I am well-chuffed. A five-star review and the reviewer really delved into the themes of the book. Here’s the full review.
The Vitruvian Mask is a historical sci-fi drama story by BJ Sikes. After disposing of the previous regime, the Naturalists have taken over France, methodically targeting scientists and destroying every one of their creations. Former Head Scientist and Roboticist Adelaide Coumain takes refuge on a remote farm alongside three of her colleagues, only to be left homeless when the authorities arrest her colleagues and burn down the farm. Pregnant and on the verge of giving birth, Adelaide arrives at a Paris hospital to deliver a healthy boy. But she soon realizes that hospitals are no longer the bastion of science and starts treating injured Augmented soldiers with significant risk to herself. Meanwhile, Henri Desjardins returns to France following his exile and accidentally stumbles onto Adelaide’s path. What does fate truly hold for Adelaide?
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
A splendid mix of suspense, drama, and thrills makes The Vitruvian Mask a sci-fi thriller you don’t want to miss. Set in an alternate history of France, BJ Sikes’ tale is high on political intrigue and touches upon some issues that feel more relevant today than ever. In the story, scientists are persecuted, and superstition and misinformation are favored by the totalitarian regime, which has uncanny parallels with how some nations of the world operate. The characters have human flaws and personalities in how they react to adversity, making you relate to them. Sikes keeps an even pace with a thoroughly compelling plot. Recommended to readers of sci-fi and historical fiction alike.
BJ Sikes, author 