Suvudu Universe

Three
Author:  Jay Posey
Series:  Legends of the Duskwalker
Publisher:  Angry Robot,  July 30, 2013
Format:  Mass Market Paperback and ebook, 421 pages
Price:  $7.99  (print)
ISBN: 9780857663634 (print)
Review copy:  Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley

The world has collapsed, and there are no heroes any more.

But when a lone gunman reluctantly accepts the mantle of protector to a young boy and his dying mother against the forces that pursue them, a hero may yet arise.

File Under: Science Fiction [ Three For All | Apocalyptic Wasteland | A Journey Home | Fear the Weir ]

Melanie's Thoughts:

This post apocalyptic story starts with the enigmatic Three minding his own business when he is approached by a beautiful woman and her young son. The pair are looking for a way out of a desperate situation. Little did he realize that how fateful this meeting would really be and where it would take him. Its not long before realizes what is in store for him when he agrees to help Cass escape from the malevolent Asher who wants to hurt her and capture Wren, her son. A flight for freedom soon turns into a fight of their lives.

The story unfolds as the trio make a perilous journey across a barren and dangerous country. Each of the lead characters tell parts of the story but it is largely told through Three's eyes. Something happened decades before that destroyed the world and left the Weir to destroy those that survived. I wasn't entirely sure what the Weir were but they sounded a bit like mechanized zombies but with electric blue eyes. Some of those that survived had special abilities and were augmented with networks so they could communicate electronically, like Cass and Wren. Three, however, was human but with exceptional skills as a gunfighter. He had been a loner and bounty hunter prior to meeting Cass and Wren.

Posey has created a gritty and detail rich world for his characters. The characters however, are just a tad one dimensional especially, Cass and Wren. I also missed having the back story as to what brought humanity to its knees and how the Weir were created. Three was interesting and I appreciated that Posey didn't explain everything about why he was different and how he came to be a bounty hunter. Posey also created some truly evil baddies, if not perhaps a little too obviously evil. Asher, the main antagonist was just a little too Dark Vader for my liking but there is an excellent twist in store in regards to this character.

While I thought there was a few flaws in the story and perhaps one too many escapes from Asher and his crew, it was an ambitious tale for a debut novel. Posey, created an interesting environment, conflicted heroes and some great twists and turns for all of the characters. Kudos to Posey on his debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this author.