Customer Reviews

Memory Zero (Spook Squad, Book 1)

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

 

 

This is the first in Keri Arthur's thoroughly enjoyable Spook Squad series. Arthur creates a very unique and creative urban fantasy/paranormal world with believable, layered characters. In this book, police officer Sam Ryan is charged with her partner's death. To prove her innocence, she has to team up with Gabriel Stern- a shapeshifter who is also part of a mysterious shadow government. As the book progresses, it becomes clear that Sam has some interesting powers of her own. This book is very well-written. It is fast-paced, but Arthur devotes sufficient time to character development. The chemistry between the two main characters is believable and entertaining. There is a tiny hint of romance here, but nothing more. The focus stays on the action/thriller aspects of the plot. I definitely suggest this book. Its only fault is that it is too short. I was left wanting more, and I wished the book could have been fleshed out a bit. Luckily, there are two more books in this same series available.

This was my first Keri Arthur read and unfortunately will probably be my last. I really wanted to like this book, I think the storyline is interesting, I liked the heroine and am curious about what the rest of her story is. Unfortunately, the writing style really put me off. If this was the authors first book, then it would be understandable, but it's not. In the interest of fairness I think it's important to point out that this is a Romance novel that has been categorized as Urban Fantasy simply because the lead characters aren't human and live in a slightly parallel type of world to our own. This is probably where my disinterest comes from, as I prefer fully fleshed out Fantasy with only slight touches of Romance. It's a subtle difference, I know, but I think most SF/Fantasy and Romance readers will understand what I mean.
The conclusion of this is that those who enjoy Romance novels set in a Futuristic setting, you'll probably enjoy this very much. If you're like me however, and prefer heavy Fantasy elements, I'd recommend giving this one a pass.

I have read Keri Arthur's works at this point over the last 2 days and must say they are decent. She seems to understand the romance portion fine and the character interaction is good. The understanding and action of violence and tech within her novels is poor. This is true across all of her works. I would classify her works as good light romance without any substance. Good luck finding good literature.

This was my first Keri Arthur book so didn't know what I was going to get. Turned out I got a good story.
It's paranormal, yes, but the thriller catagory is a better fit.

It'a a thriller first and foremost and that's what makes this paranormal book a little different to the countless others out there. There's a spot of romance thrown in but mostly it's about police murder investigations, a framed cop and a villain trying to outwit and aviod the law. Everything a good thriller should be.

However, it's set in a time and place where otherworldly creatures are the norm in society (even if society doesn't know about them) and so the characters are shape shifters/changers and monsters of indeterminate origin and vampires (and not the sparkly, cute kind either).

This is the first in a trilogy so there's a lot of world/character building but there's still a lot of story packed in too. I have a couple of critisisms though. As good as the story is, I found some of the charcters a bit confusing because it was hard to keep tabs on who the shape changers were at any one time. The ability of some characters to 'change' into another character kept things interesting but made it hard to know 'who was who'. Also, the ending seemed very rushed and didn't keep the same pace as the first three quarters of the book which jarred a bit.

I would recommend this book as a good and solid story though and if you're into thrillers and/or paranormal then this is for you.

I'm looking forward to part 2.

. . .without the bump and grind - thank God! don't get me wrong romAance is good, but it doesn't have to be the main focuse of the book nor does the the reader have to be subjected to every detail of sex. I personally don't need to know the positions the lovers are taking when they are getting it on. what's wrong with good old fashion sexual tension? what's wrong with some simple ol' kissing and maybe some petting and that as far as it goes because the world is falling apart around them and they don't have time to even take of thier shoes? I'm sure i'm not the only one who thinks a long-winded sex session doesn't add to the story. some people think if you don't have a sex scene it's not a romance or that the characters aren't flesh out enough. Pleeeaaase. if the author is good, the characters come off the page well enough. Keri Arthur is that author.

Wasn't too sure if I would like it at first but I've been reading everything by her since I stumpled upon the Riley Jenson series. Was actually a really good book, can't wait for more.

I ordered Memory Zero on May 5th from bookrackrh and got an e-mail the next day stating the book was on it's way with Penumbra. Both books arrived on May 13th in excellent condition. I will and have ordered from bookrackrh again.