Review by yazzer7 -- Homecoming by Jude Austin
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yazzer7
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- Latest Review: Homecoming by Jude Austin
Review by yazzer7 -- Homecoming by Jude Austin
[Following is a volunteer review of "Homecoming" by Jude Austin.]
This book takes off directly after the first one ended, with Tau and Kata on the run from GenTech. They escaped from the lab and its sadistic doctors, but must be vigilant to avoid bounty hunters, mob bosses, corrupt government workers, and anyone working for GenTech. As Kata and Tau find their way in an unfamiliar world, their future looks bleak. They were able to physically remove themselves from GenTech, but the emotional and mental trauma they had experienced would not be gone soon or so cleanly. Austin recognizes this, and a large part of the character building in this book is generated from Tau and Kata understanding who they can be now that they are out of the lab. While they are busy trying to get fully free, they both grapple with internal struggles. An introduction of new characters and settings further complicates their relationship and individual identities.
I would recommend this book to readers 18+ or at parental discretion, because it would be entertaining to a younger audience, but has a few more graphic descriptions than the first book. It would be easier to relate to the problems with parents and teenage friendships for young adults, though a lot of the themes are universal. Project Tau should be read first to understand the context of this book.
I am giving Homecoming, by Jude Austin, 4 out of 4 stars. This sequel took the stories of Tau and Kata in a new direction, while allowing the reader to connect more with the characters and see the growth they achieved through their life-altering experiences. It was very well-written and relied on dialogue and character interaction to move the story while changing scenes and their motivations often. Suspense was present throughout the book, as readers questioned whether the protagonists would ever be truly free. The climax was perfect, and the payoff for the reader immense.
This sequel took time to flesh out the characters, not only covering the main plot of escape and freedom, but also introducing an important side plot about self-discovery. A major plot element comes from the boys figuring out who they are and what they want in life. I was happy to see them working through the trauma they incurred in the first book for moments of optimism, even when things were uncertain. I also liked that they expanded their circle of connections and, while their friendship is still strong, it would be possible for them to have individual lives. The author also deals with tough subjects like eating disorders in a realistic way, showing examples of harmful behavior and a healthy way to reinspect damaging thoughts.
Overall, this book maintained the momentum and themes of Project Tau while rounding out the characters more and giving some closure to their experiences from the first book. I think this is a great series with a thrilling take on what it means to be human in a society where you can grow a humanoid pet. It has been done before and will be again, but Austin’s compelling characters and unique setting create a highly enjoyable read.
******
Homecoming
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This book takes off directly after the first one ended, with Tau and Kata on the run from GenTech. They escaped from the lab and its sadistic doctors, but must be vigilant to avoid bounty hunters, mob bosses, corrupt government workers, and anyone working for GenTech. As Kata and Tau find their way in an unfamiliar world, their future looks bleak. They were able to physically remove themselves from GenTech, but the emotional and mental trauma they had experienced would not be gone soon or so cleanly. Austin recognizes this, and a large part of the character building in this book is generated from Tau and Kata understanding who they can be now that they are out of the lab. While they are busy trying to get fully free, they both grapple with internal struggles. An introduction of new characters and settings further complicates their relationship and individual identities.
I would recommend this book to readers 18+ or at parental discretion, because it would be entertaining to a younger audience, but has a few more graphic descriptions than the first book. It would be easier to relate to the problems with parents and teenage friendships for young adults, though a lot of the themes are universal. Project Tau should be read first to understand the context of this book.
I am giving Homecoming, by Jude Austin, 4 out of 4 stars. This sequel took the stories of Tau and Kata in a new direction, while allowing the reader to connect more with the characters and see the growth they achieved through their life-altering experiences. It was very well-written and relied on dialogue and character interaction to move the story while changing scenes and their motivations often. Suspense was present throughout the book, as readers questioned whether the protagonists would ever be truly free. The climax was perfect, and the payoff for the reader immense.
This sequel took time to flesh out the characters, not only covering the main plot of escape and freedom, but also introducing an important side plot about self-discovery. A major plot element comes from the boys figuring out who they are and what they want in life. I was happy to see them working through the trauma they incurred in the first book for moments of optimism, even when things were uncertain. I also liked that they expanded their circle of connections and, while their friendship is still strong, it would be possible for them to have individual lives. The author also deals with tough subjects like eating disorders in a realistic way, showing examples of harmful behavior and a healthy way to reinspect damaging thoughts.
Overall, this book maintained the momentum and themes of Project Tau while rounding out the characters more and giving some closure to their experiences from the first book. I think this is a great series with a thrilling take on what it means to be human in a society where you can grow a humanoid pet. It has been done before and will be again, but Austin’s compelling characters and unique setting create a highly enjoyable read.
******
Homecoming
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Homecoming by Jude Austin
