Syn

By: E. A. Rodriguez

Narrated by: Suzanne T. Fortin

In the very distant future, many things have changed. Mounting strife between nations has caused all major world powers to nearly collapse. As a last ditch effort, the world's scientists and engineers have pooled their resources to create advanced machines known as synthetics. The androids were used to quell the wars that were driving humanity to the brink of extinction. Later, the syn were used to rebuild the shattered nations. Once the machines served their purpose, powerful men wanted them gone. The humanist organization, Chosen, deploys seekers to hunt and destroy syn. Imogen Harper lived a life of modest means. She worked, paid her taxes, got married and obeyed the law. There was only one problem. She's a synthetic. She lived peaceably, until a group of bloodthirsty seekers murdered her husband and nearly killed her. After nearly two years have passed by, she's ready to find the men who tore her life to shreds. Now she is a woman with a mission - to bring down the Chosen or die trying.

©1.5 Enrique A. Rodriguez (P)2017 Enrique A. Rodriguez

Spectacular breakout author

I was both hesitant and excited about getting this book on Audible. I have been waiting for months for it to come out, but the debut book by a debut narrator is often less than stellar and is always a gamble to purchase.

Keeping in mind that this is the first published Novel by this author, I have to give it 5 stars. If this novel were written by an experienced author it would be 4 stars which is still very impressive. I have several books in my library by well-established authors that aren't nearly as well written as this one.

The storyline never got boring. This book started action packed and rode that wave through the entire story! While this isn't the first synthetic human/robot equality book written, I found that Rodriguez' take on the material was fresh and innovative. The idea that synthetic humans could pass as human (think terminator but with human feelings instead of mindless killers) is one that I really enjoy and I truly hope that the author writes more books in this world that he has created.

The Narrator, Suzanne T. Forlin, did a very good job on her debut audible recording. I believe she needs to work on pausing a bit, sometimes there isn't a long enough pause between the end of one sentence and the beginning of another. This is most noticeable if there is a character or scene switch between sentences. It can be a bit disorienting to listen to. Overall, I would rate her performance 4.5/5 for a first time narrator and a 3.5/5 overall. Again, I have many books read by veteran narrators that aren't as good. I truly hope she narrates more books in the future.

Overall, E.A. Rodriguez is definitely going to be an author whose work I will follow in the future.





***Mini spoiler below****




I love the part when Dominique got what he had coming!

BladeRunner meets the Punisher!

Mr. Rodriguez,
How do I begin? You have a true gift for storytelling. With Syn, you brought many hours of sci-fi entertainment to a sci-fi junkie. Please keep writing. I will keep reading, listening, and singing your praises. A fantastic storyline with a heartfelt protagonist. I could detect the influence great stories - Blade Runner, the Punisher, the Fugative. When reflecting back, I must put you up on the pedestal with Heinlein, Niven, and Pournelle. Well done, Sir!

Ms. Fortin,
Your voice, diction, and cadence are perfect! Wishing you many years of success as a narrator.