I was drawn into the Roma Series because of the fabulous covers and the storyline.
It made me think of Kathy Reichs and the the TV series, Bones, with her forensic anthropology, only for a character that specializes in forensic accounting.
MY REVIEW
Bianca is back in the Wasp’s Nest by Gabriel Valjan, the second book in the Roma Series. She has returned to the States and is working for Rendition…again. I wonder if she may regret it. She is a loner and distrustful. She walked away from love, but she cannot forget him. Will he come back into her life?
A scientific element arises when Bianca investigates Nason Pharmaceutical and wasp DNA. Will it be used for a cure or a weapon? In this twisted world, who can say.
As the story grows and develops into more than one mystery to be solved, I wonder how safe any of the characters are. An assassin, corruption and greed…can anyone be trusted?
It is difficult for me to understand some of the scientific and technological references, but I do understand conspiracy, greed, betrayal and murder. The heavier reading sometimes seems like a school lesson, but I do want to know and understand, so my pace is slower than usual.
In Wasp’s Nest we are becoming more serious, more involved in the mysteries and there is less eating and traveling and more investigating. Italians do have a passion for food and their needs are a celebration of taste so I think it is a valuable component to the story. The suspense has ramped up, with danger around every corner. I was worried Bianca’s band of merry men may pay a fatal price. I have become very fond of her gang, each with their own personalities, desires and motives.
If I gave half stars, I would give Wasp’s Nest 3 1/2. The story is much better, with more action, for an action junkie like me. There will be more in this five book series and I look forward to following the gang to the very end.
I received Wasp’s Nest free of charge from the Gabriel Valjan.
You can see my review for Roma: Underground, Book I, by Gabriel Valjan HERE.
3 Stars
SYNOPSIS
WASP’S NEST (Book #2)
In the highly anticipated sequel to Roma, Underground, Bianca returns to the U.S. for her former employer, the covert organization Rendition, to investigate Cyril Sargent and Nasonia Pharmaceutical. Although ambivalent about the assignment and uneasy about her online “friend,” Loki, she is enticed into researching what Sargent is doing with insect genetics that might upset the world of cancer research and treatment. Old friends Farrugia and Gennaro uncover a twisted conspiracy from their past and join Bianca in Boston where they will experience conflicted loyalties, question allies, and confront uncertain enemies, as they’re drawn into the wasp’s nest.
“Again, Valjan successfully conflates multiple sophisticated narratives that bring the past and present together, which the archaeological theme of the last novel also helps accomplish . . . Black is back and just as entertaining as ever.”
—Kirkus Book Reviews
“…a compelling reading, action-packed and with intriguing characters. The plot had plenty of twists and turns, some surprising secrets, and it kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing until the very end.”
—The Book Junkie
ABOUT GABRIEL VALJAN
Gabriel Valjan lives in Boston, Massachusetts. He is the author of the Roma Series, available from Winter Goose Publishing. Gabriel has also written numerous short stories and essays found online and in print.
Connect with the author: Website ~Twitter ~ Facebook
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GIVEAWAY
- 5 winners get a paperback copy of CC
- 5 winners get an ebook copy of CC
- 1 winner gets whole set of Roma series in paperback (signed)
- 1 winner gets whole set of Roma series in ebook format
- 12 winners total
- Print copies open to USA and ebooks open international
- Giveaway ends Dec 17
- You may see my Giveaways HERE.
- You can see my Reviews HERE.
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You can see my review for Roma: Underground, Book I, by Gabriel Valjan HERE.
Sounds like a good book. I don’t understand all the tech/science jargon, but I like to read about it- I figure that makes the book educational too!
Very cool. Sounds interesting.
Now I’m curious to see what you think of the next ones:)
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Thank you for the review. I hope the techy stuff wasn’t too much; wasps are unique creatures. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about Bianca in Milan in Book 3. The “Years of Lead” is still a taboo topic in Italy. Thanks again. GV