A review by geethr75
Of Friction by S.J. Lee

adventurous dark tense 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? N/A

5.0

I signed up for an ARC of book 2 and so had to read book 1. I think a lot of my reads this year has started like this. 

This is a book that takes place in a futuristic earth which has been affected by climate change. In an attempt to survive the radiations and other factors, investment was made into genetic research, which resulted in the creation of the altered: a superior race of humans who were stronger, bigger and had abilities to survive the harsh conditions. But though research was able to create the altered, it couldn’t change anything about the existing human race. 

As is expected, tensions and war happened between the humans and altered, with the altered having a distinct advantage. But some of the altered wanted peace and didn’t agree with the genocidal tendencies of their leaders. They overthrew their sovereign, and a tentative peace was established between humans and altered. 

A group of Altered calling themselves the promised believes in the extinction of humanity, while human extremists called Children of Charon wants to get rid of all the altered. 

This much is background for the book, some of which is explained straight, and some we can infer from the story. 

Sam Ryan is a marine, who has grown up in the UMF, the military force that protects the humans. Her older brother, Scott has raised her, and she followed him to join the marines when she was twelve. 

When the story opens, Sam is in her twenties and is feeling raw in the aftermath of her brother’s decision to leave the marines once his present contract term is up. Sam has never wanted to be anything other than a marine and has already sent in her request to renew her contract. She is angry with Scott who refuses to explain why he wants to leave, and Sam feels betrayed. 

Sam and Scott have been loaned to a squad called Echo who has been tasked with the mission of finding the Children of Charon in the south and ensuring they don’t do anything to mess up a peace summit happening between the altered royals and the human leaders. Though the mission appears straightforward, their trip to the south is nothing like Sam or the team expects, and they are having to fight for their lives. 

I loved this book from beginning to end. There is never a dull moment. The bonding that happens between Sam and the rest of Echo, the way Sam’s worldview changes slowly, how her relationship with Scott changes, and Sam’s budding attraction to Miriam, the medic of the team, are all brought out well. There is tension throughout the book, and we know that shit will hit the fan, and yet, we are caught by surprise when it does. 

I adored Sam and the rest of Echo, and there are some deaths in the book that were as shocking as they were heart wrenching. It ends in what might be a cliffhanger, which makes me glad I’m having an ARC copy of Book 2. 

I ended up threatening the author after reading this, but that aside, if you love queer, military Sci Fi with a character driven plot, you will love this book. 

It’s also an SPSFC semi finalist this year.