The Burn Zone

De: James K. Decker

Narrado por: Jeannie Lin

Plagued by overpopulation, disease, and starvation, humanity was headed for extinction - until an alien race called the haan arrived. And then the real trouble began.

It's been a rough day for Sam Shao. As part of a program that requires humans to act as surrogates to haan infants, Sam has been genetically enhanced to bond with them. So when three soldiers invade her apartment and arrest her guardian for smuggling a dangerous weapon into the country, Sam can sense that something isn't right. One of his abductors is a haan masquerading as a human, and the supposedly fragile haan seems to be anything but. Racing through the city slums, trying to stay one step ahead of the mysterious haan soldier, Sam tries to find the man who, in her 20 years, has been the only father she's ever known.

Could he truly have done what he is accused of? Or did he witness something both human and haan would kill to keep hidden? The only thing certain is that the weapon is real - and lost now somewhere in a city of millions. Fighting the clock, Sam finds an ally in Nix, a haan envoy devoted to coexisting with humans, or so it seems. But what she really needs are answers. Fast. Or else everything she knows - and everyone she loves - will burn.

©2013 James Knapp (P)2016 James Knapp

An Odd Invasion

The Burn Zone is a rather unique, full tale of an alien... invasion? I'm not sure how to exactly classify the scenario. It isn't a typical hostile alien invasion scenario, or V type false friend invasion. The book starts years after a rather cataclysmic accidental appearance of an alien species on earth, where a war didn't erupt with an overpopulated, tired, hungry humanity, but instead humanity more or less accepted the apologies and help the aliens were offering. In the ensuing years, resentments fester of various levels, from the person on the street to leaders, on both sides of the 'invasion', and at the extreme end of these resentments (once again on both sides of the invasion) devastating plots are put into play by people of authority on both sides of the invasion.

The story is pretty rich, and in some places complicated, but it primarily is told from the perspective of a young female, Sam, who is suddenly thrust into the middle of the whole mess. The overall length of the novel is also just right. It isn't too short, or too drawn out, and reaches a satisfying end.

Both the author and narrator are new to me. The author has another audiobook (under the name James Knapp) which I now have on my wishlist. Jeannie Lin did a wonderful performance with the book, adding a lot of life and distinction to the characters and story.

I did receive this audiobook as a review copy, and I am glad to have the opportunity for a unique tale like this.

Excellent

This book was non stop action with excellent narration that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters were well developed and believable. It ended with lots of unanswered questions and a Twilight Zone type cliff hanger.

"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom"

Riveting from start to finish.

This story line was very well thought out. All the dots connected in the end.
The only criticism I could have is that the story takes place in unfamiliar location. The details are their for the city, but unknown to most readers. That being said story still held my attention all the way through.
The performance was fantastic and exuberant at times. A little loud on the yelling parts, if using headphones or ear buds. But wonderfully done.
I would put the story on par with the likes of Blade Runner. Would love to see this made into a movie someday.
I thought it was a good choice to end it as a stand alone work or continue the story about the young girl and old man.
All in all I highly recommend it.

Great sci-fi!

Any additional comments?

I love science fiction and dystopian worlds so I was pre-disposed to like this listen. Turns out, it was even better than I hoped.

The twists and turns to this story are many and varied. The tech-centric future (past?) was very detailed and the writer and narrator were able to create a very visual world right down to the smell.

The heroine, Sam, had moments when you just wanted to smack her but man, oh man, did she prove her worth.

The narrator was very good and she made a convincing series of artificial voices as well. Way to go!

All in all, a very good listen.

I liked it!

I was surprised that I liked this book. good story and I liked the characters. the narrator was really good I enjoyed her voice.

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.