Libby is a mutant, one of the top burglars and assassins in the world. For a price, she caters to executives’ secret desires. Eliminate your corporate rival? Deliver a priceless art masterpiece or necklace? Hack into another corporation’s network? Libby’s your girl.

Climate change met nuclear war, and humanity lost. The corporations stepped in, stripping governments of power. Civilization didn’t end, but it became less civilized. There are few rules as corporations jockey for position and control of assets and markets.

In the year 2200, the world has barely recovered the level of technology that existed before the ice melted and the subsequent wars. Corporate elites live in their walled estates and skyscraper apartments while the majority of humanity supplies their luxuries. On the bottom level, the mutants, the poor, and the criminals scramble every day just to survive.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Dystopia, Romance, Science Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2016

About the author

I made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.

As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.

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Reviews

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

How have I never heard of this author before?!
She is amazing


I love her writing style.

The MC is amazing, she's smart and witty and sarcastic and badass. Too badass? Maybe, but who cares! I fell in love with this chick, she's what I'm looking for in a UF.

This book, this whole series, felt like it read itself. It finished way, way too fast.

Why not the full 5 stars? Well, I feel like it lacks a certain depth. It's not the best book/series I've ever read, so I definitely can't give it more than 4 stars. I really hope Goodreads will put a different rating scale soon.

All in all, though, I definitely want more from this author!

[Kitty G Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is one of the #SPFBO reads and it's a little different to my normal reads, hence why I possibly didn't love it as much as some others may. This is the first in a series that follows Libby, a mutant who is able to transform herself into different people and appearances, much like a Chameleon. The idea - brilliant - what a good way to set up a PI character, but sadly the execution just felt a bit lacking for me in the end.

What I did really enjoy about this book was the fast pace (I read it in a day) and the concepts. We're following a lady who is bad-ass, sexy, feisty and intelligent. This is all good stuff and I liked her as a character even though I don't feel like she was developed as much as she could have been.

I also liked the family dynamics in this book. Nearly always in SFF you follow a character who is 'going-it-alone' and doesn't have family or friends they can rely on. Particularly in fantasy it's very often the case that the main character is an orphan, but in this story not only are her parents alive, they are good role models and very much involved in Libby's life. I liked that change of pace and seeing them both help her and influence her throughout the book made this a much more genuine and relatable element of the book.

The concept of the book, a world filled with mutant characters and new technology, was definitely cool, but I felt like it was a bit under-utilised and I just wanted to see more of it all. There were quite a few moments where I just hoped that we would get a surprise in the form of a new mutant or a new piece of kit, and although there were opportunities, I never felt they were pushed as far as they could have been.

The plot of this book focuses on a drug that is sweeping over the world. This drug is called luvdaze and leaves teens in love/lust situations and passing out/overdosing in clubs, so it has become a problem. Libby is recruited to try and find where the drug is coming from and hopefully to stem the flow and cut off the supply.

There were some indications of LGBTQ+ characters, but this wasn't ever made explicit, it's more just hinted in the background. I would have liked to see this become more prominent, but I'm glad it was at least indicated. Sadly the 'romance' of most books doesn't gel with me, and the sleazy street scenes of prostitutes, low life and drugs etc is just not a big turn on for me so I never felt I could truly connect to that in this story.

Overall thoughts:
- solid ideas, but not always executed as well as they could have been.
- strong lead character, but I wish she was developed a bit more.
- good world set up, but not explored to the extent it could have been.
- standard plot that felt predictable at times.
- hints of more to come, I believe this is just the first in the series.

For me, I gave this a 2*s. It's an okay read and I didn't dislike it, I just wanted to get a lot more than I did. I feel like urban fantasy is something that doesn't always click with me though so possibly if you do enjoy that sub-genre you may like this more than I did, but for me it was just okay.

[Janna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book was interesting and immediately caught my attention. Libby is a mutant with the ability to change her image or blend into her surroundings. She uses her abilities to perform assassinations or steal. If that wasn't badass enough, she's also an expert hacker. In my opinion, she had a little too much power and not enough flaws.

The world-building was interesting and I thought the structure of the corporate hierarchy vs mutants was pretty cool. The book got a little redundant at times with the how frequently Libby spouted off about the evils of the corporate world. However, my main problem with this book was the emotional disconnect of the main character and the writing itself.

Libby doesn't react normally. While I would expect an assassin to have an emotional disconnect in order to kill people (and that's a pretty cool character trait), that's not what happened in this book. I didn't feel any sort of emotional response from her at all. She started crying at one point, but I couldn't feel the emotion behind it... The writing delivery was very robotic and almost clinical -- "Libby went to the market. She killed a man. She came home and cooked dinner." At one time, I put the book down and nearly classified it as "DNF" (Did Not Finish) because I felt like I was reading a recipe card, rather than a story.

I think if the author had focused on showing, rather than telling... the book would have improved dramatically. If the author considered reworking the story to better develop the emotional relationships of the characters (including the supporting cast), it would be MUCH better. The overall plot is pretty good, albeit predictable... but the issues with the characters and the writing made this book very difficult to finish and enjoy.

This review was originally posted on The Novel Lady.

[Betwixt the Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby is a mutant, one of the top burglars and assassins in the world. For a price, she caters to executives’ secret desires. Eliminate your corporate rival? Deliver a priceless art masterpiece or necklace? Hack into another corporation’s network? Libby’s your girl.

Climate change met nuclear war, and humanity lost. The corporations stepped in, stripping governments of power. Civilization didn’t end, but it became less civilized. There are few rules as corporations jockey for position and control of assets and markets.

In the year 2200, the world has barely recovered the level of technology that existed before the ice melted and the subsequent wars. Corporate elites live in their walled estates and skyscraper apartments while the majority of humanity supplies their luxuries. On the bottom level, the mutants, the poor, and the criminals scramble every day just to survive.

Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: entertaining, complex characters; unique world-building; ASSASSINS!; tons of action and drama; snark and sass in abundance; I am SUPER intrigued; Libby's voice is vibrant, distinct, and SO fun to read from!

Huge thanks to B.R. Kingsolver and Ultimate Fantasy Books for sending me a free digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.

I tried to think of something else to ask him just so I could hear his voice. Where had this man been all my life? The answer was pretty obvious. Spending his time being chased by super models and vid stars.

Okay, penguins--THIS was a super entertaining read! Let's start with the simple things: the plot. There is SO MUCH action and drama crammed into every corner of this book, you'll feel like your eyeballs are being tugged in several different directions trying to follow it all--and trust me, if you're anything like I am, you'll LOVE every second of it! The journey is intense, though also broken up by a measure of sass and snark I wish I found more often in my characters. (though to be honest, I've been finding a lot MORE of these sorts of characters in my books lately, so yay for that!)

Libby is probably one of the most entertaining, humorous voices I've read from in several weeks now. Granted, I haven't had much time to read, because I moved and started a new job and WHO HAS THE TIME FOR THIS?! But this book sucked me in and threatened to throttle me until the very end; I found myself leaning on my reading gas gauge full-force, trying to figure out whodunit and put the clues together. I was wrong...and that was just as delicious as the read itself.

"Happy?" he asked as he tucked his phone away.

"Ecstatic. Now I can blow the bastard's brains out."

He chuckled. "You seem like such a nice girl until one gets to know you."

B.R. Kingsolver crafted an entertaining, complex journey complete with a snarky, fiercely independent main character...who just so happens to be a mutant AND an assassin. I have to admit, when I started this book, I wasn't sure I'd like it--assassins are fun and all, but not always my cup of tea. The fact that Libby's sort of portrayed as a well-balanced antihero really worked for this read, though--and I loved her all the more for it, because it gave her character a bit more complexity than I was expecting.

I really, really enjoyed this book, and cannot WAIT to get my hands on the second in the series--I'll definitely be watching for it impatiently in the future! The characters are well-rounded and surprising, the writing is fast-paced, and the snark is (just as all good snark should be) on point. I'd recommend this read to lovers of urban fantasy, assassins, and an overall good time. Put on your Kevlar vests and take the bullet, penguins--this book will leave bruises you're bound to love!

[Alesia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay

So, the writer writes as if she's never heard of "show don't tell". She knew there were plot holes in the powers given to the heroine, but instead of changing them or figuring out why she just explained that "it doesn't make sense but that's just how it is." Lazy writing.

The characters came off flat, the heroine was very Mary-Sue. Everybody loves her, she has all this amazing stuff, she comes from rich black market parents, and has a wonderful relationship with both of them. It was just...boring as far as real human interaction and emotions go.

The writing was plain, nothing to be amazed over but nothing to kill myself for reading. I would say at about high school fanfiction level. This is a book about an assassin but not once did I truly fear for her life or be pulled into the action.

Her mutations seemed like a cop-out. All the mutations seemed like a cop-out. The way that they made her job as an assassin so easy--I mean--so easy....

And just the world overall was wildly unrealistic in some ways. Yes, it's fantasy--but I'm suspending my disbelief in the idea of mutants, do you seriously expect me to believe that the government doesn't keep track of the mutants? That they're just so rich, that they don't keep tabs? BS.

It reads like a woman projecting her self-privilege and sincere desire to help people into a non-believable and not very good story.

[kotokuki · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Chameleon Assassin’ is an eventful little read. Containing a complex plot with a plethora of characters, this book was a hectically quick read. This does not contain any cliffhangers. I never even guessed that there was a sequel in the works until I saw the last page advertising ‘Chameleon Uncovered.’ Personally, I struggled with the pace and names, but I stayed for our assertive protagonist and the presentation of the dystopia.

Libby, our favorite neighborhood mutant, is wonderful. She is confident in all aspects of her life. She knows her place in life and fights it in with boldly comfortable ease. Although she doesn’t always do the good-guy thing, she has a heart of gold. Libby is talented at reading between the lines and her intelligence was refreshing. I will admit, frequently I grew frustrated that I didn’t have enough understanding of characters’ thought processes. Characters often made comments to each other that left blanks to be filled in by the reader. It honestly felt as though the author’s expectation of the reader’s comprehension of the situation was too high. In hindsight, most of these blanks were filled by Libby’s actions within the next few chapters. No harm, no foul.
Specifically addressing the dystopia world. I was delighted to see the world was character driven. Explanations of what set this world apart and its history were given in short satisfactory blurbs. We learned about the world first hand through Libby’s upbringing. It was such a reprieve from a story all about the world; instead, it took a backseat to the plot. The dystopia was treated more as the setting than a plot point.

I had two reservations. First, and most importantly, I grappled with the pace of the book. It moved very quickly, which I usually prefer, but I didn’t have time to process. There were numerous times I had to re-read full pages because I had to comprehend the complexity of the task or interaction between characters. This doesn’t get easier when the author uses both first (e.g. Elizabeth) and last (e.g. Miss Nelson) names as forms of identification. My second reservation was the sheer number of characters. I had a difficult time keeping everyone straight. It was nicely intertwined and the book didn’t ignore characters for long, but the number alone was dizzying. That’s not to say, other readers wouldn’t enjoy it, but as we sped through I had to backtrack to find the singular name drop to remember who came or went.

I was capable of distinguishing foreshadow, thus correctly guessing the ending (something I pride myself on doing often in books), but I pursued nonetheless. Libby had a mission and although I knew how it would end I was never certain how. If you like the journey of investigating crimes or the danger of getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, then this book is for you. You never know who to trust in this story, but you’ll end up betting regardless to keep playing. Recommended to people who enjoy the genre (i.e. dystopia, crime, detective, etc.) and have had time to absorb the speed in which layered investigation books go. Not the best for first-timers to the genre, but once acquainted, certainly!

*This book was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review*

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby is a mutant. She can change her appearance to match shadows, decor – and other people. Her talents are perfect for her life as a security expert, thief, and assassin. After all, how can you track down a criminal when you’ve no idea what they look like?
A brace of legitimate jobs draws her into an underworld of drug dealing, a place she feels out of her depth, forcing her to rely on backup when she normally operates alone. It helps enormously that the backup is good looking, intelligent, and has a great body. If only she can keep things on a professional level...
This book has a great premise, excellent near-future world building, and plenty of action. Libby is a sassy character with a heart of gold, and an awesome range of skills. I liked the fact that the situation takes her out of her comfort zone, otherwise she would have found the whole thing too easy.
It’s a smooth read, clear visual scenes and action, and the dialogue rolls off the tongue nicely. There is some humour, which is welcome in a book dealing with a serious issue – I laughed aloud when the know-it-all agency decides to storm a ghetto at night without first investigating the inhabitants. Libby knows they’re vampires, but will they listen to her? No. Oh dear...
I did have a few niggles, though overall I enjoyed the read.
For me there are too many info-dumps in the opening chapters, just Libby telling you how the world works. To my mind that’s lazy writing: information should come out in the narrative, not be told directly to the reader.
Like a few other reviewers, I found Libby’s random lack of emotional reaction rather off-putting and unrealistic. Yes, she gets passionate about orphans and fellow mutants, but kill a couple of guys who just happen to be doing their jobs, and it means nothing to her. Okay, so an assassin might well be able to kill a target dispassionately, but her emotions seemed to switch on and off as it suited the story, not as any logic of her character.
Aside from a bit of frustration with the convoluted plot, I was pleased to find the end satisfying, and I would happily read further books in the series, as the issues I’ve mentioned became less intrusive as the story progressed, and I warmed to the characters and the complex world they inhabit.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

*honestly and voluntarily reviewed this ARC I received*

I loved Kingsolver's Chameleon Assassin. As an X-Men fan growing up, I totally fell into her world of mutants being a norm. Libby's rare talent and background made for an intriguing character, especially since her personality was so funny. She was smart, overall confident but still had her small flaws to make her human, but she was totally endearing. I liked that the romance was there but wasn't too involved in the drug busting story. This book really hit all the good points that keep me interested.

The author's writing was informative but consistent and filled with dry humor that made me laugh and better enjoy the more serious scenes. Just an overall great find. I can't wait for the second book and I've already bought the author's other series lol If they're anything like Nelson, I can't imagine not enjoying this author for the near future.

[Lyssa Sue Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my!!

Usually I can guesstimate where a book will take me within a chapter. I was prepared for a normal mystery with a few SF bits to dress it out. The Chameleon Assassin was an entirely different experience.

The heroine has a 'secret' mutation, she has chameleon capabilities. And the author still managed to keep her very real, not a superhero. Liz is a woman I would hang with... except for the rock climbing, I like a good manicure over imitating a limpet.

Toronto has a drug problem and she is hired to investigate. The tale took me places I never expected to go. Mission Impossible meets Castle in all the best ways.

[Talor Dauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good

I bought this with little to no expectations, thinking it would disappoint me as the last novel in this genre did, only to devour it in one night straight. Good world building and characters without a boring info dump. Definitely entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next one!

[Louise B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Really enjoyed this book, its well written and characters are fantastic. Really unique story that is fast paced and has great action. A splash of Romance without the naughty bits. It still hits the spot. Really great read looking forward to reading more from this Fab author x

[Sooziemac McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I

Really enjoyed this book!!!!!! Why isn't another in the series out yet? Anyway, I adore the main character, and her attitude is awesome, plus the world in which she lives is unfortunately, one day, going to be too clo

[Ted Camer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I got this book on a whim. Boy, I'm glad that I did. It's great finding a new, really good author. Great characters and storyline. I only wish that there more to read.... Right Now !!!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story line.

I will be getting the next book when it comes out. Great characters fun story line different than expected I truly enjoyed it!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Will definitely be checking out more books by this author.

[Barry J Salzberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

Good sense of humor. Thinking protagonist and believable plots. Would definitely enjoy more from this author. Hope she continues this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it was about a women who is smart and strong. It has paranormal characters that I enjoy. Starting next in series.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting world building, unique powers, and a fairly complex mystery...but I was hoping for a little more sizzle in the romance department.

Maybe in the next book!

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chameleon Assassin is a conglomerations of different genres. It has echoes of cyberpunk - corporations rule, the lower class scrambles to make ends meet, and assassinations are not uncommon to get ahead. There is the hint of paranormal, though the existence of vampires, werewolves, and psychics are excused as 'mutations.' Lastly, there is the mystery/thriller: unlike some more traditional cyberpunk novels, Libby is not a private investigator; rather she is a thief and an assassin. She is also a mutant with ability to change her appearance at will - hence the chameleon reference.

It is easy to get drawn into the world of Chameleon Assassin and the cast of characters are diverse and fairly developed. It often feel as if the reader is simply stepping into Libby's shoes and inhabiting her world; this is, in part due to the use of the first person perspective.

I won't give anything away but Chameleon Assassin provides a thrilling ride, with tons of intrigue tinged with that cyberpunk feel. My only real complaint is that Libby seems too capable and perfect of a character, especially for her age. Sure, she has back up, training, and her mutations, but I wish she had a little less skills in certain areas. That doesn't take away that I enjoyed reading this and look forward to future books in this universe.

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

UF-lite. Light world building, light characterization. Plot was intriguing enough, but it was wasted a bit given the lack of those two other main points. Flat MCs. Still an easy, pleasant read.
I might keep reading this series, but I'll have to think about it.

[Jane Ederlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that at first, between the all the worldbuilding and the snarkiness of the protagonist…I had trouble connecting. Now that I think about it though, I’m blaming it on reading in spurts. As soon as I carved out reading time…OMG…I fell into this story and fell hard. This is such a complex and dark world with hints of more to be revealed. The author has done a great job creating an interesting alternative/future reality where lycan neighborhoods, vampire gangs, and mobsters are equally dangerous. And the protagonist…she is beyond snarky and kick-ass yet there is this vulnerability that peeks out as you read along. Yes, she is human, but a mutant--a rare chameleon. She can become anything or blend into anything, but it’s not fool proof and it adds to her feeling of alienation. The pace is fast and once she accepts the Chambers’ job, the action is non-stop. I like romance in my stories and there is some of that here too. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2. There better be more Wil. 

*Thanks to B.R. Kingsolver and Ultimate Fantasy Books for a digital copy of Chameleon Assassin in exchange for an honest review.*

[Darrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place about 200 years in the future after a world war and extreme environmental changes. The society is controlled by mega-corporations with very little government influence. Some of the people have mutations from all of the changes that the world has undergone. In the case of Libby, she is a mutant that has the ability to change her appearance. She can look like anyone and can even blend in to the shadows. Her parents trained her to be an infiltration and assassination expert. Along with her mutation, this training makes Libby one of the best at her work.

Libby is hired to track down the source of a new dangerous drug. It quickly becomes apparent that it is going to be a very complicated. She might have to cross the local mob, endanger people that she cares about and work with a powerful corporate organization. The only thing that she can do is find the source and survive.

This is a good story with excellent world building. Libby is a complex and interesting character. It is a good urban fantasy and I hope the series continues.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Solid Beginning to a New Series

A bit of K. Harrison's Ivy Tamworth, some Jayne Wells Sabina Kane, all blended with Samantha Moon, to create a very believable world and cast of characters with lots of room for growth. An easy read in that one slides into the world along side the characters so easily that the book just hums right along. The story line is clear and clean and the action is well done but not overdone. The character emotions and flow are solid and easily felt as opposed to having to stretch to imagine. All in all a great start to this series and I am looking forward to next in this hopefully long series. Think Jack Reacher longevity here please Ms Author...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different Yet Very Enjoyable

Solid four star rating.
I believe this is the first read for me from this author. It was a very enjoyable first time author for me. I love paranormal romance so this one fits right in. The storyline was different but good. The main characters are likeable. The author did a pretty good job at keeping the suspense going on who, what, and why.
Let's just say I am looking forward to the next one. Will definitely need to see more of Liz and Wil.

[Kristy Hilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it.

I read a lot of urban fantasy and this was entertaining. I'll definitely check out the next book. I liked the scientific explanation for the supernatural elements. The main character was a kick ass, take no prisoners heroine. It had romantic elements but that wasn't the main focus. A solid start to the series.

[Jana Gundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced read that you'll enjoy

I really enjoyed ed this book. A young female assassin is uncommon and it was done well. The complex story about drug running was well written and kept my attention the whole time. This isn't a paranormal romance by any means but there is some romance in it.

[kari g · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort food for a cold day.

This book was well written, fast paced, and had the ambiance of a true life adventure, I liked all of the characters and plots. Started reading it and couldn't put it down. I especially liked the mason character s special ability. Now I just have to wait for her next adventure.

[Mettesknit · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 8, 2024.
Audiobook narrated by
Hannah Hart
⭐️⭐️
Edward Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wish this book had better narrators.
Mr Fox was okay, but Ms Hart sounded like a robot.

The story is awesome, though.
Dystopian, drugs, mafia, badass fmc, friendships, and quality (but slightly dysfunctional) family.

November 20, 2023.
Kindle .

This. Was. Fun!

[Jeannie Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular

The book has diverse characters and plot line was solid thru the whole book. This book was a wonderful unexpected treasure to read and I can't wait for the next one.

[Rosemary Desris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This was refreshingly different from the paranormal books written .anyone thinking of buying this book would do well to buy . You will not be disappointed .