Review: a dense, fast-paced read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 25, 2011
Before I introduce you to this book, I want to mention that science fiction is not my usual genres. It tends to make my eyes glaze over and my attention wander. I know that's a girlie admission, but go figure...I'm female. That said, I recent had the opportunity to read "Symbiota Sapiens" by P. T. Dean. This is not what I would consider "heavy" sci fi. It teeters on the verge of fantasy and has a healthy dose of romance as well, and although it has some mechanical weaknesses, I enjoyed reading it."Symbiota Sapiens" is a story of loyalty, love, and trust. It is a dense, fast-paced read with comic book/superhero undertones (the primary antagonist reminds me of Doc Ock from Spiderman) and a "gay for you" romantic theme. In this novel, we're never really sure for most of the narrative who are allies and who are enemies, and I found this to be quite engaging. And the romance between the two young heroes, who come together in spite of Jeremy's internal struggle over his budding feelings, appeased my romantic sweet tooth. I enjoyed the affection that flows between Jeremy and Julian, insults, eye-rolling and all.I had a very difficult time assigning a rating this story. I liked this book; it has so much going for it - a very interesting and compelling plot filled with action, suspense, and romance; an imaginative and detailed thread of science fiction; and a good-versus-evil struggle. The book's weakness lies in the mechanics, because the execution is not quite as polished as I might want.  The narrative doesn't flow quite as smoothly as I prefer, and some of the conversation is a bit stilted. Regardless, the story eclipses these small shortcomings. While it may start out a little bit rough, this novel is interesting enough to carry us beyond that and keep us reading throughout.The dynamic between Jeremy and his AI is one of the high points of "Symbiota Sapiens." Although it took me a moment to become accustomed to the way Mr. Dean portrays mental conversations, their interaction - complete with bickering - is humorous and quite entertaining. And I enjoyed witnessing the bond and the trust build between them.If you asked me whether or not "Symboita Sapiens" is worth reading, I'd have to say "yes." Although I feel that the author may need to refine his writing skills a little, the story is a very good one. It captured my full attention and held on to it for the duration of the novel, and considering how distractible I can be, that's saying something. I'll look forward to seeing Mr. Dean develop further as an author and wouldn't hesitate to read his next book.