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Hamartia #1
Hamartia
Humanity is counting on Grace to let her son die.
It’s the end of the 21st century, and Grace's son, Jordan, has contracted a fatal soul-stealing disease, Metagenesis. Desperate to save him, Grace volunteers for an unapproved trial involving time travel.
Leaving Jordan with her estranged husband, Grace and her best friend, Kay, embark on a journey to Las Vegas, circa 2000, racing against time in search of the cure.
But the hunt proves to be more than they bargained for. Mysterious assassins lurk around every corner, and someone is sabotaging their mission, leading Grace to a gruesome discovery.
The sinister truth behind the trial forces Grace to make a painful decision—with her son’s life hanging in the balance. If she saves him, she triggers widespread Metagenesis, sealing the fate of the human race with a new plague. Her other choice is to let Jordan die.
It’s the end of the 21st century, and Grace's son, Jordan, has contracted a fatal soul-stealing disease, Metagenesis. Desperate to save him, Grace volunteers for an unapproved trial involving time travel.
Leaving Jordan with her estranged husband, Grace and her best friend, Kay, embark on a journey to Las Vegas, circa 2000, racing against time in search of the cure.
But the hunt proves to be more than they bargained for. Mysterious assassins lurk around every corner, and someone is sabotaging their mission, leading Grace to a gruesome discovery.
The sinister truth behind the trial forces Grace to make a painful decision—with her son’s life hanging in the balance. If she saves him, she triggers widespread Metagenesis, sealing the fate of the human race with a new plague. Her other choice is to let Jordan die.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2018
14 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 15, 2020
“Hamartia” is a fantastic science fiction mystery thriller filled with twists and turns, madcap escapades, and romance!
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 3, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review. This opinion is entirely my own and is in no way influenced by outside parties.
Hamartia blends an interesting concept with extraordinarily well-developed characters to deliver an engaging, emotional read. It’s another step into the Sci-Fi genre for me, and another positive experience. In Hamartia, Grace Dartmouth makes a horrible discovery: her nine-year-old son, Jordan, is dying of metagenesis, a sort of spiritual cancer that rips the soul from one’s body. To save her son, she must travel back to Las Vegas circa 2000 to find a soul she can clone. Throughout her time-warping journey, she encounters familiar souls behind unfamiliar faces, and makes a series of hard choices with devastating consequences for those she loves and humanity at large.
As always, I’ll analyze style/prose, pacing, plot, consistency, and character development.
The prose is a mixed bag. Raquel Rich expertly ties emotion and internal conflict into every scene, and her portrayal of it is vivid and authentic. She’s a master at making you feel what her characters feel, and much of it is done with in-depth descriptions of Grace’s fears, hopes, and regrets. At other times, though, the prose is overwritten and wordy. It’s not absurd, flowery language. It reads simply and efficiently, but if she had been a little more judicious with some passages and tightened her language, the story would have flowed even better. The paperback was 335 pages, and I think the story would have been a blistering read at 275-295 pages.
Additionally, some things are over-explained, and I wish there had been more left for the reader to infer. It’s a shame, really, because these bits are set up so well, revealed and teased out with wonderful subtlety, only to be bluntly thrown out into the open on the next page, sometimes more than once, to make absolutely sure the reader gets it. The same thing happens with the dialogue- while most of it is great, sometimes a character is a little too honest, says a little too much, and goes on a long speech about *exactly* what’s on their mind. A lighter touch would not only keep the reader fully immersed, but improve the pacing by avoiding redundancy. Still, it’s a fast, compelling read. The first and last thirds are total page-turners, and though the middle third drags a bit, it’s nonetheless interesting. Think of it as a slow burn rather than a bore.
From here on out, I have nothing but good things to say. The plot really shines. There are numerous twists and turns throughout, and of the three biggest reveals, I only guessed one in advance. Two little “Aha!” moments at the end totally caught me off guard, too. The time-travel is well-explained, and consequences play out logically. The worldbuilding (little details about the future, the concept of souls and reincarnation, how and why metagenesis happens) is really cool, too. There was always a question, a sense of mystery, and always a satisfying answer at the end of that question. Everything is tied up neatly while allowing a perfect opportunity for a sequel.
The book is very consistent from in-world rules to characterization. Despite dealing with multiple people traveling back through time for different reasons and on different occasions, it all fits cohesively. It’s really rather impressive.
On to the Hamartia’s biggest strength: characterization. Every character, even one who speaks mostly through voicemail messages, is phenomenally developed. From odd little mannerisms to broad strokes, every character is distinct, interesting, and real. Even smaller characters feel like they have a personality. Raquel Rich taps into the emotion and relationships in every scene and brings the characters to life, which invests the reader in the story that much more. There were times when I actually hated Grace, because she does some pretty awful and selfish things. But you understand why. You feel her pain, you empathize with her, and you root for her to make the right decisions. That’s skillful writing.
Overall, I very much enjoyed Hamartia. Aside from some minor issues with long-winded, on-the-nose explanations, this was a great read full of genuine mystery and emotion. A well-balanced blend of Sci-Fi and suspense with a hint of romance, readers who like genre mash-ups will delight. A solid debut from Raquel Rich.
Hamartia blends an interesting concept with extraordinarily well-developed characters to deliver an engaging, emotional read. It’s another step into the Sci-Fi genre for me, and another positive experience. In Hamartia, Grace Dartmouth makes a horrible discovery: her nine-year-old son, Jordan, is dying of metagenesis, a sort of spiritual cancer that rips the soul from one’s body. To save her son, she must travel back to Las Vegas circa 2000 to find a soul she can clone. Throughout her time-warping journey, she encounters familiar souls behind unfamiliar faces, and makes a series of hard choices with devastating consequences for those she loves and humanity at large.
As always, I’ll analyze style/prose, pacing, plot, consistency, and character development.
The prose is a mixed bag. Raquel Rich expertly ties emotion and internal conflict into every scene, and her portrayal of it is vivid and authentic. She’s a master at making you feel what her characters feel, and much of it is done with in-depth descriptions of Grace’s fears, hopes, and regrets. At other times, though, the prose is overwritten and wordy. It’s not absurd, flowery language. It reads simply and efficiently, but if she had been a little more judicious with some passages and tightened her language, the story would have flowed even better. The paperback was 335 pages, and I think the story would have been a blistering read at 275-295 pages.
Additionally, some things are over-explained, and I wish there had been more left for the reader to infer. It’s a shame, really, because these bits are set up so well, revealed and teased out with wonderful subtlety, only to be bluntly thrown out into the open on the next page, sometimes more than once, to make absolutely sure the reader gets it. The same thing happens with the dialogue- while most of it is great, sometimes a character is a little too honest, says a little too much, and goes on a long speech about *exactly* what’s on their mind. A lighter touch would not only keep the reader fully immersed, but improve the pacing by avoiding redundancy. Still, it’s a fast, compelling read. The first and last thirds are total page-turners, and though the middle third drags a bit, it’s nonetheless interesting. Think of it as a slow burn rather than a bore.
From here on out, I have nothing but good things to say. The plot really shines. There are numerous twists and turns throughout, and of the three biggest reveals, I only guessed one in advance. Two little “Aha!” moments at the end totally caught me off guard, too. The time-travel is well-explained, and consequences play out logically. The worldbuilding (little details about the future, the concept of souls and reincarnation, how and why metagenesis happens) is really cool, too. There was always a question, a sense of mystery, and always a satisfying answer at the end of that question. Everything is tied up neatly while allowing a perfect opportunity for a sequel.
The book is very consistent from in-world rules to characterization. Despite dealing with multiple people traveling back through time for different reasons and on different occasions, it all fits cohesively. It’s really rather impressive.
On to the Hamartia’s biggest strength: characterization. Every character, even one who speaks mostly through voicemail messages, is phenomenally developed. From odd little mannerisms to broad strokes, every character is distinct, interesting, and real. Even smaller characters feel like they have a personality. Raquel Rich taps into the emotion and relationships in every scene and brings the characters to life, which invests the reader in the story that much more. There were times when I actually hated Grace, because she does some pretty awful and selfish things. But you understand why. You feel her pain, you empathize with her, and you root for her to make the right decisions. That’s skillful writing.
Overall, I very much enjoyed Hamartia. Aside from some minor issues with long-winded, on-the-nose explanations, this was a great read full of genuine mystery and emotion. A well-balanced blend of Sci-Fi and suspense with a hint of romance, readers who like genre mash-ups will delight. A solid debut from Raquel Rich.
April 24, 2021
I can't recall reading time travel fiction before now involving characters not only going into their past, but into past lives, including those of others. Here Grace will face any obstacles and pay any cost if only she can preserve the life and soul of her beloved son from the dreaded ultimately fateful Metagenesis.
August 8, 2019
I picked up this book directly from the author (who signed it) at the Ad Astra conference in 2019.
I was intrigued by two aspects of the novel. It is written in first person, present tense, something not too common in the literary world. And it was going into dangerous territory, crossing science fiction with religion.
From the onset, I could tell the work to be well written with a voice that focused on emotions, not actions. The author takes full advantage of the writing style to delve deeply into the psyche of the protagonist, a woman sent into the past to clone a soul for her son who is dying of a new ailment called Metagenisis in which the soul dies and the person enters a coma-like state until death.
Discovering it featured time travel as an integral part of the story I asked what her position was on the Grandfather Paradox. She believed that going back in time and killing one's grandfather would not necessarily result in one's death. In the novel, she introduces reincarnation as a factor that overrides the grandfather paradox. There are consequences though, similar to the Buttery Effect.
The main character comes from a dystopian world in the year 2080 and travels to the year 2000 and the city of Las Vegas to find her soulmate so that she can capture a part of his soul for the cloning process. I found her depiction of the world in 2080, though not believable, amusing in her extreme predictions such as everyone living in shipping containers and houses a thing of the past except for the rich. These details are not integral to the story so one can take them with a grain of salt as you muse whether or not they are likely.
Likewise, she has some holes in her method of time travel which involve flying up out of a glass tube in the back of an airplane without defining how you land or explaining how the time machine is in the past. These are geek details that some sci-fi fans take seriously but should not bother the average reader.
Another detail unassailed are the souls. She has given them some type of physicality that allows scientists to manipulate them. If all souls are reincarnations, then when did the first ones be created and how? Such is the danger of crossing religion with science fiction. Geeks like me want answers.
I do have one small pet peeve that has nothing to do with my enjoyment of the book. Something I have seen occuring far too often in novels nowadays. There is a yet unpublished sequel to come that continues the story. Nowhere on the cover do you learn this. Only on the last page. If you want to know how the story ends you're going to have to wait for the next novel. Personally, I like to know in advance before buying a book that it is only the first part. I've discussed this issue with other authors in the past who have told me bluntly that it is the publisher who recommends this course of action. I understand the reason, regardless, it still irks me.
I was intrigued by two aspects of the novel. It is written in first person, present tense, something not too common in the literary world. And it was going into dangerous territory, crossing science fiction with religion.
From the onset, I could tell the work to be well written with a voice that focused on emotions, not actions. The author takes full advantage of the writing style to delve deeply into the psyche of the protagonist, a woman sent into the past to clone a soul for her son who is dying of a new ailment called Metagenisis in which the soul dies and the person enters a coma-like state until death.
Discovering it featured time travel as an integral part of the story I asked what her position was on the Grandfather Paradox. She believed that going back in time and killing one's grandfather would not necessarily result in one's death. In the novel, she introduces reincarnation as a factor that overrides the grandfather paradox. There are consequences though, similar to the Buttery Effect.
The main character comes from a dystopian world in the year 2080 and travels to the year 2000 and the city of Las Vegas to find her soulmate so that she can capture a part of his soul for the cloning process. I found her depiction of the world in 2080, though not believable, amusing in her extreme predictions such as everyone living in shipping containers and houses a thing of the past except for the rich. These details are not integral to the story so one can take them with a grain of salt as you muse whether or not they are likely.
Likewise, she has some holes in her method of time travel which involve flying up out of a glass tube in the back of an airplane without defining how you land or explaining how the time machine is in the past. These are geek details that some sci-fi fans take seriously but should not bother the average reader.
Another detail unassailed are the souls. She has given them some type of physicality that allows scientists to manipulate them. If all souls are reincarnations, then when did the first ones be created and how? Such is the danger of crossing religion with science fiction. Geeks like me want answers.
I do have one small pet peeve that has nothing to do with my enjoyment of the book. Something I have seen occuring far too often in novels nowadays. There is a yet unpublished sequel to come that continues the story. Nowhere on the cover do you learn this. Only on the last page. If you want to know how the story ends you're going to have to wait for the next novel. Personally, I like to know in advance before buying a book that it is only the first part. I've discussed this issue with other authors in the past who have told me bluntly that it is the publisher who recommends this course of action. I understand the reason, regardless, it still irks me.
June 3, 2019
Read this review and more on my blog at Hey, Roxie Reads.
‘Hamartia’ by Raquel Rich
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on May 24, 2019
GIVEN A FREE COPY FOR REVIEW
$4.99 on Kindle | $15.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Grace’s son is dying of Metagenesis. Slowly and painfully, his soul is being taken from him. Desperate to save him, Grace agrees to take part in an illegal clinical trial that will send her back in time to save her son’s soul. Accompanied by her former best friend, Kay, Grace heads to Las Vegas eighty years in the past, to search for the previous life of her soulmate.
It’s a race against time, but things get even more complicated when it becomes clear that someone is following them. Someone wants to stop her. When she discovers why, she’s faced with a horrible choice. If she saves her son, she dooms the world.
Humanity is counting on Grace choosing to let her son die.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book for review.
I’ve never read anything quite like this book. It is a thrilling, fast-paced, heartbreaking story about a mother’s love, a devastating disease, time travel, soul cloning, sacrifice, and the greed of man.
If I did not know this was Rich’s debut novel, I never would guess it. Rich’s writing is lovely and truly a joy to read. Her descriptions are vibrant. It was easy to get absorbed into this distant, frightening scenario. Her characters are robust and believable. There was nothing about them that felt flat or overly dramatic. They feel like real people dealing with a terrible situation in their own, often flawed, ways. Rich is a natural storyteller, no doubt.
Some of it was a little hard to wrap my head around due to its extremely unique concept. It’s common knowledge that the theory is: if you go back in time and change even the smallest thing, you can alter the future forever. For a large part of the book, I didn’t understand how it was possible for Grace to kill her husband, deleting him from his current life, without removing her son from existence along with him. Honestly, I’m still a little baffled by that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, though. It was a fun read. I found myself not wanting to put it down and pondering it for several days after I finished it. I’m excited to see what lays in the future for Grace and the rest.
‘Hamartia’ by Raquel Rich
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on May 24, 2019
GIVEN A FREE COPY FOR REVIEW
$4.99 on Kindle | $15.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Grace’s son is dying of Metagenesis. Slowly and painfully, his soul is being taken from him. Desperate to save him, Grace agrees to take part in an illegal clinical trial that will send her back in time to save her son’s soul. Accompanied by her former best friend, Kay, Grace heads to Las Vegas eighty years in the past, to search for the previous life of her soulmate.
It’s a race against time, but things get even more complicated when it becomes clear that someone is following them. Someone wants to stop her. When she discovers why, she’s faced with a horrible choice. If she saves her son, she dooms the world.
Humanity is counting on Grace choosing to let her son die.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book for review.
I’ve never read anything quite like this book. It is a thrilling, fast-paced, heartbreaking story about a mother’s love, a devastating disease, time travel, soul cloning, sacrifice, and the greed of man.
If I did not know this was Rich’s debut novel, I never would guess it. Rich’s writing is lovely and truly a joy to read. Her descriptions are vibrant. It was easy to get absorbed into this distant, frightening scenario. Her characters are robust and believable. There was nothing about them that felt flat or overly dramatic. They feel like real people dealing with a terrible situation in their own, often flawed, ways. Rich is a natural storyteller, no doubt.
Some of it was a little hard to wrap my head around due to its extremely unique concept. It’s common knowledge that the theory is: if you go back in time and change even the smallest thing, you can alter the future forever. For a large part of the book, I didn’t understand how it was possible for Grace to kill her husband, deleting him from his current life, without removing her son from existence along with him. Honestly, I’m still a little baffled by that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, though. It was a fun read. I found myself not wanting to put it down and pondering it for several days after I finished it. I’m excited to see what lays in the future for Grace and the rest.
January 11, 2019
In her debut novel, Raquel Rich tells the story of Grace Dartmouth, the mother of a nine-year-old boy who is suffering from Metagenesis, a disease that is ravaging the late 21st century populace. The horrible disease first tears a person's soul from their body and then kills them, thus forever ending the natural chain of reincarnation for the afflicted individual. When Grace gets the nod to participate in a secret clinical trial that holds a shadow of a hope to save her son's life, she's taken on a desperate roller coaster ride that involves time travel, soul cloning, intrigue, ethical dilemmas, and sacrifice.
Truly a strong point of Rich's storytelling is the vivid detail that the memorable characters are brought to life in—all through Grace's first person narrative. Assisted by her newly reconciled long-lost-friend Kay, Grace must try to complete her mission while navigating a place and time 80 years in the past (Las Vegas in the year 2000). Grace's journey is a highly emotional one, and Rich brings you along for every bit of it. From the conflicted and confused feelings Grace has for her estranged husband to the anguish and helplessness that she bears for not being able to be there in person for her ailing son, you're with her every step of the way.
Time travel stories are always fraught with paradox, but Rich is able to pull off hers without it becoming too complicated or convoluted. The key is she keeps revealing just enough to move the story along. The result is a third act that unravels in a satisfying conclusion that will springboard you into her upcoming sequel, Deus Ex Machina.
The book moves along at a blistering pace. The short chapter length will keep you turning the pages and telling yourself, "OK, just one more chapter before bed..."
Truly a strong point of Rich's storytelling is the vivid detail that the memorable characters are brought to life in—all through Grace's first person narrative. Assisted by her newly reconciled long-lost-friend Kay, Grace must try to complete her mission while navigating a place and time 80 years in the past (Las Vegas in the year 2000). Grace's journey is a highly emotional one, and Rich brings you along for every bit of it. From the conflicted and confused feelings Grace has for her estranged husband to the anguish and helplessness that she bears for not being able to be there in person for her ailing son, you're with her every step of the way.
Time travel stories are always fraught with paradox, but Rich is able to pull off hers without it becoming too complicated or convoluted. The key is she keeps revealing just enough to move the story along. The result is a third act that unravels in a satisfying conclusion that will springboard you into her upcoming sequel, Deus Ex Machina.
The book moves along at a blistering pace. The short chapter length will keep you turning the pages and telling yourself, "OK, just one more chapter before bed..."
February 26, 2019
Read my other book reviews at : www.lightofthebookworm.com
*book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I haven’t read all that many Sci-Fi novels in my time but I might have been converted by this book! The best thing about this book is the originality, the author has created a world where souls that have been reincarnated too many times start to die of old age. Leading to a mother’s journey to save her son. The story itself is good and I enjoyed the use of foreshadowing. I loved the concept but I feel the book was sometimes a little drawn out and could have been condensed.
The characters are well developed and completely believable. The book is centered around Grace, the protagonist having a fatal flaw, I personally found Grace really unlikable but I can only assume her selfishness is intentional. Thankfully all the other characters especially Kay and Leo were extremely lovable.
There are lots of twists and turns in this rollercoaster of a book which definitely kept me interested. The only twist I didn’t like was the very last one (I won’t spoil it) but the parallel felt a bit cheesy.
Overall, I think the book is remarkable in its originality and storytelling and I would love to see how the author develops her writing in the future. This is worth reading if you want to dip your toes into Sci-fi or just want to try something a little bit different. Happy Reading!
*book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I haven’t read all that many Sci-Fi novels in my time but I might have been converted by this book! The best thing about this book is the originality, the author has created a world where souls that have been reincarnated too many times start to die of old age. Leading to a mother’s journey to save her son. The story itself is good and I enjoyed the use of foreshadowing. I loved the concept but I feel the book was sometimes a little drawn out and could have been condensed.
The characters are well developed and completely believable. The book is centered around Grace, the protagonist having a fatal flaw, I personally found Grace really unlikable but I can only assume her selfishness is intentional. Thankfully all the other characters especially Kay and Leo were extremely lovable.
There are lots of twists and turns in this rollercoaster of a book which definitely kept me interested. The only twist I didn’t like was the very last one (I won’t spoil it) but the parallel felt a bit cheesy.
Overall, I think the book is remarkable in its originality and storytelling and I would love to see how the author develops her writing in the future. This is worth reading if you want to dip your toes into Sci-fi or just want to try something a little bit different. Happy Reading!
August 21, 2019
More like a 3.75 rating.
BUT this was a rollercoaster of a ride and I am shocked. This is a very very clever novel! I want book 2!
Review coming soon on my blog
BUT this was a rollercoaster of a ride and I am shocked. This is a very very clever novel! I want book 2!
Review coming soon on my blog
December 6, 2019
What Made Me Read It I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The blurb sounded intriguing with a mix of time travel, reincarnation and soul cloning so I decided to give it a go.
The Plot In the near apocalyptic future of 2080, where the world is no longer separated by countries, languages and laws but wealth alone, humanity is threatened with extinction by a devastating epidemic known as Metagenesis: old souls who have lived for many lives are ripped from their bodies and never reincarnated again, killing any future versions of a person.
When Gracie's 9-year-old son Jordan is diagnosed with Metagenesis, she turns to Dr. Messie in a desperate attempt to avoid euthanizing her dying son. The Messies have proven the existence of reincarnation and developed the means to time travel to those past lives; now Dr. Claudio Messie believes he has found a cure for Metagenesis by cloning a soul from a past life... but the medical research is still highly experimental and very illegal.
Grace will do anything to save her son, even travel 80 years back in time to Las Vegas in the year 2000 where she must find David Williams, her estranged soon-to-be-ex husband's past life, and clone his soul. But trying to navigate a strange world of legal gambling and fast food without drawing attention to herself is the least of Grace's problems, for while the entire world is counting on her to succeed in her mission, there are those determined to stop her. Soon Grace realizes there is more to Dr. Messie's research than she was told as she is forced to choose between saving her son or her husband.
The Good "Hamartia" is the first novel of a science fiction and time travel thriller series, set in Las Vegas in the year 2000 and near future Toronto in 2080. The narrative is fast-paced with plenty of mystery, intrigue, suspense and unexpected plot twists and turns that will leave you guessing until literally the last page. The author plays with the concept of reincarnated souls and time travel in an original and ingenious way, that not only avoids any religious themes and philosophies but also sidesteps the expected grandfather paradox, weaving all the mysteries and twists together in a brilliant and logical manner.
Told in the first person through the eyes of the main character Grace Darthmour, the story follows her journey through time while on a secret and illegal mission to seek the past life of her soon-to-be-ex husband and clone his soul, in order to save her ailing son Jordan from dying of Metagenesis. This journey is not just physical but mostly psychological as we get to experience the main character's emotional growth throughout the plot: dealing with fears, hopes and regrets of going on a mission that could get her stranded in the past while her son is dying alone in the future, feelings of grief and guilt over her father's suicide, conflicting emotions regarding her husband Marc, unresolved issues with her estranged best friend and journey companion Kay... but also doubts, moral and ethical dilemmas connected with her mission that turns out to be more than what she was originally told.
Grace is confronted with allies and adversaries in unexpected places as she unravels not only the identity of her soulmate donor but also the reasons behind those who oppose her mission. The characters are 3-dimentional and complex, with believable flaws and virtues, emotions and motivations, and even minor secondary characters play their part in the overall plot.
This novel is one wild ride that is guaranteed to keep you glued to your seat from start to finish and eagerly wanting for the next installment.
Read the full review on: https://literaryportals.blogspot.com/...
Final Rating 5 of 5 stars. "Hamartia" is the first book in a science fiction and time travel thriller series, set in Las Vegas in the year 2000 and near future Toronto in 2080, with an engaging plot filled with mystery and suspense, intrigue and plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Recommended for those who enjoy time travel tales, stories with a focus on a character's emotional growth and with moral and ethical dilemmas.
The Plot In the near apocalyptic future of 2080, where the world is no longer separated by countries, languages and laws but wealth alone, humanity is threatened with extinction by a devastating epidemic known as Metagenesis: old souls who have lived for many lives are ripped from their bodies and never reincarnated again, killing any future versions of a person.
When Gracie's 9-year-old son Jordan is diagnosed with Metagenesis, she turns to Dr. Messie in a desperate attempt to avoid euthanizing her dying son. The Messies have proven the existence of reincarnation and developed the means to time travel to those past lives; now Dr. Claudio Messie believes he has found a cure for Metagenesis by cloning a soul from a past life... but the medical research is still highly experimental and very illegal.
Grace will do anything to save her son, even travel 80 years back in time to Las Vegas in the year 2000 where she must find David Williams, her estranged soon-to-be-ex husband's past life, and clone his soul. But trying to navigate a strange world of legal gambling and fast food without drawing attention to herself is the least of Grace's problems, for while the entire world is counting on her to succeed in her mission, there are those determined to stop her. Soon Grace realizes there is more to Dr. Messie's research than she was told as she is forced to choose between saving her son or her husband.
The Good "Hamartia" is the first novel of a science fiction and time travel thriller series, set in Las Vegas in the year 2000 and near future Toronto in 2080. The narrative is fast-paced with plenty of mystery, intrigue, suspense and unexpected plot twists and turns that will leave you guessing until literally the last page. The author plays with the concept of reincarnated souls and time travel in an original and ingenious way, that not only avoids any religious themes and philosophies but also sidesteps the expected grandfather paradox, weaving all the mysteries and twists together in a brilliant and logical manner.
Told in the first person through the eyes of the main character Grace Darthmour, the story follows her journey through time while on a secret and illegal mission to seek the past life of her soon-to-be-ex husband and clone his soul, in order to save her ailing son Jordan from dying of Metagenesis. This journey is not just physical but mostly psychological as we get to experience the main character's emotional growth throughout the plot: dealing with fears, hopes and regrets of going on a mission that could get her stranded in the past while her son is dying alone in the future, feelings of grief and guilt over her father's suicide, conflicting emotions regarding her husband Marc, unresolved issues with her estranged best friend and journey companion Kay... but also doubts, moral and ethical dilemmas connected with her mission that turns out to be more than what she was originally told.
Grace is confronted with allies and adversaries in unexpected places as she unravels not only the identity of her soulmate donor but also the reasons behind those who oppose her mission. The characters are 3-dimentional and complex, with believable flaws and virtues, emotions and motivations, and even minor secondary characters play their part in the overall plot.
This novel is one wild ride that is guaranteed to keep you glued to your seat from start to finish and eagerly wanting for the next installment.
Read the full review on: https://literaryportals.blogspot.com/...
Final Rating 5 of 5 stars. "Hamartia" is the first book in a science fiction and time travel thriller series, set in Las Vegas in the year 2000 and near future Toronto in 2080, with an engaging plot filled with mystery and suspense, intrigue and plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Recommended for those who enjoy time travel tales, stories with a focus on a character's emotional growth and with moral and ethical dilemmas.
December 21, 2019
When I started to read ‘Hamartia’ my initial reactions were: OK, here comes yet another dystopian novel, and then I thought, Oh no, it’s written in the first person about souls and it involves time travel! None of which I usually like or can believe in. But the plot appeared intriguing so I continued reading - and I was so pleased I did. The author’s ability to build realistic characters and dialogue kept my involvement and curiosity going from start to finish, although I found the abrupt ‘hook’ at the very end irksome. It always feels like a cheat if a reader needs to buy the sequel to get the ‘complete’ story.
The flawed character of the main protagonist, Grace, is so well drawn by Raquel Rich that I felt I knew her. Her feelings, confused thoughts and actions made painful sense and your sympathy can only lie with her. The inner battles she has in maintaining her friendship with Kay and her love for her estranged husband, Marc, came across well to me. Meanwhile, the nightmare of knowing that her son’s life can only be saved by her dubious, possibly homicidal, acts somewhere in a past decade is ever present. If the reader has any empathy at all they will inevitably understand Grace’s pain. The story gallops along at a breakneck speed and has you turning the pages to see what happens next, normally the sign of a well written book.
There were some problems for me in the timeline used for the to and fro of the time travelling. The ‘Metagenesis’ plague threatening all mankind should, logically, have been set much further into the future, whereas the setting of year 2000, for Grace’s and Kay’s adventures, was not accurate. Pagers, phone books and no mobile phones are things of the 1970s and 1980s or even earlier in time. However, putting those criticisms aside, I can still recommend ‘Hamartia’ as a gripping sci-fi tale, well-told by a talented new author.
The flawed character of the main protagonist, Grace, is so well drawn by Raquel Rich that I felt I knew her. Her feelings, confused thoughts and actions made painful sense and your sympathy can only lie with her. The inner battles she has in maintaining her friendship with Kay and her love for her estranged husband, Marc, came across well to me. Meanwhile, the nightmare of knowing that her son’s life can only be saved by her dubious, possibly homicidal, acts somewhere in a past decade is ever present. If the reader has any empathy at all they will inevitably understand Grace’s pain. The story gallops along at a breakneck speed and has you turning the pages to see what happens next, normally the sign of a well written book.
There were some problems for me in the timeline used for the to and fro of the time travelling. The ‘Metagenesis’ plague threatening all mankind should, logically, have been set much further into the future, whereas the setting of year 2000, for Grace’s and Kay’s adventures, was not accurate. Pagers, phone books and no mobile phones are things of the 1970s and 1980s or even earlier in time. However, putting those criticisms aside, I can still recommend ‘Hamartia’ as a gripping sci-fi tale, well-told by a talented new author.
January 6, 2020
This story had a lot of depth. From the very beginning it came out asking the questions no one ever wants to think about, let alone face having to answer. Grace is a beautifully flawed character in her stubbornness and determination, traits normally found desirable and mostly positive. I love how Rich was able to write her in such a way that the nobility of her original cause is twisted by the factors elsewhere in the story. Kay is another great character, her motives questionable enough that any twists in the story hold enough punch to stun. I adored Marc and Leo, despite neither of them having a large chunk of time to grow on me. Most of the other characters felt like add-ons who will get their day in the sequel, which I eagerly await.
Plot-wise, I really loved the question of whether anyone would want to go back in time, and if they did, what kind of effect that choice would have on the future. Here, in a world where reincarnation and soul mates are facts rather than simple speculation, the answer can be chilling. The question and answer of time travel varies dependent on who writes it and what ethics and morals a writer (whether they be novelist, screen or comic) allows as wiggle room. Despite it being a Sci-Fi novel that plays almost into the realm of the fantastical, Rich's cast of characters is faced with very real choices that, once made, feel they cannot be changed. That weight adds to Grace's mission a sense of desperation that drives it forward.
And the end? Oh, jeez, the ending? It's an insane twist
Plot-wise, I really loved the question of whether anyone would want to go back in time, and if they did, what kind of effect that choice would have on the future. Here, in a world where reincarnation and soul mates are facts rather than simple speculation, the answer can be chilling. The question and answer of time travel varies dependent on who writes it and what ethics and morals a writer (whether they be novelist, screen or comic) allows as wiggle room. Despite it being a Sci-Fi novel that plays almost into the realm of the fantastical, Rich's cast of characters is faced with very real choices that, once made, feel they cannot be changed. That weight adds to Grace's mission a sense of desperation that drives it forward.
And the end? Oh, jeez, the ending? It's an insane twist
June 2, 2019
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Hamartia is a dystopian sci-fi novel featuring a plague of the soul and time travel.
The main character is Grace and we follow her viewpoint as she embarks on a quest into the past to steal a soul to save her dying child. Grace is under unbearable pressure from the very start of the novel and as the plot progresses she makes selfish, misguided or impulsive decisions that serve to embroil her deeper in the nefarious plot she stumbles into.
Grace is very easy to empathise with, but quite a difficult character to like, as her logic is often flawed and she reacts erratically to situations, refusing to listen to anyone, even when she admits she could be wrong and they right. It is hard to blame her on that last point though as while Grace’s motives are pure and honest (if morally dubious at times), not a single other character can be trusted, and she is therefore isolated in her state of emotional distress in a foreign time.
I was quite surprised that the stated timeline of the book was 80 years in the past to the year 2000, as the ‘future’ aspect of the novel felt like it should be hundreds of years ahead of our own time with the Metagenesis plague rampant, ‘link’ travel and the apparent elimination of country/language barriers (according to Grace and Kay). It seemed a little odd that Grace and Kay would be reliant on Dr. Messie and his assistant for things like knowing what to wear or how to carry money when they aren’t going that far into the past!
Similarly I was surprised at the lack of mobile phones and internet access in both 2000 and the future, with Grace and Kay reliant on physical phone books, payphones and pagers in their search. These time-based details lead me to believe that the novel is actually set in an alternate reality similar to, but not the same as, our own. Perhaps the time travel messes with reality in more ways than one?! This fits in neatly with the author’s exploration of how actions in the past can change things (or not) in unexpected ways.
There were quite a few twists and turns throughout the novel, especially at the ending, which I didn’t see coming at all. It was particularly interesting to note the limitations and difficulties of affecting change in the future via actions in the past when the knowledge you have is unreliable and incomplete. If only Grace knew what was going on, who to trust, or would listen to… anyone at all! The information she needs to suceed is there in the plot, but it is cleverly obfuscated by some of the very characters she is forced to rely upon.
Hamartia is an adrenaline-fuelled time travel tale based around the concept of soul-reincarnation and soul-loss. The word means ‘a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine’ (Google dictionary), and this is perfectly encapsulated in the main character’s stubborn inability to change her course. It will be interesting to see how the character develops in the upcoming sequel, Deus Ex Machina and whether the human race can survive either the Metagenesis or the ‘cure’!
There are a lot of things riding on “if”s. If Marc is my soulmate. If I find his past life. If we make it back home. If Jordan hasn’t lost his soul to Metagenesis while we’re gone… I feel that churning in my stomach again, forcing a chill up my spine yet making me sweat. If all those things fall into place, maybe Jordan will be the first survivor of this disease, and then the whole world will benefit from the cure. Metagenesis could be abolished. I don’t trust Dr. Messie–all the secrecy I’m bound to terrifies me. Yet I have to trust he’ll cure my son because I feel mankind is counting on me; they just don’t know it. I am desperate to trust someone, though: Kay, the assistant. Anyone.
– Raquel Rich, Hamartia
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Hamartia is a dystopian sci-fi novel featuring a plague of the soul and time travel.
The main character is Grace and we follow her viewpoint as she embarks on a quest into the past to steal a soul to save her dying child. Grace is under unbearable pressure from the very start of the novel and as the plot progresses she makes selfish, misguided or impulsive decisions that serve to embroil her deeper in the nefarious plot she stumbles into.
Grace is very easy to empathise with, but quite a difficult character to like, as her logic is often flawed and she reacts erratically to situations, refusing to listen to anyone, even when she admits she could be wrong and they right. It is hard to blame her on that last point though as while Grace’s motives are pure and honest (if morally dubious at times), not a single other character can be trusted, and she is therefore isolated in her state of emotional distress in a foreign time.
I was quite surprised that the stated timeline of the book was 80 years in the past to the year 2000, as the ‘future’ aspect of the novel felt like it should be hundreds of years ahead of our own time with the Metagenesis plague rampant, ‘link’ travel and the apparent elimination of country/language barriers (according to Grace and Kay). It seemed a little odd that Grace and Kay would be reliant on Dr. Messie and his assistant for things like knowing what to wear or how to carry money when they aren’t going that far into the past!
Similarly I was surprised at the lack of mobile phones and internet access in both 2000 and the future, with Grace and Kay reliant on physical phone books, payphones and pagers in their search. These time-based details lead me to believe that the novel is actually set in an alternate reality similar to, but not the same as, our own. Perhaps the time travel messes with reality in more ways than one?! This fits in neatly with the author’s exploration of how actions in the past can change things (or not) in unexpected ways.
There were quite a few twists and turns throughout the novel, especially at the ending, which I didn’t see coming at all. It was particularly interesting to note the limitations and difficulties of affecting change in the future via actions in the past when the knowledge you have is unreliable and incomplete. If only Grace knew what was going on, who to trust, or would listen to… anyone at all! The information she needs to suceed is there in the plot, but it is cleverly obfuscated by some of the very characters she is forced to rely upon.
Hamartia is an adrenaline-fuelled time travel tale based around the concept of soul-reincarnation and soul-loss. The word means ‘a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine’ (Google dictionary), and this is perfectly encapsulated in the main character’s stubborn inability to change her course. It will be interesting to see how the character develops in the upcoming sequel, Deus Ex Machina and whether the human race can survive either the Metagenesis or the ‘cure’!
There are a lot of things riding on “if”s. If Marc is my soulmate. If I find his past life. If we make it back home. If Jordan hasn’t lost his soul to Metagenesis while we’re gone… I feel that churning in my stomach again, forcing a chill up my spine yet making me sweat. If all those things fall into place, maybe Jordan will be the first survivor of this disease, and then the whole world will benefit from the cure. Metagenesis could be abolished. I don’t trust Dr. Messie–all the secrecy I’m bound to terrifies me. Yet I have to trust he’ll cure my son because I feel mankind is counting on me; they just don’t know it. I am desperate to trust someone, though: Kay, the assistant. Anyone.
– Raquel Rich, Hamartia
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
December 11, 2019
Hamartia successfully blends time travel with reincarnation with the interesting concept that souls can be harvested. In the futuristic city of Hamartia, Grace Dartmouth learns that her nine-year-old son is afflicted with metagenesis, a disease in which a human’s soul is gradually leached from its body, leaving the body to die. To save Jordon, she journeys to circa 2000 Las Vegas to harvest the soul of her soulmate to implant into her son. There, she intersects with familiar souls hidden in new-to-her bodies. It’s a quick read as I was sucked right into the novel and hesitated to put the book down. The plot has numerous twists and turns, only one of which did I figure out in advance. Time travel and its consequences as well as the consequences of harvesting souls is explained in such a logical way that I was able to suspend disbelief. The world-building is excellent, too, and show clearly the difference between housing, transportation, etc, between 2000 Las Vegas and the future. The characters are well-developed and unique.
December 12, 2019
“Hamartia: A hero or heroine who possesses a fatal character flaw, leading to their tragic downfall.”
•
Graces’s nine-year old son is dying. The Metagenesis will tear his soul from his body first, then it will kill him.
Grace is so desperate for a cure that she agrees to take part in an ilegal clinical trial cloning souls. With her best friend they embark in a trip to the past to find the right soul, she will have to decide between letting her son die or killing her husband.
Hamartia is an intriguing and fast-paced sci-fi novel with apocalyptic vibes.
Overall it’s an interesting and original book with lots of twists and turns to keep you entertained.
•
Thank you @rich.raquel for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book.
•
“She’s asking me to choose between killing my husband and saving my son.”
•
“It’s weird—our past lives resemble our present-day lives. Our fears, likes and dislikes.”
•
“Whatever I do from now on will change not only the future, but it will change the past.”
•
http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...
•
Graces’s nine-year old son is dying. The Metagenesis will tear his soul from his body first, then it will kill him.
Grace is so desperate for a cure that she agrees to take part in an ilegal clinical trial cloning souls. With her best friend they embark in a trip to the past to find the right soul, she will have to decide between letting her son die or killing her husband.
Hamartia is an intriguing and fast-paced sci-fi novel with apocalyptic vibes.
Overall it’s an interesting and original book with lots of twists and turns to keep you entertained.
•
Thank you @rich.raquel for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book.
•
“She’s asking me to choose between killing my husband and saving my son.”
•
“It’s weird—our past lives resemble our present-day lives. Our fears, likes and dislikes.”
•
“Whatever I do from now on will change not only the future, but it will change the past.”
•
http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...
December 30, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story follows Grace as she travels back in time to try and save her son's soul and keep him alive in her timeline but what Grace didn't agree to was that she has to pick who dies; her son or her husband.
This book had such a refreshing and unique premise. It had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure everything out but the ending just left me wanting more. For my full review click here: https://likelystory.blog/2019/12/30/r...
The story follows Grace as she travels back in time to try and save her son's soul and keep him alive in her timeline but what Grace didn't agree to was that she has to pick who dies; her son or her husband.
This book had such a refreshing and unique premise. It had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure everything out but the ending just left me wanting more. For my full review click here: https://likelystory.blog/2019/12/30/r...
October 5, 2022
A ripper yarn with a great premise: reincarnation has been proven, a new disease which kills off souls (and the human that houses them) is sweeping humanity, one woman is chosen to go back in time to clone a soul to save her son and faces all sorts of moral dilemmas.
The pacing, twists and turns in this book kept me racing through it. The emotional was heavily charged too, with relatable, highly flawed characters.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and I’ll be going back for the sequel.
I received an advanced reader’s copy for free from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing, twists and turns in this book kept me racing through it. The emotional was heavily charged too, with relatable, highly flawed characters.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and I’ll be going back for the sequel.
I received an advanced reader’s copy for free from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2020
Hamartia is a science fiction book driven by a strong plot. The story and main characters captured my attention from the first chapter. It’s an emotional story about a mother’s love and how she travels back in time to save her son. Overall, it is a unique, fast-paced, thought-provoking, and emotional read. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
October 14, 2022
This was such a good start to the Hamartia series, it was beautifully done and a great time traveling thriller. I was invested in what was going on and am glad it was so well done. I can't wait to read where this series will go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2023
For those who enjoy time travel and mystery, this is a unique take on both. What could be more dire than a mother racing against time to save her child from a strange and otherworldly illness? It took a few chapters for the story to really take hold, but this book has an immense amount of depth, and I just kept sinking. You won't get the answers you seek until the very end. Looking forward to the sequel.
November 22, 2019
Hamartia is the debut novel of Raquel Rich. This sci-fi offering mixes science with the idea of reincarnation in an unimaginable way. Yet, Raquel does it with flair.
Hamartia is one of those novels that takes readers to places where the impossible is possible. The main character, Grace, is faced with the potential death of her son. However, she is presented with an alternative method of treatment. This treatment requires her to go back in time to find a live donor soul to save her son, Jordan.
It doesn’t often happen where I hate the main character, but with Grace, I do. She makes selfish choices and doesn’t consider the well-being of anyone else. What will she do to get what she wants, and at whose expense? I promise you will be surprised to find out.
Rich’s idea of time travel is extraordinary. The imagination that went into this method is phenomenal. In all the time travel stories I have read, this one is wholly original. There is no time machine to speak of, yet the path backward in time is interesting and exciting at the same time.
I enjoyed this novel immensely, and it has been a great addition to my new love of science fiction. I am thrilled to award Hamartia a full 5 out of 5 stars. There is so much more I want to say, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Please take my word for it and know that this is a book to read!
I would like to thank Raquel Rich for gifting me a copy of Hamartia in exchange for an honest review.
Hamartia is one of those novels that takes readers to places where the impossible is possible. The main character, Grace, is faced with the potential death of her son. However, she is presented with an alternative method of treatment. This treatment requires her to go back in time to find a live donor soul to save her son, Jordan.
It doesn’t often happen where I hate the main character, but with Grace, I do. She makes selfish choices and doesn’t consider the well-being of anyone else. What will she do to get what she wants, and at whose expense? I promise you will be surprised to find out.
Rich’s idea of time travel is extraordinary. The imagination that went into this method is phenomenal. In all the time travel stories I have read, this one is wholly original. There is no time machine to speak of, yet the path backward in time is interesting and exciting at the same time.
I enjoyed this novel immensely, and it has been a great addition to my new love of science fiction. I am thrilled to award Hamartia a full 5 out of 5 stars. There is so much more I want to say, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Please take my word for it and know that this is a book to read!
I would like to thank Raquel Rich for gifting me a copy of Hamartia in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2023
If nothing else, this novel is incentive in its ideas!
It is set in the 2080's, and humanity is now under threat of a pandemic never before imagined until now. It does not involve either virus or bacterium. Humanity is threatened by metagenesis, where the soul simply leaves the body, bringing certain death. It also means no more new lives: by this time in the future, reincarnation has been proven beyond all doubt.
Grace's child is now succumbing to the disease. All seems lost, until the CEO of a company offers her the opportunity of travelling back in time to find the predecessor of her husband, and return with part of his soul essence in a syringe. This will cure her son - and, she is told, cure millions of others.
So she sets out with best friend, Kay. However, she is to find that things are not as simple they seem, and more may be asked of her than she can humanly give.
As the title implies, Grace's mission is a heroic one, but she is far from perfect.
As can be seen, this novel uses elements of Science fiction tropes, utvtbesecsedm more to the the means to an end. This seems to be more about the romantic notion that true love may stretch many lifetimes, and how this may never run smoothly.
This novel also works as a tbrler, and the many twists and revelations certainly ensure the turning of the pages.
As such, this is an enjoyable read - moreover, more is promused, in a coming sequel.
It is set in the 2080's, and humanity is now under threat of a pandemic never before imagined until now. It does not involve either virus or bacterium. Humanity is threatened by metagenesis, where the soul simply leaves the body, bringing certain death. It also means no more new lives: by this time in the future, reincarnation has been proven beyond all doubt.
Grace's child is now succumbing to the disease. All seems lost, until the CEO of a company offers her the opportunity of travelling back in time to find the predecessor of her husband, and return with part of his soul essence in a syringe. This will cure her son - and, she is told, cure millions of others.
So she sets out with best friend, Kay. However, she is to find that things are not as simple they seem, and more may be asked of her than she can humanly give.
As the title implies, Grace's mission is a heroic one, but she is far from perfect.
As can be seen, this novel uses elements of Science fiction tropes, utvtbesecsedm more to the the means to an end. This seems to be more about the romantic notion that true love may stretch many lifetimes, and how this may never run smoothly.
This novel also works as a tbrler, and the many twists and revelations certainly ensure the turning of the pages.
As such, this is an enjoyable read - moreover, more is promused, in a coming sequel.
November 13, 2019
Cover Design- The cover of Hamartia is colorful yet simple. It's not overpowering, but intriguing enough to catch your eye. That is the first step in selling your book. A reader will pi k up a book that catches their eye and read the back blurb. 5 stars
Concept- I haven't read science fiction before, however that doesn't away from Hamartia. I found the idea of this book unusual and exciting. The idea of not only reincarnation, but a soul eventually reaching a time limit was intriguing. Throwing the ability to travel through time by way of jumping out of a plane and you have a wonderful story guaranteed to catch a readers attention.5 stars.
Plot/Sub-plot- Hamartia is a plot driven book. Rich has written a story that captures the reader attention from the first chapter. The reader is immediately engrossed in this story.
The romance between the main character and her husband takes very little of the story. 5 stars
Character Development- Rich drops the reader right into her main characters predicament. The reader can't help but feel the heartache Grace is facing. Will Grace find him? Will she save her son? Will Marc survive? Why is Kay helping? Who is the woman from the funeral? The more the reader learns the deeper they are immersed in the story. Grace's strengths and weaknesses are relatable to the reader. 5 stars
Entertainment Level- I found Hamartia a great escape. I put it down. I kept saying just one more chapter, but it was always more than one. I had to know what Grace would do. Not just with her search for Marc's past lief but with what was happening with Marc's messages. Would she admit how she felt? Who was following her and why? Every time she checked the messages I anxiously waited for the words she and I feared. 5 stars
Concept- I haven't read science fiction before, however that doesn't away from Hamartia. I found the idea of this book unusual and exciting. The idea of not only reincarnation, but a soul eventually reaching a time limit was intriguing. Throwing the ability to travel through time by way of jumping out of a plane and you have a wonderful story guaranteed to catch a readers attention.5 stars.
Plot/Sub-plot- Hamartia is a plot driven book. Rich has written a story that captures the reader attention from the first chapter. The reader is immediately engrossed in this story.
The romance between the main character and her husband takes very little of the story. 5 stars
Character Development- Rich drops the reader right into her main characters predicament. The reader can't help but feel the heartache Grace is facing. Will Grace find him? Will she save her son? Will Marc survive? Why is Kay helping? Who is the woman from the funeral? The more the reader learns the deeper they are immersed in the story. Grace's strengths and weaknesses are relatable to the reader. 5 stars
Entertainment Level- I found Hamartia a great escape. I put it down. I kept saying just one more chapter, but it was always more than one. I had to know what Grace would do. Not just with her search for Marc's past lief but with what was happening with Marc's messages. Would she admit how she felt? Who was following her and why? Every time she checked the messages I anxiously waited for the words she and I feared. 5 stars
February 16, 2020
This is a clever novel set in dystopian 2080 when people live in shipping containers! There were elements that I found quite amusing – they were sent back to 2000 with a pager and in the worst outfits you could possibly imagine! There are bits that don’t add up to the 2000 we know – like the lack of technology and the need to use phonebooks and phone boxes but had this been the case it may have made Grace’s journey far too easy!
The story will bring out all sorts of emotions. You find yourself backing Grace at points because you want her to help her son survive, but at the same time you don’t want her poor husband to die! There are emotional moments when you realise the pain she is going through, and how much of struggle it is for her to be on the mission and not by her son’s side and then there are moments when you want to kick her for being so stubborn and point her in a different direction!
Character wise I liked Grace but found her frustrating at times; her best friend Kay would drive me nuts!! Her husband is lovely and I felt sorry for him constantly for this things he had been through, was going through and had coming!
The story is written from Grace’s point of view and the narrative is easy to read. It was slightly complicated to get my head around at first but once I was a little way in, it all started becoming clear. I pretty much always find this is the case with sci-fi for me so nothing unusual. it just takes my brain a while to compute!
The aspect I enjoyed the most were the unexpected twists and turns! There were so many, NONE of which I expected at all……these themselves make this novel totally worth reading. The twists at the end had me gasping….especially the final couple!
You find out at the end that there is second novel coming – and I’m looking forward to what happens next!
Overall a great read! If you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan then there may be elements in here that you question (e.g. how the time travel takes place) but don’t let it put you off! This is a great read with original, clever twists!
The story will bring out all sorts of emotions. You find yourself backing Grace at points because you want her to help her son survive, but at the same time you don’t want her poor husband to die! There are emotional moments when you realise the pain she is going through, and how much of struggle it is for her to be on the mission and not by her son’s side and then there are moments when you want to kick her for being so stubborn and point her in a different direction!
Character wise I liked Grace but found her frustrating at times; her best friend Kay would drive me nuts!! Her husband is lovely and I felt sorry for him constantly for this things he had been through, was going through and had coming!
The story is written from Grace’s point of view and the narrative is easy to read. It was slightly complicated to get my head around at first but once I was a little way in, it all started becoming clear. I pretty much always find this is the case with sci-fi for me so nothing unusual. it just takes my brain a while to compute!
The aspect I enjoyed the most were the unexpected twists and turns! There were so many, NONE of which I expected at all……these themselves make this novel totally worth reading. The twists at the end had me gasping….especially the final couple!
You find out at the end that there is second novel coming – and I’m looking forward to what happens next!
Overall a great read! If you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan then there may be elements in here that you question (e.g. how the time travel takes place) but don’t let it put you off! This is a great read with original, clever twists!
September 22, 2022
In Raquel Rich's first novel, tells the story of Grace and the hard decisions she has to make. It's a very interesting first novel in the series which sets the scene for the second book that I can't wait to read. There were many parts in the book that was very unexpected to me. However, the characters personalities were still realistic. I recommend you read it. I received an advance review copy for free, yet I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2019
This book has a nice basic premise; in a future world of reincarnation, it seems that the universe has run out of souls. People — many people — are dying because their souls expire. Grace is offered the chance to save her dying son by travelling back in time and stealing him a soul. The catch, she finds out, is that the soul comes from her ex-husband, about whom she still has mixed feelings. This intertwining of external and internal conflicts gives the plot a good basis to start from. The conflict, whether to possibly sacrifice her estranged husband to save her son, is one basic to human nature and keeps us sympathetic throughout.
The strength of this book is in the plot. It rolls along in a straightforward manner until we think it’s time to finish, and then the sidetracks and twists start kicking in, and suddenly we’re interested all over.
It’s a good trick in a Time Travel book to mix up the travelling so much that nobody can keep track of what’s happening. That way you don’t get hung up on the “time travel paradox” which authors mention as if they’ve solved it, and they never have.
By the time this book is over, I’ve lost track of who is where in time, and I don’t mind, because I’m too interested in finding out what happens. Which is sort of the object of the whole novel-writing exercise, don’t you think?
For me, the weakness of the writing is in the incredible detail of the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Some people find this interesting. I feel it gets in the way of the story. For example, at one spot late in the book, a whole page is spent bouncing light around the room from a shiny spoon. Nothing else happens, except in the head of the main character. Not a good situation at a point where we want the plot to pick up speed, heading for the climax.
A small point of contention is the title. I’m not sure Grace is put in a position where she exhibits harmartia, the fatal flaw, usually involving an overwhelming ego that places the tragic hero against society. I don’t find her tragic at all, or particularly egotistical. I like her much more than that. But an academic quibble doesn’t destroy my enjoyment of the book.
Recommended for Time Travel fans and those who appreciate in-depth character portrayal.
The strength of this book is in the plot. It rolls along in a straightforward manner until we think it’s time to finish, and then the sidetracks and twists start kicking in, and suddenly we’re interested all over.
It’s a good trick in a Time Travel book to mix up the travelling so much that nobody can keep track of what’s happening. That way you don’t get hung up on the “time travel paradox” which authors mention as if they’ve solved it, and they never have.
By the time this book is over, I’ve lost track of who is where in time, and I don’t mind, because I’m too interested in finding out what happens. Which is sort of the object of the whole novel-writing exercise, don’t you think?
For me, the weakness of the writing is in the incredible detail of the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Some people find this interesting. I feel it gets in the way of the story. For example, at one spot late in the book, a whole page is spent bouncing light around the room from a shiny spoon. Nothing else happens, except in the head of the main character. Not a good situation at a point where we want the plot to pick up speed, heading for the climax.
A small point of contention is the title. I’m not sure Grace is put in a position where she exhibits harmartia, the fatal flaw, usually involving an overwhelming ego that places the tragic hero against society. I don’t find her tragic at all, or particularly egotistical. I like her much more than that. But an academic quibble doesn’t destroy my enjoyment of the book.
Recommended for Time Travel fans and those who appreciate in-depth character portrayal.
February 15, 2020
O.K so Science Fiction is not my favourite genre and I normally avoid reading books that fall into this category. However, I was rather taken with this book which surprised me. I found the writing easy to comprehend, the concepts easy to follow and not too alien or unbelievable.
The situation that Grace finds herself in is heart wrenching and then to face a further dilemma of sacrificing one person to save another is mind blowing. Who would you save? I loved the setting of the novel and enjoyed the humorous elements that weaved alongside the story line. How the author managed to think up this complex plot is beyond me. I truly applaud Rich in delivering a coherent novel, with twist upon twist, that could capture the imagination of a Sci-Fi novice like me.
If you love Sci-Fi then this is a no-brainer - you must read this book. If you are a novice like me then I can hand on heart say this novel will surprised you and even encourage you to read more of this genre in the future. Many thanks to Raquel Rich for opening my eyes to the intriguing and enjoyable world of Science Fiction.
The situation that Grace finds herself in is heart wrenching and then to face a further dilemma of sacrificing one person to save another is mind blowing. Who would you save? I loved the setting of the novel and enjoyed the humorous elements that weaved alongside the story line. How the author managed to think up this complex plot is beyond me. I truly applaud Rich in delivering a coherent novel, with twist upon twist, that could capture the imagination of a Sci-Fi novice like me.
If you love Sci-Fi then this is a no-brainer - you must read this book. If you are a novice like me then I can hand on heart say this novel will surprised you and even encourage you to read more of this genre in the future. Many thanks to Raquel Rich for opening my eyes to the intriguing and enjoyable world of Science Fiction.
February 3, 2019
The very first chapter places us directly in the midst of the action. We have very little knowledge of what is exactly going on, but we readers do get a sense of urgency and desperation. Grace is obviously embarking on a dangerous and potentially fatal journey all for the sake of saving her son’s life… But will she even succeed? I can’t wait to find out!
Raquel Rich blends futuristic sci-fi and a familiar-setting urban adventure into a novel that keeps its readers on the edge of their seats, waiting to find out which shoe will drop next. Throughout the novel, there are a plethora of mini-cliffhangers, keeping the suspense taught… Thus leading me into many a sleepless night; I just had to keep reading! Not only is the main storyline intriguing and a mystery in and of itself, but all of the minor arcs have their own little mysteries as well. This definitely allowed me to completely sink into the novel, losing myself within its characters and the setting of Las Vegas in the year 2000.
The dialogue in Hamartia is honestly some of the best I have read yet. The humor is undeniable and each character has their own colloquialisms and distinct attitudes that they proudly display in their conversations with others. Much of the relationship between Grace and Marc (her husband) is through one-sided phone conversations, but even so, Rich is able to develop a dynamic, substantial relationship between a man and his damaged (ex) wife.
Every single one of the characters have been fleshed out completely, each with their own unique mannerisms, beliefs, and even humor (hilarious humor!). As such, I cried when sadness and tragedy befell one of the characters, laughed as someone told a joke, blushed when romance came about, rejoiced when someone gained a small win. They became my second family, and I would rush home just so that I could continue their story.
What I really enjoy from this novel is that there is both inner conflict as well as the grander, more normal outer conflict. Grace is not only on a journey to save her son’s life, but to save her own life as well. She must battle with the grief and guilt she feels over her father’s death, must learn to reconcile her feelings towards her (ex) husband, and must work together with a long-lost (ex) best-friend. As she searches for her son’s match, all of these emotions keep popping up, hindering the search, ultimately showing that she must fix herself before she can ever have a chance at fixing her son. But what does that mean for her son, Jordan? Is she even capable of saving him? Of murdering the many to save the one?
I did not give this novel 5 stars, simply because I think it–at times–explains too much. It does not leave as much for the reader to decipher as I would like. Meaning that actions and emotions are bluntly explained via the narrator or a character’s thoughts (or occasionally through dialogue) rather than through the characters themselves showing us why they did or thought something. But that being said, I am excitedly awaiting the sequel, Deus Ex Machina to be published!
Raquel Rich blends futuristic sci-fi and a familiar-setting urban adventure into a novel that keeps its readers on the edge of their seats, waiting to find out which shoe will drop next. Throughout the novel, there are a plethora of mini-cliffhangers, keeping the suspense taught… Thus leading me into many a sleepless night; I just had to keep reading! Not only is the main storyline intriguing and a mystery in and of itself, but all of the minor arcs have their own little mysteries as well. This definitely allowed me to completely sink into the novel, losing myself within its characters and the setting of Las Vegas in the year 2000.
The dialogue in Hamartia is honestly some of the best I have read yet. The humor is undeniable and each character has their own colloquialisms and distinct attitudes that they proudly display in their conversations with others. Much of the relationship between Grace and Marc (her husband) is through one-sided phone conversations, but even so, Rich is able to develop a dynamic, substantial relationship between a man and his damaged (ex) wife.
Every single one of the characters have been fleshed out completely, each with their own unique mannerisms, beliefs, and even humor (hilarious humor!). As such, I cried when sadness and tragedy befell one of the characters, laughed as someone told a joke, blushed when romance came about, rejoiced when someone gained a small win. They became my second family, and I would rush home just so that I could continue their story.
What I really enjoy from this novel is that there is both inner conflict as well as the grander, more normal outer conflict. Grace is not only on a journey to save her son’s life, but to save her own life as well. She must battle with the grief and guilt she feels over her father’s death, must learn to reconcile her feelings towards her (ex) husband, and must work together with a long-lost (ex) best-friend. As she searches for her son’s match, all of these emotions keep popping up, hindering the search, ultimately showing that she must fix herself before she can ever have a chance at fixing her son. But what does that mean for her son, Jordan? Is she even capable of saving him? Of murdering the many to save the one?
I did not give this novel 5 stars, simply because I think it–at times–explains too much. It does not leave as much for the reader to decipher as I would like. Meaning that actions and emotions are bluntly explained via the narrator or a character’s thoughts (or occasionally through dialogue) rather than through the characters themselves showing us why they did or thought something. But that being said, I am excitedly awaiting the sequel, Deus Ex Machina to be published!
August 1, 2019
My first thought as I finished this book was “Bloody hell, what a ride!” quickly followed “How do I review this?” It is quirky, clever and overwhelmingly unique. Time travel is difficult topic to get your head around and the addition of the theory of reincarnation should have made this novel complicated but it is told in a way that makes perfect sense. The descriptions of how Grace goes back in time are vivid and highlights the strength of Raquel Rich’s imagination. The pace quickens as the hunt for the cure progresses and the novel twists and turns in many unexpected ways; I was kept on edge throughout. I have never read a book like it. It thrilled, questioned my morals and made me consider what I would do in the same situation.
This is a story of love, soul mates who meet time and again in different life times and the strength of maternal love. The first couple of chapters require the reader to suspend their disbelief and go with the flow until a connection is formed with Grace, Kay and their predicament. It is heartbreaking and emotional. With time travel books I have a habit of getting confused with paradoxes and my mind gets filled with what ifs and implausibilities so I decided to just read which added to the enjoyment and the questions I did have were answered as the story developed.
The pair go back to the year 2000 and it is scary how much things have changed in the last nineteen years. Her vision of the future, eighty years from now is in some ways reassuring as I watch programmes on plastic and climate change but horrifying in others. The terminal disease Metagenesis sends shivers down my spine and even now, days after I have finished this novel, it unnerves me.
This is a story of love, soul mates who meet time and again in different life times and the strength of maternal love. The first couple of chapters require the reader to suspend their disbelief and go with the flow until a connection is formed with Grace, Kay and their predicament. It is heartbreaking and emotional. With time travel books I have a habit of getting confused with paradoxes and my mind gets filled with what ifs and implausibilities so I decided to just read which added to the enjoyment and the questions I did have were answered as the story developed.
The pair go back to the year 2000 and it is scary how much things have changed in the last nineteen years. Her vision of the future, eighty years from now is in some ways reassuring as I watch programmes on plastic and climate change but horrifying in others. The terminal disease Metagenesis sends shivers down my spine and even now, days after I have finished this novel, it unnerves me.
February 1, 2020
This is a unique story about time travel and reincarnation and I absolutely loved it. Grace’s 9 year old son, Jordan, is dying from Metagenesis. This disease will tear his soul from his body and then kill him. Grace will do anything to save him, so she takes part in an illegal clinical trial cloning souls. She travels back in time with her best friend Kay to Las Vegas in the year 2000 to find a soul to clone and save Jordan’s life. Jordan is fighting for his life while Grace is gone, and it is all a race against time to save him.
While in Las Vegas there is someone trying to stop Grace and Kay and when they discover why Grace has to make a choice: either let her son die or kill her husband. This is an unthinkable decision and Grace struggles with it throughout the book. If she kills her husband she triggers widespread Metagenesis, which starts a new plague. If she kills Jordan, the human race may be saved. But can a mother really let her son die?
I think the idea of Metagenesis is so interesting and the way it was described and how the cure supposedly works was so intriguing. I was kept on my toes reading the entire time and I even audibly gasped a few times!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and its characters. It was fast paced and I was feeling a lot of the same emotions Grace was throughout it. And that ending! I think it was perfect and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While in Las Vegas there is someone trying to stop Grace and Kay and when they discover why Grace has to make a choice: either let her son die or kill her husband. This is an unthinkable decision and Grace struggles with it throughout the book. If she kills her husband she triggers widespread Metagenesis, which starts a new plague. If she kills Jordan, the human race may be saved. But can a mother really let her son die?
I think the idea of Metagenesis is so interesting and the way it was described and how the cure supposedly works was so intriguing. I was kept on my toes reading the entire time and I even audibly gasped a few times!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and its characters. It was fast paced and I was feeling a lot of the same emotions Grace was throughout it. And that ending! I think it was perfect and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2020
(I was kindly sent a copy of this book from the Author to review, however the following review is my honest opinion on the book!)
So I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book at all. Time travelling within books isn’t normally my first pick when it comes to story searching, but I absolutely adored it! It’s got a great storyline regarding Jordan, the son of Grace, who has Metagenisis, a disease that is sweeping through the nation, claiming the souls of thousands of people and Grace is trying her hardest to save her son.
Grace embarks on an adventure back into Las Vegas in the early 2000’s to find a matching soulmate to copy their soul to use it to save her son. She goes on this journey with her ex best friend, Kay for support and to help aid her finding the soulmate she’s never met.
I found the story really gripping and there was a lot of hidden secrets within this story that gradually get uncovered as the book goes on. I had some real shocker moments, which of course made the pages turn even quicker!
I thought Grace was an excellent character. She certainly has a lot of flaws like a lot of characters do, like her impulsive wall she puts up against her ex husband she’s in the middle of divorcing, but I love that she would literally do anything to save her son like most parents in the world.
The story really was fantastic and was a great, easy read and if there were any other books to follow, I would most definitely be rushing to buy it!
So I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book at all. Time travelling within books isn’t normally my first pick when it comes to story searching, but I absolutely adored it! It’s got a great storyline regarding Jordan, the son of Grace, who has Metagenisis, a disease that is sweeping through the nation, claiming the souls of thousands of people and Grace is trying her hardest to save her son.
Grace embarks on an adventure back into Las Vegas in the early 2000’s to find a matching soulmate to copy their soul to use it to save her son. She goes on this journey with her ex best friend, Kay for support and to help aid her finding the soulmate she’s never met.
I found the story really gripping and there was a lot of hidden secrets within this story that gradually get uncovered as the book goes on. I had some real shocker moments, which of course made the pages turn even quicker!
I thought Grace was an excellent character. She certainly has a lot of flaws like a lot of characters do, like her impulsive wall she puts up against her ex husband she’s in the middle of divorcing, but I love that she would literally do anything to save her son like most parents in the world.
The story really was fantastic and was a great, easy read and if there were any other books to follow, I would most definitely be rushing to buy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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