Review: Complex, Gritty Story that Blends Genres
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 23, 2013
"The Seurat Construct" is the first novel in a series about a determined, tortured man named Sandu Barr, who is on a relentless quest to find out not only why his beloved wife died, but who was involved. On his journey, he forms an unlikely partnership with a cat that is much more than what it seems, and becomes entangled with a wide range of characters--and Barr himself may not be what he seems, or acting entirely under his own power.Though others who read it may disagree, I found "The Seurat Construct" to be a difficult book--it requires concentration. However, that doesn't mean it's not entertaining, because it most certainly was. Taking the time to get to know the characters is rewarding; Barr is strong but flawed, savvy in the face of almost constant danger. His relationship with Snark/Zephyr also became the heart of the book in a way I didn't expect. The story itself is a mix of fantasy, suspense, science fiction, and even mystery--there's also some humor (The Ghetto Broccoli!) woven in as well, which is welcome given some of the violence of the book. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy books that challenge traditional genres while providing memorable characters and a compelling, complex plot.