Wednesdays are going to be book review days on the blog. I’m finding I’m not reading as much as I should, so I’m hoping this will prod me on. I’m not getting paid for these, and I’m not getting sent books – these are a combination of old books, new books and, well, my own eclectic tastes. I tend to lean more towards mysteries and romances, so be warned.
Today’s book is Maven, by my friend Starla Hutchton. I went out and bought this on my Kindle the first week it was available, because honestly, her writing is that damn good. I don’t normally read science fiction, but I didn’t get a heavy science fiction vibe from this one. The science is there, and it’s a big part of the story, but it’s not in your face.
Maven is the story of Dr. Lydia Ashley and Daniel Brewer, two brilliant young people on very different paths when they meet aboard the Endure, an undersea exploration submarine that made me remember the old SeaQuest TV show (shut up, yes, I’m showing my age). This was a smart, fun read that sucked me in right away and dragged me through. Someone’s been doing some unorthodox experiments in the lab Lydia arrives to take over, and it isn’t long before she and Daniel are involved in a clandestine search for who it was. And who is bankrolling it.
I’m a very character-driven reader – the plot can be stellar, but if I don’t like the characters, I’m not going to finish the book. (I’m looking at you, Thomas Covenant) This book kept me an hour later at my desk at work because I kept telling myself “Just one more page!” I liked not only Lydia and Daniel, but the supporting cast as well. Starla does an excellent job of bringing her world to life, and I can’t wait for book two to come out.
In short, if you like character-driven, smart romance, this is a great book for you. Go and buy it!