Hi Cara,
Today review is regarding Stormblood by Jeremy Szal. Stormblood is Jeremy debut novel as well as the first book in the Common series.
Vakov Fukasawa used to be a Reaper, a biosoldier fighting for the intergalactic governing body of Harmony against a brutal invading empire.
Now, he fights against the stormtech: the DNA of an extinct alien race Harmony injected into him, altering his body chemistry and making him permanently addicted to adrenaline and aggression. It made him the perfect soldier, but it also opened a new drug market that has millions hopelessly addicted to their own body chemistry.
But when Harmony tells him that his former ally Reapers are being murdered, Vakov is appalled to discover his estranged brother is likely involved in the killings. They haven’t spoken in years, but Vakov can’t let his brother down, and investigates. But the deeper he goes, the more addicted to stormtech he becomes, and Vakov discovers that the war might not be over after all. It’ll take everything he has to unearth this terrible secret, although doing so might mean betraying his brother. If his own body doesn’t betray him first.
(Synopsis from Goodreads.com)
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.
Thank you to Gollancz for gifting me a finished copy of Stormblood for a fair and honest review.
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Thanks for reading,
