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The Dreamer Genome

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In 2020, a passionate scientist conducts secret genetic manipulations to give human fetuses the ability to survive long periods of hibernation. He is supported by a pharmaceutical tycoon who believes in his genius and realizes the implications of his Cryogenics... to prolong life... a one-way time machine to the future... unlimited financial potential to the company who develops and markets such a long coveted dream.When the clandestine lab is voluntarily destroyed to avoid discovery, test subjects are scattered and raised in extremely different conditions. Unfortunately for them, their corporate parent is expecting a high return on its investment. Greed and personal ambition eventually overthrow the last remaining shreds of common decency and the experiment spirals down a dark path.Written with rigorous attention to the limitations of the harsh space environment in the tradition of Arthur C. Clarke, with a blend of Michael Crichton's use of untested scientific theories, the novel takes readers on a wild ride to the near future over a period of 30 years and exposes humanity's darkest side.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2012

17 people want to read

About the author

Steve S. Grant

5 books16 followers
Steve’s love story with fantasy and Sci Fi goes way back to childhood, where his passion for comic books eventually evolved to novels. After being chief editor of a high school newspaper, he graduated from University with a deep knowledge of the used book stores in the Montreal area.

The desire to write came on gradually, sporadically, over the next years. It was done in spare time, on table corners, during breaks, after nights on the town or whenever the mood struck. Stories took shape, ideas were committed to paper and eventually to computers. It was all done in a disorganized way, as an artistic release.

And then life changed. Steve left a secure employment and left Canada, working at countless jobs that he never knew existed. He traveled extensively through Europe, visiting many medieval cities along the way. Contracts eventually led him to Japan, Australia, and even to North Korea, where Americans are perceived as Imperialists Evildoers.

Steve’s writing also changed, becoming more structured and oriented. He wrote two novels, that he peddled half-heartedly to agents and publishing houses. Alas, it was not meant to be, the books were not published and Steve quickly got discouraged. He kept on writing for his personal enjoyment, without serious motives or expectations, but always with the afterthought that his work had never really had a decent shot.

Back in Canada, Steve now raises a family and enjoys a sedentary life. His love for reading and writing is still strong, and the evolution of the electronic book market is making his head spin.

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Mia Darien.
Author 56 books169 followers
December 17, 2012
Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I'm just sick any time I can't give a stellar review to a fellow indie author, because I know how hard it is out there. But I also have to be honest. In the case of this book, however, a large part of my rating is more subjective than usual. I'll explain.

Space travel and exploration ended up being huge in this story, which I didn't expect from the description. Because I was never caught by the "astronaut bug" as a child, this didn't grab me like it would someone else, so I didn't hook into the tension of the story as much as I'd hoped. This is the particularly subjective part, because this is in no way the fault of the author's. This is my deal. So, someone who is more into that would get into it way more, I'm sure.

Secondly, it's sold as being in the style of Crichton. And to a degree, that's not wrong, as certain elements I've noted in my reviews of Crichton's work -- namely, more Tell than Show, and a plethora of not-very-sympathetic main characters -- were here. The problem is that it's hard to be Crichton and these things actually didn't work for me here. Crichton also had an easy flow to his prose, even when describing heavy technical matters, and condensed time frames that really held tension.

One of the reasons was the use of the time jumps. We'll hop years at a time and there was a couple cases where only one or two chapters was in any time frame. I understand, I think at least, why this was done -- because of the nature of the story -- but for me, it lost a lot of tension. Towards the end, I really felt the tension building, but then we jumped two years and I lost it. It made the pacing a little hard to keep along side.

And these short "time spaces" seemed like an effort to Show rather than Tell, which given a lot of Telling in other places made things kind of... interesting.

Otherwise, I had a few other issues that hampered my enjoyment.

It started off feeling remarkably word heavy, like prose trying too hard to sound important and to explain too much about each sentence, and a lot of the characters and dialog felt very forced and not natural. This improved after the first few chapters, though recurred here and there. (Though I did appreciate how the nursery scene was handled.)

Curiosity did compel me forward and it wasn't a bad story or book. It wasn't badly written, but the "key" plot did feel like it took a while to feel clear and that gave me this feeling of wondering; things felt kind of pointless at times. This did almost lose me from the story more than once, but I was able to finish. Given my alarming DNF rate on books, that's actually noteworthy.

Characters were rough. I didn't feel like I got to know Anthony enough to feel the impact of his main scene, and then we built up a lot on Carol and Gena and then just moved off, though I did like the lasting effects of the events of the first two chapters on Carol. It's more realistic than a lot of fiction is. I found Neil inconsistent and didn't find any of the Dreamer kids to be very sympathetic until later in the story, though I ended up liking Russell, and Bill. Eric was all right, too, by the end.

Mark I also wrestled with, not because of the character himself, but wondering if the dramatic upbringing and life he led is actually necessary to the character and to the story. I could see it being used in some areas, but I'm not sure if it was all necessary or just given to him to be in stark contrast to the lives of the others.

So, my concluding thoughts here are that I'm conflicted. It wasn't a bad idea or story, and while I had my issues, it wasn't badly written. I think it would be a fantastic book for someone with different tastes in certain areas, or maybe I would've liked it better if I'd known a little more about the over-all tenor of the book. And yet, because I am as I am, I'm not sure I can say that I "liked" it. It definitely never really "grabbed" me, so this one has to fall in at a 3.

Don't know if I'll be checking out the second book, but curiosity may continue to compel me.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,293 reviews306 followers
March 6, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Speculative Fiction
Reading Level: Older Young Adult (17+)
Recommended for: Fans of science fiction, speculative fiction
Trigger Warnings: drug use and abuse, general violence, bullying, murder, infanticide
Animal Abuse: dog murder

My Thoughts: A very interesting idea, this novel is highly complex, with multiple strands interweaving across decades to deliver a story about various people, and have they are affected by the development of the Dreamer device. From the children whose DNA is modified to make them more able to tolerate the hibernation, to the people who raise them, to the people affected by the actions of the greedy head of STAM, this is a very delicate balancing act. And it is mostly pulled off very well.

I did notice a mixup in the timeline between the 40 and 50 percent area in the book. I was keeping track of the age of the kids, and therefore the year, and noticed that the time slipped back a year, while the action keep proceeding forward in time. Oops! I don't think a casual reader would notice it, unless they were doing the same thing I was, but it's there. I noticed a number of misused words, or questionable word choices, and some typos, but overall it wasn't as bad as some others I've seen.

I will admit, however, that I was quite enthralled with the story. I tend to appreciate more character-driven stories, and this one perfectly blended that character development that I crave with enough action to keep the plot moving. Fans of science fiction and speculative fiction should enjoy this story. The sequel should be out later this year. I'm scheduled to edit it next week, thus the timing of my mini-marathon of Steve Grant's available books. If this sounds like the sort of book you'd like, definitely check it out.

Other Books by this Author: I recently read the two novellas Original Strand (review linked here where formatting allowed) and Mining Games (review linked here where formatting allowed), which are set in this universe well into the future. Grant recommends reading those novellas first before reading this full-length novel.

Disclosure: I received a coupon for a free Smashwords copy from the author in exchange for an honest review (and to prepare for editing the sequel novel). All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: In 2020, a passionate scientist conducts secret genetic manipulations to give human fetuses the ability to survive long periods of hibernation. He is supported by a pharmaceutical tycoon who believes in his genius and realizes the implications of his work: Cryogenics... to prolong life… a one-way time machine to the future… unlimited financial potential to the company who develops and markets such a long coveted dream.

When the clandestine lab is voluntarily destroyed to avoid discovery, test subjects are scattered and raised in extremely different conditions. Unfortunately for them, their corporate parent is expecting a high return on its initial investment. Greed and personal ambition eventually overthrow the last remaining shreds of common decency and the experiment spirals down a dark path.
Profile Image for Larry B Gray.
Author 6 books155 followers
December 21, 2012
The Dreamer Genome by Steve S. Grant is an excellent sci-fi novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. From page one to the end it kept me glued to the story.

The author did a great job weaving a tail of suspense and a little intrigue together into a well-developed storyline. Each new plot and twist tied into the main story and was easy to follow. My only problem was it ended and now I HAVE to read the next book, it was that good.

The characters were well developed and very believable. It was easy to relate to each of the main characters, both the good guys and the bad. I found myself joining into the action as an unseen extra, cheering on each of the other characters.

I really liked The Dreamer Genome by Steve S. Grant.

I highly recommend this book to all readers.


[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]


Profile Image for Paulo Ribeiro.
54 reviews24 followers
January 26, 2013
The dreamer genome is a story, at least, interesting. You start reading and think that it's only about genetic manipulation, but hey!, this is only one pillar of the plot.

There's a little bit of thriller, some science, some space, some genetic... well, it's a good mixture.

It starts a little slow but it gains momentum about 25% of the book. The author could have polished a little bit more the characters, sometimes the dialogues seems rough, but it compensates with the plot.

I enjoyed the history because I love anything related to space travel and I really identified with one of the characters, a eccentric billonarie... who loves space travel! ;)
1 review1 follower
December 9, 2012
This book is completely entertaining! I found myself checking the clock in the afternoon waiting to get out of the office to continue reading The Dreamer Genome. Packed with action and riveting dialogues, this book is devoid of long idle descriptions. I can't wait for the sequel!

Profile Image for C. Dawn.
23 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2013
Dreamer Genome is a story about a large corporation (STAM) who genetically enhances infants for a secret project. This story follows some of these infants as they grow to show how they are affected by their genetic enhancements as well as environmental factors. Meanwhile, great advances are being made in space exploration and STAM has plans of their own for the great frontier of space.

I found this book to be a really fun read. It did take a few chapters to get into it, but by the seventh chapter I was hooked. The tension, mystery, and conflict kept me racing towards the end to see what would happen, eager to witness the outcomes of these genetically engineered boys. I loved watching how each boy grew into something different based off of their genetic manipulation and the environments they were raised in.

I do feel like this book seems a little rushed to the press. The beginning chapters slow the story down considerably and the characters don’t feel emotionally developed enough (in the beginning). The story did pick up around chapters six or seven, and then I found it hard to stop reading. Also, throughout the book I saw a lot of missed opportunities to capitalize on adding more tension and conflict to the story. And there were times where I found the plot wrapped up a little too neatly.

Despite these small flaws, I really did love this story. I loved the near future feel like maybe this would be something within our own grasps- Some day. This book is a complex structure of plot that unfolds in an exciting world of science fiction, leaving me anxious to read the next installment Orbiting Sins.
Profile Image for Shawn Garbett.
30 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2013
The Dreamer Genome is a fresh offering full of ideas from a new indie writer. Imagine if a Monsonto like company decided there was profit in human manipulation--and a lot of regulation stood in their way. How will humanity move into space? Does the end justify the means? Their plans however have a way of getting ahead of them. Life finds a way, and when the genie is out of the bottle one hopes it's benevolent. The science fiction elements are not that far removed from what could occur in this century. The issues it brings up of human experimentation, corporate malevolence and mans future in space are as topical as ever. There are some wonderful action sequences, that flow and our earnest heros don't always come out on top.

The novel plants the seeds for a longer saga, as the ending leaves one wanting more. And yes as others here have said, there are some rough patches of expository writing, but for an initial offering it is strong and I have no doubt that we'll see greater works from this author in the future. I recommend this book for any science fiction fan who seeks the new and the novel. I wouldn't be surprised if this eventually gets optioned for the screen, it's pacing lends itself to easy translation.
Profile Image for Andrew.
951 reviews
August 6, 2016
"The Dreamer Genome" by Steve S. Grant is a Science Fiction tale set in the near future. An illegal and clandestine genetic experiment with babies as test subjects is suddenly terminated with the death of all but five of the infants. As the survivors grow older, they demonstrate enhanced physical and mental abilities and become involved, in various ways, with pushing the boundaries of space exploration within the solar system.

Whilst a little slow at first, it turned into a very entertaining story with some unique concepts. As the reason for the experiments don't become apparent until later in the book and you learn it's about much more than genetic research and this adds an element of suspense. I found that the various characters, both good and bad, were fairly well developed. "The Dreamer Genome" is certainly worth a read and I look forward to the sequel.

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Profile Image for Seregil of Rhiminee.
592 reviews48 followers
December 29, 2012
Originally published at Risingshadow.

The Dreamer Genome is an entertaining and accessible near future science fiction thriller.

I don't normally read this kind of realistic science fiction thrillers, so I'm not on expert on this kind of fiction, but I found myself liking The Dreamer Genome. Because this book is Steve S. Grant's debut book, there are a couple of rough spots, but on the whole this book is a relatively enjoyable and interesting reading experience. It's a surprisingly interesting story about genetic research and its dangers, and space exploration.

In this book's case I think it's best not to write too much about the plot, because it would probably ruin the reading of pleasure of several readers. I'll only mention that the test subjects who were raised in different environments and conditions had interesting lives. It was nice to read about them and their lives and what happened to them.

Steve S. Grant uses an interesting narrative technique, because the story often jumps a few years forward in time. This may be a bit confusing to some readers, but in my opinion it works pretty well, because the readers get to see what has happened during the jumps and how things have evolved. The author also uses newsflashes to tell his readers about scientific discoveries and news.

The story moves fast forward and the author spends time on making sure that the readers are hooked on the story. The story is surprisingly good and entertaining, which is nice, because there are several sci-fi thrillers which aren't very good plot wise. (By the way, according to the end of the book, the author will continue the story in a book called Orbiting Sins.)

The character development in this book is in my opinion similar to the character development in other sci-fi thrillers. I liked the way the author wrote about the technological and scientific discoveries and the characters involved in them. One of the best moments in this book is when the test subjects discuss their origins, because it reveals how the they feel about being genetically engineered humans and how they react to the lies they were told.

The Dreamer Genome shows how immoral and questionable the motives of the big companies and individuals can be when they want to make profit. A lot has been written about this subject already, but Steve S. Grant's approach to it feels entertaining.

On his website, the author mentions that his favourite ingredients are genetics, science and space projects. In my opinion he uses all these elements vigorously and satisfyingly to create a potent sci-fi thriller. (Steve S. Grant clearly has potential and I think that he will continue to develop as an author.)

This book reminded me a bit of the books written by Michael Crichton and other similar authors, so I think that fans of Michael Crichton might be interested in it.

The Dreamer Genome can be recommended for readers, who are interested in sci-fi thrillers. It's a fast read, so it's a bit like a tasty snack between larger meals - in other words, it's good and harmless fun for sci-fi readers and fans of sci-fi thrillers.
Profile Image for Shannon.
1 review5 followers
December 7, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

I really liked the story in this book, I'm a huge science fiction fan and this book definitely had it's internal science down in a believable way. But there was a few problems that made the book in a whole not really work for me.

I found there was very little depth to any of the characters, when certain characters died it didn't matter, they were just gone in order to push the story onwards and make the bad guys seem more bad, but without any real consequence.

I also felt the story dragged a lot in the middle and then ended quite suddenly. I think that some or even most of the time jumps should have been removed so we could have more insight into the characters, almost everything we know about the characters we are told about rather than being shown and we find out about things that they have done through news bulletins rather than story.

But in the end I found the story interesting enough that I will read the sequel when it comes out, and hope that some of the things I didn't like here will be different there.
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