Review: 4.5 Stars--A Nice Treat Full of Tricks
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 30, 2011
Lost Cargo is not your typical sci-fi story. It begins with the crash of an interstellar vehicle in Rock Creek Park in Washington DC. Hooked me easily, and not just because I was raised in the suburbs of DC. Soon we learn that the witness to this crash will not be our protagonist. Instead, college student Travis finds a hidden camera bag, camera inside, and the pictures it contains. He has a hard time convincing anyone that these are indeed pictures of a crashed UFO, but happy chance gives him Lexi, another college student with an interest in UFOs. The hunt begins. In more ways than one.Be prepared for some horror elements. Turns out something extraterrestrial has escaped from the crash, and it's hungry. Our pair of UFO hunters soon find themselves the hunted.I did not want to put this book down. The author used just enough gore to set the tone, and easily built up the tension to the snapping point, because the reader is never sure who is safe and who is alien food. Thank heavens the predator is not the only alien on the ship. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the predator and the alien animal control officer who also has to find Travis in order to facilitate capture of his escaped cargo.In a few instances, I got a little annoyed at the actions and reactions of the main characters, but given the drastic circumstances, I suppose I should cut them some slack.I also thought the dentist was an unnecessary addition to the book.But what a great, unexpected way to wrap it all up. Kudos for an ending I did not anticipate.Overall, a gripping read with solid writing and a fast pace.Note: A Free Review copy was provided by the author.