Review: The Savior: Sienna by Michael Mussachia

Michael Mussachia adds another layer to his complex Savior universe with his sixth book, Sienna, a deep and extensive character study of a second mutant child born in the near-future, and potentially the perfect partner for the planet’s savior.

This well-penned novel traces the origins, development and adventures of a young mutant girl, Sienna, who is growing up in tandem with this series’ legendary Russian mutant boy, Mikhail Ivanov. Between her premature birth, unnaturally rapid growth, and extreme intelligence, it is clear from the start that this beautiful child with the golden glowing eyes is going to be something special indeed.

The opening chapters of the story paint a clear picture of this captivating young girl: precocious, seemingly invincible, and physiologically gifted. Despite her obvious differences, the author takes care to show her as a normal child, subject to the same basic needs and curiosities as any other. Later in the book, Sienna’s interactions with boys and normal teenage insecurities help to humanize her, while also revealing just how special she is.

As Sienna grows, so too does her obsession with Mikhail and his unbelievable exploits in other parts of the globe, a connection that suggests the inevitable collision of their worlds. Mirroring Mikhail’s increasing powers, Sienna becomes a force in her own right, though her parents do their best to keep her shielded from public view, afraid that her secrets would ruin her innocence and serenity, elevating her to the same spectacle as the Russian boy. Readers are given an intimate view of Sienna’s belief system as it forms, her reactions to Mikhail’s actions, and the inevitable path of her own destiny. For those loyal readers of the series, seeing this parallel character development is very satisfying.

Intermingled with the highly focused story of Sienna’s unusual childhood and development, the prose is also a love note to Paris and the Pyrenees, along with Toulouse, Greece and everywhere in between. Balancing long descriptive passages with extensive conversations, the storytelling is immersive. However, the dialogue isn’t always believable – the lines frequently seem like convenient tools to progress the plot, but not organic to the emotions of the characters, or the normal manner in which people interact.

Additionally, the narration is clunky, at times, with overly explicit details, breaking the classic wisdom of “Show, don’t tell.” The events also move along at a rigid clip, without much time for reflection or slower sections of description. Without dynamic peaks and valleys, the story can drag, or become monotonous, and prevent the reader from cluing in to the more important details of the plot. There are quite a few scenes and chapters that feel unnecessary or redundant. Finally, building tension is important in any story, but the narration here is too methodical, lacking spontaneity.

After five other books with a somewhat consistent point of focus, this book’s new angle does give fresh insight and life to the series. Mussachia has added even more depth to his series with Sienna, and has set the stage for plenty of drama in the books to come.