Jack's Reviews > Crossover

So I went into this book with as little knowledge as possible. I avoided the reviews, skipped the wiki, and just let the synopsis be my guide. The old school approach, when one was lucky to know someone who had already read the title, especially if it wasn't from one of the big name best-selling authors. And I'm very glad I kept it low tech for this one, as it managed to catch me off guard.

I mean, I knew I was getting a book with a kick ass heroine and some gritty sci-fi action. Hell, the cover practically screams the particulars at you. But a funny thing happened on the way to the warfare...that thing being contemplation. And not just a few pages of random introspection, but some deep rumination on what it means to be sentient, to possess free will, and to have choices between what is easy and what is right. No, it's not Jane Austen, but it's not trying to be. Its an engaging blend of cyberpunk action and heart, combat and the examination of the consequences wrought by that combat, and the search for meaning in a life forged in conflict. A thinking man's action book, if you will.

Most of the book is told from Cassandra Kresnov's point of view, though we occasionally get chapters from supporting characters to help flesh out the plot or provide alternate viewpoints. And it works pretty well, especially when we get to see the world from SWAT Lt. Vanessa Rice's viewpoint. She's a great supporting character for Cassandra to play off of, and has a few of her own moments in the spotlight as well. Their relationship is a bit...forced, but not so much so that it totally breaks the narrative. Cassandra herself is equal parts innocent and deadly. She is new to civilian life, and as she comes across new situations and things, her joy of discovery is palpable. But when it all hits the fan, she is all business and deadly skill (which is what she was made to be). I even managed to feel her frustration when she spoke of her old team and how different she was from them. So it speaks well of Mr. Shepherd that he can handle both the action beats and the thought provoking moments with equal skill.

My only gripe is that at times it can get a little too preachy when driving certain points home, and I think the political maneuvering could have been pared down a bit. But that's about it for negatives. And yes, the sentence structure is a little wonky, but you get used to it (mostly) as you progress through the story.

All in all Crossover was an enjoyable read, and I am definitely up for more time with Ms. Kresnov in the near future.