Amy is a socially awkward young woman limited by her introversion. She is good at her job, but is shut off from co-workers and her best friend is only accessible through internet communication. Her boss occasionally doesn’t notice her presence at her desk. Yet, Amy is in danger, because she retains a special ability and murderous forces want to detain her. More importantly, she is less alone than she thinks, because there are men and women in her world who possess similar abilities.
RIPPED AWAY, the second book in S.D. Christopher’s Uncommon Senses series, may seem akin to a Marvel superhero comic/movie. But the humanity inherent in the various characters typifies their uniqueness and each one is well drawn and distinct. The plot weaves between Amy, a distressed and depressed young woman who soon finds herself in grave danger to Maiko, a brilliant researcher suffering from cancer, who is astute and imbued with deadly abilities. Troy, a Detective, is obsessed with a serial killer/rapist case. The case was closed with the death of the suspected killer and his former partner. Jess and Lance are siblings mourning the loss of their cousin, William. They might retain answers to their cousins murderous actions. Unanswered questions prompt Troy to delve deeper, his dogged pursuit making him sympathetic and compelling. Dr. Gibson presides over an eccentric group of patients, diverse but operating on the same wavelength in supernatural capability. Her humanity is evident for the reader as she seeks to unite her patients and have them vent their inner turmoil. As events progress, she must keep them safe from creeping harm.
The action of the ever changing narrative of RIPPED AWAY draws readers in and the perspectives change with each new chapter, but doesn’t deter the overall impact. The mantra of “With great power comes great responsibility” seems trite, but in author Christopher’s hands, it takes on new dimensions. The characters are occasionally reluctant to engage their powers, especially when it may bring harm. The true villains resort to lethal actions without a second thought, yet without hampering their story. Opening up to someone and giving a part of oneself is explored in depth in RIPPED AWAY, and how it can bring people together. This is one of the poignant aspects of the book that makes it so well done.
Author S.D. Christopher weaves a careful web of narratives with depth and emotion in RIPPED AWAY (Uncommon Senses #2) an action packed science fiction fantasy packing a wallop in intense suspense.
~Philip Zozzaro for IndieReader