A Dystopian Sci-Fi Novel By Nikki Haase (New Release!)
‘Elimination’ by Nikki Haase is a harrowing, challenging read that starts off bleak and only gets bleaker.
Jack Cortex is an experimental military creation – known as a ‘subject’ – held in some non-descript underground lab operated by the US government. He is one of a new breed of elemental super-soldiers in training and has been given the power to control water (with often devastating results), as well as quick healing and resistance to physical damage. The story tracks his tortuous time in the lab whilst the evil Dr Thaddeus attempts to ascertain what will harm/kill the subjects through a series of horrific experiments, and which subjects are the strongest through a series of one-on-one fights to the death – to what end, we aren’t exactly sure.
It begins with someone close to Jack dying, and ends in the same way, and it’s hard to identify any progress he makes in between. He is held in his cell, is taken away to be tortured or to kill someone (or both), then is returned to his cell. This happens over and over in the same pattern. Each time he defies the guards initially, then each time after torture/a killing spree, he gives in and acquiesces. The challenge of this set up is that the reader is constantly waiting for/expecting something else to happen, but it rarely ever does.
The writing is clean and error free, and there are many passages that are well put together with a high level of detail bringing you into the torture and battle scenes as you feel Jack’s pain. The lead subjects share a bond through their suffering, and some of the moments between them are touching. There are also some clever ideas about how the subjects are able to manipulate the elements to their advantage – and kill people.
I must admit I found it a challenge to really root for the subjects, including Jack, because in the midst of all their torture they commit so many brutal murders and sadistic acts themselves and with such glee. Obviously, you feel bad for them in their awful situation, and can understand their desire to rebel, but many of their actions made them difficult for me to totally like/relate to.
Overall, it is a quick read and the story moves along at a real pace with no lulls. If you’re into gruesome torture scenes, and brutal descriptions of fights to the death, then there’s plenty here for you!
‘Elimination’ is available for purchase at: https://amzn.to/4azTfNA
(Review By Robin Stevens)
