I’ve read a couple of Andrew Mayne’s books before (from the Underwater Investigation Unit series) and really enjoyed them, but they are definitely complicated and twisty and it’s not the best idea to jump into one of his series at any point other than the start. So seeing this was the first in a new series, I was delighted at the opportunity.
Unfortunately, apparently Mayne has already written a series each about Jessica Blackwood and Theo Cray, and this series is putting them both together. Which is a massive problem for anyone who hasn’t read those other series, because like me, you’re going to have no idea what’s going on… because not only are these two carried forward, but the villain apparently is too.
I’m intrigued by the premise, which starts with the city of New York ‘disappearing’ in a massive EMP strike and a mysterious chemical fog (though it was still never adequately explained why, for me, even after the eventual reveals). I like both Jessica and Theo and I enjoy Mayne’s writing style, though I would have liked a clearer delineation at the start of each chapter as to whose POV it was written in. But I had absolutely no clue what was going on most of the time, and for a first in series, that’s a major problem. You shouldn’t have to read entire previous series to be able to start this one. I cannot give this more than three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.