Archive for the ‘Sci Fi’ Category

Buy from Samhain:

SOMATESTHESIA
Ann Somerville
ISBN: 978-1-60504-986-1
Samhain Publishing
April 2010
Erotica/GLBT
Erotica/Sci Fi
Erotica/Futuristic
eBook

In the near future, the resources are limited and only the rich can afford vehicles. Yet crime and corruption still exist. As an agent for the Federal Justice Agency, Devlin has dedicated his life to taking care of those who are less fortunate than himself. His dedication is put to the test when he transfers to the Special Crimes Unit and is paired with Connor, an enhanced agent with zero social skills, but an impressive performance record. When Connor and Devlin are sent off to catch an elusive kidnapper/killer they learn that not only do they have to look beneath the surface to solve their case, but look beneath the surface to realize that they are exactly what the other needs to make their life complete. But the Agency has a strict no fraternization policy and a killer has turned his attention from the children to them.

Although I had to look SOMATESTHESIA up in the dictionary to figure out what it meant, I loved this book. SOMATESTHESIA was funny, deep, and intelligent.

Connor and Devlin were well-drawn out characters who each went through a complete character arc, Connor especially. I loved how the layers to his psyche were slowly peeled away and we learn that despite his ‘super’ powers how vulnerable and tortured he was. I also admired how Connor was able to finally separate himself from everything and grow and develop. Devlin also made strides on learning to not always having to take control and protect someone, but give them the freedom to learn how to protect themselves. Somatesthesia takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions and I appreciated the ride.

The plot was well done, even though SOMATESTHESIA isn’t a suspense novel, the suspense elements included were well done and caused me to keep flipping the pages, eager to see how the situation was going to be resolved.

The main focus of SOMATESTHESIA was the development of Connor and Devlin’s relationship.Although this is labeled erotica, while their is a lot of sexual tension the actual sex scenes are alluded to or described very briefly. I loved how their relationship had so many layers as they tried to battle internal and external issues. I loved how they both made mistakes and how they communicated and apologized to each other when they made a wrong move. The deep-seated respect that they had for each other is not something you often find in romance.

 This is the first time I’ve read a novel by Ann Somerville. It won’t be the last.

Buy it from eHarlequin

INSIDE OUT
Maria V Snyder
ISBN: 978-0-373-21006-0 (Trade Paperback)
B0037NB5YW (Kindle eBook)
March 30, 2010
Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd/Harlequin TEEN
Young Adult Fiction/Sci Fi
Young Adult Fiction/Fantasy
Trade Paperback

Courtesy of Net Galley 

Trella is one of the scrubs, considered good for nothing more than cleaning Inside for the Uppers, upper level, high class citizens. Trella’s job is cleaning the pipes and ducts, a world she escapes to when she needs get away from the severe overcrowding of the scrubs living levels. She only has one friend and her number one priority is avoiding the notice of the Pop Cops who police their world. If a scrub gets out of hand, they are fed to the Chomper to become fertilizer. 

Then the day comes when her destiny is changed in one random moment. Now she is the reluctant leader of an uprising. Suddenly, everyone is turning to her for help, keeping her secrets, and… Trella is developing a personal bond with one of the Uppers? Little does she know her world is about to be turned upside down and Inside Out when shocking revelations are discovered. What’s a scrub to do?

Maria V. Snyder has written a winner with Inside Out! I was fascinated by the world of Inside and all its secrets. While this book is completely different from her fantasy novels, with a science fiction feel to it, everything I have come to expect from Maria V. Snyder is present in Inside Out. I also enjoyed the fact that she doesn’t “dumb down” this novel to gear it more at young adult readers. The plot here is every bit as complex as in her adult novels, with plenty of suspense, a lot of twists, tons of adventure, a little bit of romance, and most importantly, hours of enjoyment.

All of the characters drew me into their stories though I have to say Cog, Trella’s only friend for much of the story, stole a little bit of my heart. He is such a faithful soul in a world where there isn’t much hope beyond a life of drudgery taking care of the upper level dwellers. You can’t help but feel good after spending time with him. I loved Trella/Ella (you’ll understand the two names when you read) and was rooting for her from the very beginning. Of course, no discussion about the characters of Inside Out can be complete without mentioning Sheepy. Who is Sheepy? Well you’ll have to read to find out but trust me, you’ll love him every bit as much as I do.

Inside Out is a fascinating story that I couldn’t put down! How in the world I will wait for the release of Outside In, I have no idea. I know it will be amazing as well. Maria, you can’t write fast enough for this rabid fan! Inside Out will easily rank in my top 5 books of the entire year when December rolls around.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2010. All rights reserved.