Amanda Bridgeman

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

I always thought that Sazzler was very underutilized in the X-men comics, and although I've lost touch with the comic world I was so happy to see a book dedicated to our rock princess. Even if you aren't a big fan of Marvel, in particular X-men, that doesn't mean you can't read this. Bridgemand does an amazing job of not only filling you in on who Dazzler is but also on important events from the comics. If you an X-men fan a lot of big-name players make appearances, some even team up with Dazzler. I will say that this book shouldn't be your introduction to the marvel universe, as you do need to have some familiarity, even with Bridgeman filling in the gaps, for each character to really shine. As the X-men's world is just too vast and convoluted. One of the cons of this book was characterization problems, not with Dazzler,m as I felt she was pretty spot on, but definitely with some of the other side characters.
Overall, a must-read for any marvel fan.… (more)

The Sensation is the second book in the Salvi Brentt series. I really enjoyed the first book. The mystery was intriguing, the romance was good and the characters were interesting. This is a brilliant sequel that definitely lives up to my expectations. It brings back plenty of characters from the first book, as well as introducing some new ones. I liked that in this book we get more of the relationships between Salvi and the rest of the team. And of course, I loved seeing more of Salvi and Mitch's burgeoning relationship.

After the events that transpired in the first book, Salvi Brentt has been assigned to desk duty. The book starts with her return to full duty, which happens to coincide with a new drug on the streets and a spate of potentially linked murders. This is quickly followed by a dead cop, making this case personal. Salvi has to solve the crimes and take down the criminals before it's too late.

There is some seriously twisted ideas in this book, along the same vein as the first book. Brainwashing and sex slaves, drugs that make you lose your mind. Bridgeman certainly doesn't shy away from violence. But I thought all of these ideas were explored in interesting ways. Whilst the book contains some awful things, they are not just there for shock value. I have to admit, this book did make really make me think about our increasing reliance on technology and the potential it has for abuse.

I love the future tech. This book is definitely sci fi, with so many cool and also scary ideas for the future. Neural implants, AI, drones watching your every move. Combined with the detective work and it feels a bit like a sci fi CSI. It has an engaging, interesting, complex plot, and is fast paced and exciting the entire way through.

I would recommend that people read the first book first, before reading this one. Whilst it is possibly enjoyable as a stand alone, you'll definitely get more from it by reading them in order. Book one introduces us to the world, and sets the scene for the character development in book two. There are also links to the plot of the first book.

Overall, this is a really good sci fi crime novel that I enjoyed reading.… (more)

Has it really been two years since the first book? I absolutely loved that one, and my opinion hasn't changed about the series with this one. From the second I started it, I knew I wasn't going to be able to put it down until it was finished, and that's exactly what happened. I really had trouble reading other things while my phone was charging, and that's exactly what I love about this series. It worms its way into your head, and once you're in, you're not getting back out. Kind of like the subject matter in this novel specifically.

Check out my full review here!

https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com/2020/10/13/the-sensation-salvi-bren...… (more)