Friday, June 3, 2016

Review: Company Town by Madeline Ashby

Company Town
Release Date: May 17, 2016
Publisher: Tor
ISBN:  0857665367
ISBN13: 9780857665362
Genre: Science Fiction
Review Copy Source: NetGalley
Meet Hwa. One of the few in her community to forego bio-engineered enhancements, she’s the last truly organic person left on the rig. But she’s an expert in the arts of self-defence, and she’s been charged with training the Family’s youngest, who has been receiving death threats – seemingly from another timeline.

Meanwhile, a series of interconnected murders threatens the city’s stability – serial killer? Or something much, much worse...?

When I started reading COMPANY TOWN it was nothing like I thought it would be. I found it odd and had a hard time staying in the story. I forced myself to keep going and not only did it get interesting, but I ended up enjoying it.

I thought COMPANY TOWN was a bit odd and somewhat boring until Hwa became the bodyguard to Joel. I thought at that point things started really happening and we really got to know Hwa. I really enjoyed the bond that developed between Hwa and her charge and the relationship between her and Daniel was of interest as well. I truly didn't see some things coming which is always nice in a storyline.

The world building in COMPANY TOWN was by far the strongest part of the story. From the people that make up the world, to the actual world itself, Ashby's imagination was far from boring. I found it all very imaginative and original.

If you can get past the beginning, I think COMPANY TOWN will grow on you.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.