by Lily Oak

Created on: April 12, 2011

"In the early morning, Melissa Marn rushed down the hall, her high heels clicking against the marble floor, and her white lab coat billowing behind her. The SCM (Shifter Counterinsurgency Military) ID badge dangled from her lapel, bouncing with each step. Dr. Bruce Wilder, a fellow scientist, followed with just as strong determination. The intensity in his dark eyes, and brows shifted at inward angles, told everyone to move out of the way.

“Please, don’t do this,” Bruce begged behind her, quickening his step, but Melissa moved faster. She jerked her head back in his direction, her hair whipping around.

“I have to. I don’t have a choice. Just like you don’t have a choice,” she argued. Their heated words hit the walls of the SCM base, inviting public ears. Bruce gripped her arm and swung her around to face him.

“Don’t,” he pled one last time. Melissa lowered her head, sighing. “If I don’t, someone else will.”"

 - excerpt from 'The Shifters of 2040' by Ami Blackwelder

I was recently sent a copy of 'The Shifters of 2040' to review. I was really looking forward to reading this book, as I previously read and reviewed 'The Hunted of 2060' and absolutely loved it. This book is set 20 years prior, and as well as offering up a fantastic story in it's own right, offers readers of 'The Hunted of 2060' a much more in depth glimpse into the history and relationships of the characters we were introduced to.

The summary of the book reads:

“Set in Alaska in 2040, Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder must work under the iron fist of the SCM, while still trying to maintain humanity. Discovering a world of shifters and hybrids, the scientists must struggle with human prejudice and betrayal. With the original ancestors, dubbed shifters, still living on earth, humans are in the midst of a fifteen year old war. As the eldest hybrids, Unseen and Diamond, learn about humans the hard way, with the loss of loved ones and sacrifices, love on planet earth proves challenging.”

Ami Blackwelder certainly does not disappoint with her latest instalment. As with the previous books in this series she deals with themes of prejudice and persecution, in an imaginative, none preachy way. I wouldn't hesitate it buying this book for older teenagers. This is also a fairly substantial read, weighing in at just over 300 pages.

If I had to pick fault with this book – (and I would have to be being VERY picky) – it would be that some of the scientific dialogue ran on a little for my taste. But, it did also ad to the plausibility of the story.

Over all this was a fast paced, engaging read. It was of the high standard that Ami's readers have come to expect, and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it.

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