A review by shays
Seven Devils by L.R. Lam, Elizabeth May

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 While the characters are memorable, the world-building in Sevin Devils is a bit heavy-handed, and the book is overburdened with flashbacks. In most cases it was enough for there to be a reference in the present narration to something that had happened before the story began. Only in a few cases did pausing the forward momentum of the story to engage in a flashback make a substantial contribution that felt worth the diversion. The science underpinning the Oracle and other key technologies is also extremely hand-wavey. While it’s key to the plot, fortunately science isn’t necessarily the heart of the story. More space opera than sci-fi, the emphasis is on a strong group of strong women who band together to lead the resistance and take care of one another in an uncaring universe. If you have a background in neurology or computer science and you want the way the Pathos or the Oracle works to make granular sense, this may not be the book for you. 

Full review: https://shayshortt.com/2023/08/29/seven-devils/