Perdita ~ by Hilary Scharper – 4.0 Stars

Tags

Canada, Greek Mythology, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

  Publishing date January 20, 2015. This review is for an ebook provided to me by NetGalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

Perdita follows the investigation by professor Garth Keller of an elderly woman’s claim that she is one hundred and thirty-four years old. Using Marged’s diaries, the story alternates between the 1800s and the present day. The reader is drawn into Marged’s life and it soon becomes clear that both the past and present are connected by a mysterious figure known only as Perdita. This is the same figure Marged claims prevents her from dying. With compelling characters, and a fascinating blend of Canadian nautical history, romance, and even Greek Mythology, Perdita is sure to appeal to a wide audience. There were a few loose ends which left me a bit frustrated so hopefully there is a sequel in the works.

The Genome ~ by Sergei Lukyanenko – 4.0 Stars

Tags

Adventure, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction

  This ebook was provided to me by NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media in exchange for an honest review.

Alex Romanov is a “spesh”. A human whose parents chose at birth to receive certain genetically modified traits, or talents. Five months after nearly dying in an accident, Alex is offered a post of captain and pilot of the interstellar luxury yacht the Mirror. Having met a mysterious young woman and wanting to help her, yet being completely broke, Alex jumps at this dream job. He even gets to choose his own five man crew. Then he finds out his mission is to transport two alien Zzygolis and a human clone tour guide to visit some human planets. A problem arises when he discovers each member of his crew either hates aliens or clones. And then things get further complicated when Alex narrowly avoids a collision with a freighter…

When I saw this book up for review on Netgalley I immediately requested it even though I’m not a big science fiction reader because I absolutely loved the author’s Night Watch series. I have to say this book did not disappoint. Thoroughly entertaining, The Genome tackles the controversial topics of scientific advancement vs. individual freedom, as well as prejudice, and slavery. It harkens back to those epic space operas and throws in a good old-fashioned mystery, and even some romance for good measure. The only reason why I marked this down is that I felt the dialogue was a bit clunky at times. Otherwise, I think this would appeal to any hardcore science fiction fan.