Review: Enjoyably convincing future history and action adventure
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 30, 2013
Evoking a very convincing not-too-distant future, Lee Strauss's novel Perception is set in a globally warmed, technologically advanced world where the genetically altered "haves" lord it over the "have-nots" who serve them. The novel offers a pleasing mix of science fiction, mystery and young adult romance. Rich beautiful Zoe follows the expected path of well-laid plans for education and career until her brother Liam's disappearance changes everything. The perfect boyfriend proves less than wonderful. Distracted parents hide themselves away in secret conversations. And the servant's son, a mere "natural," becomes Zoe's only ally.The author's imagined technology is consistently convincing and intriguing. Questions of faith, science and the space in between are thought-provoking, and the ethical considerations of gene manipulation are very nicely presented. An underlying mystery adds depth to fast action as Zoe tries to uncover one secret only to find herself embroiled in far more than she imagined. And the result is  a novel of enjoyable surprises, well-drawn characters, and well-imagined future history, with plenty of action too.Disclosure: I received a free ecopy when the author was a guest on my blog.