Review: Decoy by Michaela Debelius

Decoy
By: Michaela Debelius

Ebook: 322 pages

Publisher: Self-Published/Createspace

ISBN: 9781476434926

Source: author for an honest review

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Yes (A Noel Casey Novel Book #1)

Stars: 4

Flames: 2

Summary from Goodreads

Lieutenant Noel Casey is taken aback by her newest military assignment. Her usual routine of vaccine development is interrupted when she's assigned to analyze Killian, a genetically engineered soldier designed for exceptional strength and intelligence. She's not accustomed to working with human subjects, especially a person created for warfare, and Killian's indifference is making it difficult to see past his robotic demeanor.

When Noel is attacked outside Killian's containment quarters, he is forced to intervene. The altruistic act instantly transforms their relationship, though neither will admit to the shift in sentiment. The predator is now the protector in Noel's eyes, and she's thrown off by her growing captivation.

As if her infatuation with a virtual stranger isn't enough of a distraction, she begins having terrifying nightmares. Her cryptic dreams appear to harbor an elusive warning as she watches them materialize into existence, proving the nightly visions foretelling. She begins to suspect the military base is concealing far more than an experimental soldier, and she can't shake the feeling Killian is the axis of the chaos. Noel must decide whether she'll accept the unconvincing explanations offered by her peers, or reject her comfortable environment for an unimaginable truth. With her premonitions pointing towards a violent outcome and her irrational draw to Killian becoming impossible to ignore, she realizes the choice has already been made for her. Noel's understanding of science is about to be shattered.

Review

I really loved this story. It was unique and engaging. I loved the science and the science fiction mixed in with the storyline. I did think the story was going to be about one thing and it went a whole other direction however I was not disappointed because it was a really good book. I give this story a solid 4 stars.

Noel is a scientist that works on antidotes for biological warfare however it is not this job that gets her pulled to this top secret base but supposedly her minor in psychology. The whole circumstances that she is recruited under seem suspicious but she didn’t argue and yes it is explained later in the story. Noel did have a hard time after getting to the base she is attacked and saved, she has to put up with rude comments from men constantly and she keeps having these weird dreams that seem somewhat prophetic.

Killian was a great character. He comes across tough and unreadable at first but then you see his softer side in glimpses. He is supposed to be a killing machine but he turns out to be something completely different. I really felt bad for him when we thought he was confined to his little room except for training.

Taylor is the other main character. He claims he is a mathematician but he doesn’t look or act like one. He likes Noel and later develops a special bond with her. All of that is explained but I will not spoil it. Again Taylor is also a great character. I am curious about his tattoo especially since Noel dreams about it.

I am curious about the creatures in the forest and if they will have any more to do with the story or not. Another thing is why wasn’t Noel just told the secret earlier instead of letting her wander around uninformed. Also I sense a love triangle building in the story maybe more will come to light in the next book? Hopefully we will know soon! The story had a lot of surprising twists and turns. I can’t wait to read the next book.

All in all the characters are well written in this story. The plot keeps the story moving and intriguing and there is still plenty of mystery to keep me reading on the next book. I can’t wait. This was a great debut novel for Michaela.