Krista Tibbs

This was an original and surprisingly compelling story. Surprisingly to me, that is—the scientific element in the story had me a little worried. The sciences were not my strongest, or even favourite, subject at school, so I thought most of it would go over my head. It didn’t, and as a result I was able to enjoy a very unusual novel.

Five students team up for a science project, one they need to make a success of, as they want to secure their graduation marks. And so, they find a way to measure atmospheric energy to enable them to estimate the probability of the occurrence of events that are almost certain to be catastrophic. A life-changing incident involving one of the group halts the project. Four members of the team re-assemble nine years later, their memories very fresh still from the abrupt end to their undergraduate project. Each of them is older not just in years, but in wisdom, outlook and responsibility, the inexperience of their youth nine years earlier somewhat dissipated. Their regrouping, it seems, though strained, proves to be vital...if not life-saving.

I have to say that it did take me a while to work out to whom the first person POV belonged, and I wasn’t always sure when I was in the undergraduate time or the nine-year-later time. However, eventually, everything does fall into place very methodically.

I enjoyed this book. The five students couldn’t be more unalike, but they’re cleverly juxtapositioned, a bit like an outfit with clashing colours that works well as a whole, and I loved that I really had no idea how this story would roll out. Add to that, intelligent and articulate writing AND—hoorah!!!—excellent editing, and you’ve got a different and top-quality read.… (plus d'informations)

As usual I received this book for free but not for the usual reasons. Despite losing the GoodReads drawing for this book I was able to wheedle a free copy out of the author anyway. This is proof of the author's bravery if nothing else as I did warn her that I am a profusely harsh critic. Much like Schrodinger's cat though, one will never know if the critic is good or evil until you open the box.

The summary here is pretty straightforward. Tibbs' novel gives us a classic example of Geek Chic nerd literature. A very diverse group of young adults gets together to use their various talents to solve a significant societal problem. They use scientific instruments, collect data, spout all sorts of tech speak (which is NOT the usual made up mumbo-jumbo, it should be noted) and do generally what scientists do. The details of this are left as an exercise to the reader in order that a sense of suspense will be maintained.

On the positive side, Ms. Tibbs has written one of the few novels in my recollection that uses science without totally bunking it up. There are some parts that feel a bit soft but you have none of the usual sense that the text was written with the banal Lorem Ipsum of [INSERT TECH HERE] rumored to have been in use for Star Trek scripts. The author knows what she's talking about. It's also endlessly refreshing that the author has included an overtly religious character who doesn't miraculously manage to convert all the "heathens" by the end of the book. All the actors interact and manage to learn from each other but the places they each end up psychologically is very credible and realistic. The book also has an interesting thread running through it in terms of science's responsibility to society. While this is not overly emphasized, it is important and thought provoking.

To the negative, for all the author's obvious skill above, the story seems rather whitewashed. I can't say much here without constituting plot spoilage but suffice to say that the whole story seemed unbalanced to the glowing and positive side of the proverbial ledger. Sure, some negative things happen but there are no points in the story when there's any real doubt or drama about the eventual outcome. It just comes across as rather soft and airy with little real drama.

In summary, better than I expected but still rather on the fluffy side. Some great use of tech and some very memorable characters but just rather lacking any narrative edge.

PS: It is my endeavor to provide reviews that are succinct, honest, balanced and above all help the potential reader to answer the simple question, "Do I want to read this or not?" Any feedback you can provide about how you feel I have accomplished those goals (or not) is immensely appreciated.… (plus d'informations)

As usual I received this book for free but not for the usual reasons. Despite losing the GoodReads drawing for this book I was able to wheedle a free copy out of the author anyway. This is proof of the author's bravery if nothing else as I did warn her that I am a profusely harsh critic. Much like Schrodinger's cat though, one will never know if the critic is good or evil until you open the box.

The summary here is pretty straightforward. Tibbs' novel gives us a classic example of Geek Chic nerd literature. A very diverse group of young adults gets together to use their various talents to solve a significant societal problem. They use scientific instruments, collect data, spout all sorts of tech speak (which is NOT the usual made up mumbo-jumbo, it should be noted) and do generally what scientists do. The details of this are left as an exercise to the reader in order that a sense of suspense will be maintained.

On the positive side, Ms. Tibbs has written one of the few novels in my recollection that uses science without totally bunking it up. There are some parts that feel a bit soft but you have none of the usual sense that the text was written with the banal Lorem Ipsum of [INSERT TECH HERE] rumored to have been in use for Star Trek scripts. The author knows what she's talking about. It's also endlessly refreshing that the author has included an overtly religious character who doesn't miraculously manage to convert all the "heathens" by the end of the book. All the actors interact and manage to learn from each other but the places they each end up psychologically is very credible and realistic. The book also has an interesting thread running through it in terms of science's responsibility to society. While this is not overly emphasized, it is important and thought provoking.

To the negative, for all the author's obvious skill above, the story seems rather whitewashed. I can't say much here without constituting plot spoilage but suffice to say that the whole story seemed unbalanced to the glowing and positive side of the proverbial ledger. Sure, some negative things happen but there are no points in the story when there's any real doubt or drama about the eventual outcome. It just comes across as rather soft and airy with little real drama.

In summary, better than I expected but still rather on the fluffy side. Some great use of tech and some very memorable characters but just rather lacking any narrative edge.

PS: It is my endeavor to provide reviews that are succinct, honest, balanced and above all help the potential reader to answer the simple question, "Do I want to read this or not?" Any feedback you can provide about how you feel I have accomplished those goals (or not) is immensely appreciated.… (plus d'informations)