Audiobook Review: Deadly Memory by David Walton

I received a review copy from the author This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

Deadly Memory by David Walton

Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Book 2 of Living Memory

Publisher: Archaeopteryx Books (May 11, 2023)

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Narrator: Sofia Rowley

Deadly Memory is the second novel of David Walton’s thrilling sci-fi and paleontology mashup series, picking up the story directly from the end of the first book, Living Memory. The last time we were with them, our cast of characters were scattered across the globe. Having recently been ejected from Thailand where her expedition to excavate a mass grave of a new species of miniraptor was abruptly cut short, Samira is back home in Colorado, fuming at the loss of her dig site. Soon, however, she is distracted from her frustrations by a miraculous discovery by her new contacts at the CIA. Somehow, the US government has acquired a living maniraptor whom they have dubbed Charlie, but readers will of course know him as Prey, since we’d met him in the first book. From his flashback chapters, we had also learned that maniraptors were highly intelligent and technologically advanced, communicating with each other through scent.

Meanwhile, the work of Thai paleontologist Kit has caught the attention of Princess Mai Sirindhorn, which is how he suddenly finds himself appointed her new science minister. As the last surviving member of the royal family, the princess is still in the middle of fighting a deadly coup, but she also has a secret weapon up her sleeve. A mysterious substance had been found amidst the bones of the maniraptors which would allow whoever using it to dominate the will of others, but unfortunately, the princess is not the only one who knows about this domination scent. Everyone from the Chinese government to the leaders of the Thai criminal network want to get their hands on this dangerous substance, and back in the United States, Samira is distressed to learn that even the CIA plans to use Charlie to manufacture this powerful scent for their own purposes.

If you enjoyed Living Memory, chances are you will also enjoy Deadly Memory which continues the trend of rip-roaring, suspenseful and action-packed storytelling. That said, we do experience a brief slowdown in the opening as catch up with everything that has happened to everyone since the preceding volume, but we soon power through these sections into the meat of the narrative. In addition, this sequel also has a leg up on its processor by introducing another major element into the plot— that of the Julian virus, so named because it originated from an oil rig in San Julian Basin which has been drilling deep into the ocean floor.

If you’re thinking, “Oh man, not another pandemic story!” I can’t say I blame you. In the wake of COVID19, this topic has been a growing trend in fiction leading to potential fatigue, but I’m happy to report that Walton puts a unique spin on Julian to keep things interesting and fresh. For one, the virus is much more virulent and lethal, but it is the conundrum of its origins and how it relates to paleontology and dinosaurs in this book that is the real hook.

The multiple threads in this story also come together beautifully, seamlessly knitting together the pockets of dramatic action unfolding on opposite sides of the world. However, there is also a possible downside to the disparate story arcs which are undoubtedly moving further away from paleontology and more into the realm of political intrigue. For example, Samira’s storyline first begins with her efforts to bond with Charlie, developing ways to communicate with him, and eventually culminates in a daring plan to keep him out of the wrong hands. And in Thailand, even though we are seeing things through Kit’s eyes, it is Princess Mai’s character and role which becomes much more prominent as she leads her loyal subjects into a campaign to keep her throne. As intense and fascinating as this all is, there are clear tradeoffs, and we do get noticeably fewer flashbacks to the prehistoric past or scenes involving fossil digs, dinosaurs, and science.

There is also the over-the-top nature of the premise which requires major suspension of disbelief, but again, if you are coming from Living Memory, you’ll already know to expect this. The finale was exciting and fun, but once more ends with a “to be continued.” That said, I am having a blast with this series and there’s no way I won’t be picking up the next installment. I was also very happy with my experience with the audio edition, narrated splendidly by Sofia Rowley, and I look forward to listening to more.

More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of Living Memory (Book 1)