Book Review: Titan’s Tears

Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker

A sci-fi thriller full of unexpected twists where bioengineering and murder-machines are just the beginning

Titan’s Tears unfolds predominantly on an Alaskan island, housing one of the world’s most influential companies, Eccleston Evolution. Specializing in bioengineering and environmental rehabilitation, Eccleston Evolution’s headquarters is enveloped by the Pleistocene Reserve—an expanse that serves as a sanctuary for de-extinct species: mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, dire wolves, and more. The driving force behind decades of technological and biological progress is the company’s founder, Sophia Eccleston, a figure unapologetically aware of her wealth and influence. “She knew she was rich and powerful and made no attempt to hide it and every attempt to flaunt it.”

Belle, mysteriously lacking memories of her life before arriving, finds herself in the remote Alaskan town of Kobuksville. An invitation from Sophia for a job offer thrusts Belle into an unfamiliar world. There are many peculiarities that arise when Belle arrives at St. Olga and makes the trek up to the headquarters, eventually prompting her to question the true nature of her surroundings: “Are you trying to build Jurassic Park?” Embracing the role of a nanny to Sophia’s blind daughter, Juno, Belle gains insight into the day-to-day operations at Eccleston Evolution. As she navigates her responsibilities, she senses that things are awry, especially within the product development wing.

In parallel, we follow Seth, residing in Oregon, over several decades. Despite losing the most precious people in his life, Seth remains a diligent worker, persisting because he must. As time unfolds, he grapples with the repercussions of his choices but persists in fulfilling the necessary tasks, fueled by an irrational hope of reclaiming the light in his life. Until one day, a true glimmer of hope is bestowed upon him, he can see his wife again if only he completes a few tasks for a mysterious Sam. Seth’s mission brings him to Alaska. 

The author effectively anchors the futuristic narrative in historical scientific breakthroughs, highlighting such advancements as cloning, regenerative growth, and cross-species transplants. Leveraging past scientific achievements as a foundation, the story intelligently traces the trajectory of bio-evolution influenced by human interference, particularly through Sophia’s perspective: “Sophia, be careful of this new god you’re trying to elevate. It may be less forgiving than the one you’re trying to demote.”

The most thrilling moments of the book emerge when assumptions about characters’ intentions and identities undergo a dramatic overturn, immersing readers even deeper into the narrative. The continuous shifts in perspective in nearly every chapter maintain a sense of unpredictability, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty about whom to trust. The distinction between heroes and villains is not always crystal clear, injecting a layer of mystery into this fascinating blend of genetics and artificial intelligence within the realm of science fiction.

The fusion of biology and artificial intelligence is executed perfectly to enthrall sci-fi enthusiasts and captivate an even broader audience than that. Titan’s Tears closely relates to our reality, depicting a plausible future full of apprehension and intrigue.

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