Book Review

Different, Quirky, and Fun

The Data Collectors written by Danielle Palli I can most easily describe as different, quirky, and fun. The blurb doesn't really do the storyline justice, even though it does a decent job of describing it. I know that sounds paradoxical, but give the story a go and see if you disagree.

The concept is interesting and well-executed. Earth of the near-future where aliens walk among us, to the general distrust of mankind. Humans have become a charity-case for the universe - to some races anyway. Others simply want us gone, so they strip-mine the planet for everything it's got.

Lucene / Lucy is a bit of an odd duck. She distrusts technology and red doors. So much so she refuses to use the front door of her house and instead enters via the window. As odd as she is, it hardly compares to some of the other characters you'll meet. Tanager and Cepheus, a pair of aliens looking for Lucy. Her roommate Fatima and thickly Scottish accented Ivan - an engineering genius pull together a fun plot that jumps back and forth a little in time periods but is easy enough to follow.

Narrated by Graham Mack was fine for the most part. His female voices weren't as good as others I've heard voiced by male narrators, but other voices worked for me, so it kind of evened out.

Not a huge fan of the cover art. I don't think it sells the book well, which is a shame because you could easily overlook this fun, easy, quite enjoyable story.

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I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I have not let this gift affect nor influence my opinions of this audiobook and have left an honest review.