The Sphinx Project [Format Kindle]

This is a self-published, young-adult, sci-fi/fantasy/pre-apocalyptic/dystopian novel. There's so much going on that it's quite difficult to pin the book down to just one genre.

Don't let the self-published bit put you off, this whole book is treated very professionally, from the cover all the way through, with excellent editing and formatting. I know book reviews are supposed to be about the actual content of the book, but so many self-published authors completely overlook this, and it's a huge turn-off.

Naturally, the company which conducted the research and experiments on Michaela and her sister Nicole can't allow them to run free, and have to hunt them down.

There's something about Kayla that sets her apart from the rest, even from her sister. Those who owned the compound where the girls were kept are especially eager to find Kayla, but she has no idea why.

The mix and contrast between tough girls trained and bred to fight and kill, and young naive teenagers is perfectly balanced and realistic. You never feel the characters are unbelievable in their actions, whether they're beating the hell out of the monsters that escaped with them, or desperately seeking ice cream.

The pacing of this book is perfect. The action scenes (of which there are many) don't fly by in a blur, nor do they get dragged out in slow-motion so the author can fit in all the details. It's like reading in realtime.

This book ends on quite the cliffhanger, I can't imagine how anyone could read it and not instantly want the second book. The book raises a helluva lot of questions about the girls and their origins and the company behind the Sphinx project, and so much more. It's an excellent set-up for what should be a fabulous series. (In her interview on this blog, Kate said there's at least two more books to come!)

There's just a hint of romance in the book, and I loved it. It's subtle and it's as though neither of the characters involved realise there's a romance brewing, which is my favourite part of any romance story.

It's a great fast-paced, action-packed YA read, but you definitely don't have to be YA to enjoy it. I loved it, and I very rarely read any YA.

Oh did I mention it has zombies?

A lifetime as a lab rat, or forever on the run? For Michaela it's not a hard decision.

When I saw this book on Goodreads, I was literally drooling over it. I was drawn to the cover and the blurb sounds so good. I was lucky enough to be given an ARC directly from the author. Oh boy, this book is so good. There were no dull moments from the first chapter up to the last. I devoured this book in one sitting.
The story is about the Sphinx Project, an experiment with an aim to create a perfect warrior by combining animal and human genes. The story was told in Michaela's perspective, the heroine in the story. Michaela and the girls were kept as lab rats in a very secluded facility. They were given trainings and constantly monitored. Michaela sees her life as a prisoner; she wanted to live a normal life instead of pretending to be someone she is not. An assassin or a killer, always there when needed. They were given missions to kill a specific target. Michaela doesn't want that life. The story took a great turn when the facility was hit by an earthquake. The girls took the opportunity to escape but the task is not easy as it seems. They thought the facility guards were their prime enemy but something else had escaped, a blood thirsty humanoid creature. Was there a possibility they could end up like the creature if they hadn't escape?

I was impressed by the story building; it is very believable. I like the concept about hybrids. It also had the elements that I love in a book, fast-paced and action-packed with a hint of romance. The characters are realistic too. I felt their emotions, how deeply they wanted to escape. I also felt their thirst for answers. I love Michaela and Nicole. They are butt-kicking!!! Both are strong, clever and confident. There were also some characters that I like and find so interesting. I can't give them away here; you have to read this book to know more about them :)

There are two things that I don't like. One is how the love angle was played, it was too soon. It didn't give butterflies in my stomach, it lacks spice. Then there were too many things going on at the same time. There were some parts that confuse me, is there an impending apocalypse? Well I do love apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic stories so I can't wait for book two.

Overall, this book is a wonderful read. If you love action, tsunamis and zombie like creatures, this book is for you. I can't wait for the next one to be out.

Full review on [...]

When I first stumbled on the description for this series I was instantly intrigued. I loved the concept of young girls being turned into a "universal soldier" a la Jason Bourne with a dystopian and sci-fi twist. The story begins with a prologue that showcases the girls in action, but it isn't particularly clear on the why or what the action is against. I am still not entirely certain how the prologue ties into everything (though it is a series so time may very well tell). Where the prologue succeeded was in demonstrating from the very beginning that these girls are soldiers that have been well trained.

I personally felt a degree of disconnect between the characters while reading the first few chapters. Normally, one would say that would be a negative thing, but in this unique instance it led to better understanding the cold, sterile and unfeeling environment where the characters are living at the beginning. This allowed me to share and empathize with them in their new experiences and feelings after they'd made their escape...including a little bud of romance that I'm sure the targeted audience will appreciate.

Despite all the action, there were some slow moments here and there and some scenes that didn't feel like they fit the general flow of the story line making a few transitions feel choppy. This is an issue that I feel may be attributed to the fact it is an independent title or perhaps it is growing pains for the new author? Either way, it shouldn't dissuade potential readers. I have read books from established houses and authors that were not as solid or overall entertaining.
THE SPHINX PROJECT is a good debut that is impressive when you consider that it is a self published work by a young author (I believe she is 21 or 22). If this is only a glimpse at the caliber of storytelling to come from this author, we should expect great things ahead. I look forward to future installments in the series, especially since Hawkings leaves fans with quite the cliffhanger.

NOTE: In my opinion, THE SPHINX PROJECT will appeal to fans of James Patterson's MAXIMUM RIDE series, Moira Young's BLOOD RED ROAD, Amanda Hocking's HOLLOWLAND and Suzanne Collin's MOCKINGJAY.