As the title suggests, Ethos of Cain strives to unpack the mind and heart of the eponymous mercenary, blending introspection with action, espionage, and the surprises of a class-divided future where humanity has expanded into the solar system but remains resilient in its corruptibility. James offers a hero of unrivaled skill and, at first, nearly inaccessible morality, but then strives to deepen Cain, especially through the relationship with Francesca, as Cain must reckon with the man he’s become, and if it’s who he wants to be. The adventure will give him opportunity, of course, as James stages crisp, surprising action involving corp-cops, airfoils, TransAtmovVettes, and other innovations crafted to please SF and cyber-punk fans.

Cain can be a bit of a mope, and at times the introduction of this world comes at the expense of narrative momentum, but James excels at making it all feel real, from planning missions to the way the wealthy separate themselves from everyone else. Dialogue often has a fun, seedy spirit (“Don’t think we’ll need this much beef,” the standout Scarlatti says upon meeting Cain), and the tantalizing conspiracies, future tech, mission planning, and Cain’s reliable old .45 and the possibility of a mega-score will please lovers of SF action.

Takeaway: Future mercenary confronts the truth of himself in this action-packed thriller.

Comparable Titles: RJ Roder’s Rise of Metal, Joel Shepherd’s Crossover.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-