I recently finished reading On Impulse by Heather Texle, and I must say, it was an exhilarating experience! I’m a huge fan of science fiction, especially when it involves strong female leads and action-packed plots. The twist of including a murder mystery in a space opera setting caught my eye, so I was eager to dig into this thrilling read. I had high expectations, and with its win in the 2023 Minnesota Author Project Contest in Adult Fiction, I was hoping it would deliver both excitement and depth.
From the get-go, the narrative grips you with Agent Reliance Sinclair’s tumultuous plunge from a respected officer to a fugitive. The premise is enriched by layers of intrigue; after finding her best friend, Jarrett, murdered, Reliance, blaster in hand, must unravel the mystery of his death while evading the law. The pacing of the story was fast and relentless, filled with unexpected turns that made it difficult for me to put the book down—an experience echoed by several readers who loved this aspect of the plot, describing it as a "brilliant sci-fi murder mystery with plenty of action."
One standout aspect for me was Reliance herself. She is a multi-faceted character: competent, witty, and deeply relatable. Her flaws and impulsive decisions, like fleeing the scene of a crime, add a realistic edge to her character that many can empathize with. I totally agreed with Lass Nobody caught a pikachu, who noted how entertaining and funny Reliance is despite her challenges. The supporting cast, including a sass-talking spaceship’s computer and an annoyingly hot detective, added vibrant dynamics to the storyline. Characters like Felix, the ship’s feline avatar, were delightful surprises that nuanced the narrative.
The book also delves into interesting technological advancements—neural implants and bionic weapons—creating a future that feels both imaginative and plausible. Steve Kemp mentioned the novel’s unique perspective as being refreshing, with fewer sci-fi works featuring a female viewpoint, and I couldn’t agree more. Texle’s writing immersed me in a fantastic world well beyond my initial expectations.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Despite my overall enjoyment, I did find some areas less compelling. A few reviews highlighted awkward pacing at times, and I can relate to that. There were moments when the dialogue felt a bit forced or did not quite flow organically. Additionally, I noticed some unnecessary profanity sprinkled throughout the book. While it didn’t detract significantly from my reading experience, I found myself wishing for a bit more restraint in that regard, as it seemed out of place in some contexts, just as identified by other readers.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall reading experience was exhilarating and engaging. I was captivated by Texle’s world-building and character development, and I loved the unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end. One of my favorite lines from the book—“Lights along the walls shifted in color and intensity, throbbing to the music like a visual heartbeat”—beautifully captures the immersive quality of the narrative.
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend On Impulse to anyone looking for a sci-fi adventure filled with strong characters, thrilling action, and a gripping mystery. The book not only met my expectations but often exceeded them. If you enjoy fast-paced plots woven with humor and heartfelt moments, this book will be a satisfying read. I can’t wait for the sequel to see how Reliance Sinclair’s journey unfolds next!