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Eidolon
Vax is an assassin without a past, working for a corporation without a conscience. When bioaugmentation giant Cyrex Corp sends him to assassinate journalist Zai Lumero, he thinks it’ll be a straightforward job. With his bioaugments, he's never botched a job before. But then Vax unexpectedly fails his assignment and realizes he’s become the newest addition to Cyrex’s hit list.
The last thing Vax wants is to partner with a justice crusader who hates his profession, but he doesn't have a choice. Zai is the only one who can expose Cyrex's secrets and take the company down. And what starts as mutual hostility soon gives way to Vax's grudging admiration for Zai's determination...and possibly something more.
Yet as they race against time to unearth Cyrex’s secrets, Vax begins to suspect that Zai is hiding something from him...and that, somehow, they’ve met before. Learning about his past is everything Vax thought he wanted, but he’s not prepared for the possibility that the truth of who he is might destroy him.
The last thing Vax wants is to partner with a justice crusader who hates his profession, but he doesn't have a choice. Zai is the only one who can expose Cyrex's secrets and take the company down. And what starts as mutual hostility soon gives way to Vax's grudging admiration for Zai's determination...and possibly something more.
Yet as they race against time to unearth Cyrex’s secrets, Vax begins to suspect that Zai is hiding something from him...and that, somehow, they’ve met before. Learning about his past is everything Vax thought he wanted, but he’s not prepared for the possibility that the truth of who he is might destroy him.
334 pages, ebook
First published August 20, 2018
1 person is currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 3, 2021
I love an amnesia trope,but it's very difficult to do it correctly - but this author just about managed it.
It starts off as a very action-based thriller, which is what I'd been expecting from the blurb, but relatively quickly allof this dies down and it becomes very character-focused, with the mystery subplot simmering quietly under the surface.
This wasn't much of a problem, because the characters and their internal conflict were excellently written and there was a lot of focus on Vax finding himself, and the aftermath of his ordeal. But I think what would have pushed this book into 'excellent' territory is if there had been more of an actual mystery, with more plot twists and Big Revelations. It's clear this is more of a character-based book than a plot-based one, so this didn't hinder the book massiely, but the balance was perhaps tipped just a little too much into character-driven.
It starts off as a very action-based thriller, which is what I'd been expecting from the blurb, but relatively quickly allof this dies down and it becomes very character-focused, with the mystery subplot simmering quietly under the surface.
This wasn't much of a problem, because the characters and their internal conflict were excellently written and there was a lot of focus on Vax finding himself, and the aftermath of his ordeal. But I think what would have pushed this book into 'excellent' territory is if there had been more of an actual mystery, with more plot twists and Big Revelations. It's clear this is more of a character-based book than a plot-based one, so this didn't hinder the book massiely, but the balance was perhaps tipped just a little too much into character-driven.
September 8, 2018
This is a mystery thriller set in our near future. It's LGBTQ but not necessarily romance.
Vax is a hired assassin working for one of the big corporations spearheading implants and bio-augmentation. Zai is a journalist uncovering the corporation's shady dealings. When the hit on Zai goes sideways, the two of them end up on the run together.
What I liked most about the story is the near future world it describes. What I liked least is the mystery. I felt like I had most of it figured out pretty early on. I liked the characters although they were sort of simplistic.
Overall this is a pleasant, if not a heart stopping, mystery thriller.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Vax is a hired assassin working for one of the big corporations spearheading implants and bio-augmentation. Zai is a journalist uncovering the corporation's shady dealings. When the hit on Zai goes sideways, the two of them end up on the run together.
What I liked most about the story is the near future world it describes. What I liked least is the mystery. I felt like I had most of it figured out pretty early on. I liked the characters although they were sort of simplistic.
Overall this is a pleasant, if not a heart stopping, mystery thriller.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
October 22, 2018
Eidolon is a fast paced action sci-fi about a journalist bent on uncovering the truth behind a supposedly humanitarian billion-dollar company, and the augmented hitman ordered to kill him before he succeeds. And that is only the beginning. Throw in a lost-love, an assassin with amnesia, a secret that could throw the world into chaos, and watch as things explode.
While those looking for a more romance-centric plot might not be totally satisfied, go into this story ready for an action-packed scifi and you will not come out wanting.
I had a real blast reading this. A few of the twist were a bit obvious — and as such I probably spent more time than I wanted waiting for the characters to catch up to me — but Zai and Vax (our journalist and hitman) were so well crafted that it was hardly a big deal. A lot of what I could talk about are spoilers, but I will say that the slow reveal of the truth and how it was handled by both Vax and Zai felt entirely in line with their characters. But also forced them to face some rather uncomfortable truths about themselves, thereby stretching them into fuller and more interesting people.
The mystery and secrets you will have to discover for yourselves, but I personally found it a journey well worth undertaking. Not anything that is particularly groundbreaking, but this story uses well worn parts in just the right places and measure to make a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
And, yes, the romance is hardly the point of this book, but the relationship between these two men is absolutely essential. Had it failed to convince me of its importance I can’t help but feel the rest of it would have seemed rather shallow. But there was no fear in that corner, since after their very first interaction I was left absolutely captivated.
I don’t know what else to say other than I had a truly fun experience reading this book. Sci-fi lovers, especially those who like a good cyborg assassin or two, should really check this out.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
While those looking for a more romance-centric plot might not be totally satisfied, go into this story ready for an action-packed scifi and you will not come out wanting.
I had a real blast reading this. A few of the twist were a bit obvious — and as such I probably spent more time than I wanted waiting for the characters to catch up to me — but Zai and Vax (our journalist and hitman) were so well crafted that it was hardly a big deal. A lot of what I could talk about are spoilers, but I will say that the slow reveal of the truth and how it was handled by both Vax and Zai felt entirely in line with their characters. But also forced them to face some rather uncomfortable truths about themselves, thereby stretching them into fuller and more interesting people.
The mystery and secrets you will have to discover for yourselves, but I personally found it a journey well worth undertaking. Not anything that is particularly groundbreaking, but this story uses well worn parts in just the right places and measure to make a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
And, yes, the romance is hardly the point of this book, but the relationship between these two men is absolutely essential. Had it failed to convince me of its importance I can’t help but feel the rest of it would have seemed rather shallow. But there was no fear in that corner, since after their very first interaction I was left absolutely captivated.
I don’t know what else to say other than I had a truly fun experience reading this book. Sci-fi lovers, especially those who like a good cyborg assassin or two, should really check this out.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 19, 2018
I received a copy of Eidolon from Ninestar Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hmm, this book was interesting, but it started to feel like it was being dragged out. There are several points were there seems to be filler scenes, just to show time passing rather than saying time passed and getting to next point. This in and off itself isn’t a bad thing, but I think there were just too many of them, especially in the second half of the book when majority of the action was done and it was more getting to milestones do healing for Vax.
I was excited for this book when I saw MC was asexual, and it has an interesting premise. And the beginning of the book was interesting and drew me in, but as the Big Bad situation got resolved the entire tone of the story shifted from action/thriller to healing love story. That dramatic shift made me feel like the second half of the book dragged.
That said, I actually really enjoyed the way healing was handled and the development of relationship between Vax and Zai. Their history is explored and how Vax’s amnesia affects things is also discussed. Love doesn’t heal and both of them have mental health to work through, and I found the ending very sweet.
Overall, this was an interesting story with an interesting premise, but in some ways it felt longer than needed. I’d still definitely check out future books from the author.
Content notes:
🔫 mention of weight loss ads
🔫 mention of war overseas
🔫 forceful touching
🔫 demanding MC look in eyes when being spoken to
🔫 knocked out
🔫 gun violence
🔫 blood, injury
🔫 using knife on self to remove augment
🔫 references to mental illness
🔫 mentions of homeless and mental illness comorbidity
🔫 amnesia
🔫 death of loved one in war
🔫 allusion to sexual assault
🔫 suicidal ideation
🔫 nightmares
🔫 mention of getting drunk as coping method
🔫 alcohol consumption
Hmm, this book was interesting, but it started to feel like it was being dragged out. There are several points were there seems to be filler scenes, just to show time passing rather than saying time passed and getting to next point. This in and off itself isn’t a bad thing, but I think there were just too many of them, especially in the second half of the book when majority of the action was done and it was more getting to milestones do healing for Vax.
I was excited for this book when I saw MC was asexual, and it has an interesting premise. And the beginning of the book was interesting and drew me in, but as the Big Bad situation got resolved the entire tone of the story shifted from action/thriller to healing love story. That dramatic shift made me feel like the second half of the book dragged.
That said, I actually really enjoyed the way healing was handled and the development of relationship between Vax and Zai. Their history is explored and how Vax’s amnesia affects things is also discussed. Love doesn’t heal and both of them have mental health to work through, and I found the ending very sweet.
Overall, this was an interesting story with an interesting premise, but in some ways it felt longer than needed. I’d still definitely check out future books from the author.
Content notes:
🔫 mention of weight loss ads
🔫 mention of war overseas
🔫 forceful touching
🔫 demanding MC look in eyes when being spoken to
🔫 knocked out
🔫 gun violence
🔫 blood, injury
🔫 using knife on self to remove augment
🔫 references to mental illness
🔫 mentions of homeless and mental illness comorbidity
🔫 amnesia
🔫 death of loved one in war
🔫 allusion to sexual assault
🔫 suicidal ideation
🔫 nightmares
🔫 mention of getting drunk as coping method
🔫 alcohol consumption
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
*Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. All words written are my own.*
Content warnings: PTSD, Grief/loss of loved one, assault, murder, violence, suicidal intentions, explosions, war flashbacks,operation without consent, off page rape, depression, ableist language.
Rep: East Asian character, MC with PTSD, MC with depression, Asexual MC.
Eidolon is told from the POV of Vax, an assassin hired by Cyrex, a corrupt cooperation, to kill Zai Lumero, a journalist about to uncover and reveal all of Cyrex’s dark secrets. Of course, shit hits the fan and Vax and Zai team up to take down Cyrex.
I’ll be honest for sometime I had no idea how I felt about this novel. If it wasn’t for the ending and how well done I thought the Ace Rep was I may have given this 2.5 stars but because of the ending I’m rounding up to three stars.
Eidolon wasn’t a bad book, it was quite good. However the pacing was off and it went from a crime/ mystery type story to well, basically a sad...romance? I can’t explain much without spoiling the book. It went in a direction I didn’t expect and personally I didn’t enjoy it much. It was well done just not what I expected.
I did adore the characters. Vax broke my heart. Shattered it to be honest. He was such an unexpected character and everything that caused him to become the man is was heartbreaking. I genuinely felt his pain. It takes talent to make a reader sympathize with an assassin and the author did a great job. Zai, on the other hand took me a while to warm up to. He was selfish and flawed but in the end he also stole my heart. I felt his grief and I liked how he calls himself out on his actions. It was clear the author put a lot of work into her characters. Zai is also East Asian and while Vax’s ethnic identity isn’t verified he is asexual.
The world building was interesting and the descriptions about Cyrex and the city were well done. The plot caused me the most issues. It didn’t feel like it had a direction, one minute it was about one thing and the next about another. On top of that, I’m all for happy endings but everything tied up too quickly without much results. It was almost too easy.
Overall, Eidolon was an interesting read. The characters and world building were well done but the plot let the book down. I do recommend to people who want a read with good asexual rep and characters that you’ll hate to love. I don’t recommend for the mystery or crime aspect because it wasn’t good.
Content warnings: PTSD, Grief/loss of loved one, assault, murder, violence, suicidal intentions, explosions, war flashbacks,operation without consent, off page rape, depression, ableist language.
Rep: East Asian character, MC with PTSD, MC with depression, Asexual MC.
Eidolon is told from the POV of Vax, an assassin hired by Cyrex, a corrupt cooperation, to kill Zai Lumero, a journalist about to uncover and reveal all of Cyrex’s dark secrets. Of course, shit hits the fan and Vax and Zai team up to take down Cyrex.
I’ll be honest for sometime I had no idea how I felt about this novel. If it wasn’t for the ending and how well done I thought the Ace Rep was I may have given this 2.5 stars but because of the ending I’m rounding up to three stars.
Eidolon wasn’t a bad book, it was quite good. However the pacing was off and it went from a crime/ mystery type story to well, basically a sad...romance? I can’t explain much without spoiling the book. It went in a direction I didn’t expect and personally I didn’t enjoy it much. It was well done just not what I expected.
I did adore the characters. Vax broke my heart. Shattered it to be honest. He was such an unexpected character and everything that caused him to become the man is was heartbreaking. I genuinely felt his pain. It takes talent to make a reader sympathize with an assassin and the author did a great job. Zai, on the other hand took me a while to warm up to. He was selfish and flawed but in the end he also stole my heart. I felt his grief and I liked how he calls himself out on his actions. It was clear the author put a lot of work into her characters. Zai is also East Asian and while Vax’s ethnic identity isn’t verified he is asexual.
The world building was interesting and the descriptions about Cyrex and the city were well done. The plot caused me the most issues. It didn’t feel like it had a direction, one minute it was about one thing and the next about another. On top of that, I’m all for happy endings but everything tied up too quickly without much results. It was almost too easy.
Overall, Eidolon was an interesting read. The characters and world building were well done but the plot let the book down. I do recommend to people who want a read with good asexual rep and characters that you’ll hate to love. I don’t recommend for the mystery or crime aspect because it wasn’t good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2018
I was given this ARC by NetGalley and NineStar Press in exchange for an honest review.
Cyrex Corp hires Vax to assassinate Zai Lumero, a writer for Voice, when he gets a little too close to discovering company secrets. Vax discovers there's more to this hit than he planned for and his life will never be the same.
I loved the first half of this book. I loved all of the futuristic technology and the bioaugs and the mystery surrounding Cyrex Corp. But I found the further I read that the slow burn of mystery ended and each obstacle was overcome in a page or two. When I got to the end, I also didn't feel the relationship. It felt dislocated to me. There wasn't enough emotion or anything to tie it together.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, however the second half disappointed a little bit.
Cyrex Corp hires Vax to assassinate Zai Lumero, a writer for Voice, when he gets a little too close to discovering company secrets. Vax discovers there's more to this hit than he planned for and his life will never be the same.
I loved the first half of this book. I loved all of the futuristic technology and the bioaugs and the mystery surrounding Cyrex Corp. But I found the further I read that the slow burn of mystery ended and each obstacle was overcome in a page or two. When I got to the end, I also didn't feel the relationship. It felt dislocated to me. There wasn't enough emotion or anything to tie it together.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, however the second half disappointed a little bit.
September 1, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This is probably more of a 2.5 rounded up because while I liked the characters and general premise the pace of the plot was just sooo slooow. I was expecting a pretty fast-paced thriller but most of the page time is just the two main characters sitting around talking [about their feelings or about some plot point/reveal that they should honestly have already figured out]. There's not necessarily anything wrong with that but I personally like a more action-driven plot so I definitely found myself getting bored sometimes [especially at the end where it went on for several chapters after the final fight was taken care of]. I did like the characters though and I liked that one of them was asexual [although it's not really discussed much until the end]. It's an okay read, but someone with more patience than me would probably get more out of it.
This is probably more of a 2.5 rounded up because while I liked the characters and general premise the pace of the plot was just sooo slooow. I was expecting a pretty fast-paced thriller but most of the page time is just the two main characters sitting around talking [about their feelings or about some plot point/reveal that they should honestly have already figured out]. There's not necessarily anything wrong with that but I personally like a more action-driven plot so I definitely found myself getting bored sometimes [especially at the end where it went on for several chapters after the final fight was taken care of]. I did like the characters though and I liked that one of them was asexual [although it's not really discussed much until the end]. It's an okay read, but someone with more patience than me would probably get more out of it.
August 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/08/22/...
Rating: 3 Stars - not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
Rating: 3 Stars - not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
December 31, 2018
spare me from books that are clearlymeant to be screenplays and where the writing is basically at a 10th grade level. Sci-Fi almost at its worst.
March 21, 2022
4.5
This book is perfect brainrot material.
This book is perfect brainrot material.
August 23, 2018
Eidolon is one of those books which really ought to have worked for me but, in the end, came up short - this was mostly because it felt as though the author was trying to do way too many things. As the plot went along, new elements got thrown into the mix every so often until it was all a little bit unwieldy and also pretty much unresolvable by the end of the book. I really liked the cover, though, I have to say!
The book is set in the near-future, where brain and body augments are pretty much commonplace, and where a moustache-twirlingly villainous CEO sends an augmented assassin after a journalist who's been sticking his nose into the company business a little too much. The assassin in question has all the latest technology but is still unable to do what he's being paid for and ends up eventually on the run in the company of said journalist after the CEO sends yet more killers on their trail. So far, so good, even if the assassin (Vax) is woefully crap at his job in the first place, in order to progress the plot.
The plot thickens when Vax discovers that he is the spitting image of his target's dead boyfriend and he, conveniently, can't remember anything about his past either. Now I love a good amnesia plot and there's plenty here for me to get my teeth into, except that this is only one of the things that's getting explored here. Neither main character completely convinced me and there's just too much effort put into making sure there's some kind of happy ending to be completely convincing.
Likewise, while it's also revealed at the end that one of our main characters is asexual, that just drops out of nowhere with pretty much no foreshadowing at all. As a result, it feels a bit like 'well, here's an excuse for no sex' whereas I really don't think that was the author's intention. So, all in all Eidolon kept me turning the pages but never completely convinced me that it couldn't have done with a little more editing in terms of pruning out a number of the themes that kind of strangled the overall story.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is set in the near-future, where brain and body augments are pretty much commonplace, and where a moustache-twirlingly villainous CEO sends an augmented assassin after a journalist who's been sticking his nose into the company business a little too much. The assassin in question has all the latest technology but is still unable to do what he's being paid for and ends up eventually on the run in the company of said journalist after the CEO sends yet more killers on their trail. So far, so good, even if the assassin (Vax) is woefully crap at his job in the first place, in order to progress the plot.
The plot thickens when Vax discovers that he is the spitting image of his target's dead boyfriend and he, conveniently, can't remember anything about his past either. Now I love a good amnesia plot and there's plenty here for me to get my teeth into, except that this is only one of the things that's getting explored here. Neither main character completely convinced me and there's just too much effort put into making sure there's some kind of happy ending to be completely convincing.
Likewise, while it's also revealed at the end that one of our main characters is asexual, that just drops out of nowhere with pretty much no foreshadowing at all. As a result, it feels a bit like 'well, here's an excuse for no sex' whereas I really don't think that was the author's intention. So, all in all Eidolon kept me turning the pages but never completely convinced me that it couldn't have done with a little more editing in terms of pruning out a number of the themes that kind of strangled the overall story.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2018
An ARC was kindly sent to me by Ninestar Press via NetGalley in exchange for honest review so here is it.
Actual rating: 3,5/5 stars
In the near future where biochips are installed in people's bodies to cure them or make them stronger two people meet. One is a journalist researching a bioelectronics company and the other is hired to assassinate him. As horrible truths unfold their common target is what brings them together.
I was interested from the very beginning. The storyline was great but very predictable in my opinion. I liked the world created by the author. However I would've loved to read more about it. More about the innovations that sound so normal in the book but are actually the future of our real world.
About the characters, first they lacked deeper description about their appearances. I couldn't picture them at all.
I also felt like the two main characters- Zai and Ethan were dense or something for not realising what's going on with them.
The character and relationships development was not good and it definitely did not leave a very strong impression on me. I am not talking only about romantic relationships. I mean such between family or friends. I did not feel any other strong presence besides the one of the two main characters and a little of their enemy, if I might call him that.
If the author meant to write only about the two main characters' relationships, then good. But where was that as well? Because I did not feel it. I did not feel any special connection nor romance. I couldn't help but notice that most of Ethan and Zai's dialogues was apologising to one another and it kind of got annoying by the end.
All the above mentioned things aside, I really loved the idea of the whole book. I guess I just expected it to be delivered better. However, I am happy I got the chance to read this book. I do not regret it.
This is my opinion and you are free to wake other feelings while reading the book yourself. Thanks for reading my review.
Actual rating: 3,5/5 stars
In the near future where biochips are installed in people's bodies to cure them or make them stronger two people meet. One is a journalist researching a bioelectronics company and the other is hired to assassinate him. As horrible truths unfold their common target is what brings them together.
I was interested from the very beginning. The storyline was great but very predictable in my opinion. I liked the world created by the author. However I would've loved to read more about it. More about the innovations that sound so normal in the book but are actually the future of our real world.
About the characters, first they lacked deeper description about their appearances. I couldn't picture them at all.
I also felt like the two main characters- Zai and Ethan were dense or something for not realising what's going on with them.
The character and relationships development was not good and it definitely did not leave a very strong impression on me. I am not talking only about romantic relationships. I mean such between family or friends. I did not feel any other strong presence besides the one of the two main characters and a little of their enemy, if I might call him that.
If the author meant to write only about the two main characters' relationships, then good. But where was that as well? Because I did not feel it. I did not feel any special connection nor romance. I couldn't help but notice that most of Ethan and Zai's dialogues was apologising to one another and it kind of got annoying by the end.
All the above mentioned things aside, I really loved the idea of the whole book. I guess I just expected it to be delivered better. However, I am happy I got the chance to read this book. I do not regret it.
This is my opinion and you are free to wake other feelings while reading the book yourself. Thanks for reading my review.
June 27, 2021
An interesting enemies to lovers SF novel, Eidolon is a twist-on-the-assassin falling for his victim trope. The action and characters were quite engaging in the first part of the book. I did find the ending drawn out and slow, more like a long epilogue. Also, many of the reveals at the end felt a little forced. The novel has a M/M romance with a low heat level, and although the characters are in their 20s, a YA feel to it. There is mention of sexual assault occurring in the past, but nothing on the page. I would recommend it for fans of science fiction romance, and many YA readers might enjoy it as well.
August 28, 2018
What would you do if you woke up one day without any memory of your past? Could you become a completely different person, a contract killer? The plot of this book is interesting, but a little slow to develop. Vax's story is compelling, but the MM romantic aspect of the story felt lacking, maybe it was just because I didn't connect emotionally with the characters.
Please note, I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, but had no impact on my review.
Please note, I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, but had no impact on my review.
Read
June 1, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Ableism & ableist language
Rape, off-page
Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Attempted suicide
SUicidal ideation
Nonconsensual medical treatment
Grief & loss depiction
Murder
Physical assault
Explosions
Ableism & ableist language
Rape, off-page
Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Attempted suicide
SUicidal ideation
Nonconsensual medical treatment
Grief & loss depiction
Murder
Physical assault
Explosions
January 31, 2021
*3.5 stars
June 18, 2019
Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the author for an honest review
First up, I loved it. I finished it in one day and nearly cried about five times. I loved that it was 20 minutes into the future sci fi, so no space travel or post world war three (as far as I know). It's set in a society where the biggest and most pervasive technology is bioaugmentation. I loved the tiny details like the way some people will pervert technology created for day to day use, for medicinal purposes and so on. Worldbuild was one of the biggest highlight of this novella for me. It felt like a natural progression of where we are now as a society.
Now characters! Vax is a darling and needs all the consensual hugs. I liked that his asexuality was hinted at, but never became the focus of his inner struggles. Now, I realise this is a case of different strokes for different strokes. Some people might feel his asexuality was mentioned only once and brushed aside. That wasn't how I felt at all. As an ace person, I get it. There were bigger shit for Vax to worry about than his sexuality.
Then there's Zai whose backstory was almost cathartic for me. I liked that he changed and did so willingly. Yes, there was a catalyst, but he put in his own effort. There is a kind of righteousness to him that's inspiring. And then to see that tested. Love that kind of character arc.
As I read the novella it almost felt like there were two acts, divided by the big reveal.
Prior to that reveal the story resembles a thriller. Action, suspense, the possibility of betrayal, the uncertainty. Afterwards all of that took a backseat to Vax's identity struggles.
I enjoyed both plot points, it just felt somewhat disjointed. This made the denouement, which was more in line with the thriller aspect, seem very out of place.
I personally didn't mind it but I can see how that would be annoying to other readers.
First up, I loved it. I finished it in one day and nearly cried about five times. I loved that it was 20 minutes into the future sci fi, so no space travel or post world war three (as far as I know). It's set in a society where the biggest and most pervasive technology is bioaugmentation. I loved the tiny details like the way some people will pervert technology created for day to day use, for medicinal purposes and so on. Worldbuild was one of the biggest highlight of this novella for me. It felt like a natural progression of where we are now as a society.
Now characters! Vax is a darling and needs all the consensual hugs. I liked that his asexuality was hinted at, but never became the focus of his inner struggles. Now, I realise this is a case of different strokes for different strokes. Some people might feel his asexuality was mentioned only once and brushed aside. That wasn't how I felt at all. As an ace person, I get it. There were bigger shit for Vax to worry about than his sexuality.
Then there's Zai whose backstory was almost cathartic for me. I liked that he changed and did so willingly. Yes, there was a catalyst, but he put in his own effort. There is a kind of righteousness to him that's inspiring. And then to see that tested. Love that kind of character arc.
As I read the novella it almost felt like there were two acts, divided by the big reveal.
Prior to that reveal the story resembles a thriller. Action, suspense, the possibility of betrayal, the uncertainty. Afterwards all of that took a backseat to Vax's identity struggles.
I enjoyed both plot points, it just felt somewhat disjointed. This made the denouement, which was more in line with the thriller aspect, seem very out of place.
I personally didn't mind it but I can see how that would be annoying to other readers.
February 23, 2020
Nicely written, if a bit predictable at times (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). It made me abandon all my Saturday chores in order to read, so that's a huge point in its favor - not so much for my will power or priorities, though...
All in all an enjoyable read, despite its dark themes.
All in all an enjoyable read, despite its dark themes.
May 20, 2019
Read my full review here!
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