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A review by bibliovino
Memoirs of a Synth: Gold Record by Leigh Saunders
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
An action packed heist novel featuring a synthetic humanoid and a grand cast of human and alien characters, this story keeps a quick pace and an interesting exploration of its main character.
Our MC’s backstory was fascinating and I wish we’d been given more detail about the years between her creation and her banishment. We learn almost off handedly about her creator which sets up an important twist, but it lacks some punch. Her connection to the object she seeks to recover is compelling, though, and it has great pull for her and for the reader.
Unfortunately the romance which attempts to play as her motivation lacks depth. We barely meet her love interest before she seemingly falls in love, though we get very little interaction either on or off the page to justify that. I also missed any real description of his physical virtues which might have helped explain her sudden desire. Then he is absent for at least half the book so no tension filled gazes or brushing of hands to help us out.
The overall plot is intriguing and the heist itself is entertaining. I think you’ll enjoy the speculative plot building on our own familiar history and the twists that get us through to the end.
I read this as a judge for the Self Published Science Fiction Competition. Thank you to the author from my copy.
Our MC’s backstory was fascinating and I wish we’d been given more detail about the years between her creation and her banishment. We learn almost off handedly about her creator which sets up an important twist, but it lacks some punch. Her connection to the object she seeks to recover is compelling, though, and it has great pull for her and for the reader.
Unfortunately the romance which attempts to play as her motivation lacks depth. We barely meet her love interest before she seemingly falls in love, though we get very little interaction either on or off the page to justify that. I also missed any real description of his physical virtues which might have helped explain her sudden desire. Then he is absent for at least half the book so no tension filled gazes or brushing of hands to help us out.
The overall plot is intriguing and the heist itself is entertaining. I think you’ll enjoy the speculative plot building on our own familiar history and the twists that get us through to the end.
I read this as a judge for the Self Published Science Fiction Competition. Thank you to the author from my copy.