Storm Warning (gen:LOCK, #1)

by Melissa Scott

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Storm Warning (gen:LOCK) in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Storm Warning (gen:LOCK) is the first novel to come out from an animated series that I personally adore. It may only be one season in, but I'm totally hooked. This first novel is set after the events of season one, and presumably before season two (cannot wait!).

With the Union ever gaining ground, the gen:LOCK program is one of the last remaining hopes for any semblance of freedom. Introduced in the first season of the series, the program allows five pilots to mentally enter and drive their holons – the best technology they have available.

Basically, they're five giant mechas with a whole lot of pressure on their shoulders. The novel takes a deeper look into the characters involved, paying special attention to the youngest member of the team, Cammie MacCloud.

Once upon a time, Cammie was a hacktivist. Then she got caught, and started serving her time by backing up the Polity. Then gen:LOCK found she was a match...and the rest, as they say, is history. Only, she was never trained to fight. Not like the others. That provides unique challenges, while also bringing about a different view on the same problems they all face.

“We've now received intel that Union forces are moving to intercept them. If they've got anything on the Union's use of the gen:LOCK technology-we want it. We need it, Chase.”

So, in case it wasn't obvious, I'm completely obsessed with gen:LOCK. I read the graphic novel that came out (if you haven't, you should too!), and piratically screamed when I found out that there was going to be a book focused on Cammie (one of my favorite characters).

To say that I was excited for Storm Warning (gen:LOCK) would be the understatement of the century. I devoured this book, no exaggeration. I read through it all in what felt like just a breath, but in reality was several thrilling hours.

Then I read it again. It was worth it. Storm Warning (gen:LOCK) is a novel full to the brim of details worth picking up on, especially for those gen:LOCK fans that are dying for any news about a second season.

Like the graphic novel, the book is set after the conclusion of season one. It also took the time to explore how everyone was handling what happened, though arguably it focused the most on Cammie and her obvious case of PTSD.

More than that, it provided yet another adventure for the gen:LOCK team. Though realistically, they wouldn't call it an adventure. What I really loved about this book is that it showcased just how different Cammie is from the rest of the team, and how that isn't a bad thing. She has a different way of handling and perceiving things, and even a different way of resolving problems. She's a hacker through and through, and that gives her a unique toolset in the world of gen:LOCK.

“She wasn't sure who sounded more surprised, the cow or Kazu.”

Storm Warning (gen:LOCK) was a strong reminder of the very human characters that make up the team. Not just Cammie, but Valentina, Yaz, Chase, and Kazu as well (and don't forget Migas!). Each one has their own struggles, and they shine through in, thanks to the unique lens of this novel.

All things considered, I am highly impressed with what Melissa Scott did with this novelization. I can't help but hope that details revealed here will be canon in the second season, and hopefully even come up a time or two. That would make me extremely happy. Though honestly, what would make me happier is the promise that there will be more books like this in the future. Please!

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks