Pisces51’s Reviews > The Hematophages > Status Update

I finished the novel (final 20% the bonus novella prequel SKINWRAPPER) which I have yet to read. It is with chagrin that I now temper my prior unbridled enthusiasm for this outstanding 2018 Splatterpunk Award Nominee. The characters, action, plotline and mini cliffhangers as exclamation points at the end of chapters easily held me to 5 Stars prior to the final third of the book. Last stretch and end disappointed.

The action and surreal revelations in this science fiction novel extraordinaire continue unabated in what is in my opinion an unnerving, riveting, and relentless march of unmatched incredulity. The writing is a master class in skill, timing, perfect delivery, and momentary recovery, Rinse and repeat. Readers are likely aware that the novel was honored by a Splatterpunk Nomination 2018 Best Book Category. Top notch!!

The danger that is embedded in the salvage operation is unleashed with surprise, sheer horror, and incalculable risks to all human life on the ship. Paige is cast as the catalyst of the rapidly developing disastrous outcomes and far reaching calamity. The storyline builds upon a chilling foundation with layers of dread, death to innocents aboard the corporate ship, and certainly of tragedy. Fantastic plot,writing.

Totally engrossed in this sensational sci-fiction story by Stephen Kozeniewski. I can be cruising along and fixated in the story when abruptly I am shocked out of my reverie by the author's sinister sense of timing. Character development is good and even better as the tale evolves. The rich detail and the world building of the space age two centuries after the US sent an exploratory vessel to colonize. Love it!