I saw this one on a recent Book Funnel promo and scooped it up, as I liked the idea of an android protagonist. I am linking this review to Sci Fi Month 2019.
BLURB: Be careful what you ask an android to do… Bellona Cardenas Scordina de Deluca, daughter of the primary Cardenas family, went missing ten years ago. Reynard Cardenas, Bellona’s father and head of the family, receives anonymous, unsubstantiated news that she has been found. He sends the most disposable person in the family to investigate—Sang, the family android. Sang’s investigation trips off chain reactions which shift the generations-old luke-warm war between Erium and Karassia into a 
galaxy-wide conflagration which will engulf the known worlds, including the neutral, fiercely independent free states…unless a hero can be found who will fight to hold the line against the two colossal forces.
I really enjoyed this one. Bellona disappears under peculiar circumstances ten years previously and when there is a tipoff that she may still be alive, Sang is sent off to track down the dodgy lead. I’m not saying more as the blurb is refreshingly spoiler-free and it would be a shame to give away any plotpoints in this action-packed space opera adventure.
I was initially drawn to this one by the quality of the writing. I have since discovered that Cameron Cooper is a pen-name for an experienced indie author with a number of books in other genres to her credit. And it shows. The twisting plot and quirky characters quickly pulled me into the action – no one is quite what they seem and I was genuinely shocked at some of the family dynamics within the Cardenas clan.
I liked all the protagonists and cared about what would happen to them – there is plenty of tension and a sense that not everyone would survive the book, which always tends to keep me turning the pages longer than I should. I didn’t see the final denouement coming and will be getting hold of the next slice in this entertaining series, as Cooper manages to keep it all about the main characters, while also successfully depicting the wider stakes if it all goes wrong.
Highly recommended for fans of adventure space opera featuring an interesting mix of human and not-so-human protagonists.
8/10
This sounds like a lot of fun! You seem to keep finding so many good SF books!
Lol… back atcha, Tammy! When I think of the number of times I scamper over to Netgalley when you present your upcoming reads:)).
This sounds really good and just the type of book I like! I love that you find such good books, Sarah!
Thank you, Jan:)). Given that space opera is my jam, I’m always on the lookout for enjoyable, well written reads.
A story that’s not predictable, especially where characters’ survival is concerned, is one to keep on one’s radar, indeed! 😉
Yes – it was a really twisty plot:)). I shall be continuing with this series.
Pingback: #SciFiMonth Mission Status: week four
This sounds good – I wonder though why you would send the most ‘disposable, person to check out such a lead?
Lynn 😀
Perhaps because you’d really rather the person you are seeking to stay disappeared? Just a thought.
I’m always amazed by those who thrive in different genres–and can keep all those aliases straight! 🙂
I don’t think Snyder has an alias, does she? The Poison Study books I’ve enjoyed were under the same name…
Hmmm, I dunno…
But there are a bunch of folks who do… and like you, I think it must complicate things. Knowing me, I’d publish a book with the wrong author name featured on the cover…
Ugh, you and me both!
There’s a solid reason why you and I are such tight blogging buddies:))
Hee hee! (hugs!)
xxx:)