If this had been the total package of Hunter's idea, it would have made for a great story. However, she goes much deeper than that. First of all, having children cuts down on the years you are allowed to have. And the process is expensive, so there is a class distinction here that creates an imbalance. Again, if Hunter had decided to stick with a have-nots against the haves, it would have made for a good story. Again, she takes it deeper than that.
In this action-packed novel, we follow the officers from LLE, a special division that keeps a lid on the activities of scientists who are always pushing against the laws that restrain scientific enhancements in people. Through the eyes of a rookie officer, newly transferred from working homicides, we get a beginner's view of Hunter's world.
It is a well design world, with some fun, unique "tech" that lifts it out of hum-drum sci-fi and puts it on a very entertaining level. I'd rather not give much more than that away. There is plenty of action, great interaction between well-developed characters, and some interesting themes that arise from the question of longevity. Presently, there are three books in the series, and I have already downloaded the second book.
I look forward to reading all of the books. Feb 03, Mikko Azul rated it really liked it. I received a copy of Longevity in order to conduct a review. Whoa, what a great ride! The opening scene introduces the hero after an inconceivable tragedy that only hints at the depths of depravity to which the story's bad guy is willing to dig. The story doesn't let up or let the reader down from the moment the cover is opened until the last page is turned.
The Dog on the Moon
After 80 years in LLE, Chris thinks he's seen it all, but the disappearance of a twisted doctor who'd been underground for over 50 years forces Chris to question the morality of the life choices he's made. His rookie partner Olivia Hutchins, has no pre-conceived notions about what her job entails. Together, this mismatched duo are joined by a brilliant, neuro-enhanced dog named Louie to save an innocent young man from becoming the victim of an unspeakable crime.
This novel is smart, well-written and filled with twists that I didn't see coming. It examines the morality and ethics of science in the name of progress without sounding preachy. With non-stop action, intelligent dialogue and a little canine comic relief, it's a great read that I highly recommend! Jan 22, Suneeta Misra rated it really liked it. Hunter I received a free copy of the book for review purposes. This is a futuristic story of a time when people can have enhancements to freeze the aging process and prolong lives. Cut to another fifty-six years into the future and Chris still a youngish 35 year old in physical if not chronol Longevity By S.
Cut to another fifty-six years into the future and Chris still a youngish 35 year old in physical if not chronological age, is investigating crimes against illegal medical research in enhancements, and this time with a partner Livvy, who is a rookie in LLE if not in law enforcement. This story sets a breakneck pace as the two detectives investigate a series of crimes that point to the dangers of unchecked research into prolonging the age of those who can afford the procedures that promise immortality. The book covers the ethical issues similar to the debate today about affordable health care for all.
It poses a very interesting question of whether we want to live in such a society where progress is unevenly distributed and where basic human values have become irrelevant. After reading this interesting book, I am eagerly looking forward to the other books in the series. Feb 07, Kathy Gottberg rated it really liked it. The thing I love about sci-fi stories are the questions they raise and the what-if possibilities presented by the author.
Longevity does just that with likable characters, just enough action, fast-moving plot line, and an even extra smart and faithful dog named Louie! Plus, if it does nothing more than ask people if they would like to live forever and what lengths they would go to do it—then it is worthy of the short time it takes to read. It did leave a hint of interesting developments to come without leaving you dangling in frustration. Longevity is exactly the kind of book I would recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy a light, fun and readable sci-fi story.
I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Apr 02, K. Krisko rated it really liked it Recommends it for: This is the second book I've read by this author, and, although they are in two different genres, there's one connection: I'd call this one "sci-fi lite" - that is, it doesn't concentrate on space stations, space travel, or extraterrestrial settlement, but on earth-bound goings-on in a technologically advanced future earth.
I read quite a bit of sci-fi when I was younger, and I found the ideas in this one novel and interesting. While I'm not going to reha This is the second book I've read by this author, and, although they are in two different genres, there's one connection: While I'm not going to rehash the plot, the intricacies of a society segregated by the ability to afford life-extensions and the restrictions placed upon the technology that makes it possibly creates a number of philosophical dilemmas. Do I detect a note of allegory?
I believe I do. This could be a really good series. There's a lot more to be explored here, and the characters and situations are enough to keep me reading more in the future. Jan 25, Echo Heron rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Anyone-especially lovers of SciFi. I love the type of SciFi that deals with what life in the future will be like Hunter has done a really fine job of creating an engaging and fast-paced read.
I was totally engaged in the story beginning to end. It is - Chris McGregor, a long-time Longevity Law Enforcement officer, his rookie new partner, Livvy Hutchins and Louie, the neuro-enhanced dog make quite a team as they join up to take down a sociopath who will stop at nothing to extend his longevity, even if it means t I love the type of SciFi that deals with what life in the future will be like It is - Chris McGregor, a long-time Longevity Law Enforcement officer, his rookie new partner, Livvy Hutchins and Louie, the neuro-enhanced dog make quite a team as they join up to take down a sociopath who will stop at nothing to extend his longevity, even if it means taking the life of his own grandson.
Hunter created not only a very good story, but strong, believable characters especially loved the dog! The only thing I would suggest is that this book might benefit from a little line editing. Jul 03, Donna rated it liked it Shelves: This is a detective novel set in a near-future earth rather than a typical science fiction story. Scientists have figured out how to "reset" the aging process making the idea of immortality plausible.
Longevity laws were enacted in the US to keep things from getting out of control after riots nearly destroyed the country in the s. Society is still very much in flux in , with haves and have-nots, the people who are have-nots being those who don't partake of Longevity 4 stars for the story: Society is still very much in flux in , with haves and have-nots, the people who are have-nots being those who don't partake of Longevity treatments, either because they can't, for economic reasons, or won't, for ideological ones.
The LLE has broad powers and likes to do things in secret. Olivia Hutchins is his new, unwanted partner. They are immediately thrown into a case that is more complex than it seems and involves a reclusive trillionaire who wants to live forever. This is an interesting world and I like the topic of extended life and how people deal with it. The story was engaging from the start. Chris and Livvy are realistic, likeable characters. Louie, their neuro-enhanced dog partner is an interesting addition but isn't cutesy in any way.
It's not a long book and it was fast paced. I was eager to get back to it this morning and see how it ended. The book is the first in a series but it is not a trilogy; the book is entirely complete unto itself. Again, it's a mystery series, not a SF series. I am completely on board with it and am looking forward to reading the next one. Unfortunately, my rating averages out to 3 stars because of some poor editing. It's not atrocious but it's noticeable. In addition to some clunky futuristic words, "molebiol" and "comu", for example, there are missing words in the text, and a compliment vs.
There were a couple of sentences with such awkward structure that even on re-reading I couldn't figure them out. The second half of the book was cleaner but still not perfect. These were not deal-breakers for me because I enjoyed the story so much but I'm hoping the editing improves in future volumes. Feb 25, Michael Gallagher rated it really liked it.
If Socrates were alive, he would be proud of the mentoring methods displayed in this tight futuristic tale. The book moves the reader methodically towards an action packed conclusion. Hard science and real life meld together seemlessly. Perhaps needed a bit more of the enthralling action of the close a little earlier on in the book. I liked the book and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I hope the next book explains in more detail about the biological process of longevity. Mar 11, Keith rated it really liked it.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
- The Politics and Policies of Relief, Aid and Reconstruction: Contrasting approaches to disasters and emergencies.
- Dangerous Devotion (Soul Savers Book 3).
- The Third Curse;
- .
- .
- ?
This honest review is provided in exchange for a free copy of the ebook. Longevity laws are passed restricting its use. Longevity Law Enforcement is also created as the agency responsible for enforcing these laws, and for bringing offenders to justice. The book opens in gripping fashion, with LLE detective Chris McGregor charging into a This honest review is provided in exchange for a free copy of the ebook. The book opens in gripping fashion, with LLE detective Chris McGregor charging into a burning building to try and recover stored data, in the hopes that it might reveal clues to who might have set the fire and benefit from seeing the data destroyed.
Arson was a common tactic by those who sought to break the Longevity Laws — those who sought to cheat time and achieve eternal youth. The rest of the book takes place almost 60 years later, and although Chris is biologically over years old at this time, legal resets have kept him in his 30s. The team is fully assembled. They are soon assigned the responsibility of looking into a missing doctor, Josephson, who has a history of bending the laws and narrowly avoiding LLE trouble.
Josephson history seems a likely candidate to engage in this type of activity.
Longevity Law Enforcement Series
They capture the gunman who, based on his appearance, they assume to be a religious fanatic. The next day, Chris saved by Louie finds a car bomb intended for him and defuses it. With the gunman named Maas refusing to talk, Chris and Livvy head to Dr. Later that evening, over pizza and beer, Chris and Livvy hash out what they think and what they know. Chris also floats a theory about connecting Josephson to a trillionaire recluse named John Bedford. Bedford, he theorizes, is setting himself up to live practically forever, by planning to kidnap and murder his own nephew, Jesse , and biologically take his place, making it seem as though he has hundreds of years of legal resets remaining.
She agrees, and also offers to provide Chris and Livvy an opportunity to speak to Michaela and Jesse directly. Heading home, Chris confronts a suspected assassin, and takes two shots in the chest, but is luckily wearing his vest. Again, it reeks of betrayal by someone inside LLE. When Chris wakes up, he finds that his theory about Bedford had been correct. Beford himself appears to interrogate and berate Chris for meddling. Livvy, meanwhile, tries to do some internal investigation to figure out who at LLE is working against them.
The LLE Chief informs her that Michaela was killed as she was trying to flee the country, and that Jesse was kidnapped. This adds to her sense of urgency.
The Third Curse by S.J. Hunter
Eventually, she settles on Williams, a friendly but less-than-prominent member of the LLE team, as the most likely candidate for being the mole. Livvy gets outfitted with an arsenal of high-tech weaponry and devices, and brings Louie along to help. Their raid on the mansion is successful, and though they are both injured slightly, they find Chris, but no Jesse or Bedford.
They also expect to find Williams there. At the horsefarm, Chris confronts Bedford and Williams, and Livvy uses the element of surprise. Livvy is seriously injured, but she and Louie manage to corner Josephson, who tells them how to find Jesse.
See a Problem?
Chris kills Josephson in self-defense, and rescues Jesse. In the end, Livvy decides to stay on with LLE and continue her training as a detective. The opening chapter is gripping and well-written, and serves as an excellent example of character development incidental to story-telling, rather than being separate from it. The reader learns a lot about Chris in this short chapter, particularly his courage, loyalty, integrity and sense of duty. With a little fleshing-out, it could be a spectacular stand-alone short story. But as quickly as the book grabs you, it starts to let go, because the pacing is so intermittent.
Other books with similar styles The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo comes to mind manage to work because the in-between intervals are quickened with conflict between the characters in dialogue, or with intrigue about the investigation i. In the parts where the action in Longevity subsides, the characters Livvy and Chris are not enough to carry the in-between action because they have no conflict between them. Though Chris is reluctant in taking on a partner, he never discourages Livvy from being involved. When you get to these parts of the story specifically those in Chapters 1, 14 and 15 the book is extremely hard to put down.
The writing gives you a vivid picture of the scene while also conveying a sense of calm determination and tension inside the character Chris in Chapter 1, Livvy in Chapter 14 and However, without the action element, the author tends to rely heavily on passive voice. It smelled of dried grass and dirt, and seemed entirely too innocent for the evil she expected to confront somewhere ahead.
There was some dimmed light emanating from an antique crystal chandelier over a small dining set at their end of the room. The author has created a science-fiction world in the not-too-distant future that feels possible and realistic. With the proliferation of plastic surgery and other cosmetic enhancements in today's society, as well as breakthroughs in genetics research, it is not so far-fetched that science and medicine might be able to find a treatment that keeps humans biologically young despite the passage of time.
And the religious, ethical and legal problems which set up the Longevity story are exactly what we would expect to see happen if such treatments were discovered: Thus, while the crux of this story takes place in a microcosm of this larger world, there are massive philosophical and systemic debates playing out in this story. When these conversations are colored with conflict i. Shades of Greg Bear Quickly maturing writing skills propel this dystopian tale through an action-packed series of revelatory events.
Around page 70, the pace of character development reveals the perfectly crafted introduction of previously unknown policing skills in the female protagonist, Livvy. She displays an ability to use a soft form of hypnosis to settle a witness down. Remarkable in this introduction of skills is dialogue-based method and not a descriptive exposition model. This previously Shades of Greg Bear Quickly maturing writing skills propel this dystopian tale through an action-packed series of revelatory events.
This previously blue-eyed and bushy-tailed apprentice detective in Longevity Law Enforcement LLE emerges I imagine as the future star of the series. Her partner, Detective McGregor, the year veteran and founder of a special style of investigation engendered by the introduction of almost limitless life to some and not to others in a future society, sits up and takes notice for the first, though not likely the last, time.
The grammar and syntax demonstrate highly developed professionalism. This writer deserves respect. Keep looking for SJ Hunter!
Get A Copy
Aug 05, Donna rated it really liked it Shelves: Chris and Livvy continue their partnership as they work to stop an organized illegal molebiol group from moving into the city. The book is fast paced and well written. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series. Dec 21, Toria rated it liked it. Another fun procedural with a fun dog. May 21, Paul Spooner rated it it was amazing Shelves: Having read and thoroughly enjoyed 'Longevity', the first book in the series, I was looking forward to this book immensely - and I wasn't disappointed.
No 'second-book syndrome' here, this book is of the same extremely high quality as the first. Once again we see the world of the near future years from now -SF fans tend to take the long view! As ever, the author adroitly juxtaposes action scenes with subtle social commentary and character development, whilst also holding up a philosophical mirror to current society.
The author has made this book work as a stand-alone, so you don't have to have read the first one, but I think you get more out of it if you have. Eagerly anticipating the third volume, and I see no reason why there can't be many more - the emerging pattern of one case per book lends itself to serialisation. May 13, Jason Reeser rated it really liked it. The Burning Rivers is a great second effort by S. Hunter in the Longevity series. While the books are short which are about the only complaint I have about them I want them to last longer, I want to see more of her characters and watch more of the story develop they are packed full of great ideas, interesting characters, plenty of action, and even some great discussions on the implications of Longevity on the social classes.
These books are fun, quick reads that satisfy my sci-fi appetite The Burning Rivers is a great second effort by S.
- .
- Longevity (Longevity Law Enforcement, #1) by S.J. Hunter.
- The Burning Rivers;
- The Burning Rivers (Longevity Law Enforcement, #2) by S.J. Hunter!
- The Metamorphoses of Ovid (MAXNotes Literature Guides).
- !
These books are fun, quick reads that satisfy my sci-fi appetite as well as my appetite for a solid crime story. The plot is not overly complex, and that fits the story well, since the characters and Hunter's imaginary near-future take center stage. I will certainly be reading the next book in the series.
Read my review on the first book in this series, Longevity, for more of my views on this series. Oct 16, S. The following reviews is from Katie D. I have just finished both books, Longevity and The Burning Rivers, and thoroughly enjoyed both. Not usually a fan of science fiction, but couldn't stop reading these books, and was annoyed when I was interrupted! Certainly hope we get to see Chris, Livvy, and Louie again soon! Jennifer Davis rated it really liked it Apr 21, Jennifer rated it really liked it Jan 17, Sarah rated it really liked it Oct 07, Keith marked it as to-read Mar 11, Pam marked it as to-read Mar 24, Christopher marked it as to-read May 22, Carey Bostwick marked it as to-read Dec 12, Carmen marked it as to-read Feb 01, B Maxwell marked it as to-read Jun 21, Lelouch added it Aug 09, Twilightwatchers marked it as to-read Aug 10, Mary Ann marked it as to-read Aug 10, Igrowastreesgrow marked it as to-read Apr 04,