Who Would Like This Book:
If you love sci-fi with strong worldbuilding, intriguing tech, and characters who have to outwit the odds, you'll have a blast with this one. Edie is a twist on the usual action heroine - more gifted hacker than gunslinger - and her dynamic with the tough but compelling Finn will pull in fans of slow-burn romantic tension. The story combines space opera adventure, cyberpunk elements, and even a dash of ecological intrigue. If you appreciate clever science ideas and enjoy stories where the romance simmers under the surface rather than taking center stage, this book is right up your alley.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This may not be for those looking for page-turning action from the very start - the beginning can feel slow, and the science concepts get fairly technical. If you're all about steamy romance, be aware the chemistry is more tension and banter than swoon-worthy scenes. Some readers found the protagonist's choices a bit frustrating and weren't fans of certain supporting characters. A few thought the story's themes and moral arguments got muddled, or simply didn't love the way Edie's past and dreams were woven in.
About:
'Song of Scarabaeus' by Sara Creasy is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Edie Sha'nim, a cyphertech expert who is kidnapped by renegade mercenaries to terraform planets controlled by the Crib. To ensure her compliance, she is assigned a slave named Finn who is linked to her through a lethal chip. The plot unfolds as they embark on a mission to retrieve non-working BRATs from the planet Scarabaeus, leading to a gripping tale of survival, manipulation, and complex relationships. The writing style of the book combines elements of hard science fiction with engaging character development, creating a unique universe filled with futuristic concepts like Biocyph and advanced technology.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of kidnapping, exploitation, and elements of oppression.
Has Romance?
Though there is noticeable chemistry and some romantic tension between the characters, it does not dominate the plot.
From The Publisher:
"A powerful debut….Gripping characterization, non-stop action, fascinating biological speculation, and a dash of romance. Don't miss it!"
-Linnea Sinclair
Remember the name: Sara Creasy. With Song of Scarabaeus she takes her place alongside Ann Aguirre and Linnea Sinclair, staking her claim as one of the most exciting new writers currently rocketing across the science fiction universe. Seamlessly blending action, romance, intrigue, technology, and a tough, complex, and unforgettable heroine in the vein of Elizabeth Moon, Creasy boldly goes where few have traveled before. No wonder author Vonda N. McIntyre declares that "Sara Creasy is a new writer to watch, and Song of Scarabaeus is a novel to read and enjoy."
Ratings (10)
Loved It (7) | |
Liked It (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (21):
Read It (11) | |
Want To Read (7) | |
Not Interested (3) |
3 comment(s)
Good but lacking in depth. I think this is a classic first book problem. Also, I would have liked a bit more umph from the romance. Still, an enjoyable and interesting read.
I started
Song of Scarabaeus without really knowing whether I would enjoy it or not. But, since I've been enjoying Aguirre's
Sirantha Jax series, I thought I'd give it a go.
We are dropped into Edie Sha'nim's military-like world full of Fringers, the Crib, serfs, cyphertecks and BRATs right from the start, but quickly find our way through it as Creasy feeds us, sometimes slowly, details which help us become knowledgeable and immersed in this colorful world.
Edie is the best cypherteck there is, she's been on eighteen missions and eighteen worlds have been
"molded by {her} hands, {her} mind, over the last seven years. And not one has failed. {In fact,} Two of them have already been announced publicly as colony worlds ... for settlement within the next five years."
Edie has been forced to work for the Crib, a gov't organization who develops, changes and modifies worlds making them habitable for humans. But, her impressive records makes her a target for a group that wants to use her to their bidding. When they get their hands on her, she finds herself tied to Finn, a Saeth ("rogue, independent fighters"), by a (mind) "leash" that will cause his head to explode if they get more than 1,989 meters apart. He's to be her bodyguard.
Finn has had a troubled past, war-hero who lost all and gained nothing, years of slavery, even had his voice taken from him. Of course, all this means you immediately fall in love with him. ;) Edie is a kick-ass heroine who uses her mega mind to thwart the bad guys instead of her muscles. Gotta love that! The two find themselves in a situation where they cannot be separated. If Edie dies, so does Finn. Since their lives depend on each other, they quickly adjust to situation while working together to find a way out.
Although the book is sometimes called Sci-Fi romance, the romance, little that there was, has the feeling of something that will develop over time throughout the series. The beginning was interesting, but the second half really takes things up a notch. Once the characters find themselves on Scarabaeus, things get wicked! I couldn't stop reading, only did because my iTouch battery died. Creasy does a great job of making you feel like you are right there. She also creates side characters that you come to enjoy almost as much as the h/H.
I look forward to continuing the series with #2, [b:Children of Scarabaeus|8435074|Children of Scarabaeus|Sara Creasy|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1287695515s/8435074.jpg|13298586].
This was an excellent start to a new series. The opening is a little chunky - casual use of lots of unfamiliar terms, giving the read a little bit of a stagger / stutter until you get familiar with them - but after the first 20-30 pages, the story takes hold and doesn't let go.
I was amused and irritated by the number of characters that "took possession" of Edie and then expected her to be happy with her situation and loyal to them. It's funny how everyone in this book - the Crib, Natesa, the rovers, Cat - all felt that way, as if they were improving her life and she should be grateful, as they all used her for their own ends. It is no wonder that she empathizes with the slaves; she is one herself, just in a slightly more gilded cage.
I am excited to see where this goes now that they are free to make their own choices...!
What can you read after
Song of Scarabaeus?
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