About Face

Agents of Change (Agents of Change #1) by Guy Harrison

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: Karma has a new face...

In his debut, Guy Harrison writes a unique tale of corruption and espionage in what's been called "an exciting thriller with plenty of surprises" and "an exciting story packed with twists, disasters and suspense."

An amiable corporate manager by day and a matchmaker whenever he can get around to it, Calvin Newsome's new dream job falls into his lap when he's recruited by a secret worldwide organization whose agents use uncanny abilities to empower and influence everyday downtrodden individuals. Disaster strikes, however, when an elaborate scheme leaves Calvin as a prime murder suspect...and his new employer is presumably to blame.

With the authorities on his heels and his life left in ruin, Calvin uses his new powers to blend in until a journey for freedom becomes a quest for peace. As the agency's rival organization threatens the security of all of earth's inhabitants, he teams up with unlikely allies and battles surprising enemies hellbent on unleashing their power in a twisted version of justice, innocent lives be damned.

Review: An enjoyable science fiction story with superheroes of a sort and plenty of twists and turns.

Agents of Change was an interesting book although sometimes confusing. I really liked Calvin and felt like he was a realistic character although I find it hard to believe how quickly he joined the Agency of Influence. The Agencies were an interesting idea along with their agents getting telekinesis and shape shifting abilities. The agents came close, but not quite, to being superhero type characters. It seems like the Agency of Justice should be the good guys in the story, but they are not and it is quite easy to see how justice can get out of hand.

I was really enjoying the story until the end of the first part. There was a lot of drama, a lot of action, and not knowing how you can trust. Calvin is so gung ho about helping everyone even when his life is at risk. The Calvin in the second part of the book felt rather different. How could he so quickly leave his desire to help behind so easily behind? And why did the Agency of Influence become so evil? The ending was unexpected and it will certainly be interesting to see what Calvin will do in the second book.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy science fiction novels with or without a superhero angle.