Siren's Call (the Doomsday Cycle Book 1) by TJJ Klamvik

I find these days that not much in terms of the premises for science fiction will draw me in – possibly because in real time, things are speeding up so fast with current affairs that I'm often cognisant of the fact that SF can easily become dated. As an author myself, I know this all too well. But TJJ Klamvik caught my attention with Siren's Call, and held it, which despite it being a rather long work, is something. 

This is a book that has somewhat of an identity crisis, which – hear me out – is likely its strength. The big takeaway that I had reading the thing from cover to cover is that it's really three, loosely interlinked, standalone novels rolled up in one, with chapters alternating between the three point-of-view characters – hardbitten police detective Adelia Duarte, special ops soldier Sergeant Marshal Jones, and somewhat jaded politician Justynia Freid.

As the three narratives unfold, readers are given a Bladerunner-esque noir detective story, a top-secret military recon mission on a deserted planet, and a gradually unfolding diplomatic disaster – all while wondering how the heck this all ties in together. Which made for some interesting reading. And I quite loved the contrasts, trying to figure out what exactly Klamvik had in mind.

Of course, I'm not going to spoil. What I will say is that Klamvik tells a darned fine story, delivering plenty of social commentary that is relevant for all the nonsense currently going on in the world. Yes, this is a long work. It may possibly have benefited from a little more snip-snippety-snip during edits, but even the length of the novel didn't put me off, as there was always something of interest (I'm a veteran of greats like CJ Cherryh, Mary Gentle, Kate Elliott, et al, so word counts don't scare me.) And, while none of the characters were particularly likeable to me, they held my interest because they're relatable. I respect an author who can manage that.

The narrative is simultaneously deeply personal while dealing with earth-shattering events, in terms of what's going on in the wider world, so there's quite a bit of depth and breadth, which I appreciate. Also, I dig that Klamvik doesn't do any hand-holding. You're in the deep end with this one, baby, and without floaty armbands. I like SF that does that.