Customer Reviews

Darwin's Paradox

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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...

Munteanu is clearly a writer with big ideas. And those Big Ideas make up the things that are both best and worst about Darwin's Paradox. The future North American world is extremely well developed-- the novel certainly succeeds well at world building. Actually, I felt that there was not quite enough of this aspect in the book. I had a little bit of the feeling that sections had been cut for length, and that I was missing some of the environmental backstory. Whether or not this is actually true, I could have used a little more of the excellent development of the world itself.

The ideas explored in the novel are also very interesting-- utopian planning, scientific engineering gone wrong, the relationship between man and machine-- rich and fertile subjects. No less interesting for the fact that many have already explored these grounds. Again, the fact that Munteanu has thought these things through is very evident. The thinking is quite solid, and I was both interested in and entertained by her various themes.

The characters were less strong. I had particular issues with Julie, who too often seemed a cypher. She drove the plot. She acted, but I did not have the same belief in her motivations as a person as I did the other characters. I am not sure that I could put my finger on what precisely did not work, but she was in all ways just a little bit too much. Angel (Julie's daughter) is a much more notable success. She was one of the bright spots for me.

It may be that the characters suffered from the tension between the Big Ideas and the more traditional romantic thriller plot. I found Munteanu's voice most authentic talking through the big hard stuff. I was not so interested in the romantic and dramatic subplots, and found that they often felt a little bit thrown in on top. The book could have stood (and stood better, IMO) without most of them. I had the feeling that as readers we were not trusted to like the book for its world building alone. Too bad, since I certainly would have done.

In any case, a really interesting first novel. None of the flaws would be likely to keep me from reading a second. Three and a half stars.

This novel is likely to intrigue those fortunate enough to have read it. As the back cover advert explains: "When an intelligent virus and an intelligent machine conspire to seize North America's largest city, then threaten to spread world chaos, the only person who can save humanity is the woman who started it all."

Okay, and that would be Julie Crane, who we first see out in the wilds with her boyfriend Daniel and her preteen daughter Angel. Soon events conspire to lure Julie back to the city, where she's considered a murderess for having spread, 12 years before, the "Darwin" virus (she didn't), a perfect exemplar of the law of unintended consequences. This opening sequence, although beautifully written, somehow feels rather rushed. You may well think this is a sequel (it isn't), as past events are tossed off in a sentence or two, and you'll maybe go a little buggy trying to remember who all these people are--especially since you don't ever get to meet many of them.

But when the story gets going, and divides into multiple points of view, things jell into a neat noir thriller as Julie tries to keep her head above water, and outwit her minders (some of them want to use her; others want to abuse her).

The characters Julie meets in the city are compelling. They're all flawed, some more than others, and there are no clear heroes, no clear villians (even the worst of them have a redeeming quality or two).

Ms. Munteanu's a fine wordsmith, and keeps this part of the tale moving along beautifully, but when she segues on into the resolution she bogs down. You'll be amazed when, presumably after everything has been wrapped up, there are still 50 or so more pages before you. There should have been perhaps half that many. All in all, however, this is a fine novel and one I can recommend.

Full disclosure: The author, an "Amazon Friend," asked me to review this book, and I am happy to do so.

An intelligent virus and an intelligent machine conspire to sieve North America's largest city, then spread world chaos - and the only woman who can save humanity is the one who began the virus. Her return to the city she once fled will lead to a different kind of revolution in this involving story of change, perfect for any collection appealing to avid science fiction readers.

I followed Angel's family through Nina's descriptive imagery, finding myself grasping for information just as the main characters did. And, just as they, I was never sure till the end! I loved the distinctive person / machine linking story lines and though I admittedly was forced to slide over some jargon, I fully enjoyed the plot to the end. Read it!!

Munteanu's vision of the future is both frightening and inspiring, embracing the dark/light dichotomy dominating Darwin's Paradox. Icaria's vee-set wearing society, with their mechanical movements and vacant stares, resembles the disconnected iPod population of today. The contrast between the sterile environments of glass towers and the rubble of the inner city mirrors our own growing economic tensions. But just as Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mortal man, Julia Crane carries the key that can transform civilization as we know it.

Darwin's Paradox is a fascinating look into the future where man ceases his attempt to subjugate nature, while embracing its ability to adapt.

I was lucky enough to recieve a signed copy of the novel from my Auntie in Canada and struggled to put it down from the moment I got it in the mail! Nina writes in such a way that you are transported from your chair directly into the story. Her selection of language and delicate descriptions enable you to envisage every location in exquisite detail, keeping you fully involved with the action from cover to cover. By the closing chapters I felt as though I knew the characters on a personal level; as if I knew them in the real world! Again, another brilliant skill that Nina has developed through her career. The main story itself is quite possibly one of the best I have had the pleasure to read. I found myself up until the early hours of most mornings reading chapter after chapter in a bid to uncover more of Ms Crane's story! All I can say is that if you like a good Sci-fi read then 'Darwin's Paradox' shouldn't be missing from your shelves!

Ms. Munteanu is an outstanding fiction writer, who captures the readers attention from the outset. Gripping, heart racing action eco-thriller leaves you absolutely breathless, as you move in tandem with the female protagonist. You are immediately propelled into a brave new world transporting all your senses and imagination into the realm. This book stands by itself as a true representation of science fiction in all it's glory. A book I could not put down............awesome!

I am now reading the prequel Angel of Chaos, and enjoying it immensely.

Thank you, Ms. Munteanu I can't wait for your other works to grace my book shelf!!