Review of The Feeler by Katherine Okia
As a devoted fan of both science fiction and cozy mysteries, I was immediately drawn to The Feeler. The premise of a protagonist endowed with the extraordinary ability to perceive emotions within a world so vividly imagined intrigued me. Cora’s journey, set centuries in the future and intertwined with elements of mystery and family dynamics, promised to be nothing short of engaging.
The story revolves around Coraline "Cora" Brimble, who comes from a family of Feelers. After the tragic death of her sister, Cora is left to navigate the turbulent waters of grief while also pursuing her dream of launching her own business. The plot thickens when her brother-in-law arrives with suspicions about a murder—one that adds a chilling layer of urgency to her already complex life. The author expertly combines elements of a cozy mystery with sci-fi in a seamless narrative that kept me turning pages.
One of the standout aspects of The Feeler is its immersive world-building. Katherine Okia has crafted a future that is tantalizingly close to our present, yet filled with innovative gadgets and imaginative technologies. The depiction of Tymal City, from its flying cars that can be summoned like an Uber to bracelets that merge the functionalities of smart devices, sparked my imagination. Readers like Benjamin noted the vividness of the world and the clever design of its details, echoing my own appreciation for how relatable and immersive the setting felt.
Moreover, Cora herself is a well-written character. I found her struggles relatable and her emotional depth compelling. The portrayal of her family dynamics, especially following the devastating loss of her sister, added richness to the story. Thomas Caine’s review emphasizes how easily he connected with her longing for peace, something I felt mirrored my own desires as I followed her journey.
However, not all was without flaws. While the book had gripping moments, some readers pointed out areas where the narrative cliches surfaced—for instance, certain phrases and descriptions became repetitious, such as "eyes bored into hers" or the overuse of words like "guffaw." While I did notice a few instances of this, I found it did not greatly detract from my overall enjoyment of the narrative.
The mystery itself delivered several delightful twists, keeping me guessing until the end. I appreciated the unpredictability, noting that Bonnie Martin found the unexpected conclusion particularly satisfying, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. While I did ultimately guess a few aspects of the plot, the true villain surprised me in a great way.
Despite these improvements that could be made, the narrative flowed well, and I completed it in just a couple of sittings. Cora’s fierce dedication to solving the mystery while balancing her family obligations made me root for her until the very last page.
In conclusion, The Feeler is a satisfying blend of cozy mystery and science fiction that largely meets the expectations set forth in its description. It’s a story filled with emotional depth, intriguing family dynamics, and a compelling mystery that will keep you guessing. Having finished this first installment, I’m eager to see where Cora’s journey will go next. If you enjoy stories that are woven into rich worlds with strong characters and a captivating plot, I highly recommend giving The Feeler a read. It’s marked with imperfections, but the uniqueness makes it an overall worthwhile experience. ★★★★☆