Suffice to say that this novel’s title, Becoming, has more than one meaning. This book elevated him from smarmy, one-note killer to an actual character. The most notable element that falls within the “more” classification is Genblade. Here is a breakdown of what we learn in this novel: a little about Xander Drew’s back story, with hints of more to come the makeup of the local Tee’s gang Engen, in particular the sheer enormity of the organization Circe, the rival that engaged in a biotechnological arms race with Engen.

In fact, some frustrating aspects of past books, particularly Ghosts of the Past, were lessened though not absolved. I must commend the tying of many loose threads. Finally, a comatose Adam Genblade lives his greatest nightmare over-and-over.

A father passes his breaking point and seeks ‘justice’ with his no-good associates. Xander learns more about his past and settles into his present – until his future changes in the blink of an eye. So, we visit Coral Beach for the seventh time but Xander Drew and pals are anything but lucky. The way everything comes together, LeDrew’s continued evolution from pure storyteller to writer and a smashing good tale make this 2011 release the best of the saga to date – and arguably the best Engen Books have published.Īt this point, you should be familiar with the story’s background and elements so I shall focus solely on the content of this novel. The latest book, Becoming, does have mysteries of its own but finally places some of the puzzle’s missing pieces. In my reviews thus far for Matthew LeDrew’s good – but inconsistent – Black Womb series, I lament that I am often left with more questions than answers.

Becoming by Matthew Ledrew