Christopher Hinz

Liege-Killer is a compelling science-fiction thriller. Set in the far future, Earth is uninhabitable, radioactive, and the Apocalypse caused by warring factions also gave rise to genetically-created assassins called Paratwa, two beings with one mind. They were all supposedly exterminated in a war which saw hundreds of millions of humans killed by the single-minded, highly intelligent Paratwa.

In the present time of Christopher Hinz's novel, humanity lives on cylinder colonies orbiting Earth and follows rules by a dominant group called E-Tech, which oversees and prevents the development of technology that could lead to another Apocalypse. We are introduced to the “parliament” of sorts, the Irryan Council. The five counselors are constantly jockeying for power, trying to get their own programs enacted (they are not all Pro-E-Tech), and making deals to get their way. An outsider group espousing the glory of science is also actively trying to re-institute the use of advanced tech.

The council learns of the existence of a Paratwa, or “tway,” when several heinous murders are discovered. Their decision is to revive from stasis the pair of Paratwa killers from centuries ago who were able to kill hundreds of them. In the meantime, the Paratwa have killed dozens more people. Gillian and Nick are the most interesting featured characters in the novel as their lethal skills and stalking of the Paratwa and saving of innocent humans, like a mother and son pair, are consistent with their individual personalities and talents.

The cat-and-mouse game of the tway called Reemul, the Liege-Killer, grips the reader's attention in the high-stakes combat. The Paratwa often act like raptors, one engaging the combatant and the other circling around to attack. Gillian and Nick know those tricks, though, but there are many others. The machinations of the Council create added suspense in the slow revelation of their various hidden designs, hinging on the success or failure of the Paratwa.

A lot of the assassin's violence is described, and it is moderately gory. My one niggling criticism, though, is the names Paratwa and tway. Pronunciation? I understand the “para” and the “twa/two” idea, but still. For me, not well-chosen, memorable names.… (mehr)

Let me just say that this was one of the most interesting, and well put together books I've read in a long time. I did put it off for a while when I was taking a break from reading, but I wish I didn't. There wasn't a single thing about this book that wasn't intriguing, and I couldn't get enough of it. I also wouldn't change anything about it. Completely unique, I hope I can read more books this different in the future, because if you've read it, you just know that it's going to be something that's stuck in your head for a while after you finish it.

Check out my full review here!

https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com/2021/01/15/refraction-by-christophe...… (mehr)