Review of The Redemptress
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Stephanie Runyon
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Review of The Redemptress
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Redemptress" by Adrian Bourdy.]
Forty-three years, eight months, and sixteen days ago, Argo left Earth for the planet Ys. As Anna argued with her boyfriend, the spaceship began spinning, throwing everyone around. The abandon ship siren blared after several explosions. Anna was shoved into an escape pod. She watched through the pod’s window to see a massive ship destroy the only home she had ever known. Meanwhile, Lieveke and her crew of Redemptors are watching a Formical ship destroy the Argo. They overhear a communication link from the Formical’s matriarch. Then they witness the Formical create a wormhole and “jump.” Lieveke knows that a live human being would bring a fortune. She takes two of her crew members with her in a shuttle to retrieve the human.
Lieveke isn’t the only one aware of Anna. Sigur has replaced Heiorun with his top assistant, Yvandre, as the designated heir. In secret, he wants Heiorun to find the human and bring her back to the Ygemony Council. If Heiorun succeeds in her task, Sigur will reinstate her as his heir, and she will lead the council. While plotting on how to get the human, Heiorun encounters Stator, a Damarii, who wants to ally with her to retrieve Anna. All the “rescue” groups wanted the human to give to the Haruspii, who used humans to extend the length of their lives. Nobody could travel to Earth because of a supernatural blockade created by the Exos.
Adrian Bourdy’s The Redemptress is a science fiction novel, with everyone wanting Anna. What they never expected was Anna’s refusal to be used as a pawn. I didn’t like Anna. She was selfish and impulsive. She also had a tendency to be violent. Lieveke was captain of the Buccaneer. Lieveke didn’t hesitate to place her crew in jeopardy because she enjoyed danger. The alternating views of Anna, Lieveke, Heiorun, and several other characters gave an excellent insight into the political turmoil of each group. None of the characters shared their motives with anyone else, causing several subplots to form. The unpredictable plot twists were captivating.
The Redemptress is a character-driven book. I felt more detail about the characters’ appearance would be beneficial to the story. What were the differences between the Formicals, Damarii, and Ygemony? What attributes did Lieveke possess to be the captain of the Buccaneer instead of someone else? The personalities were all self-serving; therefore, they didn’t make any distinct individuals remarkable. I had trouble trying to imagine what anyone looked like.
The Redemptress’ lack of character development earned the book three out of five stars. I felt more time devoted to creating each main character with some outstanding features would have enhanced the story. The setting and suspense building of the climactic events were the most appealing features in the story. I did like how I was surprised by unexpected revelations throughout the book.
Fans of science fiction stories that include espionage, betrayal, loyalty conflicts, and intrigue will enjoy The Redemptress. I would recommend the book to young adult readers. There are some violent scenes, and profanity could offend some people.
******
The Redemptress
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Forty-three years, eight months, and sixteen days ago, Argo left Earth for the planet Ys. As Anna argued with her boyfriend, the spaceship began spinning, throwing everyone around. The abandon ship siren blared after several explosions. Anna was shoved into an escape pod. She watched through the pod’s window to see a massive ship destroy the only home she had ever known. Meanwhile, Lieveke and her crew of Redemptors are watching a Formical ship destroy the Argo. They overhear a communication link from the Formical’s matriarch. Then they witness the Formical create a wormhole and “jump.” Lieveke knows that a live human being would bring a fortune. She takes two of her crew members with her in a shuttle to retrieve the human.
Lieveke isn’t the only one aware of Anna. Sigur has replaced Heiorun with his top assistant, Yvandre, as the designated heir. In secret, he wants Heiorun to find the human and bring her back to the Ygemony Council. If Heiorun succeeds in her task, Sigur will reinstate her as his heir, and she will lead the council. While plotting on how to get the human, Heiorun encounters Stator, a Damarii, who wants to ally with her to retrieve Anna. All the “rescue” groups wanted the human to give to the Haruspii, who used humans to extend the length of their lives. Nobody could travel to Earth because of a supernatural blockade created by the Exos.
Adrian Bourdy’s The Redemptress is a science fiction novel, with everyone wanting Anna. What they never expected was Anna’s refusal to be used as a pawn. I didn’t like Anna. She was selfish and impulsive. She also had a tendency to be violent. Lieveke was captain of the Buccaneer. Lieveke didn’t hesitate to place her crew in jeopardy because she enjoyed danger. The alternating views of Anna, Lieveke, Heiorun, and several other characters gave an excellent insight into the political turmoil of each group. None of the characters shared their motives with anyone else, causing several subplots to form. The unpredictable plot twists were captivating.
The Redemptress is a character-driven book. I felt more detail about the characters’ appearance would be beneficial to the story. What were the differences between the Formicals, Damarii, and Ygemony? What attributes did Lieveke possess to be the captain of the Buccaneer instead of someone else? The personalities were all self-serving; therefore, they didn’t make any distinct individuals remarkable. I had trouble trying to imagine what anyone looked like.
The Redemptress’ lack of character development earned the book three out of five stars. I felt more time devoted to creating each main character with some outstanding features would have enhanced the story. The setting and suspense building of the climactic events were the most appealing features in the story. I did like how I was surprised by unexpected revelations throughout the book.
Fans of science fiction stories that include espionage, betrayal, loyalty conflicts, and intrigue will enjoy The Redemptress. I would recommend the book to young adult readers. There are some violent scenes, and profanity could offend some people.
******
The Redemptress
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"Facts don't care about feelings." Ben Shapiro
"If you aren't paranoid, then it's already too late." Marilyn Manson
"If you aren't paranoid, then it's already too late." Marilyn Manson
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