Flight of Shadows - a review

[Tracy Krauss]

FLIGHT OF SHADOWS is the sequel to Brower’s futuristic thriller BROKEN ANGEL. In this Sci-Fi series, scientists have learned to splice human genetic material together with other life forms to create new hybrids. Most of the experiments have failed, except for one – a girl named Caitlyn Brown. In this second novel, Caitlyn has just escaped from the oppression of a closed culture known as ‘Appalachia’ , where she and her scientist father had retreated  for her safety. She soon discovers, however, that life ‘Outside’ is every bit as dangerous. Here, the upper class known as the ‘Influentials’ are all powerful, while anarchy reigns everywhere else. Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of the hybrid ‘freak’ – for Caitlyn is not like other people. She has wings and can fly, as well as other genetic properties that make her very valuable – dead or alive. As she is pursued by the government, the scientific community, money hungry criminals, and a psychopathic predator out for revenge, she comes across an unlikely ally in the person of a street kid named Razor. ‘Fast, sharp and dangerous’ – that’s his motto. Will Razor be able to protect her and ultimately help her find her true freedom? 

This novel is a must read for the Sci-fi lover. Thematically, it reminded me of the motion picture ‘Splice’, as well as  Frank Peretti’s iconic novel Monster. When scientists take creation into their own hands, bad things can happen. There are some gruesome scenes in the book, although well written and certainly not graphic – just enough detail to let you know that the bad guys (in this case, a rogue bounty hunter named Mason) are really BAD. I loved this book. It’s a futuristic thriller that, in the end, presents a message of hope for the future of mankind.