Deal with the Devil by Kit RochaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This review is based on listening to the book on audible, and therefore there is a section of the review relating solely to this aspect. My view of the story is probably influenced by the narration and this should be considered when reading the review.
I have read a lot of Kit Rocha books, and really enjoyed the ‘Beyond’ series. This isn’t like that, but I knew that going in. Unlike the ‘Beyond’ books, this is a dystopian adventure with some romance thrown in to help move the plot along, rather than an erotic romance dystopian novel. I imagine this book will appeal to a much wider audience.
Firstly, I have to say that the narrator, Lidia Dornet, was really good, verging on the excellent. My only very minor criticism is that sometimes during sections of dialogue where there was no reference to who was saying what, it was difficult to differentiate between the characters voices, almost like she was hedging her bets as to who was speaking. Other than this minor niggle I was very impressed with her style, which was relaxed and natural with enough emotion to allow you to connect with the characters. I enjoyed the audio version of this book I finished it in two days, because I couldn’t stop listening to it.
On to the story itself, which was really gripping. Set in the future, after the collapse of civilisation, Atlanta is ruled by The TechCorp, a huge technology company. The city is divided between the have and have nots and there is no one looking out for the have nots, except for in one section of the city there is a warehouse where three unusual women live, who have created a library for the local residents. To fund their work and add to their library these women go hunting for information in dangerous and dark places, being paid handsomely by rich collectors.
When Nina, their leader, is approached by Knox, a rogue TechCorp Protectorate Captain, for a job she is reluctant to trust the source. However, when the Rogue Library of Congress is dangled in front of her, she finds it hard to resist because of the reward of obtaining such a prize.
This book is woven on a rich tapestry of world building. The society is constructed with a fine eye for detail. Then the characters are placed carefully into that society and given a wonderful plot to follow. All the characters are wonderfully interesting and given space to grown and show themselves through the course of the book. Though the story focuses on Nina and Knox, there are also multiple points of view shown in different sections, which gives a well rounded picture of the story.
Nina is a fascinating character. She believes in the inherent goodness of people and the possibility of a better life and making a difference. She came from a truly horrible place and when she gained her freedom she wanted to make the world a better place for others, even at risk to herself. She’s an idealist, but she’s a ruthless one. She plans carefully and weighs up the dangers and seeks to protect her loved ones at each step of the journey. It’s an interesting counterbalance to her idealism.
Knox is someone who started out an idealist and had it knocked out of him over decades working for The TechCorp, as he was experimented on and sent out to do their dirty work. Finally unable to carry out one last horrific order, he and his team went rogue, even knowing they were risking their lives. His only motive is to secure freedom for his team from the consequences of leaving that The TechCorp ensured to install in their employees. He has to decide whether it’s worth giving up his eroded principles for his men at every step of his journey. His internal battle throughout this book is fascinating to watch as it’s handled with a delicate touch by the authors.
Throughout this book the characters’ internal struggles are front and centre, and they are as important as their physical conflicts. All the characters are damaged in some way. They all seek some form of freedom and happiness and have gone some way along the journey already, but they still have a long way to go.
This really is an excellent book, and I would happily re-read it, especially when new books in the series come out. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait, but I’ll be waiting with excitement of the possibilities with this amazing cast of characters.
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