Book Review - Darwin's Paradox by Nina Munteanu
Category Book Review Darwin's Paradox Nina Minteanu
I received an interesting sci-fi novel for review awhile back... Darwin's Paradox by Nina Munteanu. I loved the color and flavor of the writing, although it took me awhile before I could really figure out what the background story was. Still, an enjoyable read with plenty of areas for thought and imagination.
The main plotline revolves around Julie Crane. According to the history as written, she's the person who started the spread of Darwin's disease. It was meant to be a beneficial virus that would work in conjunction with humans to improve them. But it didn't quite work out that way, and millions died as a result. She was also accused of the murder of a government official, so she took off with her husband and child to live in the wilderness and avoid those who were after her. Unfortunately, she doesn't stay hidden forever, and she's eventually lured back to the city to address the virus' effect on the artificial intelligence entities that run everything. Unless she can kill the AI and the virus, it's thought that the city is doomed to destruction. But Julie has some other ideas and issues she needs to address, including trying to clear her name from all the false charges she's had against her.
Overall, I liked the book. I'm a pushover for a good near-earth cybernovel, and this falls into that realm. The only thing that bugged me was that it look quite awhile before you really understood what Darwin's disease was, why it was considered a failure, and how Julie figured into the mix. Had that been explained a bit more clearly to start, I think I would have spent less time questioning the plot and more time getting immersed in it. Still, having said all that, it's a great work for a first-time novelist (if Amazon's listings are correct). I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of Munteanu's books when and if it comes out...
I received an interesting sci-fi novel for review awhile back... Darwin's Paradox by Nina Munteanu. I loved the color and flavor of the writing, although it took me awhile before I could really figure out what the background story was. Still, an enjoyable read with plenty of areas for thought and imagination.
The main plotline revolves around Julie Crane. According to the history as written, she's the person who started the spread of Darwin's disease. It was meant to be a beneficial virus that would work in conjunction with humans to improve them. But it didn't quite work out that way, and millions died as a result. She was also accused of the murder of a government official, so she took off with her husband and child to live in the wilderness and avoid those who were after her. Unfortunately, she doesn't stay hidden forever, and she's eventually lured back to the city to address the virus' effect on the artificial intelligence entities that run everything. Unless she can kill the AI and the virus, it's thought that the city is doomed to destruction. But Julie has some other ideas and issues she needs to address, including trying to clear her name from all the false charges she's had against her.
Overall, I liked the book. I'm a pushover for a good near-earth cybernovel, and this falls into that realm. The only thing that bugged me was that it look quite awhile before you really understood what Darwin's disease was, why it was considered a failure, and how Julie figured into the mix. Had that been explained a bit more clearly to start, I think I would have spent less time questioning the plot and more time getting immersed in it. Still, having said all that, it's a great work for a first-time novelist (if Amazon's listings are correct). I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of Munteanu's books when and if it comes out...
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