Shadow Run, by A.C. Ellis

Susan would give anything to get back into deep space.  It has been ten years since the tragic events on Aldebaran, but she had not piloted a ship since.  Now, she had been commissioned for a top secret mission, but the closer she gets to engaging in the mission, the more confusing and mysterious life seems to become.  How badly does Susan want to go back into space, and what is she willing to do to get there.

I have to admit, I am not much of a fan of science fiction, so, this is not a book I would normally read.  However, I decided to give it a go, and stretch my literary muscles a bit.  I had no idea the workout I was in for.  The storyline of this book, which is the first of a series. was actually quite good, and involved a lot of time travel.  Some of the logic, philosophy, and physics behind the time travel premise put forth in the book did make my mind spin, but the same happened to the main character, so I do not feel so bad.  There were times I did not completely understand what was going on, but I think a second reading would clear up any confusion.

I liked the development of Susan's character; as a reader I was invested in her well being, and anxious to see what would happen in the story.  For a book outside my genre preferences, I think that is a huge accomplishment.  And although the book takes place in the future, it is not a terribly cheesy rendition of the future, which is so common in sci fi.  I think the setting was actually really relatable, and pretty believable for sci fi.

All in all, I really enjoyed the book, and am glad I stepped out of my reading comfort zone.  While I do not think I will be converted to a sci fi junkie, it is nice to find authors in the genre that I like, and will most likely read more of in the future.  As for die hard sci fi fans, you will probably love this book, so be sure to check it out!
I received a copy of this book from the author as a prize from a contest.