Review: Shadow on the Sun by David Macinnis Gill

Published March 26th, 2013
Greenwillow Books
352 pages (Hardcover)

Durango has always relied on Mimi--once his tough-as-nails squad leader, she is now the bitingly sarcastic artificial intelligence flash-cloned to his brain. Mimi is the only reason he is alive.

Durango has always looked out for his devastatingly beautiful and brave second-in-command, Vienne--now wounded, crushed, missing. Vienne is the only reason he wants to live.

Durango hasn't always despised his father. But he does now. Lyme wants Durango to be the Prince of Mars, and he'll stop at nothing to realize that dream. He'll sacrifice anything and anyone in the name of domination. Even Mimi. Especially Vienne.Lyme forgot one thing. You don't want to mess with Durango. (From Goodreads)

Action!  Action action action action action action action action action violence and more ACTION!

Can you tell that I liked Shadow on the Sun?  This is one of the most underrated series out there and deserves a lot more attention.

This book starts fast and does not slow down.  I like my books to be action-packed, but it never gets dull.  I'm also not a science fiction fan.  I like it, but I'd rather read something else.  This book is different.  I can't tell you exactly what it is, but there is something about David Macinnis Gill's writing that makes me love it.  I like to think it's part the action, part the snark.  And by snark, I mean Mimi.  Mimi's always there with a sarcastic response when you need one.  Some of the lingo and science-y stuff can get confusing, but it all works and comes together, leaving the reader satisfied.

Let's discuss Vienne for a second, and how she is one of my FAVOURITE CHARACTERS EVER!  She's tough as nails, confident, and a complete badass.  She's also true to what she believes in.  Having her perspective was great and gave even more power to her, as a character.  I can pretty much say the same thing about Durango.  I love their relationship and how it has developed.  In Black Hole Sun, it was a minor part of the story.  By this book, it has developed and ends up driving the story without turning this into a romantic novel.

If I had any complaints, it was just that the ending felt a little rushed.  This is the end of a trilogy and wrapped up the story, but left a few unanswered questions.  I finished the book and had a "That's it?" moment.  I'm hoping that room is just being left for the possibility of more books.  I was satisfied by the ending, but it simply felt a bit rushed and awkward.

Ultimately, this book, just like the past two in the series, have left me spinning and thinking that maybe I am a sci-fi reader.  Shadow on the Sun is an action-packed thrill that is nearly impossible to set down.  The story is great.  The world is great.  The characters are beyond awesome.  I can't ask for much more.

Much love, Samantha
Confused about what I'm talking about?  Check out my reviews of Black Hole Sun and Invisible Sun.

Book Review: Invisible Sun by David Macinnis Gill

Published March 27th, 2012
Greenwillow Books
384 pages (Hardcover)

Obsessed with MUSE, the clandestine project that created the AI in his brain, mercenary chief Durango draws the ire of the government when he steals part of the secret project data and hightails it with his lieutenant, Vienne, to an ancient monastery. There, he meets the monks who raised Vienne from an orphan and also encounters soldiers working for his old nemesis, the crime lord Mr. Lyme. Lyme controls the territory surrounding the monastery, as well as the datacenters housing the rest of MUSE. Undeterred, Durango and Vienne pull off an ill-advised raid on Lyme’s complex. During the ensuing battle, however, Vienne is captured, and Durango is beaten and left for dead. Now, wounded and shaken, Durango must overcome bounty hunters, treacherous terrain, a full scale civil war, and a warrior monk with an eye for vengeance (not to mention his own guilt, self-doubt, and broken arm) to find Vienne and free her from Archibald, a brain-washing pyromaniac with a Napoleon complex who wants to rule Mars--and kill Durango in the process. (From Goodreads)

I'm going to call this "sci-fi action for people that don't like science fiction".

In this sequel to Black Hole Sun (review), Durango and Vienne continue to be complete and total badasses, until it all backfires and Vienne ends up in the enemies hands.  I don't think there is anything quiet as painful as watching one of your favourite protagonist get beaten and broken down.  We gain a little more back story on Vienne and Durango in this book, and it explores their relationship a little deeper.  I like that the romance still didn't overpower the rest of the story, but was instead a nice undertone that fueled it.

In Black Hole Sun, it took me a long time to get used to the idea of Mimi.  This time round, I grew to really enjoy her.  The banter between her and Durango added a nice layer of humour to all the action that takes place.

I still don't get some of the minor details of the story, like why we are on Mars.  I think I missed something somewhere along the line.  However, the technological aspects of the story are well explained, which is greatly appreciated by a sci-fi newbie like myself.

If you're one to shy away from science fiction, I recommend giving this series a try.  Shadows of the Sun, book three in the series, will be out late March, and you know I'll be checking it out.

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Black Hole Sun by David Macinnis Gill

Published August 24th, 2010
Greenwillow Books
368 pages (Paperback)

Durango's only 17, but he's fearless. He will take on any mission--as long as it is dangerous, impossible, and hopeless. Fortunately for Durango, he's also got Mimi, a symbiotic nano-implant, to keep him on the straight and narrow, and a crew of loyal buddies--male, female, and other.  (From Goodreads)

I stepped out of my comfort zone with this one.  Science Fiction usually isn't my thing, but the cover instantly caught my interest (that boy is HOT!).  Add in the fact that the front had an endorsement from Suzanne Collins, plus one on the back from Louise Halse Anderson, and I was sold.

Black Hole Sun was slow getting going, but I find that typical of most Sci-Fi I've read.  It takes a long time to get the setting and story established.  Once it got going though, it was impossible to put down!

The was so much action crammed into this book that I was completely engrossed.  Even when the characters weren't in battle, a gun always seem to be pointed at someone.  It made for a thrilling adventure, adding to the suspense of the whole story.

It took me a while to get used to Mimi, a type of AI implanted in Durango's head.  They converse throughout the book, but not vocally.  I kept wondering why the other characters weren't reacting to their conversation, having to remind myself that it's all in his head.

We even have some romance worked into the story.  The scenes between Durango and Aine left me laughing, and I kept wanting Durango and Vienne to acknowledge there feelings.  I actually liked how the romance wasn't front and center through the whole book.

Overall, I loved Black Hole Sun.  The non-stop action and futuristic, not-so-great world left me feeling like I had just watched an awesome action movie.  Warning though, if you're not into violence, this book may not be up your alley.  If you don't mind it, I suggest checking it out!

Much love, Samantha