Review of Metallic Soul

[Tejas Koli]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Metallic Soul" by Matthew Harrington.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In his debut novel, "Metallic Soul," author Matthew Harrington weaves a complex futuristic mystery that will leave readers guessing until the very end. Set on a colonized Mars of the future, the story follows police officer Anna as she investigates a threat from the Red Skull gang to detonate a stolen cold fusion bomb. But Anna harbors a secret: she has the ability to control metal like a second skin.

Right from the intriguing opening dream sequence, readers are thrown into a surreal and dangerous world. Anna's recurring nightmares hint at a forgotten past and cryptic promises, yet they leave more questions than answers. As she wakes and begins her day, small details about her life are revealed—her friendships, daily routine, and suspension from duty all add layers to her character. When called into an urgent briefing, the true threat is uncovered, and Anna is pulled back into action.

While the overall plot moves at a steady pace, Harrington takes his time fleshing out the futuristic yet believable world he has created. Descriptions of the colonized Mars bring the setting vividly to life, from the bustling cityscapes to Anna's high-rise apartment. Secondary characters like her police colleagues are also sketched with just enough detail to feel three-dimensional without detracting from Anna's story. The editing of the book is well done; there are no grammatical errors, which gives a seamless read. The core mystery truly kicks into high gear in the latter half, as Anna's dreams spill dangerously over into reality. Strange characters like the enigmatic Sara and the sinister metal "Skull" leave readers with more questions than answers about Anna's past and true purpose. Lavish details paint a vivid picture of Anna's power and the nightmarish situations she finds herself in. The pacing accelerates as revelations are uncovered, yet more layers are added to the overarching puzzle. There are no negative points to mention.

With its intricately imagined world, compelling heroine, and twist-filled mystery plot, "Metallic Soul" is sure to captivate fans of futuristic thrillers and leave them eagerly awaiting the next installment. Matthew Harrington demonstrates strong storytelling skills in balancing character development and fast-paced action. Overall, this is a highly engaging and imaginative debut from a promising new sci-fi voice. I would rate it 5 out of 5.

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Metallic Soul
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[Osvaldo Borghese]

I like this kind of book because they are very engaging and original. This story could be the starting point for an interesting TV series. thanks for your review.

[Amy Luman]

I am intrigued by a good mystery as well as a futuristic story. Sci-fi is one of my favorite genres so this is probably something that I would enjoy reading. Thanks!

[NetMassimo]

A science fiction thriller set on Mars with a protagonist who has her own problems and some special powers is certainly intriguing to me. If this turns into a series, I'll be looking into it. Thank you for your great review!