The Personifid Invasion by R.E. Bartlett

Reviewed by Grace Bridges

"The author draws a precise picture of this chilling alternate-future world."

This is a fascinating story based on the intriguing and complex concept that in the future, people will be able to transfer their souls into artificial bodies and cheat death forever.

In this second book, we come face to face with the threat that other beings can invade and take over the human-inhabited machines. I was mesmerised by the uses of virtual reality - for business and pleasure, but also for deceptive purposes. The author draws a precise picture of this chilling alternate-future world.

I had to grin at her use of familiar New Zealand slang and wonder if Stateside readers will think it's inventive futuristic terminology. And well it might be. I have no objection to Kiwis taking over the world!

The main character Aphra is suffering depression and coming off regular use of accepted pleasure drugs. I admired the empathetic description of her debilitated state and her determination to go on regardless.

The spiritual world is plainly seen through the eyes of Nik, herself inhabiting a robot, out to destroy demonic influences in her city. There are some interesting observations on relationships. Imagine having a robot for a sister, or a boyfriend, or a prayer warrior...

Grace Bridges is a sci-fi author (Faith Awakened, 2007, and Legendary Space Pilgrims, 2010) and owner of Splashdown Books, an independent publisher of inspirational sci-fi and fantasy. She's a Kiwi of Irish descent living in beautiful New Zealand, and a chocaholic cat-lovin' Trekkie, Jesus freak, web designer, and all-round DIY gal who also takes care of the Lost Genre Guild blog. Tweets: @gracebridges - or visit www.gracebridges.com for more.