In Irina's Cards (The Variant Conspiracy #1)

SCI-FI:  Irina Proffer lives an average everyday life when she suddenly has strange visions spurred on by a deck of tarot cards. After traveling to the big city, she is suddenly recruited by Innoviro Industries and caught up in a company researching the strange genetic ‘variants’ popping up like Irina’s visions. In an attempt to track down her employer’s missing son, she stumbles into a love triangle, the truth about her ability, and a conspiracy that may reach an international level. With danger surrounding her on all sides, she’ll have to figure out her ability fast if she and her new friends are going to survive and stop their employer from hurting anyone else.

An X-men-like sci-fi tale, “In Irina’s Cards” features characters with various abilities but a lot less idea of what they are doing and how they are going to stop the enemy. Irina has a powerful gift and no clue how to use it. Her friends are dubious as to the threat, and the enemy has them completely outnumbered. Despite the slow pace and disjointed action sequences, there is plenty of tension, conflict, and room for plot and character growth in the next books. While the romance provides some sparks and plenty of drama, readers will mostly find themselves caught up in the conspiracy. This is a good read for those who enjoy genetic/supernatural powers and underdogs taking on evil corporations.

Sarah E. Bradley