(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
When I read the blurb of this book, I found myself immediately intrigued. The idea of alter egos/different personalities being an accepted thing was a really interesting idea. I wasn’t quite sure how it worked with the Institute actually creating the different personalities… but I still thought it was an interesting concept.
I would have liked to see more of the two different sides of the debate about the alters. It was good to see how the singles viewed the alters and vice versa, but apart from a few brief scenes focused outside the main plot, I felt the storyline was very concentrated… which was a pity, because I would have liked to see more of the world in general.
The designation, or names, of the characters did cause me a bit of confusion at first, as did referencing those with alters as ‘their’. Since only one personality was in control, or even awake, at a time, I felt that referring to the person in the plural didn’t actually work.
I did feel that the Professor’s attitude came across as very contradictory. I would have liked to see more focus on his views and how he tried to reconcile them with having an alter as a daughter.
I would have liked to see more of the conflicts in the group of friends. Tina/Tess/Daphne was one of the only characters who actually had her own opinions and acted outside of the hive mind indicated by use of, ‘they all…’
It was good to see some of the politics, even though I’m not sure I really understood everything that was going on. How the problem with Arkill was solved seemed a bit too convenient.
I was intrigued by the Rebekah alter in Raji and I would have liked to see more of how she related to other people/alters. It was nice to see her protectiveness over Raji and Viki.
There were a few things that I didn’t see coming in this book, but they did still make sense.
I think it would be good to read more books set in this world and have the opportunity to learn more about the society and characters. In my opinion, there’s a lot that could be explored and expanded upon.
Ink of Blood 