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Kindred Ties #1
Convergence
For scientist Robyn Greene, her laboratory is a second home. Here she searches for the ancient gene that is supposed to enable humans to communicate with animals. After years of failure, she’s beginning to wonder if the gene is a myth. But when she stumbles across a strange genetic mutation, Robyn’s world turns upside down. The man posing as her boss is, in fact, an operative of the mysterious international organisation, the MRI. Worse, they have dark plans to exploit her discovery.
In a race against time, Robyn must track down the individuals with this rare gene before the MRI turns them into lab rats. But when she meets the three teenagers, she realises that protecting them from the MRI is not only about saving their lives. Fletcher, Ariana and Eli are capable of more than anyone realises; they are part of an ancient cycle designed to keep the Earth in balance. A terrible future awaits the planet if the MRI gains control of Robyn and her research before she’s figured out the kindred ties that bind these teenagers
In a race against time, Robyn must track down the individuals with this rare gene before the MRI turns them into lab rats. But when she meets the three teenagers, she realises that protecting them from the MRI is not only about saving their lives. Fletcher, Ariana and Eli are capable of more than anyone realises; they are part of an ancient cycle designed to keep the Earth in balance. A terrible future awaits the planet if the MRI gains control of Robyn and her research before she’s figured out the kindred ties that bind these teenagers
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Marita Smith
3 books14 followersMarita Smith is an author, editor, and gourmet mushroom grower. After finishing a PhB (Hons) in Science at the Australian National University, she worked as a paleobiogeochemist in the Netherlands and then vagabonded her way across Europe working on small farms. She now lives in a tent on the NSW South Coast, where she writes young adult science fiction, cultures bioluminescent fungi, and hangs out with her donkey, Mindy.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 12, 2018
I feel bad about not liking this book because it's a debut Aussie author, and it really had potential, but I really didn't enjoy the read. It promised an exciting gene-based sci-fi story, but instead it was bogged down in over 10-12 character point of views which switched from paragraph to paragraph.
I really could not differentiate between characters and I found it extremely difficult to follow because of the character switching. None of the characters really stood out either, they felt flat and without differentiating characteristics (although I think one of them was Chinese, and the main character is bisexual who is still figuring out her sexuality). The pacing was also everywhere, it would slow down to describe the lab equipment or the setting, and then suddenly skip from location to character.
The one redeeming thing about this book is that I liked the multitude of animals in here, and the part that they lent to the story. But after reading this whole book (and to be honest, skim reading it because I couldn't get into it), I really couldn't tell you too much more about what went down because of the lack of clarity.
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really could not differentiate between characters and I found it extremely difficult to follow because of the character switching. None of the characters really stood out either, they felt flat and without differentiating characteristics (although I think one of them was Chinese, and the main character is bisexual who is still figuring out her sexuality). The pacing was also everywhere, it would slow down to describe the lab equipment or the setting, and then suddenly skip from location to character.
The one redeeming thing about this book is that I liked the multitude of animals in here, and the part that they lent to the story. But after reading this whole book (and to be honest, skim reading it because I couldn't get into it), I really couldn't tell you too much more about what went down because of the lack of clarity.
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2018
I suppose I should mention beforehand that this book was never really going to be my sort of thing. Science fiction and I have a long running history of unhappy encounters but I thought I'd give this book a shot.
It wasn't a terrible read, I didn't want to cry every time I opened the book, but it wasn't a read I was itching to get back to. It just was...
My humanities brain, which can't comprehend science-based language was in for a working with this one. Some people seemed happy about this but my brain was overloaded by all the confusing information.
I was never really drawn in by the story or what was happening and I often find teenagers who succeed at everything to be completely unrealistic in the least and slightly obnoxious at worst.
I did enjoy the strength and power of all the women in the book, they didn't need men to look after them, but as characters I was never really invested in them. It didn't help that as soon as I began to understand one, we'd switch over to follow a different main character.
The concept behind the story is fantastic and I love that Smith explored sexuality and the impact of human life on the environment but, to me, it seemed to fall flat. Perhaps if I better cared for science my brain would have been less absorbed in translating and therefore free to observe the characters more. But that is something we will never know.
It wasn't a terrible read, I didn't want to cry every time I opened the book, but it wasn't a read I was itching to get back to. It just was...
My humanities brain, which can't comprehend science-based language was in for a working with this one. Some people seemed happy about this but my brain was overloaded by all the confusing information.
I was never really drawn in by the story or what was happening and I often find teenagers who succeed at everything to be completely unrealistic in the least and slightly obnoxious at worst.
I did enjoy the strength and power of all the women in the book, they didn't need men to look after them, but as characters I was never really invested in them. It didn't help that as soon as I began to understand one, we'd switch over to follow a different main character.
The concept behind the story is fantastic and I love that Smith explored sexuality and the impact of human life on the environment but, to me, it seemed to fall flat. Perhaps if I better cared for science my brain would have been less absorbed in translating and therefore free to observe the characters more. But that is something we will never know.
June 16, 2017
While not the worst book I've read recently, this one didn't really have much going for it. I think I'll have plenty to say about the bad, so I'll start with the good.
-Realistic uncertainty about sexuality. It was KIND of a love triangle, but one of them never really seems to have a chance.
-Strong females, and plenty of them. The girls aren't in the background here, anywhere.
-Australian?
The bad
-Terrible pacing, plot and the utter convenience of absolutely everything. These average teens globetrot throughout the entire book with no real explanation of the expense or anything. Then they bring a big cat and a bear back into Australia. A salamander goes through airport security, but I'm fairly sure Australian security would be highly suss and at the least confiscate it. And did I understand correctly, that the others came by boat? What.
-Speaking of convenient, the baddies are baddies because they are baddies. Fang is bad because she can be. This isn't the Powerpuff girls, I want realistic, dimensional baddies (actually the Powerpuff girls is pretty cool)
-Random teens are supergood at everything they touch. Kate and Kara need to be swept up by international intelligence, these girls are busting out some serious spy tactics. Everyone else gets their scientist on and just wins at everything.
-Complete and utter lack of any parentals, except two who are killed off early. Disney anyone?
-Bland, completely impersonal writing. All of these characters could be the same person. No one really stood out for me for any reason.
Um, and I guess that's it? I did finish the book, despite hitting the 200 page mark and really not wanting to. I really wanted to like this, because amazing cover and it's written by an Aussie, but it totally missed the mark for me. Also it's meant to be about animals too which generally is a win for me but there isn't enough time given to them. Maybe other readers will enjoy this, and the first lot of people to review it all gave it five stars, so it could just be a me thing. Don't let my dissatisfaction turn you off, but for me it was two stars.
-Realistic uncertainty about sexuality. It was KIND of a love triangle, but one of them never really seems to have a chance.
-Strong females, and plenty of them. The girls aren't in the background here, anywhere.
-Australian?
The bad
-Terrible pacing, plot and the utter convenience of absolutely everything. These average teens globetrot throughout the entire book with no real explanation of the expense or anything. Then they bring a big cat and a bear back into Australia. A salamander goes through airport security, but I'm fairly sure Australian security would be highly suss and at the least confiscate it. And did I understand correctly, that the others came by boat? What.
-Speaking of convenient, the baddies are baddies because they are baddies. Fang is bad because she can be. This isn't the Powerpuff girls, I want realistic, dimensional baddies (actually the Powerpuff girls is pretty cool)
-Random teens are supergood at everything they touch. Kate and Kara need to be swept up by international intelligence, these girls are busting out some serious spy tactics. Everyone else gets their scientist on and just wins at everything.
-Complete and utter lack of any parentals, except two who are killed off early. Disney anyone?
-Bland, completely impersonal writing. All of these characters could be the same person. No one really stood out for me for any reason.
Um, and I guess that's it? I did finish the book, despite hitting the 200 page mark and really not wanting to. I really wanted to like this, because amazing cover and it's written by an Aussie, but it totally missed the mark for me. Also it's meant to be about animals too which generally is a win for me but there isn't enough time given to them. Maybe other readers will enjoy this, and the first lot of people to review it all gave it five stars, so it could just be a me thing. Don't let my dissatisfaction turn you off, but for me it was two stars.
October 10, 2017
I'm giving this a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. I really enjoyed this book as I found it brought science/chemistry/biology to life in the form of fantasy fiction set in the real world but I wouldn’t call it Sci-Fi as it appears to be more than that (well to me anyway). This isn’t like anything I have read before. The premise and plot twists were so cleverly executed throughout this book and I found the characters interesting. What was also interesting was how I found myself anxiously following the plot to determine what happens next and in between the story, we learn about well-defined characters and their own inner struggles which did have a relevance to the storyline. Great world building and character development, the story moved along at a brisk pace and the structure kept me turning the page to the end. A story about an ancient secret, a genetic key, betrayal and paradigm shifting discovery that could either make or break this world.. I highly recommend this book to fans of YA Fantasy – especially those who are seeking a unique read. Special thanks to Harbour Publishing House for sending me an Advance Review Copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2018
3.5. I was less invested in this than I thought I would be, and it moved much slower than I expected, but it is definitely interesting enough to make me want to read on (especially since I have an ARC of the next one). I’m mad that Derek did what he did because he was jealous of Catherine, though, what a dick.
December 17, 2017
Well that was...not good. Really rather not good. For one, way too many major characters that I could not keep track of for love nor money. Still not sure which ones are the walkers and which ones are the animals. Also Kara AND Kate? Mate the author wrote the wrong one at least once, how are we supposed to keep track of which is which.
Yay for the uncertainty of ones own sexuality, totally on board, but Robyn was not a likeable character. She was hardly a character. I have hardly any impression of her in my head.
And Derek. Ah Derek. What a predictable prick he turned out to be.
And so much science that I couldn’t suspend my belief for. It was super obvious where real science ended and whatever explained the convergence began because suddenly HERE IS A LOT OF SCIENCE WORDS WE’RE NOT GONNA EXPLAIN LOL HAVE FUN.
The plot was everywhere. There was no sense of time. Everything happened VERY QUICKLY even if it took 2 weeks that 2 weeks was gone in like a chapter but the fight scene took several pages and I couldn’t keep up with that either so maybe it’s for the best.
Also O WHAT THE BLOOD BANK IS NOT GONNA QUESTION WHY THESE RANDOS NEED A FUCKTONNE OF BLOOD SAMPLES SURE YOLO
The writing felt immature and unpolished, and maybe Marita will improve over her next books, but hell I’m not sticking around to find out.
Yay for the uncertainty of ones own sexuality, totally on board, but Robyn was not a likeable character. She was hardly a character. I have hardly any impression of her in my head.
And Derek. Ah Derek. What a predictable prick he turned out to be.
And so much science that I couldn’t suspend my belief for. It was super obvious where real science ended and whatever explained the convergence began because suddenly HERE IS A LOT OF SCIENCE WORDS WE’RE NOT GONNA EXPLAIN LOL HAVE FUN.
The plot was everywhere. There was no sense of time. Everything happened VERY QUICKLY even if it took 2 weeks that 2 weeks was gone in like a chapter but the fight scene took several pages and I couldn’t keep up with that either so maybe it’s for the best.
Also O WHAT THE BLOOD BANK IS NOT GONNA QUESTION WHY THESE RANDOS NEED A FUCKTONNE OF BLOOD SAMPLES SURE YOLO
The writing felt immature and unpolished, and maybe Marita will improve over her next books, but hell I’m not sticking around to find out.
July 14, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this YA book! I enjoyed every page of this book, I simply couldn't put it down, read it in one day! Finally a YA trilogy with in-depth characters and a believable story line. There were many highlights for me:
-I liked how the book followed the two groups, showing both an adult and teenage perspective of the story.
-I liked how readers were able to engage in Robyn's exploration and struggle of accepting who she truly is and how she felt.
- I enjoyed how most of the characters who were totally killing it at what they did were predominantly female.
I hope that the next two books in this trilogy follow more of the characters stories and where they go with using their powers and discovering more of their convergent bond. Excellent work from a young Australian author!
-I liked how the book followed the two groups, showing both an adult and teenage perspective of the story.
-I liked how readers were able to engage in Robyn's exploration and struggle of accepting who she truly is and how she felt.
- I enjoyed how most of the characters who were totally killing it at what they did were predominantly female.
I hope that the next two books in this trilogy follow more of the characters stories and where they go with using their powers and discovering more of their convergent bond. Excellent work from a young Australian author!
July 31, 2017
An ancient secret + a genetic key + a planet in peril = essential reading for YA/ScFi fans.
Australian author Marita Smith (paleobiogeochemist, editor and gourmet mushroom grower) delivers a whirlwind of an adventure with a snappy pace, exciting twists and an engaging group of young characters.
In a nutshell: Robyn Greene searches the globe for an elusive gene which enables human/animal communication, increases physical strength and delivers humanity the means to avert environmental disaster. Alliances are forged and broken, as Robyn and her companions race to discover the gene's secrets before they are ensnared by the highly dangerous and unethical organisation MRI.
Looking forward to book two!
Australian author Marita Smith (paleobiogeochemist, editor and gourmet mushroom grower) delivers a whirlwind of an adventure with a snappy pace, exciting twists and an engaging group of young characters.
In a nutshell: Robyn Greene searches the globe for an elusive gene which enables human/animal communication, increases physical strength and delivers humanity the means to avert environmental disaster. Alliances are forged and broken, as Robyn and her companions race to discover the gene's secrets before they are ensnared by the highly dangerous and unethical organisation MRI.
Looking forward to book two!
May 9, 2017
This is one of the best books I've ever read.
Finally, a smart female protagonist starring in a science thriller.
It isn't dumbed down like many science based fiction stories I've read, but rather it forces you to lift to its intellectual level.
It's refreshing to read something totally original. It's all the fun of a dystopian YA but with more intellectual rigour.
What I loved most of all though, is its originality. For the first time in a long time, it felt like I was reading something new.
Finally, a smart female protagonist starring in a science thriller.
It isn't dumbed down like many science based fiction stories I've read, but rather it forces you to lift to its intellectual level.
It's refreshing to read something totally original. It's all the fun of a dystopian YA but with more intellectual rigour.
What I loved most of all though, is its originality. For the first time in a long time, it felt like I was reading something new.
July 18, 2017
This book is something completely different and I loved it! It has quite a bit of science (I'm sure I learned some stuff), but it also has great humour, believable and interesting characters and a fast paced story line. I loved that it explored environmental issues and sexuality issues and I loved the spiritual side of it too. So much happens on so many different levels, making for a rich and rewarding reading experience. Can't wait for book two.
January 23, 2018
An interesting concept with a lot of potential, but overall disappointed in the delivery. Aside the pacing, which is all over the place, it almost felt like the focus wasn't on the right characters half the time. I might be talked into reading a sequel, but more likely it'll fall off my radar.
April 20, 2017
I received an ARC of this from work and was asked to write a review.
I liked this a lot. It was very easy to read, and when I actually had time to read, I flew through it. I loved the characters in all of this book, they are all flawed and not really sure of their place, and that was really refreshing. An example of this is Robyn's confusion about her sexuality, it was nice to see that in the book and nice to see her come to terms with it. I also particularly enjoyed the younger characters, especially Fletcher.
A major aspect that I didn't like about this was that a lot of the plot felt, well, convenient. Like how Kara and Kate just happen to be secret tech geniuses and Robyn was somehow oblivious to this throughout her whole friendship with them. I also predicted what would happen with Robyn at the end.
Overall, I did very much enjoy this, and I'll definitely pick up the sequel.
I liked this a lot. It was very easy to read, and when I actually had time to read, I flew through it. I loved the characters in all of this book, they are all flawed and not really sure of their place, and that was really refreshing. An example of this is Robyn's confusion about her sexuality, it was nice to see that in the book and nice to see her come to terms with it. I also particularly enjoyed the younger characters, especially Fletcher.
A major aspect that I didn't like about this was that a lot of the plot felt, well, convenient. Like how Kara and Kate just happen to be secret tech geniuses and Robyn was somehow oblivious to this throughout her whole friendship with them. I also predicted what would happen with Robyn at the end.
Overall, I did very much enjoy this, and I'll definitely pick up the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews