Genres: Sci-Fi Romance
Published by Indie/Self Published
Released on 1/22/21
Pages: 322
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
The Delight
A scientist puts a dying AI’s code into a biological body designed in the form of her race and ends up on the galactic adventure of a life time. A recluse and a new inorganic-organic being must negotiate the ways of love. I spotted this one at Jen’s That’s What I’m Talking About review and it tickled my fancy so I dove right in for a delightful first encounter with author and series.
Review
Love Code is the second in a series and, while I picked this one up out of order and enjoyed it, I will be the first to admit that it would have been so much easier and a better experience to get the series in order which does include at least one more book.
Once in a while, I come across a sci-fi alien romance that deeply imparts the alien-ness of the characters who might have certain anthropomorphic resemblance or needs that a human might, but there the resemblance ends. I have entered a fascinating alien world that captivates me equally as the characters and plot. In fact, Love Code is one such. An alien and an AI match showing all the awkwardness and misunderstandings, the fumbling attempts even while friendship, trust and love grow quickly against a dangerous race to discover Helix’s missing memories and what light that will shed on their dangerous pursuers.
Love Code is not action-packed and full of thrills. It trundles along, actually, and spends time in passive voice at times though is not lacking for excitement, but it worked for me.
I enjoyed Qalu and how careful she was with Helix and even when she was working so hard to protect her heart by pushing him away. She’s quiet and reflective, hesitant, and ever the curious scientist while Helix is bold and colorful not lacking in confidence and personality once he gets his feet under him. Qalu is his vulnerable spot because he knows she is this brilliant scientist who saved his life and he has brought her nothing but trouble on their tail. They were great together and I enjoyed the build of attraction and the suspense in the end.
Like most good sci-fi, Love Code explores complex elements beyond the sci-fi plot- what constitutes personhood? family nucleus? gender? But, these melded with all the rest and didn’t devolve into monologues only added extra layers to the story.
So, it was a fab introduction to a new to me author and I have made note of when the next book is coming because I am oh so curious after my brief encounter with the characters who will now get their own book. Definitely recommend especially to those who want a bit more alien in their alien sci-fi romances.
Challenges Met
COYER Season #24
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Wow that cover alone would get my attention Sophia Rose. I’m so glad you’re enjoying this series and isn’t it true that you don’t always have to have non stop action to really enjoy a book. xo
Yeah, I love the cover because it screams alien and really sets the tone of the book.
So true! A well written plot is already good even if there is little excitement. 🙂
I’ve seen good things about Ann Aguirre, but didn’t know about her self-published series. I’ll make sure to read book one first if I give it a go. Glad to see you enjoyed it, Sophia!
I didn’t know about them either so I was glad to see this series over at Jen’s blog. Yes, definitely go for book one.
Lovely review Sophia. I am sorry to hear that this one was more of a struggle, sometimes reading books out of order can cause more strain in the reading of it. I do love a good alien romance so I am very intrigued by this one.
I loved it so I definitely want to get the next one. These are great when it comes to feeling alien. 🙂
I think Robin likes these also.
This sure was a nice surprise to come across.
This is an author I’ve seen around, but never read. This sounds wonderful. I’m going to see if the library has any of this series. Wonderful review.
Yay, glad to put you onto it, Melanie!
Wonderful review, Sophia! You’ve brought up some great points. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Helix is in the first book, so you may want to go back and read it. You do meet the couple from the first book in Love Code.
I love that this author does a great job of addressing larger issues like you mention, without having it take over the plot. That is one of the best parts of scifi: the ability to provide social / political commentary in round about manner!
I am definitely going back to get their story and then go on to the next one. I have a feeling Helix was almost a bad guy in the earlier book the way he felt the need to apologize.
That cover! Woah! Awesome!
This sounds like it would a pretty good one.
Isn’t it stunning? It really matches his new alien form that the book describes.