Kindle Edition

With his patients dead and his genetic research in tatters, Dr. Anton Springmann fled his homeland as a fugitive, taking a one-way diesel ship to New Alania. But within hours of his arrival, screams ring through the night. Hordes of gray, humanoid creatures–devils, to the townspeople–attack Anton’s new home. Among the dead, Anton finds a single survivor: a young girl, Elisa Pierce. Her skin grows cracked and she begins to mutate. She’s becoming a devil. Anton’s seen it before.

Tormented by past sins, Anton struggles to save Elisa before the change takes her completely. But old enemies have pursued him across the seas, and now Anton is being hunted by more than just devils.

Redemption doesn’t come cheap in New Alania.

I have to admit that when I get ready to read a book I will read any reviews that are on Goodreads. While reading up about The Converted several people stated that it was set in a Western-like environment. So I get cracking on the book to find out there are no cowboys. What is a Western environment without cowboys? Though I may be able to understand because many of the men are mentioned to have pistols holstered to their hips, which are given to boys as they come of age, that seems to be the only resemblance to that era. To me it seems that the story is placed in a time that is mixed with old-fashioned traditions and new technology. At times these clash, which is the idea of the story, while other times the different worlds exist in a certain amount of acceptance.

All throughout the story there are mentions of religion, racism and discrimination against status. If you are a Skia living in the slums working for bare minimum, you will always be this and nothing else. If you are gentry, you have nice family lines and power. Any small relation to today’s living or any other time, yes. Anton has tolerance for people of different races and status and while traveling with a few friends he teaches them a level of tolerance as well.

Though Anton is not looked upon as a ‘good person’ due to his previous employment he does have great knowledge and a good heart. This takes a while to emerge and for his friends to realize, though it may be too late.

The Converted is a very well written novel that contains well-developed characters, strong relationship ties, adventure and the perfect amount of detail. I was a little slow in reading this but it had nothing to do with the story, I have read from some people that they had finished it in one evening, and though it was very enjoyable I do not think I could have matched that speed even on a good day.

Discover the adventures of Anton and his friends in The Converted as well as other works from C. R. Hindmarsh at http://crhindmarsh.blogspot.com. You can also find him on twitter, CRHindmarsh.

Coffee Order: Quad