Goodreads Rating:
In a world where the blood of carriers is as illegal and worth more than any other illicit products out there, one woman is determined to take down the key players. Ellie/Faye goes undercover in the most secretive operation and deals in a blood concoction called Pandora. This almost mythical mixture can turn back the clock and make you even better than you were in your younger years.
What I Love
The novel is action-packed from page 1 without any lulls in the story. The layers of suspense stacked on top of each other until I started thinking that the bad guy would never be stopped. I love thrillers that keep up the fast pace. It takes energy to read, but it’s a ride I enjoy very much.
Faye/Ellie is my favorite character. She is strong, determined, and focused but capable of a great deal of love and compassion. I loved that she was developed so achingly well even amongst all of the action. I cheered her and worried about her the whole time, but that only worked on adding to the suspense.
Lastly, I love that there are different levels of bad guys. Sebastian deals illegally in the blood trade, but he treats the carriers he has kidnapped with kindness and humanity. Paul is a whole other level of bad guy – one without any conscience and is arguably a psychopath. He has created a perverse blood blend that is aggressively dark and scary. For the good of humankind, Paul must be stopped!
What I Wish
I wish that the genetic/blood carrier aspect had been explained in more detail. I kept expecting those details to come up in the story, and they never did. I wanted to know more about the gene and why the effect of it has such a profound impact on people who receive blood transfusions from the carriers.
I am undecided about how I feel about the ending. Unfortunately, I don’t want to say more because I try very hard not to give out spoilers, but I am conflicted in my feelings about the way it ended. I wish it had ended differently.
To Read or Not to Read
If you enjoy thrillers and a bit of sci-fi to make it more intriguing, this non-stop thrill ride is an excellent choice for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
About This Book
- Print Length: 445 pages
- Publisher: Berkley
- Publication Date: August 18, 2020
- Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Everything changed when scientists discovered the drug. It looked like the cure for aging, but all progress comes with a price tag. Now, eternal youthfulness will be paid for by the blood of the innocent.
The blood of “carriers” is the most valuable commodity on earth. When treated with a new wonder drug, it cures disease, increases power, and makes the recipient a virtual superman.
It also makes the carriers targets. Young people with the right genes are ripped from their families and stashed in “blood farms.”
Ellie Batista became an LAPD officer specifically to fight this evil as a member of the Blood Squad, but her ambitions are thwarted—until the day she and her partner are ambushed during a routine stop. The resulting events plunge her into an undercover world more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.
Because a madman has found a way to increase the potency of the blood to levels previously unimagined. As he cuts a bloody swath through the already deadly world of blood cartels, Ellie is the only hope to stop him before the body count explodes.
Tessa Talks Books 
Thanks for the review, Tessa. Sounds exciting. And probably prophetic – you never know these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Science fiction doesn’t sound very much like fiction anymore, does it?
LikeLike
This really sounds like something I’d like. Think I came close to requesting it on NetGalley, but have too many others on my shelf!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tell me about it 🙌❤️. It was very thrilling. The sci-fi aspect could have been a bit stronger but I have no complaints about the thrills!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This does sound exciting. Even the blurb got my heart going. Lol. What I like best of all is the way you describe Ellie/Faye as “achingly” relatable. Thrillers and action books without a strong character anchor just don’t pull me in, so this is a big deal. Too bad the ending didn’t quite work. A tantalizing review! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a great thriller – without a doubt. The sci-fi part is intriguing- blood transfusions that can make you young again – I just wished it had been explained. That and the ending are my only constructive criticisms ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes it’s better to leave something a mystery than try to fudge the science, but it’s a tough choice. That happens with magic too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see that 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like when an author gives the bad guy or guys multiple layers. Sebastian sounds like a complex character and that always makes for interesting reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is and it does! Sometimes bad guys just need to be bad guys but the depth that is accomplished when there is more to them than the bad makes a gripping story ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like SUCH AN AWESOMEEEE ONEEE, Tessa! I have read an unusual amount of thrillers for me this month and I have been on the lookout for some more – YOU ARE THE ONE I GO TO TO BUILD MY THRILLER TBR!! I LOVEEEE YOUUU!! AND I LOVED THIS REVIEW, AS ALWAYS!! 😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️🦋
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is quite the thriller! And you are very kind ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah no… Not for me. Lovely review. I haven’t read a science fiction since the world crisis
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t blame you. They are a bit more disconcerting now.
LikeLiked by 1 person