- ASIN: B07R5KMJKX
- Language: English
- Print length: 359 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN: B09PMFX3FB
- Genre: First Contact Science Fiction
The BookViral Review:
A sensationally well-written First Contact Science Fiction novel Latoria gives us an unrelenting no excuses science fiction thriller that is powerful in its revelatory immediacy and enthralling in its intrigue.
Whilst a relatively quick read it’s a big novel in terms of its many rich characters and the size of its vision with Latoria delivering a narrative that underpins a cleverly rendered future world. Evolving steadily, growing richer with every chapter and slowly feeding us tantalizing morsels of information about the Omega’s the plot is intelligent and suspenseful whilst Latoria resists the need to add unnecessary complexity.
Seamlessly integrating futuristic hi-tech Latoria is quick to build a kinetic atmosphere which explores future militarism along with its underpinning values system which in turn adds an important degree of moral and intellectual depth.
On this level The Blackshade Machine: Seeds of Change is one of those rare Science Fiction novels that places ideas, characters, and plot above everything else. Its discussions go deep with Latoria’s brand of narrative reaching far beyond spectacle and sentimentality to give us a frantic science fiction twister that mimics the very best in the genre without battering the sense and sensibilities of the reader.
With Colonel Blackshade at the forefront, Latoria’s characters are well nuanced and multi-layered whilst battle scenes are succinctly crafted without being repetitious but as is most often the case with Science Fiction offerings, it’s the journey that matters more than the destination and it’s certainly true of Latoria’s novel.
Yes, the familiar genre tropes are evident but he never allows them to spiral into unearned sentiment whilst his masterstroke is Blackshade himself as he struggles with the implications and consequences of his evolving relationship with Tremendous and other key Omegas.
Original and compelling science fiction that engages our imagination to the fullest The Blackshade Machine: Seeds of Change proves a powerful start to Latoria’s series and is an unreservedly recommended five-star read.
