Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Add it to Your Reading List: The Darwin Elevator by Jason M. Hough

While at this year's Comic Con International Convention, I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time and not only acquired a copy of the book The Darwin Elevator, but was also able to meet & briefly chat with the author, Jason M. Hough, while he was signing my copy of the book! What I'm also grateful for is being introduced to a book I probably would have never had the opportunity to read since I usually gravitate towards the Contemporary Romance genre in my reading choices. But I do have a love for Sci-fi and have always enjoyed "out of this world" stories.
This story has some interesting characters in it.  There's Skylar, the unreluctant hero who must lead his crew but would probably rather not and who has the "gift" of being "an immune" but has fantasies of being just like everyone else. He's the main star in this book--flawed, exciting--and I found myself wanting to follow him wherever he was supposed to go.  There's Tania, a beautiful and brilliant scientist, that has to get passed her own insecurities to discover some truths. Skylar has this need to protect her and as a reader, I think it was easy to feel that way too. As a romantic, I loved the subtle hint of a romance between the two characters.  There's Neil Platz, aaaaah, you'll just have to read about this one...what side is he on & what's his deal? Then of course, there's Russell Blackfield--this character you may just love to hate...or just hate & hate.

Here's some noteworthy reviews of the book:

“A hell of a fun book.”—James S. A. Corey, New York Times bestselling author of Abaddon’s Gate

“[Jason M.] Hough’s first novel combines the rapid-fire action and memorable characters associated with Joss Whedon’s short-lived Firefly TV series with the accessibility and scientific acumen of [James S. A.] Corey’s ‘Expanse’ series.”Library Journal (starred review)

“The best part about alien stories is their mystery, and Jason Hough understands that like no other. Full of compelling characters and thick with tension, The Darwin Elevator delivers both despair and hope along with a gigantic dose of wonder. It’s a brilliant debut, and Hough can take my money whenever he writes anything from now on.”—Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles

“Newcomer Hough displays a talent for imaginative plotting and realistic dialogue, and the brisk pacing and cliffhanger ending will keep readers enthralled and eagerly awaiting the next installment.”Publishers Weekly

“Jason M. Hough does a great job with this huge story. The world of Darwin and the Elevator is deliciously complex and satisfying. Skyler, Tania, and all the other characters are delightfully drawn and fun to spend time with. . . . The story unfolds with just the right balance of high adventure, espionage, humor, and emotional truth. . . . As soon as you finish, you’ll want more.”Analog

A debut novel unlike any other . . . This is something special. Something iconic. The Darwin Elevator is full of majesty and wonder, mystery and mayhem, colorful characters and insidious schemes.”SF Signal

“Fun, action-packed and entertaining . . . a sure contender for science fiction debut of the year!”Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist

“Claustrophobic, intense, and satisfying . . . I couldn’t put this book down. The Darwin Elevator depicts a terrifying world, suspends it from a delicate thread, and forces you to read with held breath as you anticipate the inevitable fall.”—Hugh Howey, New York Times bestselling author of Wool

“Hough writes with irresistible energy and gritty realism. His puts his characters through hell, blending a convincing plot with heart-stopping action and moments of raw terror as the world goes crazy in the shadow of unfathomable alien intentions.”—Sara Creasy, author of the Philip K. Dick Award–nominated Song of Scarabaeus

A thrilling story right from the first page . . . This book plugs straight into the fight-or-flight part of your brain.”—Ted Kosmatka, author of The Games

“If you enjoy high adventure with a kick-ass crew, I suggest you take Hough’s Darwin Elevator for a ride.”—Warren Hammond, author of KOP Killer

Source: Amazon 

This book is the beginning of a trilogy.  The next book in the series is The Exodus Towers. And the final book is called The Plague Force

If you lead a book club, enjoy Sci-fi, and/or just want another suggestion to go on your reading list, give this book & this author a chance! 

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