In Review: SHIRI

As readers, we sometimes take chances on books outside our comfort zone. It may be with a new author, writing style, series or genre, but whatever the reason, we take a chance and hope we won't regret it in the end. Then, there are times we confidently dive into a book with preconceived notions that it's going to be an incredible read. It doesn't always end up that way, but what a treat when our instincts prove correct. Shiri, by DS Taylor, falls into the latter category. From the moment I read the blurb and talked about it HERE, I knew I'd love this book. I was right.

Shiri is a brilliant historical fiction novel about triumph over tragedy. Set in ancient Egypt during the reign of the Pharaohs, Shiri, a shepherd girl witnesses the murder and destruction of her family and village. Against all odds, she sets off on a journey for revenge, justice, and in the midst of war, and enslavement, finds love and hope. 

Initially, it's Taylor's writing style that captivated me from page one. He is an excellent writer who crafted memorable characters that I easily fell in love with, while also writing despicable characters that I wanted to see die a long and painful death. But another one of Taylor's strengths was the dialogue, well written, and witty in all the right places. Even his descriptions were a joy to read. They were rich and vivid but never overdone. And he was able to describe violent fights and sex scenes in great detail without becoming grotesque or overly graphic.

Shiri was one of my favorite characters in the book, smart, strong-minded, brave, determined, loyal, everything I like in strong female protagonists. However, I do have one mini rant about the book and it has to do with the first five words of the novel which are (SPOILERS): “She was born a woman . . .” I cringed when I read that line. I still do. When I read it I imagined giving birth to my first child and the Doctor looking up from between my legs and saying, “Congratulations, it’s a woman!” David, you know I’m a big fan but, we are not born women, we are born girls or female if you want to be dry and technical and later mature into women. End rant.

The other thing I want to mention is that the book was divided into three parts. The first two focused on (SPOILERS) Shiri and Josef. I was completely wrapped up in their love story to the point that I had trouble transitioning to Part III of the book. I felt as though I had to put Shiri in the background to shine the spotlight on another character, Tiye. And at first, didn’t want to care about Tiye’s character and even fought it for a few pages . . . but, the story and Taylor’s writing, won me over once again and I quickly saw how important this storyline was going to be to Shiri’s character, and guess what? I fell in love with Tiye and her story as well.

Lastly, as a writer I understand as far as the plot is concerned, you can’t ‘put it all in there.’ Proper storytelling and editing compels you to get rid of unnecessary scenes that don’t drive the plot forward. However, there were two scenes that never really made it into the book that I would have liked to have read. (SPOILERS) The first was Josef’s reaction when Shiri told him she was pregnant. And second, the moment Shiri held her daughter in her arms for the first time. As I read, I anticipated these scenes in particular. It may be in part because I’m a mother, and these moments were very important in my life, but regardless, I remember being a little disappointed when these two moments were glossed over or written in as afterthoughts. Again, I understand you can’t write in every moment into the story, I’m simply reflecting a sentiment I had as a reader.  

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was  a compelling story, brilliantly executed, and I highly recommend it adults who enjoy historical fiction filled with action, adventure, love, and wonderfully crafted characters. 

Slipstream: Book Review

Michael Offutt's debut science-fiction novel Slipstream, is a fascinating blend of hard science, mythology, theology and futuristic technologies that had me turning the pages late into the night.

Jordan Pendragon is an emancipated teenager living in Utah with his sister Kate. He excels at school especially in physics and math, is a star hockey player, and his good looks has all the schoolgirls trying for his affection. But his world slowly starts to fall apart after a car accident that puts him in the hospital. He sees things he can't explain, finds a strange device, and meets an Englishman named Kolin. When danger threatens Jordan's life and those around him, he opens a gateway with his awakening ability to manipulate space-time. Together, Jordan, Kate and Kolin are transported to a parallel world called Avalon, Kolin's home.

Avalon, a reflection of Earth that sits in a different dimension, was at one time a thriving civilization. But, the detonation of the first atomic bomb on Earth sent a rippling effect through the thin membrane that separates the two worlds bringing Avalon civilization to the brink of extinction. But a failsafe had been created in the event such a thing would occur. It was called the A.I. and it secured the survival of mankind by building walled futuristic mega-cities. Unfortunately, the cities aren't perfect and the humans of Avalon are living in a post-apocalyptic/cyberpunk world. Life dealers, juicers, vamps, succubi and monsters infect the cities in the pursuit of Green Life, just to name a few. And as the A.I slowly descends into insanity, things in Avalon get worse. Jordan's life and role in this crisis becomes paramount as he learns the reason why he and his sister were brought to Avalon.   

One of the many strengths in this book is the authors ability to draw on hard science to make his science-fiction work. Combined with an intriguing story line, detailed action sequences, killsuits, living glass spiders,  robots, bullet bikes, and a budding romance between Kolin and Jordan, I was turning the pages long past my bedtime. The richly diverse cast of characters and his strong-minded and gutsy sister Kathy, were also strong elements to the story. Will Jordan have the courage and strength to succeed in restoring balance in a world gone mad? Is he the key to ending a crisis of not one, but two worlds? If you enjoy science-fiction, you'll enjoy Slipstream and I'll be looking forward to the release of Michael Offutt's Book Two: Oculus.

Slipstream spiders, they're real and tried to come after me while I was reading! Also, I want a puma now.
(;