Cast of Shadows

Simple premise, reads like a Mail on Sunday headline: "IVF Doc Clones Daughter's Killer from Sperm Evidence" In the Crichton vein of sci-thriller, written like it is destined for the movies, believable characters and a 20-year narrative. The first half is very effective and the science is explained simply. The second goes off in a funny direction, with characters leading separate lives in...more

Simple premise, reads like a Mail on Sunday headline: "IVF Doc Clones Daughter's Killer from Sperm Evidence" In the Crichton vein of sci-thriller, written like it is destined for the movies, believable characters and a 20-year narrative. The first half is very effective and the science is explained simply. The second goes off in a funny direction, with characters leading separate lives in 'Shadow-world' (Second Life-type virtual environment). It's a shame about the shift in gears, as the two ideas would have made one excellent sci-fi thriller and one crappy techno-thriller. As it stands, the ending is spoiled by having to care about characters in a computer game. This is on sale as 'Wicker' in the UK.    hide