As a lover of science fiction, action, and adventure, I was entertained with “Cobalt” by CG Blade. I found it to be imaginative, creative, with equal doses of serious and funny. It is the year 2076 and the United States is not the same as it used to be. Political corruption has taken hold and greedy business has dominated all of America. Patriotism barely exists anymore… Is there no one to stand up for an individual’s rights?
First Lieutenant Petra Kayden Dace, reborn in a test tube and made with the very unusual substance Cobalt, is America personified. Created by and under the guidance of General James S. Cooper, her mission to right the wrongs done to the country will not be an easy one. Mysterious suicide terror attacks have the people panicked, and spies are everywhere. She has her work cut out for sure. Fortunately, she is equipped with the arsenal of an entire army, a built-in heads up display (HUD), and an A.I. named Terprise to keep her company as she carries out her orders.
I really enjoyed all the action in Cobalt, especially in the first two chapters. It reminded me of the “tutorial” levels in video games, and we get to experience how Petra uses her abilities and learn some of what her limitations are. Her conversations with Terprise are humorous, in the same way Iron-Man speaks with his A.I., Jarvis. I smiled as I read all the direct and indirect references to a wide variety of sci-fi works. While I didn’t find all the Easter eggs contained within the book (and there are MANY!), there were enough for me to appreciate. Finding out what happens to Microsoft had me laughing out of my chair, and for some reason I found myself caring about what happens to a peculiar set of drones.
Cobalt had me glued to my kindle, wanting to find out what happens next. Nobody is whom they appear to be, and the story twists in a number of ways. I highly recommend for anyone who loves action, science fiction, puzzles, and a fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading Crimson next, and maybe I’ll find out why Petra has such an affinity to Twinkies. David Bibby Rochelle's Reviews