What I got out of the first chapters was the impression that the main character, Raek, was a cross between a werewolf and Robo-cop. Which, when it comes right down to it, was all I needed to know. From there on, the story is about Raek and how he develops from a naïve but talented teenager to a political firebrand who ignites a rebellion that kills a few hundred million people. And gets most of his own friends killed as well. Not a story for the weak of stomach. Plenty of action, plenty of suspense, and a ton of blood, guts, and gore.

The strength of the writing is in the character of Raek and how he develops in response to the pressures of his changing environment. There is also strong thematic material, dealing with social injustice and prejudice, but applied with a careful touch. Action predominates.

(4 / 5)