Still Life

What a weird, twisted, romantic sci-fi book! It had a unique and very intriguing plot line. It kept me entertained from the first page to the last. I would definitely recommend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Such a neat concept for this book: an alien invasion has never been so subtle and insidious!

Samantha’s scumbag boyfriend, Edward, is injured in a car crash and seems to die before making a miraculous recovery. It turns out a weird new virus has something to do with it, and lots of other men are coming back too, albeit changed.

The book twists quite a few notions on their heads, starting with the image of the girlfriend at a hospital bed guilty that she wished her boyfriend dead not too long ago. Then we see Sam knowing things aren’t right when Edward is way too nice. Still Life poses lots of interesting questions, and I especially enjoyed how the characters cling to what they’re familiar with, even when they know deep down the familiar is masking a creepy and disturbing threat.

There’s also a love triangle and plenty of surprises. It’s gripping and accessible with a subtly dry tone, and the author skillfully navigates dark concepts while never slowing the pace.

What a fantastic idea for an alien Invasion! Really clever and unique. I liked the writing style and the attention to nitty gritty details. I hadn't realised this is the first in a series, but I'll be looking out for the follow up. Definitely want to know what happens next.


Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.

This was certainly original, it started out quite normally and then took a turn for the weird.No spoilers but I don't believe I have ever read anything like this and I do read Sci Fi, but this writer certainly thinks outside of the box, well outside.... I wasn't sure I liked the main female character, and I certainly didn't like her boyfriend but I had no idea how the book was going to pan out and it really was different I did start feeling some sympathy for the female lead and I did enjoy the book.Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.

***ARC Provided by author for honest review***

Isobel Hart's Still Life delivers a thrilling new type of sci-fi romance that offers an exciting story with twists and turns at every turn. Can death change a person?

Samantha thought she knew what the rest of her life looked like. She even believed that she could be happy with Edward, someone who didn’t entirely give her everything she wanted and didn’t treat her exactly the way she ought to be treated but was willing to make it work. That was until Sam found out that he had been sleeping with someone else behind her back. Sam was prepared to end it with him, but as she was breaking up with him, their car crashed due to a mysterious fog that had taken over the city.

Waking up in the hospital, Sam learns that she got out of the crash relatively unscathed but Edward had surgery and while healing died and miraculous came back to life. Not wanting to make the situation worse Sam must pretend that she hadn’t just broken up with him as he’s making his recovery. Amidst all this confusion there is one saving grace for Sam; a doctor named Elliot who is working on Edward's case. He provides Sam a sense of comfort and a shoulder to lean on.

Sam begins her life again with Edward and comes to find that he’s acting completely different than he used to. At first, the transformation is welcoming and a bit exciting, but as time goes on Sam becomes scared of Edward and how he’s acting, starting not even to be able to recognize him. She and Elliot begin to investigate what could’ve spurred this attitude change. A connection is drawn between the fog and people coming back to life. With other people exhibiting similar symptoms to Edward, the race to figure out this scientific anomaly is on.

The characters are dynamic and provided dimension to what could be typical stock characters. This book promises to keep you guessing on the edge of your seat with every chapter.

4.5 stars

**Review by Sasha, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books**

What would you do if your boyfriend cheated on you, you ended up driving home with him in the car? Emotions and fog get the better of you, you crash. Do you stay beside supposedly changed boyfriend, ignore the hot doctor and forget to mention you caused the accident? This book is thrilling and full of twists and turns. I had no idea what was coming next. I am dying for the next book. Definitely worth reading.