Devon’s review of Countdown by Michelle Maddox
Futuristic Romance released by Shomi 29 Jul 08
Countdown is the first novel by Michelle Maddox, who also writes light paranormal romances as Michelle Rowen. Like other books from the Shomi line, this is an action packed romance set in the future, with a tough, capable heroine and an equally tough hero. While it was a fast paced read, the action part of this book was much more compelling than the romance part of the book.
Countdown features a plot that’s not particularly new or original, but relevant in these days of endless reality TV — the reality show where the contestants are playing for their lives. The concept dates all the way back to The Running Man (and before), and it’s done well here. In the future, subscribers to the Countdown are fitted with an implant so that they can watch the show in their heads. For their viewing pleasure, unfortunate contestants (criminals of some kind) have to figure out different levels, using their bodies and minds. OR THEY DIE. Kira Jordan, petty thief, is snatched off the street to be the first female contestant. She is paired with Rogan Ellis, a convicted rapist/murderer. Forced to trust him in order to survive, Kira finds herself well matched in more ways than one.
The Countdown game was well-written. I was on the edge of my seat, really exciting stuff. I genuinely worried that Kira and Rogan would not be able to survive the level. The futuristic setting is not particularly interesting or detailed. The only thing that seemed “futuristic” to me was the technology used in the game and the fact that lots of people emigrated “Offworld”.
I didn’t like Kira or Rogan all that much. Perhaps I was prejudiced, because they both started out as criminals, but they weren’t totally unsympathetic, just uninteresting. Particularly Rogan. I figured out (basically) what his real deal was before we found out for sure. He wasn’t the most likeable person prior to his conviction, and I guess that just sealed the deal. I found him…kinda weak. The romance really didn’t do it for me. It wasn’t just the characters. The circumstances under which they meet and have to work together are definitely conducive to some kind of bond. Combined with the fact that both had been very alone, some emotional entanglement is believable. I just didn’t believe it was true love. Once things settled down a bit and they could go on with their lives, what was there?
Still, those who like their romance fast paced and full of action should give this a try. Who knows, you might like the hero and heroine more than I did.
Grade: C+
THREE
Kira Jordan wakes up in a pitch-black room, handcuffed to a metal wall. She has 60 seconds to figure out how to escape. Thus begins a vicious game where to lose is to die.TWO
The stranger she’s been partnered with—her only ally in this nightmare—is a convicted murderer. But if he’s so violent, why does he protect her? And worse yet, what is it behind those haunted sea-green eyes that makes her want to protect him?ONE
No one to trust. Nowhere to run. And the only hope of survival is working together to beat the COUNTDOWN.Read an excerpt here.
