SPSFC4 Review: All Hope of Becoming Human by Lonnie Busch
Blurb:
The world is about to change in unimaginable ways…
Earthquakes rock the planet, revealing massive metallic objects and vast subterranean graveyards. One such location is in the Arizona desert. Scientists believe this incredible discovery may hold answers to the origins of man, but when the site is suddenly shut down due to seismic activity, one researcher knows she must return. Assistant archaeologist Rebecca Duccati sneaks into the compound alone, and will have to dig deep to find clues in these strange underground caves and tunnels. The work is dangerous and frightening, but she feels a connection to this bizarre phenomenon that even she isn’t fully aware of yet.
FBI Special Agent Demzey knows nothing about archaeology; his specialty— anomalous crimes, the fringe edge of the aberrant and the unknown. Demzey is investigating a recent rash of vicious and brutal murders, the clues surrounding the killings both disturbing and inexplicable. He and his assistant Connie Wegman catch a break when they discover remains of two monstrous creatures unknown to science, believed to be a race of aliens responsible for attacks on humans across the globe.
With the death toll ticking ever higher, scientists and intelligence agencies on every continent search for the source of these vicious creatures, until the combined efforts of Duccati and Demzey begin to unravel the mystery, though what they uncover could spell the end for the human race.
For fans of Douglas E. Richards and Jeremy Robinson.
Review:
From the first page, I became invested in this story. The characters are well written, and believable, and the plot continues to build throughout. The premise of the story was solid, resting in the consequences of violence, and the unexpected outcome when violence is used against another person.
One of the things I enjoyed, is the science that was used for either DNA markers, or a very complex method that created pictures from memories of recent and even not too distant events. And it never became ponderous or slowed down the story in any way. The application was believable, and gave a fascinating spin on the complexity of memory.
Bear in mind that there are some graphic scenes of violence, so if that isn’t your thing, you might not enjoy this as much. It doesn’t detract from the events in which it takes place, just be prepared. The end did feel a little bit rushed, but I guess there was no other way to bring things to a close.
Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a lot and would recommend it unreservedly.
Guest Reviewer Bio:
My name is Vivian Cicero, and I am one of the judges for the SFF Insiders SPSFC4 team. I will be posting guest reviews of the titles I’ve selected to read for the competition. I’m an alpha/beta/ARC reader, as well.
