The Ophelia Prophecy by Sharon Lynn Fisher

Title: The Ophelia Prophecy
Author: Sharon Lynn Fisher
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Series: N/A

Trade Paperback, 320 pages
Publication: April 1, 2014

Source: I received a review copy from the publicist in exchange for a honest review.

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Our world is no longer our own. We engineered a race of superior fighters -- the Manti, mutant humans with insect-like abilities. Twenty-five years ago they all but destroyed us. In Sanctuary, some of us survive. Eking out our existence. Clinging to the past.

Some of us intend to do more than survive.
Asha and Pax -- strangers and enemies -- find themselves stranded together on the border of the last human city, neither with a memory of how they got there. Asha is an archivist working to preserve humanity’s most valuable resource -- information -- viewed as the only means of resurrecting their society. Pax is Manti, his Scarab ship a menacing presence in the skies over Sanctuary, keeping the last dregs of humanity in check.

Neither of them is really what they seem, and what humanity believes about the Manti is a lie. With their hearts and fates on a collision course, they must unlock each other's secrets and forge a bond of trust before a rekindled conflict pushes their two races into repeating the mistakes of the past.

I became a fan of Fisher’s after reading her first novel, Ghost Planet and couldn’t wait to dive back into another science fiction romance.  Like Ghost Planet, Fisher did an amazing job combing two types of genres, creating a harmonious balance that showcased her writing/ storytelling ability. The world-building was very detailed and plot just as engaging; accomplishments in itself…as there are many books out there that lack one or the other.

Fisher surprises readers yet again with a unique concept that I’ve never read in science fiction, human-insect hybrids.  Yup, you read that right. The Ophelia Prophecy is narrated in third person POV, alternating between our protagonists Asha, the human and Pax, the Manti ( human-insect hybrid). The story opens up with Asha and Pax waking up on the edge of The Sanctuary (one of the supposedly last remaining human camps) with no clues as to how they got there. It isn’t long till Asha recovers her lost memories and the truth is revealed as to why she woke up on the outskirts of town with Pax of all people…for he is the prince of the Mantis. 

My favorite aspect of this novel is definitely the world-building; it was very well written and most importantly everything was explained in great depth. Fisher explained exactly how the Mantis hybrids came about, and why they ended up dominating the humans, when it was the humans who perfected the Mantis gene.  I like that the information was easy to understand and never once was I overwhelm with the information or terminology. The plot and pacing was also good, there was never a dull moment as it kept me constantly engrossed in the story and our two lead characters.

Asha and Pax are like two star-crossed lovers, except when they first meet they’re not exactly…lovers. In reality they’re enemies that have a strong attraction/connection to one another. I appreciate the author trying to tone down the ‘instalove’ but it is still there somewhat, at least for Pax. As the prince of the Mantis, Pax practically breaks all law possible and risks his life to protect Asha…even when she tries to distance herself and double crosses him on multiple occasions in the book. Asha on the other hand is on a one track goal for most of the book, trying to find someone important in the Manti’s main capital. There is no doubt that she is attracted to Pax, but for the most part that was left at the back of her mind. I didn’t like how Asha would repeatedly betray Pax, especially when he was going out of his way to protect her and tell her the truth. Thankfully she came to her senses toward the end of the book, because it was starting to bug me (pun not intended).  

Overall, The Ophelia Prophecy is a commendable second book by Fisher. It has many of the same qualities as Ghost Planet such as a unique and fascinating world building, realistic characters and an action filled plot. I highly recommend this book to already fans of Ghost Planet, and those who enjoy scifi with a dash of romance. I will definitely be on the lookout for Fisher’s future works!