Author: Andy Giesler
Length: 554 pages
Type: Fiction
Genre: Historical
The Nothing Within
Description
“Root is…different. Though raised in a fearful society that reveres conformity, she’s irreverent, outspoken, and deeply curious. Her congenital blindness sets her even further apart.
Centuries after the Reckoning, a genetic engineering disaster that nearly extinguished the human race, terrifying mutations are afflicting people as they haven’t in generations. When Root hears a voice that no one else can hear, she flees into the wilderness. Outcast and hunted, she must confront a dire threat to her people–and unravel the mystery of who she really is.”
Janet Doré –
With this one, it might be mostly my fault.
Fantasy and sci fi are definitely not my genres. As I build a well-rounded library for my future book retreat, I’m trying to buy and read outside of my box. In fairness to both myself and authors, I may have to rethink the reading part.
This is one of the most well written of the giveaways I’ve received—sentences flow, punctuation is on point, it’s not over or underwritten, and I had no problem bonding with the main character.
However, I could not follow it for the life of me! I felt like I was reading the second book in a sequel without having read the first. Maybe this is my problem…or maybe it’s the author’s. I’m truly not sure.
Had I not read the Goodreads description, I wouldn’t have had a clue about the event that was central to the story, known as “the Reckoning”—a “genetic engineering disaster that nearly extinguished the human race” and resulted in chimeras, mutated humans that were a blend of numerous different animals.
Just when I’d think I was figuring it out and connecting to the story, it would switch perspectives. About 20% in, my frustration at being put in a position of figuring it out (not so easy on a Kindle) outweighed my curiosity about the outcome.
I repeat…this could just be me. If you’re a fantasy reader, this guy seems like a very worthy new author and is definitely worth a try!