Publisher: Matador (May 21, 2018)
Publication Date: May 21, 2018
Language: English
“The book is exquisitely written, with good characterization and a compelling plot… Thoroughly recommended.” —Jennifer’s Reviews
Akasha is a precocious young girl with dreams of motherhood. She lives in a fantastical world where most of the oceans circulate in the aquamarine sky waters.
Before she was born, the Helios, a tribe of angels from the sun, came to Earth to deliver the Surge, the next step in the evolution of an embryonic human race. Instead they spawned a race of hybrids and infected humanity with a hybrid seed.
Horque manifests on Earth with another tribe of angels, the Solarii, to rescue the genetic mix-up and release the Surge.
Akasha embarks on a journey from maiden to mother and from apprentice to priestess then has a premonition that a great flood is imminent. All three races – humans, hybrids and Solarii – face extinction.
With their world in crisis, Akasha and Horque meet, and a sublime love flashes between them. Is this a cause of hope for humanity and the Solarii? Or will the hybrids destroy them both? Will anyone survive the killing waters of the coming apocalypse?
I received a copy for an honest review. What follows is my opinion and mine alone. There was no compensation for this review.
Genes of Isis is the second book from Justin Newland I’ve read, but his debut book. I should start by saying, have some time to think through as you read. There were moments I had to reread because the prose can be in depth, but the story is rich and interesting, twisting an ancient Egyptian setting with a fantasy apocalypse.
Newland’s writing style is purple prose-esque, but with enough care a reader could get into the story rather well. The blurb does help you get a grasp of the main characters, but to really get into the story, ignore it and just dive in. The world is well thought of and imaginative. I felt like I was experiencing the world just as much as following Akasha and Horque.
Out of the two Newland books I’ve read, The Old Dragon’s Head is my favorite, but the two books are so different from one another that comparing them is almost like comparing apples and oranges. Both are well written and shows Newland’s writing skills.
All in all, Genes of Isis is a good addition to a fantasy book collection. Especially if you like angels, apocalyptic stakes, and Egyptian influence. Pick it up and try it out.
JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. His stories explore the themes of war and religion, and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.
Casia's Corner 
Hey Casia, many thanks for hosting this stop on the blog tour of my novel, The Genes of Isis. And thanks for your kind review of the book. Keep safe. Justin.