This Mortal Coil, Emily Suvada
Series: This Mortal Coil #1
Genre: Young adult, Science fiction
Published: November 7, 2017
Source: Public Library Copy
Catarina lives in a dangerous world. Advanced technology means that everyone has an implant designed to change their DNA. However, technologically enhanced senses, beauty and healing cannot protect them from Hydra, a deadly virus that is quickly mutating and killing thousands.
Catarina is a genius gene-hacker, a skill she learnt from her father, the world’s greatest geneticist and biotech creator. But when her father is killed while working to find a vaccine for the Hydra virus, Catarina suspects that Cartaxus, the corrupt worldwide corporation, has something to do with it.
After finding secret messages her father left her before he died, Catarina discovers that he had found a vaccine for the Hydra virus. She must do everything she can to release it, but what will be the cost? As she delves deeper into uncovering her father’s work, Catarina reveals shocking secrets that will change her life forever.
Strengths
The premise of this story is well-thought out and interesting. Not too far removed from our own society, the idea of reliance on technological enhancements is intriguing.
This book reads a little like a mystery as Catarina uncovers more and more about her father’s work. This aspect of the story was really engaging and there were several surprising twists that I enjoyed. I was definitely gripped by this and I actually read this book in one sitting. There is one huge twist towards the end of the book that I didn’t see coming and I think readers will really enjoy the shock of this.
The plot of the book is fast paced and keeps readers interested in the story. Suvada has done well to create a story of 450 pages with a consistent and engaging pace.
Weaknesses
The characters really let this book down. Catarina is not set up as a particularly likeable main character and the reader has to work hard to root for her. Cole is also not very likeable and does not have consistent characterisation throughout the book.
I found the Catarina/Cole/Dax dynamic very strange. I was unsure for the whole book whether it was meant to be a love triangle or not. It read like the author had originally planned to include a love triangle, but then decided against it and left the weak foundations of the love triangle in the book.
I personally found it difficult to imagine the scenes and the characters. A lot of the description was based on the character’s feelings, and since I wasn’t invested in the characters, this was rather boring. I feel that I could have done with more description of the environment to be able to picture the story.
Summary
I love the premise of the book and the twists and surprises will keep readers engaged with the story. Unfortunately, the characters were under-developed and I think readers will struggle to connect with them. I feel very conflicted by this book because there were aspects that I loved and aspects that really didn’t work for me. I will be purchasing a copy for my library as I have some action-loving readers who will enjoy this, but I, personally, will not be carrying on with the series.
Paper Worlds 