Title: Species
Author: Johan Fundin
Publisher: Asioni Press
ASIN: B08C22XKC4
Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: NA
Review by: Arthur Thares

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Science fiction is such a broad genre, going all the way from the farfetched futuristic plots, to this story which is just a step out of reality. Species is comfortably in the sci-fi genre, but it mixes a little bit of everything, sprinkling in some politics and romance and wrapping it up in the shell of a drama. Species is a work of fiction, but it makes you wonder, what if?

At its core, this is a science fiction book which tackles what would happen if we played God, much in the same vein of Jurassic Park. Using science, a group brings back an extinct species that were best left in the past, but that only becomes clear after it is too late. Much like real life, greed and power play a big role in the matters of this story.

While one overarching plot guides the book, there are many subtle subplots to explore. This is a book full of espionage and will have you questioning your ethics while barraging you with one questionable situation after the next. It all culminates in a far too familiar scenario that leaves the reader wondering what they would do in that situation, and if something like that will happen in their lifetime.

Johan Fundin is an accomplished author, and it shows in his work. This is a polished piece of writing that hits every note you would expect and feels more like a historic retelling than a story that is going through the motions to get you to the final act. In Species, he has created vibrant and diverse characters that are not perfect, which makes them all the more relatable.

There are some pretty high-concept scientific ideas in this book, which makes sense since Fundin has a Ph. D. in physical chemistry. His background in science helps to make an otherwise far-out idea seem plausible. Fundin also made some bold moves in this book that were uncomfortable, to say the least like one of the antagonist’s intimate relationships. That step outside of comfort is just one more way that he proves himself to be a fantastic author that is willing to take risks.

Something about this book seems so familiar, but at the same time its unlike anything I have ever read. This is definitely a story for adult eyes only, but it is a fun book for lovers of any genre. I found it hard to put this book down as I always wanted to know what was coming next in this epic adventure. Johan Fundin stuns as always, and Species is definitely a book to put on your must-read list.