Seeker (Mini-Review)

Seeker is a Science Fiction book by Douglas E. Richards. The plot revolves around the sudden appearance of a strange alien craft that lands deep in the Amazon and the people who search for it. Ben Kagan is the book's protagonist that grows more unbearable as the book goes on.

I guess it's only polite to start off with the positive things in this book. What the author gets right is interesting concepts and a good setting. Up until the final twist in the book, there are interesting discussions between Kagan and Ella as they try to figure exactly what Seeker is up to. This book also makes you feel the wonder of the Amazon. Ironic, then, that the fires were happening as I was reading the book.

Time and time again we are told how intelligent Kagan is. Again and again we are reminded about his enhanced abilities. Yet he becomes an idiot just so the plot can continue. One of the earliest instances of this is when he can't tell Ella sneaked aboard the helicopter even though he has super hearing, basically.

When the final twist of the book comes, it feels underwhelming. So many times up until that point things have just happened because either Kagan and Ella were idiots, which made it impossible to become invested in the fate of all humanity.

I would recommend this book to Science Fiction fans who prefer interesting concepts over interesting characters.