Chimera

Enjoyable. Themes of good/evil, nature/nurture and family run through the book, usually without becoming heavy handed. Stefan is more or less a flawed character, a bodyguard for a member of the Russian mafiya, and no stranger to violence. We quickly learn his devoted family side as he meets with Saul, a man he hired to find his younger brother Lukas. Saul locates him, and he and Stefan manage a rescue. Most of the rest of the book is Lukas and Stefan on a road trip, looking for somewhere safe. The interaction between the two reminds me a great deal of the Leandros brothers. Lots of snarky back-and-forth that is worth a laugh and supposed to disguise real feeling. It's rather interesting that so many of the themes running through the show more Leandros series are seen in budding form here. I like that Stefan's background is first-generation Russian; it adds a different and interesting spin, and the Russian slang is fun.

Plot structure is mostly that of an action buddy book, where desperate and on-the-run individuals learn to grudgingly trust another. It's only sci-fi in the barest sense, as the development of some psychic and genetic manipulation comes into play. I mostly enjoyed it, especially the bits about Lukas getting to know the outside world and discovering a craving for junk food. The overall plot of running from disaster to disaster got old for me, and a few times the disasters just seemed forced. Stefan's decision to pick up a hitchhiker was so eye-rollingly bad, the only explanation must have been Thurman looking for both a hook and an effort to humanize the brothers (Stefan in his compassion, Lukas in his hormonal teenage state). Much like the stereotypical 'hooker with the heart of gold,' Thurman wants Stefan to be the wiseguy with an ethical code.

I found the ending extremely enjoyable, but not that surprising, given Stefan's heavy-handed obsession. In short, I liked the themes and the relationship between the brothers; I remain troubled by a couple of more obvious plot devices. I really recommend it as a buddys-on-the-run read. show less

I really enjoy Rob Thurman's writing, so even though this is science fiction, and not her usual urban fantasy, I didn't hesitate to order it. It took a while to get into the book. I think because the first 90 pages are spent introducing Stefan and his less than glamorous life as mob royalty and thug. The exposition was too long, and is the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. However, once he locates and rescues his brother, the story picks up.

The Amazon blurb pretty much covers the plot - Lukas/Michael has been genetically modified to be an assassin. Stefan could care less, he has his brother back. On the run from the people who created him, the brothers bond and some unexpected surprises emerge. I've read more than one science fiction show more book with this same plot, and I did guess the twist at the end. But what makes this worthwhile is the very same thing that makes the Cal Leandros series so good - the bond of brotherhood between the two men. Actually, Niko and Cal could easily be swapped for Stefan and Michael. One is a deadly fighter by necessity, the other a "monster" who had no say in his creation. And though there is a fair amount of action, what kept me turning the pages was seeing these two rebuild a relationship. The wisecracks, the sorrow, the joy at newfound emotions. It is a family drama hidden within a thriller.

This was intended as a stand-alone novel, and it does. Though it isn't strong enough to be a series, the end left room for a sequel which I would love to read. These two have unfinished business. Recommended. show less

I read far into Thurman's Cal Leandros series, and this first book in a new series feels like a more science fiction-based riff of her Cal books. This has positives--namely, her brotherly banter is fantastic and feels real. Her action scenes are great. However, many of the dynamics felt similar (older brother with a major guilt problem) and the villain felt too "ha ha! I am evil." It's a fast read, and fun in a lot of ways, though it's not a series I'll continue.

OMG. That was an ending!!! I just can't get over it. I WANT MORE!

ok, fangirl moment done.

I find it hard to read a book written by Rob Thurman without comparing it to the Cal Leandros books. This was no different... it has all the ruthlessness I've come to expect, although without the sarcastic comic interludes. She has a way with turning a phrase that makes me literally laugh in the most gruesome situations.

Stefan may not be the same big brother as Niko, but he certainly wants to do what is best for his missing younger brother. What he uncovers will turn his world upside down... not much I can say without spoiling this book.

It actually reminded me of the Dark Angel TV series.

thoroughly enjoyed - much better than expected