Stephen Kenson, Born To Run

Born To Run

Stephen Kenson

Roc, Nov 2005, $6.99, 288 pp.

ISBN 0451460585

When The Awakening happened, those humans that had special genetic markers turn into creatures of myth and legends including fairies, trolls, Orcs and dwarves. Magic has returned to an earth ruled by the new superpowers, mega corporations whose people live in secured places so they don't mix with the hoi polloi. The map of North America has changed dramatically, with Canada and the United States being one nation surrounded by countries consisting of various Indian tribes, and a land belonging solely to the fairies.

Kellan Colt arrives in Seattle for a connection to become a Shadowrunner, a person who will take any job, usually illegal, and who goes to any length to complete it and collect the credits. She becomes friendly with the Orc G-Dogg who introduces her to Lothan, the leader of his cell of Shadowrunners.. They contract a job to hijack a truck and bring it to a certain destination. Although they completed the job successfully, Kellan feels that the client stiffed her; when she investigates she finds her hunch is right. She and her crew decide to pay the client back in kind.

This first book in the Shadowrun trilogy is entertaining, exciting, and filled with plenty of action. The protagonist has more heart and scruples than most shadow runners, and is able to convince (through the force of her personality) her comrades to teach the client a lesson he will never forget. Readers will like and root for Kellan, just as they will like the shadow runners she works with, because they have fully developed and distinct personalities.

Harriet Klausner