Customer Reviews

Flight of Shadows: A Novel

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4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

Sigmund Brouwer is an author who seldom disappoints, and his latest release could be used as Exhibit A in proving why that is. In FLIGHT OF SHADOWS, he nails every element of satisfying futuristic fiction with the skills, talent, and passion of an author who chooses craftsmanship over mass production.

FLIGHT OF SHADOWS is the sequel to Brouwer's 2008 release, BROKEN ANGEL, but he is such a gifted writer that there's never a moment when a reader new to the series feels lost in this follow-up story. His writing is such that the reader wants to read the first book rather than feel that she has to in order to figure out what's going on. Brouwer seamlessly picks up the story line from BROKEN ANGEL and continues it without missing a beat.

And it's a terrifying story line, one that is all too believable to anyone who recognizes the blessings, curses, and failures of technology. Brouwer creates a society in which the blessings of DNA experimentation turn into an apparent curse, and science's failure to overcome drought results in conflict that irreversibly changes the political landscape and structure of the U.S. This new society, only a few generations in the future, is inhabited by four classes of people: the Influentials, those who have virtually all of the wealth and power; the Industrials, whose work permits allow them to enter the newly created city-states to make a living; the Illegals, those who lack the necessary paperwork and are forced to live in abject poverty; and the Invisibles, those, like a young woman named Caitlyn Brown, who need to live under the radar, for varying reasons.

For Caitlyn, being an Invisible is essential to her survival. A product of DNA experimentation gone wrong, Caitlyn has escaped the Christian theocracy of Appalachia in search of the one man who can correct her lab-induced deformity. But close on her heels is a bounty hunter whose Influential backers know that her DNA is a priceless commodity, along with several other government and private parties. In her effort to remain invisible, she connects with a streetwise guy named Razor, whose boast of being "fast, sharp, and dangerous" proves to be grounded in reality and essential to Caitlyn's survival.

Meanwhile, Billy and Theo, two of Caitlyn's friends who also escaped from Appalachia, eagerly but cautiously anticipate a pre-arranged reunion with her, unaware that their every move is being tracked by government agents who know the value of Caitlyn's DNA and the plans Billy and Theo have to meet up with her.

All of that makes for a lot of lightning-fast chases through streets and subterranean passageways, penthouses, and shanty towns, in and around the city-state known as DC, with Caitlyn and friends doing whatever it takes to elude those who are relentlessly pursuing her. But FLIGHT OF SHADOWS is so much more than Hollywood-style entertainment --- though it certainly is that. It's also a look at an all-too-believable future fraught with terrifying possibilities: of weapons whose sole purpose is to create widespread fear and panic, of the high moral cost of genetic experimentation, of the repercussions of illegal immigration, and of the consequences of oppressive governmental control, with the end result being a bleak and hopeless dystopian society.

But Brouwer doesn't leave the reader in a bleak and hopeless state, nor does he wave a magic wand and make the world he created a better place. Instead, he lifts the gloomy darkness and sheds light on a new world far from the city-state of DC, one that begs to be fleshed out in a subsequent book --- hopefully with the intriguing character of Razor making a comeback.

Her genetic code makes Caitlyn Brown the most wanted person on the planet as her DNA enables her to do almost anything. However, all she wants to do is remain in hiding as her back deformity makes her believe she is the ultimate pariah.

However, the affluent in a world filled with poverty want more and she is the source. They go after her with only Razor the illusionist as her ally although she distrusts him. She hopes he can guide her to friends while the Feds and a twisted bounty hunter, all working for the rich, pursue her. As Caitlyn learns who she is, she is caught in a quandary not just between two men she cherishes and believes love her; but in terms of choosing life for her and extinction for humanity or death for her and life for mankind.

Flight of Shadows is an exciting cautionary tale that extrapolates from current trends to paint a dismal future with the heroine treated as a Typhoid Mary if she fails to do the bidding of the powerful. Caitlyn makes the tale work holding together the exhilarating hunt for her. Although the philosophical ethical issues could have been explored even deeper, readers will appreciate Caitlyn's dilemma; mindful of Ursula Le Guin's The Lathe of Heaven, but perhaps Hell is more descriptive.

Harriet Klausner

Because of her DNA, Caitlyn has a bounty hunter nipping at her heels and the government not far behind him. With a life-changing choice to make -- and without a soul to trust -- Caitlyn is forced to depend on Razor, a skilled illusionist, for protection.

In his latest thriller Flight of Shadows, Sigmund Brouwer draws the reader into a hauntingly possible near-future of deteriorated freedoms, political instability, and a strong class system. Together, these things drive the desperation behind Caitlyn's struggle to keep hold of her freedom.

The short snippets of dialog -- often laced with a dry wittiness -- enhance the urgency of the story, allowing it to proceed without impediment. Each chapter, dedicated to following a particular character, is an exhibition of Brouwer's masterful use of plot complications to leave the reader on the edge of their seat. The cleverly-written epilogue dropped just enough morsels to have me pining for the next installment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my foray into Caitlyn's world. Before reading the 305 pages, I knew neither that this volume is cataloged as "Young Adult," nor that it has a prequel (Broken Angel, WaterBrook Press, May 2009). Regardless, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction. It stands alone and doesn't feel "young adult" since the subject matter (genetic science, immigration, etc.) is a bit more mature than one would expect from that genre. And don't worry, ladies -- Brouwer sprinkled in a bit of romance to send our hearts fluttering!

[...]

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Flight of Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer to me, was shocking.

Synopsis:

Caitlyn Brown is a fugitive in a near-future USA in which the wealthy rule with impunity, middle class has become the slavery class, and the lowest live often cannibalistic lives in the sewers and abandoned subway systems.

Caitlyn is hunted by many, but in particular a lecherous pervert, a law enforcement official and a sadistic, sado-masochistic, blood-drinking bounty hunter out for revenge. As far as Caitlyn knows the reason they are hunting her is because of her deformity, but could there be something more?

She is befriended by a street-smart boy who seems to have unlimited resources, but can she trust him? Where can she go?

Review:

I enjoy dystopian fantasies, so I decided to take a chance on this book.

It was an interesting story involving the author's speculations of the future of the USA and genetic experimentation. Caitlyn's "deformity" is a fascinating take on an age old idea of humans with wings. How could it be possible? What other changes would have to be made in order for the skeletal structure and general makeup to support them? How could a girl's muscles actually have the strength to use them?

On the other hand we have the society itself. Brouwer goes beyond the generic ideas of "the government just got more and more controlling," etc. and actually explains the hows and whys of his alternate future, and ties it into things that are actually happening in the USA right now.

When I was reading this book I felt like I was being swept along in a raging river, with not enough to stop and see what was going on around me. It was fast, with the point of view switching frequently between at least 6 different characters and punctuated with nauseatingly gruesome acts of violence, mostly at the hands of the bounty hunter. Now, there are many times when fast-paced books work, where they actually enhance the story and create a riveting plot. Here, however, I felt like the pace made it impossible for me to get to know any of the characters on anything but a superficial level. I automatically cared about Caitlyn in the beginning because she had a deformity and was a victim right from the beginning. But it never really went past that. Sure, you feel sorry for all of the victims. But all the gruesome acts being thrown in my face at every turn made me feel sort of numb by the end of it, and the violent end of the bounty hunter really didn't even shock me.

Overall, I would give this book a 2 out of 5. It had some great ideas, but was poorly implemented, with no real redeeming factors to make up for all the violence and grotesqueness.

Can you imagine one person carrying the genetic sequence to heal illnesses in the world? The power, and yet burden that would be. Always on the run from someone wanting to harness the power. Caitlyn, the main character of the book is in this exact situation. She is a product of genetic engineering that was not supposed to live. She lives a life in hiding until the government begins to search for her. This book really brings out the difficulties and dramatic effects that genetic engineering can cause. Some day in the future we may have situations where genetics are altered to create the human being that is wanted by our government. It is hard for us to fathom this but it is possible. I enjoyed reading this story. It was one of those books that I had difficulty putting down until I was finished. The characters draw you in and you try to imagine what it must be like, living their lives. The plot is attractive and attention grabbing. I would recommend this book as one to add to your reading list.
I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnoma Publishing. I was not obligated to provide a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own.

Flight of Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer is a novel set in a dystopian American future. Centered around a girl who is the product of a crazed genetic experiment and the cast of characters that are involved in her life, Flight of Shadows attempts to take the reader on a suspenseful journey to the truth.

Overall, Flight of Shadows is one of the worst books I've ever read. The narrative is told from so many points of view that I had a hard time developing any sort of attachment to, or investment in, any of the characters. The continual switching of points of view among so many characters was confusing as well. The story itself is convoluted and the characters as a whole unlikeable. There were elements that were shocking for seemingly no reason other than being shocking, for example when one of the characters bites of and eats the head of a rat. The lack of character development is part of this. I think it was meant to be a cautionary tale of what happens when scientists attempt to play God, but it just ended up being terrible.

There isn't really any element of this book that worked for me. I didn't connect with the characters, the story was convoluted, there was no message to take away or any entertainment value. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone I know.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

If you love futuristic sci-fi/fantasy books put this one on your list. Not so future America has become segregated into a large, protected colony ruled by religion, or outside of those walls of protection lies the a caste system where the destitute live in Soovie (SUV) parks and are at the mercy of the rich and untouchable. Beyond that, few know, but rumors are that true freedom exists, for the strongest and fittest.

Caitlyn is a young woman, a product of genetic manipulation, thrust from the security of religious safety into the cruel, unknown world. Caitlyn carries a few secrets, some unknown to her. But the secrets relating to the ugly hump on her back make her valuable to many and force her to run, hide and fight for her life. The hunters include a corrupt government, a merciless bounty hunter with revenge boiling in his gut, and those who think she might just be a prize worth owning for various assorted reasons, none of them good.

This novel is not for those of weak knees or stomach. There are moments of brutality. However, this is a page turning, plot twisting, fascinating read.

Flight of Shadows is the fast-paced sequel to Broken Angel: A Novel. So fast-paced, in fact, that the whole book only covers a few days. In Flight of Shadows, we learn more about the history that has brought society to this point. The Water Wars, the return to a near-feudal caste system, and why thousands of people are living in soovie parks - large communities of disabled SUVs that are now good for nothing except keeping the rain off.

Caitlyn has escaped to the Outside and safety and made contact with Billy and Theo, but when threatened, they all quickly flee to another city and live in poverty while trying to stay "under the radar". They soon learn that that's not possible.

When Caitlyn is forced to defend herself from a brutal attacker, she sets in motion a chain of events that leaves all of them running for their lives again. She is befriended by Razor, a young man who is a master of disguise and can be found hacking a computer system one moment and braving the horrifying subterrainian community the next.

One of the things that makes a good thriller for me is never being sure who is one which side. Who can the good guys trust? Flight of Shadows is definitely a good thriller. And it's not just Caitlyn who has to watch her back. Most of the main characters in the book are betrayed at some point. Not a good way to live, but it makes for a great story.

I suppose you could read Flight of Shadows as a stand-alone book. The author does give a lot of background. I would recommend reading Broken Angel first, though.

I received this book free from the publisher as part of the Blogging for Books program.

the concept and story line of Flight of Shadows was great. I even liked most of the characters. However, it felt choppy to me, the pov kept switching with each chapter. There were too many characters given a voice as well. I also did not like the gruesomeness of some of the chapters. I don't mind graphic, but somehow parts of this were sick to me. Thing I couldn't discuss with my mother or other book reader friends. I honestly do not know anyone personally that I would pass this book onto. Which is a real shame because the story was a good one.

I am wildly drawn to books written about America in the not-too-distant future. They always scare the crap out of me, because let's face it, it's never good. But so intriguing at the same time.

In Flight of Shadows, Caitlyn Brown is running. It seems everyone wants a piece of her, literally. Her genetic secret could change humanity forever, and her physical appearance makes it difficult to hide. She thinks they're after the deformity on her back, but what they want goes much deeper. She finds herself running with a street-wise kid named Razor, who helps her navigate the world of desperate poverty, death doctors and fear bombs. Soon she and Razor begin to learn the unthinkable about her past. It leads to a choice Caitlyn must make between two men who love her and whether to keep her freedom or sacrifice herself to change human destiny.

This book was so appealing to the sci-fi/suspense lover inside of me. And it is not hard to understand the moral questions about science and society that America may face if we continue in the direction we're going. This book was hard to put down each night, and invaded my dreams when I did. That's how I know it's a good book.

Keep your eye out for Sigmund Brouwer books. He pens a great tale.

This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Press in exchange for an honest review, as a part of their Blogging for Books program.