Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf: Science Fiction

This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada
Release Date: November 27, 2017
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Source: Library

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In this gripping debut novel, seventeen-year-old Cat must use her gene-hacking skills to decode her late father’s message concealing a vaccine to a horrifying plague.

Catarina Agatta is a hacker. She can cripple mainframes and crash through firewalls, but that’s not what makes her special. In Cat’s world, people are implanted with technology to recode their DNA, allowing them to change their bodies in any way they want. And Cat happens to be a gene-hacking genius.

That’s no surprise, since Cat’s father is Dr. Lachlan Agatta, a legendary geneticist who may be the last hope for defeating a plague that has brought humanity to the brink of extinction. But during the outbreak, Lachlan was kidnapped by a shadowy organization called Cartaxus, leaving Cat to survive the last two years on her own.

When a Cartaxus soldier, Cole, arrives with news that her father has been killed, Cat’s instincts tell her it’s just another Cartaxus lie. But Cole also brings a message: before Lachlan died, he managed to create a vaccine, and Cole needs Cat’s help to release it and save the human race.

Now Cat must decide who she can trust: The soldier with secrets of his own? The father who made her promise to hide from Cartaxus at all costs? In a world where nature itself can be rewritten, how much can she even trust herself?

Review:

Books with lots of hype worry me. Why? Because I don't want to be that one person who doesn't see the greatness. So even though I've been dying to read Emily Suvada's This Mortal Coil since the moment I first heard about it, I've been putting it off; however, a couple of weeks I decided to get over my worries and order a copy. As it turns out, I'm so glad I did, because now that I've read this book all I can think is: "Why did I wait so long to read it?!" and also "WHAT?! NO! I NEED MORE!?" but I'll get to that portion later on.

This Mortal Coil is a very smart book. It's easy to tell that Emily knew what she was talking about it, and more importantly, she does a great job of conveying the science behind the virus and its implications. I have a chemistry degree so I was already familiar with the majority of science she talked about it; however, even if I didn't have that background, I would have had an easy time digesting it. Better yet, even though this book was incredibly science based, it didn't read like a textbook; instead, she perfectly intertwined the science into the characters, romance, and action, leaving me a very happy reader. Basically, this book shows that science can be so COOL, and as a science nerd/lover, this made me so incredibly happy - my heart was rapidly beating from the excitement of it all!

Catarina, the main character, was easy to like. She was strong as well as talented and always willing to go the extra yard to help the people she loved and valued the most. When the story first begins, she's in a bad place. Living on her own has only gotten harder since her father's disappearance. She's running out of food and supplies and the virus is closing in her more and more as the days continue. Because of this, she trusts almost no one. She's been taught to believe that no one, especially Cartaxus, can help her.

As the book progresses, though, she begins to open up and starts to question and ponder the things she knew about her father, the supposed truths he told her to live by, and her world is torn upside down. I felt bad for Catarina. It's bad enough to loose a loved one, but to loose a loved one and then learn some shady stuff about them? Even worse. I thought Catarina did a great job of weighing both sides to the story - she was never quick to jump to a conclusion. I also liked that she learned to stand on her own in this. Yes, she was strong when the book began, but she got even stronger and grew confidence in her smarts and talents.

The Mortal Coil also introduces Cole, Catarina's love interest and protector. Sexy, strong, and mysterious, Cole's the kind of boy I love in a dystopian type novel. I especially enjoyed that Catarina's influence and eventual friendship humanized him to a point. At first, he was so cold and aloof, but by the end, he was the kind of guy you'd want on your side no matter what. Also, Catarina and Cole were an unstoppable force. Most of the book only involved them and their adventures, and honestly, I could read about those all day. Seriously, book boyfriend right here, ladies and gentlemen!

The plot described in two words? Action packed! Honestly, I don't think there was one time where this book lagged or made me feel bored. The twists and turns kept me on my toes, and while some of them seemed slightly out there, I could deal.

My only compliant? The sort-of love triangle that occurred. In The Mortal Coil, we're presented with two boys: Cole and Dax. I've already talked about Cole above so I won't go into anymore about him other than to say: team Cole all the way. Dax, on the other hand, is the best friend/young teenage crush. When the story begins, Catarina hasn't seen him for two years, as he was taken away with her father, but she's been pinning about him to a certain degree. We're introduced to him in an flashback scene, and at that point, I mostly liked what I saw - he was a tad bit arrogant but him and Catarina had some good chemistry. Then flash forward to the point where he's eventually introduced in present times, and gosh is he now such an arrogant piece of work. I couldn't stand him, and I just wished he would go away. He treated Catarina like dirt so all I can say is please don't let the tables turn in the future - let him stay a forgotten crush and a current annoyance.

In all, This Mortal Coil is smart, fresh, and fast paced. Despite its large size (over 400 pages), I raced through it in one sitting. Simply put, The Mortal Coil is reminiscent of The Hunger Games just with an extra large helping of mad scientists and DNA.

5 stars!!

The Bloodprint

Ausma Zehanat Khan

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publication Date: October 3, 2017

Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Touring: October 2-October 13, 2017

The author of the acclaimed mystery The Unquiet Dead delivers her first fantasy novel—the opening installment in a thrilling quartet—a tale of religion, oppression, and political intrigue that radiates with heroism, wonder, and hope.

A dark power called the Talisman has risen in the land, born of ignorance and persecution. Led by a man known only known as the One-Eyed Preacher, it is a cruel and terrifying movement bent on world domination—a superstitious patriarchy that suppresses knowledge and subjugates women. And it is growing.

But there are those who fight the Talisman's spread, including the Companions of Hira, a diverse group of influential women whose power derives from the Claim—the magic inherent in the words of a sacred scripture. Foremost among them is Arian and her apprentice, Sinnia, skilled warriors who are knowledgeable in the Claim. This daring pair have long stalked Talisman slave-chains, searching for clues and weapons to help them battle their enemy’s oppressive ways. Now, they may have discovered a miraculous symbol of hope that can destroy the One-Eyed Preacher and his fervid followers: The Bloodprint, a dangerous text the Talisman has tried to erase from the world.

Finding The Bloodprint promises to be their most perilous undertaking yet, an arduous journey that will lead them deep into Talisman territory. Though they will be helped by allies—a loyal ex-slave and Arian’s former confidante and sword master—both Arian and Sinnia know that this mission may well be their last.

Review:

One of my reading goals of the fall has been to read more fantasy. Therefore, when Ausma Zehanat Khan's The Bloodprint, a thrilling start to a four book series, ended up on my radar, I knew I had to try it. Not only was the cover eye-catching (it's even more GORGEOUS in person, trust me!) but the story itself sounded amazing as well.

The Result? Captivating, intricate, and fast paced, The Bloodprint is a book I easily finished in one sitting despite its hefty size.

The world building is one of the best aspects of The Bloodprint. Ausma Zehanat Khan does an amazing job of making Arian's world come alive.

Arian's world is incredibly oppressive and conniving. Woman are thought of as nothing more than an inconvenience - put only on this earth to serve the men. Children, specifically the ones who are orphaned, are also badly mistreated - being thrown into tumultuous situations as well.

From this basis, Ausma creates the politics surrounding this new regime as well as the people such as Arian's that aim to eradicate it and the places at which they'll travel to do so. At first, I was incredibly worried I wouldn't be able to keep all the places, people, scared texts, etc. straight, but Ausma develops this book in a way that's easy to follow. Yes, sometimes I did get slightly confused as to who was who and what their end game was; however, my either flipping a few pages back or going ahead to the character and glossary, everything made perfect sense once again.

One phrase to sum up the characters in The Bloodprint? Strong, empowering, bad-a$$ women! Arian, the main character, was one of the fiercest characters in the book, and I admired her greatly because of it. She's the type of woman who starts revolutions, one who puts her own neck on the line, no matter the situation, because there's ALWAYS someone's life she can save. However, there's much more to Arian than just saving lives, taking names, and going on crazy adventures. She's also someone who's been incredibly hurt as well as influenced by her past. This area of her life is dug into more and more as the novel progresses, and I really liked the ways in which Ausma used Arian's past to explain her current actions as well as the conflicts, especially regarding romance and friendship, she felt because of it. To sum it up, Arian was indeed a complicated character, but in the best kind of ways.

In addition to Arian, we're introduced to a variety of other characters. One of my favorites was the boy Arain takes in at the start of the book. Not only did I enjoy watching the relationship that developed between them (it was very much older sister-younger brother) but I also enjoyed seeing the strength he himself brought to the book. Sinnia was also a great character. I especially liked how she managed to bring some smiles and even a chuckle or two out during incredibly intense times. Additionally, the relationship between Arain and Sinnia was another part of the book that stood out to me.

I don't want to say too much about the plot of The Bloodprint so I don't spoil anything; however, I will say it's very intricate, intense, and unpredictable. Most of the book is spent finding the Bloodprint, and because of that, Arain and Sinnia go on an adventure through many lands and people - some more deadly that others, some who have much more to given than a new clue. The only aspect I was was developed more was the relationship Arain had with the Sliver Madge. I wish we would've seen more into their past.

In all, The Bloodprint is a spectacular fantasy book, taking readers one heck of a ride from start to finish. I can't wait to read book 2!

Grade: B+

The Bloodprint is now out!

Source: ARC provided by publisher for blog tour

Ausma Zehanat Khan is the author of The Unquiet Dead, published by St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and winner of the Barry Award, the Arthur Ellis Award and the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award for Best First Novel. Her widely acclaimed second novel, The Language of Secrets, was published in 2016. Among the Ruins, her third mystery was published in February 2017. She is also at work on a fantasy series, to be published by Harper Voyager, beginning October 2017. The Bloodprint is Book One of the Khorasan Archives.

A frequent lecturer and commentator, Ms. Khan holds a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law with a research specialization in military intervention and war crimes in the Balkans. Ms. Khan completed her LL.B. and LL.M. at the University of Ottawa, and her B.A. in English Literature & Sociology at the University of Toronto.

Formerly, she served as Editor in Chief of Muslim Girl magazine. The first magazine to address a target audience of young Muslim women, Muslim Girl re-shaped the conversation about Muslim women in North America. The magazine was the subject of two documentaries, and hundreds of national and international profiles and interviews, including CNN International, Current TV, and Al Jazeera "Everywoman".

Ms. Khan practiced immigration law in Toronto and has taught international human rights law at Northwestern University, as well as human rights and business law at York University. She is a long-time community activist and writer, and currently lives in Colorado with her husband.

Connect with her at her website: http://www.ausmazehanatkhan.com or on social media

Did the Bloodprint represent deliverance or deception?

There were only three among them who would be able to read it, even if by some fortuitous working of fate, Arian was able to find it. Herself, Ash, and Ilea.

And why would the Black Khan help them? Solely for the sake of the Sacred Cloak?

She raised her eyes to his face.

“You do not seek the Bloodprint for yourself, Excellency? You were the one who thought to—intercept it.”

Thief, her eyes called him. And liar, as well.

“Rukh,” he reminded her.

She pretended to soften. “Rukh, then. You said you have proof of the Bloodprint. Are you able to read the Claim? Is it true you were schooled in the High Tongue?”

A glimmer of amusement in his eyes suggested he fully understood the things she hadn’t expressed, her private dismissal of his character.

“I’m not as fluent as the Companions of Hira.” He made a small bow to Ilea. “But neither am I ignorant.”

No, Arian thought. He wouldn’t be. And he’d evaded the more important question. She returned to it.

“You do not expect to retain the Bloodprint, if I am able to retrieve it?”

“If you are able to retrieve it, all of Khorasan will be at your feet.”

“That is not why I pursue it.”

It was important to her that she convince him of this, though she couldn’t have said why.

His eyes narrowed, as if he’d grown tired of her.

“A Companion who does not seek power, perhaps because she wields it so wholly.” There was a caustic note in his voice. “The Bloodprint doesn’t matter to me. I have taken the Cloak as payment, it will serve me well enough.”

His words challenged her to deny him.

Arian didn’t think twice.

“It isn’t a prize to be bartered.” She turned to Ilea, prepared to risk the High Companion’s wrath. “And the Cloak isn’t yours to cede. It belongs at Hira. We are its rightful guardians.”

An indefinable expression crossed Ilea’s face.

“It was the price I paid for the Black Khan’s counsel. A counsel we desperately need.” There was a bitter edge to her voice. “You’ve been away too long, in pursuit of your misguided quest. I’ve had other priorities at Hira.” She made an impatient gesture with her hand. “Either accept your Audacy, or refuse it. I will not countenance further debate.”

Why not? And then realization struck Arian. For all of her discouragement of Arian’s efforts with the slave-chains, Ilea had expected Arian to bring the Cloak to Hira. How else could she have known to make her bargain with Rukh?

She had known Arian would seek it. And she had meant to trade it away.

She was swamped by a feeling of grief. How had she and Ilea come to this point?

“Why do you look so betrayed? You chose to pursue the Cloak for your own ends. I understood it would serve a larger purpose.”

“What purpose?” Arian whispered.

“The defence of Hira. The defence your actions made necessary.”

“My actions?” Arian echoed the words without understanding their meaning.

Ilea’s response was cruel. She had found a way to strike back.

“Yes, your actions. Your unceasing war against the slave-chains has put the Citadel at risk. The One-Eyed Preacher brings his war to Hira. And when he comes, the Citadel will fall.”

Arian blanched at the words. Was the High Companion right? Had she brought destruction to the Citadel? When everything she treasured was at Hira?

“No,” she said, grief in her voice. “That cannot be true.”

The Black Khan murmured something to Ilea, and the waters of the All Ways resumed their careful dance. Ilea crossed her arms, pressing both hands to her circlets. She waited impatiently for Arian to mimic the gesture.

“This is not an Audacy to undertake only as it suits you. Our very survival is at stake—the lives of the Companions, the sanctity of the scriptorium, the Citadel itself. Will you accept this Audacy? Or does your courage forsake you at the outset of the war?”

This isn’t the outset.

I’ve been waging this war for a decade.

At too great a cost, she now realized. But Arian accepted the Audacy’s rites. The time for dissent had passed. She had no choice but to seek out the Bloodprint.

Or face the end of the world.

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