This science fiction police procedural pairs an idealistic rookie with an officer who uses cybernetic implants to process forensics; in solving a mass murder, they will uncover a vast conspiracy. Eric Matheson, an idealistic rookie cop trying to break from his powerful family, is plunged into the investigation of a brutal crime in his first weeks on the job in Angra Dastrelas, the corrupt capital city of the corporate-owned planet Gattis. A newcomer to the planet, Matheson is unaware of the danger he's courting when he's promoted in the field to assist the controversial Chief Investigating Forensic Officer, Inspector J. P. Dillal, the planet's first cybernetically enhanced investigator. Coming from a despised ethnic underclass, the brilliant and secretive Dillal seems determined to unravel the crime regardless of the consequences. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous the investigation becomes. But in a system where the cops enforce corporate will, instead of the law, the solution could expose Gattis's most shocking secrets and cost thousands of lives-including Matheson's and Dillal's.
Reasons to Grab Blood Orbit
- The story takes place in Angra Dastrelas, the capital city of the corporate-owned planet Gattis. Richardson did a splendid job of brings this city to life. Sadly, even off-planet the world is still filled with corruption in the name of profit. Here the corporation influences even the law. Social classes, racial divide, and corruption run amuck on every level of this planet. When a mass-murder takes place in the lower class burbs, it may just give the corporation a much-needed excuse to eliminate a pesky problem.
- Eric Matheson is relatively new to Gattis. Eric turned his back on his life of privilege to become an officer. When we first meet him, he is doing patrols with his partner. They stumble on a mass-murder which if not solved could cause political unrest. Eric soon finds himself working for Chief Investigating Forensic Officer, Inspector J. P. Dillal. Dillal is the first cybernetically enhanced investigator. He hasn't even fully recovered when he is assigned to the case. I was impressed and at times grossed out by the cyber aspects of Dillal, but I liked this Sherlock, style detective. His unusual ethnicity and upbringing created this brilliant, tenacious man who is driven to uncover the truth.
- The law, much like the corporation is viewed as the enemy in the ghetto sectors of Angra Dastrelas. Interview witnesses, crossing language barriers and navigating the tombs place Matheson and Dillal in danger. The plot was well paced, and I enjoyed tagging along as they chipped away at the evidence and pieced clues, testimonies, and dots together.
- Richardson placed plenty of twists and obstacles in the detectives' way. The worldbuilding was solid, and the story felt realistic. A lot of the political and racial divide felt relevant.
- The science fiction aspects, from living off planet to cybernetics were geektastic, and while not overly detailed, Richardson provided great descriptions that made me feel as if I were there. I enjoyed the interaction between Dillal and the Doctor responsible for his new gear. Dillal was a bit of a McGuyver, fixing things on the go and overriding processes.
- The murder-mystery wrapped up, but an overall arc and hints of the future have me hoping a second book is in the works.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Reading updates
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Started reading
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14 April, 2018:
Finished reading
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14 April, 2018:
Reviewed