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nevclue's review against another edition
3.0
Doesn't really feel like near future sci-fi (as per the blurb), but rather current day with people who have extraordinary abilities. Fast read, Cas is a fun narrator, but world-building is still in early stages. I'd read the next one.
realityczar's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a delight. It’s set more or less in the real world, though the main character—professional retriever Cas Russell--and some others are more or less superpowered. It's fun that Russell is so good at things and that she attributes that to her fierce math skills. She is a shadowy paladin with a flair for violence and a fun antisocial streak.
The plot is suitably twisty, very fast-paced and cinematic and demanding of a robust ability to suspend disbelief. The writing is good, the characters, especially Russell, are distinct and affecting.
The last third asks maybe a little much of that disbelief suspension, the story is filled with sometimes graphic violence that is brushed off with minimal effect on the main characters, and the ending was—perhaps intentionally?—unsatisfying. That said, I can’t wait to have Cas Russell back in my life.
The plot is suitably twisty, very fast-paced and cinematic and demanding of a robust ability to suspend disbelief. The writing is good, the characters, especially Russell, are distinct and affecting.
The last third asks maybe a little much of that disbelief suspension, the story is filled with sometimes graphic violence that is brushed off with minimal effect on the main characters, and the ending was—perhaps intentionally?—unsatisfying. That said, I can’t wait to have Cas Russell back in my life.
strugk's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I swallowed this book in few days, it is fast paced and engaging. There is plenty action and quite a few twists. The way it was written and how it built up to the finish made me hopeful the ending will answer at least some questions that appeared in along the plot.
I was very disappointed to have none of them answered (where did main character's or its adversaries' skills come from, what are the objectives of the organisations involved, how some events were triggered) - it is an action book written using language that suggests there is some bigger scheme hidden behind the action, but I lost faith it is there after reading the first book of the saga,
The book captures interest very well, and it might answer some of the questions in sequels, but I don't think I will read them.
I was very disappointed to have none of them answered (where did main character's or its adversaries' skills come from, what are the objectives of the organisations involved, how some events were triggered) - it is an action book written using language that suggests there is some bigger scheme hidden behind the action, but I lost faith it is there after reading the first book of the saga,
The book captures interest very well, and it might answer some of the questions in sequels, but I don't think I will read them.
codydickson's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars! This book was a blast, with great characterization and a blistering pace. My only quips, without getting too spoilery? The main antagonist’s, umm, abilities... were a little hokey. I was fine until they started trying to explain them in a rational way. IMHO they would have worked better as some sort of mystery. Also, the climax left like it left little resolved. That said, I can’t wait for the next book, which is coming out this summer. And the narrator on Audible was awesome.
mhcovill's review against another edition
3.0
More of a 2.5 star book. Had some moments of intrigue but I never really loved any of the characters and there is a big mystery that isn’t even addressed in the this novel. I think I’ve had my fill of Cas Russell and Rio.
philibin's review against another edition
3.0
(3.25 Stars)
What do you do when you are a math geek who is into SciFi, Guns, Books, and Action? You write a book about it, I guess. This book is about Cas Russell, a snarky specialized calculated (and calculating) killing machine. It is part Thriller, part Action, part Sci-Fi, and some super powers thrown in for good measure.
I liked that the characters had distinctive personalities that came through in their dialog, and actions. The story was interesting and reminded me a lot of the television show Alphas. The author does a good job with banter and keeps the story moving along without dull moments of unnecessary backstory. I also like strong female leads.
What kept me from rating this book higher was that a lot of the events just did not add up (no pun intended). Real world consequences did not seem to apply to this story... senseless killings, destruction of property, traffic, even military bases just don't seem to conform to any reality based understanding.
Readers of Charlie Human or Cat Rambo should like this book. There are two more books in this series, which is good if you like this book, because there are a lot of loose ends that were not tied up by the end.
What do you do when you are a math geek who is into SciFi, Guns, Books, and Action? You write a book about it, I guess. This book is about Cas Russell, a snarky specialized calculated (and calculating) killing machine. It is part Thriller, part Action, part Sci-Fi, and some super powers thrown in for good measure.
I liked that the characters had distinctive personalities that came through in their dialog, and actions. The story was interesting and reminded me a lot of the television show Alphas. The author does a good job with banter and keeps the story moving along without dull moments of unnecessary backstory. I also like strong female leads.
What kept me from rating this book higher was that a lot of the events just did not add up (no pun intended). Real world consequences did not seem to apply to this story... senseless killings, destruction of property, traffic, even military bases just don't seem to conform to any reality based understanding.
Readers of Charlie Human or Cat Rambo should like this book. There are two more books in this series, which is good if you like this book, because there are a lot of loose ends that were not tied up by the end.
hrgisahero's review against another edition
3.0
Very much enjoyed, love the superpowers involved, although the antagonist is a weeee bit overpowered. I’m glad someone does point out the absurdity of resorting to violence so off-hand and I look forward to more discussion of origins in future books.
davecapp's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
davecapp's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars because its a decent enough read that you actually want to finish. Cassandra Russell is a good character, but her abilities are a bit over the top as to defy credibility, even for quasi SciFi. The story line is interesting and character development is good but at the the end I felt like I’d just spent a few hours walking through a train wreck - without finding any answers. For those who like kick ass for the sake of it, you’ll like this yarn. For others, look elsewhere.
davecapp's review against another edition
3.0
Cas Russell is a funny character, and at times you love her, at times she’s so arrogant you want to smack her upside the head. This is an interesting detective yarn about what it means to get involved with a secret government operation, unwittingly, and dealing with everybody and their brother trying to kill you. Its pretty fast paced, a tad unbelievable in the action sequences (like shooting four bolts out of a window grate as your falling from the roof - and then breaking into said window, all in the middle of a firefight). So it was fun, but it’s unlikely that I’ll try the next book.