The Babylon Eye

by Masha du Toit

eBook

Published Dec. 16, 2016 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

ISBN:: 978-1-5398-1669-0
ASIN:: B01N69BTZ8

(5 reviews)

Elke Veraart is in prison. She used to be an eco-terrorist, hunting down poachers to protect endangered species. Now she’s facing the grim reality of life behind bars. Just as Elke is about to give up hope she is offered a chance to win back her freedom. All she has to do is find a missing dog.

Meisje is no ordinary dog. She's cybernetically enhanced, a valuable living weapon. She's also lost, hungry, and alone. As Elke closes in on Meisje she finds her admiration for the resourceful cyber-dog growing. And Meisje begins to wonder if she could trust the woman on her trail.

Then Elke discovers that she’s not the only one hunting the cyber-dog, and that her orders have changed. She must do more than find Meisje. She has to kill her.

Elke has to make an impossible choice: her freedom, or Meisje’s life. Or is there another …

Then Elke discovers that she’s not the only one hunting the cyber-dog, and that her orders have changed. She must do more than find Meisje. She has to kill her.

Elke has to make an impossible choice: her freedom, or Meisje’s life. Or is there another way? It’s risky, but Elke could use the secrets she’s uncovered to save them both.

1 edition

David Bremner reviewed The Babylon Eye by Masha du Toit (Linked Worlds, #1)

cyberpunk detective with a modern sensibility, plus dogs

4 stars

Somehow this reminds me of the "Recovery Man" books by Kristine Katherine Rusch. A lone detective fights for the underdog (literal dog in this case), fighting against corporate interests in a high tech setting with aliens. The aliens here are quite relatable, rather than implacable, but they still hold most of the cards. By modern sensibility I mean little things like the protagonist is lesbian, but nobody makes a big deal out of it, including her.

Stephanie Jane reviewed The Babylon Eye by Masha du Toit (Linked Worlds, #1)

Compelling storytelling and convincing worldbuilding

5 stars

I knew nothing about Masha du Toit or her writing prior to spotting a free promo for The Babylon Eye and I chose to take a chance on this novel for My WorldReads as du Toit is a South African author. I am so glad I did as I absolutely loved the compelling storytelling and convincing worldbuilding. The Eye itself is a between-worlds transit point, home to various peoples both real-world humans and off-world strangers, all of whom live within its confines. Du Toit's depictions of this place appealed strongly to me. Concepts such as 'dexter' and 'sinister' time - one when the electricity works and one when it doesn't - lead to ingenious devices and old technology ways of doing things, while at the same time there are advanced technologies such as the gardag herself - a cybernetically advanced dog.

Elke is interesting too. A woman who follows her …

Elke is interesting too. A woman who follows her ideals, even when doing so leads her into difficult situations, she is an experienced gardag handler who understands how to connect with these dogs. I appreciated that Elke tries to make the best of situations, but isn't unrealistically infallible especially in the unusual reality of The Eye. Her caution and patience are vital attributes and I felt these personality aspects came across well, even in what is a relatively fast-paced story. There is a lot going on, but without the narrative ever feeling rushed. I thought that the characters' depth made The Babylon Eye an engaging and plausible novel. I enjoyed reading it so much that its sequel is already on my TBR.

OtterForce reviewed The Babylon Eye by Masha du Toit (Linked Worlds, #1)

Review of 'The Babylon Eye' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I've loved the worlds created in Masha's previous books. She has a way of creating places and people that are familiar enough to understand at first glance yet different and complex enough to make you think and want to explore.

While I wouldn't call it a fast-paced read, the story never drags and there's always a new element to the story coming—sometimes from where you'd least expect.

As with Wolf Logic, this book includes an alternate POV that fascinated me.

The book is a complete story on its own, but I can't wait to see what the next part(s) holds.

Tak!

rated it

Jun 11

Stephanie Jane

rated it

Jun 13