The author sent me a copy of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 4.2 of 5 stars
Plot
(by Goodreads)
Two worlds. Two species. One terrifying secret.
In 2163, a polluted and overcrowded Earth forces humans to search for a new home. But the exoplanet they target, Exilon 5, is occupied.
Having already begun a massive relocation programme, the World Government on Earth sends Bill Taggart to monitor the threat level of the Indigenes, the alien race that lives on Exilon 5. Bill is a man on the edge. He believes the Indigenes killed his wife, but he doesn’t know why. Until now.
Stephen has every reason to despise the humans and their attempts to colonise his planet. To protect his species from further harm, he must go against his very nature and become human.
Laura O’Halloran is losing her daily battle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Her only chance at recovery is leaving the dark Earth for the sunnier climate of Exilon 5. She hopes her credentials as a World Government employee will secure her a one-way trip, but with the ever increasing relocation demand that is not a guarantee.
Her discovery of a deadly secret threatens her life and that of Bill and Stephen. A secret so great it could rip apart both worlds.
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian
Series: Exilon 5, #1
Length: 361 pages
Release Date: 2013-12-17
Teaser
‘There’s a better life on Exilon 5, I’ve told you. It’s magical – what Earth used to look and feel like. Why do you think I read so many history books? It won’t be long before I travel there on assignment and I can’t wait.’
He had turned towards her and cupped her face in his hands. ‘I wish I could join you.’ The lines on his forehead deepened with every word spoken.
She held his wrists. ‘Me too, but we’re working to make it safer. It won’t be long before everyone can live there without fear of death hanging over them.’
My Opinion
This first book in the Exilon 5 trilogy introduces you to three individuals on two planets. I will not tell you more about the story than shown in the Goodreads plot description. This would spoil the fun of reading this book yourself.
With Becoming Human, Eliza Green has created a compelling first book in the Exilon 5 series. Different plot lines introduce you to the main characters, you get to know their present and past, learn about their plans. I was really drawn into the story after the first chapter, becoming an invisible character. Eliza Green tells the story in a clever way – giving the reader the opportunity to be very close; she paints a clear picture of the situations the individuals find themselves in. As the story proceeds you learn more about the protagonists and the worlds they live in. There are some real surprises, finding their way nicely into your perception of the story. I had a great time reading Becoming Human. I am hooked, definitely needing to read the rest of the Exilon 5 trilogy.
This is a book for you if you like the science-fiction, dystopian, and thriller genres (and perhaps a touch of 1984). It is not hard-core science fiction.
A book and/or series to read again. Recommended.
| Writing | Great |
| Plot | Many twists |
| Mood | Suspenseful |
| Pace | Steady |
| Characters | Developed |
| Violence | Some violence |
| Sexual content | No sexual content |
| POV | Third person |
About the author
Connect with the Author:
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about Becoming Human? Or – if you did not yet read Becoming Human – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
My question for you cinephiles:
If Becoming Human was filmed – who should direct it, who could you imagine as actors?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
