The Kaiju Preservation Society
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Proof copy (out now)

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi is a thrilling, fast-paced adventure set on an alternate Earth – perfect for fans of Adrian Tchaikovsky and Michel Crichton's Jurassic Park.

Jamie’s dream was to hit the big time at a New York tech start-up. Jamie’s reality was a humiliating lay-off, then a low wage job as a takeaway delivery driver. During a pandemic too. Things look beyond grim, until a chance delivery to an old acquaintance. Tom has an urgent vacancy on his team: the pay is great and Jamie has debts – it’s a no-brainer choice. Yet, once again, reality fails to match expectations. Only this time it could be fatal.

If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that it takes a very special sci-fi/fantasy novel to reel me in. And this book definitely did just that. 

To escape the monotony of his current job as a delivery driver, Jamie is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity. The job description is very vague, but the location seems good, and the pay seems great. He accepts the job offer, which will mostly consist of "lifting things". However, he receives a shock when he winds up on an alternate Earth, working for the notoriously well-hidden, Kaiju Preservation Society. A hidden society that protects Godzilla-like creatures. Did I mention that they have internal nuclear reactors? Yeah, this book is wild.

What I loved most about this book was the worldbuilding. In this genre, worldbuilding is so important. If you couldn't imagine the world and the horrors that Jamie is being faced with, it simply wouldn't work. However, Scanzi's descriptive way of storytelling makes it easy to immerse yourself into this parallel reality.

It was fascinating to learn about the kaiju throughout the book. As the reader, we're slowly fed drips of information about this species. Just enough to quench the thirst, but still leave you thirsting for more knowledge of these incredible creatures.

While there is a main plot, a good guys vs bad guys scenario, it very much takes a back seat throughout the book. For me, the majority of the book was learning more about the kaiju and exploring the new world that they live in. It goes without saying, that Jamie has to step up from "lifting things" in the story, and he inevitably becomes our hero. While this is a predictable trope, it's one I didn't mind at all, because of how enticing and exciting the book itself was.

It goes without saying that this book is action-packed and will leave you clinging to the edge of your seat throughout. It's full of thrills, chills and quite a few laughs too. Jamie is a likeable character, who you'll find easy to root for and connect with along the way.

Whether you're a sci-fi/fantasy lover or not, I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't enjoy this book. From well thought-out characters, intricate world-building and beguiling creatures - this book will have you hooked in no time.

The Kaiju Preservation Society is available to purchase now. And thank you for joining me for my stop on the The Kaiju Preservation Society blog tour.