Review: Cooler than a tatt, edgier than a rollercoaster, serious as a driving nail
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 14, 2012
In Xenofreak Nation, it's 2022, and the world is divided into factions of pure humans and xeno-altered people whose bodies have been enhanced by genetically modified animals. In some cases, these alterations save lives, such as implantation of a pig's heart. But it's a known secret that xenosurgeons make more money from xenofreaks, those who use it as a fashion accessory similar to a tattoo or facelift. For instance, an arrow-shaped zebra pelt, grafted onto a woman's face. I LOVE this fresh concept! Inventing one's own futuristic applications is more creative than relying on the tried and true, like a cyber arm with super strength. And these xenofreaks are visually delightful in a carnival kind of way. Picture a bar bouncer with a rhino head, or a spy with retractable cougar claws.Xenofreaks is a futuristic thriller, with its plot twists that are both shocking, yet satisfyingly inevitable. It is also YA in the sense that the main protag is a girl of 17, named Bryn Vega. We follow her closely as she rebels against her anti-Xeno, pro-Pure Human dad, Harry Vega. It's crossover too. The chapters alternate between Bryn, and a mysterious, handsome twenty-something kidnapper named Scott, who is oddly protective of Bryn. Not so protective, though, that he doesn't haul her off to a Doctor Fournier, who specializes in xenografts, and who attaches a porcupine scalp to her head!I won't try to explain which players are behind this, or I'd have to post spoilers. Let's just say, Conway does an acrobatic job of keeping us chasing after hunches. Who's good, who's bad, who is a spy, a cop or a con, and what group are they working for? The one consistently warm beacon for Bryn is her mother's old friend, Carol. This is a good thing, as Bryn is whipped over and back by more than one shady contingent. The poor girl can't even get a hug without sticking the person with her bleeping quills!I've already downloaded Conway's next novel to my Kindle TBR list! If I had to site a criticism, I hope in new novels she gives her readers, and main players a moment of breathing room, in the midst of the constant action! Even a female Tom Cruise type needs a nap or a foot massage once in while. Oh, and great sexual and emotional tension! But give us just an inch more in a sizzle scene. Don't worry, YA readers can handle it. Highly recommended to anyone who likes crossover thrillers, soft sci-fi, YA sci-fi or just a truly original page-turner.