Edge of Black by J.T. Ellison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked the fact the author didn’t have the characters dance around the issues of grief. Sam is presented in a realistic way. She suffers from anxiety attacks, OCD and almost compulsive coping mechanisms, which she tries to control when she remembers her dead family or when she is under extreme duress.
Not sure the way Fletcher, Xander and Sam interact with the authorities is completely plausible. They seem to come and go and do whatever they want when they want. There also isn’t much forensic pathology going on, so it lacks the factual detailed descriptions that might appeal to some readers. What it does have is a lot of action even if the timeline of events seems a little construed or convenient at times.
One of the sub-plots I found particularly interesting was the survivalists and prepper element. In the story there is mention of cult like communities that are obsessed with what happens when or if the end of the world is upon us. The author makes the distinction between someone who is prepared for natural catastrophes, national emergencies or worst case scenarios and someone who lives as if the end is nye right here right now.
Nothing wrong with being prepared, I guess the author is saying it matters what lengths you’re willing to go to for scenarios which may never happen. There are militant sub-groups who count as domestic terrorists and mention is made of hackers whose goal it is to combat capitalism. Fringe movements who sell take-downs to the highest bidder or infiltrate for gain are becoming more frequent but are not to be mistaken for more well-known protesters, who hack to force greedy governments and companies to change their policies. I guess my point is it felt as if all survivalists were being thrown into one big pot of national threat.
It was a fast paced enjoyable read and I wouldn’t hesitate to read the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and MiraUK.
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