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bensblurb's review against another edition
4.0
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Crazy to think it took me a month to read this book but then it’s over 500 pages and I’ve been busy
Crazy to think it took me a month to read this book but then it’s over 500 pages and I’ve been busy
nick_borrelli's review against another edition
5.0
There are certain books that are difficult to review because they were so good and there was so much going on that you want to be able to do all of it justice. Problem is, most times you can't, but I will try very hard to see if I can do just that.
STORMBLOOD by Jeremy Szal is also a tough book to categorize. Part space opera, part SF noir, part military SF, and all action-packed goodness, making this a one of a kind reading experience that leaves you breathless and utterly exhausted by the end. I really had a fun time with it and there are so many elements that hit the correct chords for me that I'll go over just a few of them.
First, the technology is just off the charts impressive in scope. Jeremy Szal has done his homework when it comes to creating an original and mind-blowing tech that is unlike anything I've read before. The concept that the DNA of an extinct alien species (stormtech) can be fused with that of humans to create super soldiers who feed off of violence and adrenaline is just fantastic. This alien DNA also makes them almost impervious to injury and provides strength beyond measure. And then going beyond that and showing how after the war many of these "Reapers" are now addicted to stormtech so deeply that they need to be treated at special clinics is something that evokes similar issues happening in our world today. And the armor, oh the ARMOR! Just the descriptions of the armor that Vakov has at his disposal is something that Tony Stark would be proud of.
The next thing that really makes STORMBLOOD a cut above many other books is the absolute breakneck action that does not let up for a singe chapter. There was not a moment that I ever felt comfortable or that things calmed down and allowed me to catch my breath. It felt like the best action movie I'd ever seen playing out in my mind every time I picked up the book. I can't emphasize enough how crazy the action sequences are and how they made me nervous, anxious, and downright frightened for the characters at times. Vakov in particular gets a ton of shit thrown at him. I've rarely seen a character take so much punishment, both physical and psychological. He is driven by both his unconditional loyalty and love for his brother and his duty to uncover who may be killing his fellow Reaper friends. The question of what the motivation is behind it all is a constant mystery throughout.
Finally, I have to mention the characters now that I've touched on Vakov and his brother Artyom. This is a story that is rooted in brotherhood, whether it be the relationship between Vakov and his biological brother or the one with his former Reaper squad. Vakov knows that his relationship with Artyom may be fractured beyond repair, yet he continually puts himself in life-threatening situations regardless because he just can't believe that all is lost and beyond fixing. The dynamic between the two for much of the book is one where Artyom wants nothing to do with Vakov. So it is emotional and powerful to watch as Vakov risks everything for a brother who for all intents and purposes has written him out of his life. And the inner turmoil that Vakov goes through at even the mere thought that his brother could be assisting those behind the Reaper killings is just heartbreaking. You constantly want to find out if it can possibly be true while desperately hoping that it is not. And that tension really raises the story to another level entirely.
There are very few books that will engage you the way that STORMBLOOD does. It's rare to come across a book that has so much intense action and yet also touches you on a personal and emotional level at the same time. It's really the best of both worlds as a reader and this book hits you with everything it has from beginning to end. There is simply no brake pedal, it's foot to the floor the entire time. I'm in awe of the job that Jeremy Szal has done with this debut novel. Nobody should be able to pump out a first book like this. Yet Jeremy has done it and luckily, we the readers are the beneficiaries.
STORMBLOOD by Jeremy Szal is also a tough book to categorize. Part space opera, part SF noir, part military SF, and all action-packed goodness, making this a one of a kind reading experience that leaves you breathless and utterly exhausted by the end. I really had a fun time with it and there are so many elements that hit the correct chords for me that I'll go over just a few of them.
First, the technology is just off the charts impressive in scope. Jeremy Szal has done his homework when it comes to creating an original and mind-blowing tech that is unlike anything I've read before. The concept that the DNA of an extinct alien species (stormtech) can be fused with that of humans to create super soldiers who feed off of violence and adrenaline is just fantastic. This alien DNA also makes them almost impervious to injury and provides strength beyond measure. And then going beyond that and showing how after the war many of these "Reapers" are now addicted to stormtech so deeply that they need to be treated at special clinics is something that evokes similar issues happening in our world today. And the armor, oh the ARMOR! Just the descriptions of the armor that Vakov has at his disposal is something that Tony Stark would be proud of.
The next thing that really makes STORMBLOOD a cut above many other books is the absolute breakneck action that does not let up for a singe chapter. There was not a moment that I ever felt comfortable or that things calmed down and allowed me to catch my breath. It felt like the best action movie I'd ever seen playing out in my mind every time I picked up the book. I can't emphasize enough how crazy the action sequences are and how they made me nervous, anxious, and downright frightened for the characters at times. Vakov in particular gets a ton of shit thrown at him. I've rarely seen a character take so much punishment, both physical and psychological. He is driven by both his unconditional loyalty and love for his brother and his duty to uncover who may be killing his fellow Reaper friends. The question of what the motivation is behind it all is a constant mystery throughout.
Finally, I have to mention the characters now that I've touched on Vakov and his brother Artyom. This is a story that is rooted in brotherhood, whether it be the relationship between Vakov and his biological brother or the one with his former Reaper squad. Vakov knows that his relationship with Artyom may be fractured beyond repair, yet he continually puts himself in life-threatening situations regardless because he just can't believe that all is lost and beyond fixing. The dynamic between the two for much of the book is one where Artyom wants nothing to do with Vakov. So it is emotional and powerful to watch as Vakov risks everything for a brother who for all intents and purposes has written him out of his life. And the inner turmoil that Vakov goes through at even the mere thought that his brother could be assisting those behind the Reaper killings is just heartbreaking. You constantly want to find out if it can possibly be true while desperately hoping that it is not. And that tension really raises the story to another level entirely.
There are very few books that will engage you the way that STORMBLOOD does. It's rare to come across a book that has so much intense action and yet also touches you on a personal and emotional level at the same time. It's really the best of both worlds as a reader and this book hits you with everything it has from beginning to end. There is simply no brake pedal, it's foot to the floor the entire time. I'm in awe of the job that Jeremy Szal has done with this debut novel. Nobody should be able to pump out a first book like this. Yet Jeremy has done it and luckily, we the readers are the beneficiaries.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
A fast paced, action packed and gripping sci-fi thriller that kept me hooked till the last page.
The plot is well crafted and flows, the world building is fascinating, the characters are well thought and interesting.
I look forward to read other books by this author as I loved this one.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The plot is well crafted and flows, the world building is fascinating, the characters are well thought and interesting.
I look forward to read other books by this author as I loved this one.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
dyslexicreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Stormblood is an action-packed Sci-fi thriller full of grit and mystery.
Jeremy has created a story that has both detective work in a Sci-fi military world. The blend of detective work with the military battle/fights keeps the book interesting and engaging. The fights are epic and very bloody.
Stormblood is set in a hollowed-out asteroid. I loved how it has multiple levels with the wealthy and powerful at the top. The lower down you go the poor and more dangerous it is. I am not going to lie it doesn't matter how large it is, I can't help feel claustrophobic being in the lower levels and rooms without real windows. I still would pick a planet over a moon or asteroid.
The leading character of Stormbloos is Vojov Fukasawa, a man who Harmony (the intergalactic governing body) turned into a bio supper soiler. I liked Vajov, he is doing this best, and what is right even when his body wants to solve the problem with violence. I enjoyed the different type of relationship he has and how you see the different sides of him. His relationship with his brother makes me think how far I would do for my siblings.
One of my favourite element of Stormblood is the technology especially Vako AI Rubix rabbit. There are a couple of moment involving the rabbit, below are my two favourites;
" 'Hey, pesky rabbit?'
"Yes?' The AI asked immediately.
'If anyone I don't like comes through that door, please murder them.'
'Oh, certainly. It would be my pleasure,' the rabbit said, as if I'd asked for coffee."
"'Oh dear. I fear you have made a very grave mistake.' the rabbit informed the intruder in a huffy tone. He aimed his scattershot upwards as the turrets slid out of the wall and levelled towards the shooter. 'Mines bigger,'the rabbit said, an evil gleam in its black eyes as the autocannon ripped to life."
The second one made me snort-laugh out load, in a very unladylike manner.
Stormblood has;
- Action
- Epic fights and battles
- Mystery
- Aliens
- Loyalty / Friendship
- Humour
- Technology
- Hint of romance
- Military fighting flashbacks
- mixed pacing.
My rating for Stormblood is 4 out of 5.
zenobiaakapadiaa's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I haven't read any science fiction before so this was a first. The story is gripping and world-building amazing. What more could you ask for from science fiction? I am a HUGE fan of Doctor Who and Star Wars and this book gave me similar vibes. Would definitely recommend this book to others.
swiff's review against another edition
4.0
It's not about winning. It's about how you win.
Stormblood, the impressive debut novel by Jeremy Szal, is a military science fiction about super soldiers infused with alien DNA that gives them preternatural strength, agility and healing. It also causes the soldiers to crave adrenaline like an addict, constantly looking for the next hit to the point of putting themselves in terrible danger to do so. This continues years after the war is over, causing mental and physcial breaks in what was once the saviors of mankind.
And now these soldiers are turning up dead, murdered by someone -- or something -- unknown.
Vakov Fukunawa, a sworn brother of the Reaper soldiers, must now fulfill an oath to discover what is happening in the criminal underworld, while weighing the meaning of true brotherhood.
Some wars never end.
Stormblood is visionary novel that tackles trauma, drug abuse, and the fallout that comes from bad choices. It's also about perseverance, sacrifice, promises kept and broken, and what makes people worth fighting for.
One of the standout aspects of the story is the tech. There's armor. Lots and lots of unique body armor. Clever weaponry and smart AI integrated into visceral battle scenes. And it's all set within a massive, hollowed-out asteroid where half a billion souls live within cities carved into different floors of its shell.
One of Szal's numerous strengths (so many similes!) is the level of detail he builds into each new setting. The sights, sounds, and especially the smells of the city permeate through the pages. Whether you are experiencing the sickly-sweet stench of alley junkies looking for their next hit of stormtech, or the foreign, yet appetizing scents wafting through the intergalactic food vendor stalls in the Upper Markets, the world you experience through Vakov’s eyes is as rich and clear as his heightened senses are purported to be.
There were a couple of small quibbles that stood out: The Bond-villain adversay reveals the master plan that is revealed moments before they strike down our hero. There were also a couple of character-related decisions that had me slapping my forehead, although some of these are purely subjective opinions, and your mileage may vary. There instances could also have been chalked up to Vakov's blind-rage mindset.
And what a rage it is. The book occasionally takes us back to the war that started it all, the war that turned these soldiers into Reapers when they were injected with these alien... things... without knowing the extent of the consequences. Heightened senses, incredible healing, agility and strength, yes... but paying the ultimate cost for these abilities not only puts the soldiers' own lives in danger, but those they care about, as well. These flashbacks culminate into the most epic of chapters, when we learn the meaning behind the titular Stormblood, and the truth behind the lies. This final flashback chapter was the personal highlight of the story for me, as it landed some huge emotional uppercuts and important reveals.
If Robert Heinlein writing a screenplay for a David Cronenberg film sounds appealing, then read this book immediately. It is an intense, affecting story, shining a light on the mistakes of humanity's past and our responsibility to avoid repeating them. Szal is a promising new author to follow, with the vision and scope to tell many new stories ahead, until we're dirt and dust.
Are you with me?
ARC provided by Gollancz / author. Available June 4th.
Preorder here
Stormblood, the impressive debut novel by Jeremy Szal, is a military science fiction about super soldiers infused with alien DNA that gives them preternatural strength, agility and healing. It also causes the soldiers to crave adrenaline like an addict, constantly looking for the next hit to the point of putting themselves in terrible danger to do so. This continues years after the war is over, causing mental and physcial breaks in what was once the saviors of mankind.
And now these soldiers are turning up dead, murdered by someone -- or something -- unknown.
Vakov Fukunawa, a sworn brother of the Reaper soldiers, must now fulfill an oath to discover what is happening in the criminal underworld, while weighing the meaning of true brotherhood.
Some wars never end.
Stormblood is visionary novel that tackles trauma, drug abuse, and the fallout that comes from bad choices. It's also about perseverance, sacrifice, promises kept and broken, and what makes people worth fighting for.
One of the standout aspects of the story is the tech. There's armor. Lots and lots of unique body armor. Clever weaponry and smart AI integrated into visceral battle scenes. And it's all set within a massive, hollowed-out asteroid where half a billion souls live within cities carved into different floors of its shell.
One of Szal's numerous strengths (so many similes!) is the level of detail he builds into each new setting. The sights, sounds, and especially the smells of the city permeate through the pages. Whether you are experiencing the sickly-sweet stench of alley junkies looking for their next hit of stormtech, or the foreign, yet appetizing scents wafting through the intergalactic food vendor stalls in the Upper Markets, the world you experience through Vakov’s eyes is as rich and clear as his heightened senses are purported to be.
There were a couple of small quibbles that stood out: The Bond-villain adversay reveals the master plan that is revealed moments before they strike down our hero. There were also a couple of character-related decisions that had me slapping my forehead, although some of these are purely subjective opinions, and your mileage may vary. There instances could also have been chalked up to Vakov's blind-rage mindset.
And what a rage it is. The book occasionally takes us back to the war that started it all, the war that turned these soldiers into Reapers when they were injected with these alien... things... without knowing the extent of the consequences. Heightened senses, incredible healing, agility and strength, yes... but paying the ultimate cost for these abilities not only puts the soldiers' own lives in danger, but those they care about, as well. These flashbacks culminate into the most epic of chapters, when we learn the meaning behind the titular Stormblood, and the truth behind the lies. This final flashback chapter was the personal highlight of the story for me, as it landed some huge emotional uppercuts and important reveals.
If Robert Heinlein writing a screenplay for a David Cronenberg film sounds appealing, then read this book immediately. It is an intense, affecting story, shining a light on the mistakes of humanity's past and our responsibility to avoid repeating them. Szal is a promising new author to follow, with the vision and scope to tell many new stories ahead, until we're dirt and dust.
Are you with me?
ARC provided by Gollancz / author. Available June 4th.
Preorder here
michaelrfletcher's review against another edition
5.0
Razor sharp and vicious, Stormblood is an adrenaline-driven vision of a dark future.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
jakeisreading's review against another edition
5.0
This is an incredibly well thought out, multi-faceted sci-fi story written with an emotional intelligence that can be lacking in the genre. Since I started reviewing ARCs a few months ago, it’s the first book I’ve come across that I can’t wait to re-read.
Stormblood is set two years after the brutal war between Harmony and Harvest came to a violent end. Harmony, the galaxy’s military organisation, gained the upper hand when they created Reapers, stormtech super soldiers developed with hasty bioengineering and DNA from an extinct alien species. Reapers possess a dark passenger that integrates fully with their physiology, giving them enhanced abilities in response to the aggression and threat associated with battle. While stormtech won Harmony the war, it left Reapers emotionally and physically broken - addicts withdrawing from adrenaline and craving violence.
Fukasawa is one of the lucky ones, an ex-Reaper who made it through rehab and established a life for himself on the asteroid nation of Compass. But stormtech has made its way into the illegal drug market, and now ex-Reapers are turning up dead after using stock that has been tampered with. When his brother is implicated in these deaths, a reluctant Fukasawa agrees to help Harmony one last time in order to uncover the truth.
This book is incredibly hard-hitting and Szal pulls out all the stops but none of the punches. It is set after the end of the war and focuses on how it has affected Fukasawa and his family. Brotherhood, both familial and found, is a central theme in the book, and it pulls ALL the heart strings. Szal also addresses other issues like addiction, mental health and radicalisation, each explored in a mature and powerful way.
While not set during the war there is a lot of violence in this book, though it is often harrowing and at times uncomfortable rather than glorified, making it impossible not to be moved by the atrocities of the Reaper war and the consequences of Harmony’s actions. Fukasawa’s flashbacks to the battlefield also provide gradual insight into his struggle to maintain relationships while clinging on to his humanity.
Being one of the more intense books I’ve read, there are also memorable moments of humour and friendship, and Szal’s worldbuilding is both fascinating and unique. For me, the setting of Compass is up there with Bas Lag and the Tower of Babel as a favourite fantasy/sci-fi location - it’s an immense asteroid containing tiers of massive cities and microenvironments like a vast, cosmic layer cake (for the sake of the simile it’s a very ugly layer cake). Szal also describes an interesting ethnic evolution, with intersystem colonisation having isolated and mixed together nationalities, overtime birthing new cultures. He writes with a visual language that hints at inspiration from cinema and gaming; in Compass, people stomp around in space armour of varying shapes and colours, and the story develops in various locations almost like levels in a game. As someone who was obsessed with Halo growing up, the one scene where Fukasawa goes shopping for new armour was just as magical as Harry’s first visit to Ollivander's. I feel like Szal has brought to life my favourite Xbox adventures in a fun, shockingly human and meaningful way.
Stormblood covers a surprising amount of thematic ground but it all fits together well, something that is emphasised when the meaning behind the book title becomes clear. I’d consider it a must read for any sci-fi lover, or any reader looking to be punched in the gut with words. Fans of John Scalzi will be thrilled to know they can find their new favourite author just a little to the right on the shelf.
Thank you Gollancz and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, and congratulations to Jeremy Szal for an epic debut novel!
Stormblood is set two years after the brutal war between Harmony and Harvest came to a violent end. Harmony, the galaxy’s military organisation, gained the upper hand when they created Reapers, stormtech super soldiers developed with hasty bioengineering and DNA from an extinct alien species. Reapers possess a dark passenger that integrates fully with their physiology, giving them enhanced abilities in response to the aggression and threat associated with battle. While stormtech won Harmony the war, it left Reapers emotionally and physically broken - addicts withdrawing from adrenaline and craving violence.
Fukasawa is one of the lucky ones, an ex-Reaper who made it through rehab and established a life for himself on the asteroid nation of Compass. But stormtech has made its way into the illegal drug market, and now ex-Reapers are turning up dead after using stock that has been tampered with. When his brother is implicated in these deaths, a reluctant Fukasawa agrees to help Harmony one last time in order to uncover the truth.
This book is incredibly hard-hitting and Szal pulls out all the stops but none of the punches. It is set after the end of the war and focuses on how it has affected Fukasawa and his family. Brotherhood, both familial and found, is a central theme in the book, and it pulls ALL the heart strings. Szal also addresses other issues like addiction, mental health and radicalisation, each explored in a mature and powerful way.
While not set during the war there is a lot of violence in this book, though it is often harrowing and at times uncomfortable rather than glorified, making it impossible not to be moved by the atrocities of the Reaper war and the consequences of Harmony’s actions. Fukasawa’s flashbacks to the battlefield also provide gradual insight into his struggle to maintain relationships while clinging on to his humanity.
Being one of the more intense books I’ve read, there are also memorable moments of humour and friendship, and Szal’s worldbuilding is both fascinating and unique. For me, the setting of Compass is up there with Bas Lag and the Tower of Babel as a favourite fantasy/sci-fi location - it’s an immense asteroid containing tiers of massive cities and microenvironments like a vast, cosmic layer cake (for the sake of the simile it’s a very ugly layer cake). Szal also describes an interesting ethnic evolution, with intersystem colonisation having isolated and mixed together nationalities, overtime birthing new cultures. He writes with a visual language that hints at inspiration from cinema and gaming; in Compass, people stomp around in space armour of varying shapes and colours, and the story develops in various locations almost like levels in a game. As someone who was obsessed with Halo growing up, the one scene where Fukasawa goes shopping for new armour was just as magical as Harry’s first visit to Ollivander's. I feel like Szal has brought to life my favourite Xbox adventures in a fun, shockingly human and meaningful way.
Stormblood covers a surprising amount of thematic ground but it all fits together well, something that is emphasised when the meaning behind the book title becomes clear. I’d consider it a must read for any sci-fi lover, or any reader looking to be punched in the gut with words. Fans of John Scalzi will be thrilled to know they can find their new favourite author just a little to the right on the shelf.
Thank you Gollancz and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, and congratulations to Jeremy Szal for an epic debut novel!
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