Spector crafts a world in peril, beset by nanobots in the bloodstreams of political leaders (altering gene expression and affecting their decision making), a terror group named LMNOP who purportedly possesses stolen nuclear weapons, and powerful nations warring against each other. Against this looming apocalypse is a lighthearted subplot of romance between culturally diverse characters, complicated by conflicting spiritual beliefs, that transforms what might be perceived as heavy science into intriguing subject matter through their vibrant discussions. While David is convinced that “God coded Himself into our genes,” his love interest, Ayla, believes in cosmic divinity, asserting the universe itself is God, while Kirby, David's student of Apache descent, believes in lesser gods, which puts him at odds with his love interest, Amber, who remains strictly Catholic.
While occasional scientific jargon may prove daunting to readers unfamiliar with genetic terminology, the message remains intact: unifying belief systems and eliminating deeply rooted prejudices may be the key to saving the world. With this in mind, Spector extrapolates the far-reaching breadth of advanced genetics and its moral implications, probing a world where humanity is both predator and prey, teetering on the edge of extinction.
Takeaway: Innovative kidnapping mystery blending science and spirituality.
Comparable Titles: A.G. Riddle's The Atlantis Gene, Richard Morgan's Altered Carbon.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
