First thing first: if you are looking for a science fiction novel, this isn't it. That actually worked out in my favor, as I don't read much in that genre and I worried that this book wouldn't be a good fit for me. This ended up being more of a romance with a light sci-fi setting. If you want a true science fiction book, head elsewhere.

That aside, the first half of this book was almost impossible for me to put down. The main character, Samantha, and her boyfriend get in a car accident while they're in the midst of a break-up. In the hospital afterward, his behavior becomes strange, his personality changes significantly, and he doesn't remember that they're no longer a couple. Samantha's struggle to figure out what's happening along with her emotional debate on how to continue to continue their relationship is the best part of this book.

Unfortunately, the later parts of the story are less successful. Samantha's decisions begin to seem somewhat passive and generally out of character. I found her judgments about other women incredibly frustrating (despite them all trying to survive in similar circumstances, very few of the others seem to meet her approval and she's critical of how they choose to get through in this new world), and I didn't appreciate that the very few women in power were generally perceived as villains (it seemed like it was about to be a cool opportunity for a peek at the world where men and women's circumstances changed dramatically and how women had chances to rise to power, but instead it was just disappointing). I had really liked Samantha as a character in the earlier parts of the book, and I didn't feel like we were seeing the same character adapt to this new world. Instead, it was almost like reading about a different person.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review!

From the minute I started this book, I was immediately drawn in. The style of writing captured me from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down.
Without giving anything away or including any spoilers, what I will say is that I was amazed at how original this book actually is, I can’t say I have read one like it before. The themes throughout actually stuck with me long after I’d finished reading with how thought provoking they were.
Would highly recommend to friends and family in order for them to experience the excitement and surprise I did page after page.

Still Life is barely a science fiction novel. Rather, it’s a romance novel with science fiction elements while also trying to tackle pro-life/pro-choice questions.

Still Life’s opening chapters set up an interesting premise with great character work and writing. The reader is introduced to Samantha, an energetic woman faced with a tragedy that changes her life. Her desperate search for answers while trying to solve the mystery as to the changes of her boyfriend’s personality is riveting and full of intrigue. Unfortunately, once the mystery is solved (and it’s solved rather quickly and from out of nowhere) the novel devolves into an attempt at creating something thought provoking. Instead, Still Life is a poorly written romance novel with science fiction elements that tries to be something thought provoking, but is, ultimately, a failure.

The most interesting aspect of his novel is glossed over with little to no time spent exploring the science. Still Life has the opportunity to be an interesting science fiction novel had Hart decided to focus less on the romance. The little science that is present within the novel is unbelievable in its presentation. Science in novels does not have to be 100% accurate, however the author has to be convincing in their writing. Hart is unable to accomplish this style of writing, so instead she relies on the romantic elements of the story to move the plot forward. Unfortunately, the direct the novel goes is incomplete and just plain weird.

The last portion of the novel devolves further into a drama filled romance while trying to tackle the pro-life versus pro-choice debate. Hart tries to accomplish this through introducing a plot similar to The Handmaid’s Tale where procreation is the ultimate goal and fulfilled by any means necessary. Samantha becomes a very passive character to the horrific events unfolding around her and even mercilessly judges the other women present. Samantha is an annoying and hypocritical character that I couldn’t stand reading.

Overall, Still Life was not what I expected it to be in the worst ways possible. The novel is so promising in the beginning that it’s even more of a let down once it concludes.

This was certainly original, it started out quite normally and then took a turn for the weird.No spoilers but I don't believe I have ever read anything like this and I do read Sci Fi, but this writer certainly thinks outside of the box, well outside.... I wasn't sure I liked the main female character, and I certainly didn't like her boyfriend but I had no idea how the book was going to pan out and it really was different I did start feeling some sympathy for the female lead and I did enjoy the book.Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.

Action and surprises all the way

Exciting, fast paced and very plausible science fiction, full of action and surprises.

Samantha and Edward are driving home, through thick fog, arguing about Edward's latest infidelity, when Samantha crashes the car, leaving Edward fighting for his life. Amazingly Edward survives, recovers fast and is a changed man. Can Samantha trust him now, or has the virus the fog contained got something to do with his change? She soon finds out!

Soon Samantha is fighting for her own life, and then as she begins to realise the truth behind what has happened to Edward, she wonders how she can convince others of what is going on. Fortunately the lovely Dr. Elliott is on hand to help in any way he can.

This book is way outside the genre I usually read, but I really enjoyed it! It all seemed very real to me and I loved the fast pace which contained lots of suspense as well as drama. Samantha is a great character - very true to life. There is a sequel to this book, but the ending is such that it can be read as stand-alone (though I think most people will be eagerly awaiting the next book!)

4*s from me, as really enjoyed it and found it great entertainment.

Note: The first few chapters contain a lot of "f" words. These are completely in context, and are not indicative of the writing style of the rest of the book.

What a fantastic idea for an alien Invasion! Really clever and unique. I liked the writing style and the attention to nitty gritty details. I hadn't realised this is the first in a series, but I'll be looking out for the follow up. Definitely want to know what happens next.


Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.

Such a neat concept for this book: an alien invasion has never been so subtle and insidious!

Samantha’s scumbag boyfriend, Edward, is injured in a car crash and seems to die before making a miraculous recovery. It turns out a weird new virus has something to do with it, and lots of other men are coming back too, albeit changed.

The book twists quite a few notions on their heads, starting with the image of the girlfriend at a hospital bed guilty that she wished her boyfriend dead not too long ago. Then we see Sam knowing things aren’t right when Edward is way too nice. Still Life poses lots of interesting questions, and I especially enjoyed how the characters cling to what they’re familiar with, even when they know deep down the familiar is masking a creepy and disturbing threat.

There’s also a love triangle and plenty of surprises. It’s gripping and accessible with a subtly dry tone, and the author skillfully navigates dark concepts while never slowing the pace.

The premise of the book sounded interesting. I found it hard to connect with the characters. I didn't like Edward at all. I also didn't like the main character. I will look into the author's other books. I just felt that is fell short. I wanted something that would make me escape into a new reality. That is why I love dystopian and YA. Upon reading the first sentence I knew that I would not be leaving the station, I would be walking back home, in search of another book. Thus, the search continues.

What a weird, twisted, romantic sci-fi book! It had a unique and very intriguing plot line. It kept me entertained from the first page to the last. I would definitely recommend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own