A Perfect Machine

A secret society wages war on the streets every night. Hidden from the populace and wiped from their memories, Hunters and Runners relentlessly chase and shoot at each other. Henry Kyllo is the first runner to achieve full body lead content–Runners absorb lead from bullets and only extreme damage can kill them. Kyllo begins a transformation and sparks a conflict that will engulf the planet.

A Perfect Machine by Brett Savory is an action-packed, non-stop adventure with a fantastic cover. Kyllo’s “ascension” begins almost immediately, and the story rockets forward from there. The story, unfortunately, has the feel of a roughly expanded short story. The only focus is Kyllo, and little to no information is provided on the secret society or why the Runners absorb lead besides “because that’s the way it is.” The fate of the secret society, Henry’s friends, and Henry himself is left vague. There is a glimmer of a great story here, but it is rushed and plagued with plot holes. It’s not a bad read; it’s fun and thumps along at a steady pace. It’s just not satisfying, and the ending doesn’t answer any questions and leaves you hoping for a sequel to explain.