REVIEW: The Bane, by Keary Taylor (The Eden Trilogy #1)

Before the Evolution there was TorBane: technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter.  It had the ability to grow new organs and limbs, to heal the world.  Until it
evolved out of control and spread like the common cold.  The machine took over, the soul vanished, and the Bane were born.  The Bane won't stop until every last person
has been infected. With less than two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction.

Eve knows the stories 

of the Evolution, the time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable 

to recall anything but her name.  But she doesn't need memories 

to know this world is her reality.  This is a world that is quickly losing 

its humanity, one Bane at a time.

Fighting to keep one 

of the last remaining human colonies alive, Eve finds herself torn between her 

dedication to the colony, and the discovery of love.  There is Avian and 

West – one a soldier, one a keeper of secrets.  And in the end, Eve will make
a choice that will change the future of mankind.

Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic world that feels a bit like the world in Terminator Salvation? With a strong female main character? Okay...sign me up! The Bane started in an intense moment, and stayed in that feeling through-out. The reasons and situations change, but the intensity held through out.

Eve is amazing. Strong, hard-headed, driven, and despite all she's ever thought before, human (ok, and part robot). Incredibly unique character. Very blunt and emotionless, which can rub a person wrong, but it works so well within the story.

I really enjoyed Taylor's descriptions of the scenes and specific settings. Not over the top, but the very clear details and images depicted put you into the story, rather than sitting outside looking in. I can imagine quite a lot of thought went into how each scene not only played into the bigger story, but into each character's story as well. 

There is, of course, a love triangle, but it resolves itself neatly, though literally, in the end. Rather than distract from this story or even Eve, it helped me to identify with her. After all, she is a teenager. 

Dialogue now and again seemed a bit stiff. Unfortunately, so much of the dialogue is more natural that the stiff bits were obvious. But once you get past them, you get your rhythm back and keep going.

The second book in the trilogy, The Human, was published in early June this year.

What do you think??

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook galley from Keary Taylor Books through the netGalley publisher/reader connection program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.