"This is going to be good" I thought, women suddenly had power, they could right all the wrongs in the world. All the bad people, the arms dealers, drug dealers, terrorists, human trafficking, child abductions, paedophiles, rapists, all those people could be eliminated.
It started well. Set in the present time women around the world have been genetically altered by pollutants and have developed a skein, an immense physical power which enables them to generate electricity, shooting lightning from their palms causing agonising pain and death. Suddenly they are the more powerful sex.
The story follows three women - Roxy, Mother Eve, and Margot - and one man - Tunde. Roxy, a white British teenager and the daughter of a gangster has the most powerful skein. Mother Eve (Allie), a mixed-race girl who runs away after years of abuse and finds herself at a convent, is revered as some kind of goddess. Margot, a politician is at the forefront of helping to empower women by providing them with classes on how to manage their "gift". Tunde is a journalist who chronicles demonstrations, political changes, and the uprising of men who hate their secondary status.
But power is the ultimate weapon, and sooner or later it corrupts. Things start to go pear shaped when power goes to everyone's heads. The brutality inflicted on women, the sexism, rape, pain, torture, murder, now happens to men. Often the men seek it because it enhances sex, but women go crazy, especially once Glitter, a drug that makes their electrical charges more powerful, comes along. Women suddenly become almost feral and cruel. In parts it’s just gratuitously violent.
The first 20 chapters were ok. But then it became confusing and boring. There was something about religious cults, drug traffickers and a civil war in a fake country where Tunde was in trouble and trying to get out. I literally lost the plot. I was bored by all the international intrigue. It wasn’t so much a story, more an exploration of a concept.
~ Be safe and well ~
Polly x
I see from the front cover that one reviewer called it "electrifying!"
ReplyDeleteha ha yes, if you can't think of a suitable review link to the subject of the book!
DeleteI can’t say any of that would appeal to me. Especially in these trying times.
ReplyDeleteNot at any time Bijoux.
DeleteThanks for the review, Polly. I think I'll give that one a pass!
ReplyDeleteGood idea Jeanie.
DeleteWomen with built in Tasers do not appeal. Sorry! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right John, it's definitely not an appealing read.
DeleteNot for me thanks for sharing your review.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorraine.
DeleteI read it some time ago and had similar reservations to you. An interesting idea that degenerated into a lot of violence and melodrama.
ReplyDelete