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The Yamanaka Factors: A Thriller
"The Yamanaka Factors placed 12th in BBNYA 2025 out of more than 240 entries!" —Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award
"The Yamanaka Factors is one of the year's best thrillers." —BestThrillers.com
"Henson hatches a unique concept. Touching on future technology and real-life research, as well as what a person would do with a second life, The Yamanaka Factors is a book readers won’t easily put down." —Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize
FALL 2028. Mickey Cooper, an elderly homeless man, receives an incredible proposition from a rogue pharmaceutical “Be our secret guinea pig for our new drug and we’ll pay you life-changing money, which you’ll be able to enjoy because if (cough) when the treatment works, two months from now your body will be youthened to twenty-three years old.”
When his treatment proves more difficult than expected and corporate espionage turns deadly, Mickey finds himself flanked by internal corruption and powerful external enemies, including Chinese operatives desperate to reverse their country’s aging demographics and amoral U.S. government officials who fear the new technology will upend civilization.
A nihilist at heart with a dwindling number of friends, Mickey yearns to fade into the woodwork to live in peace, struggling to remember what matters in life. An analog old-timer has no chance to win in the digital age anyway, right?
"The Yamanaka Factors is one of the year's best thrillers." —BestThrillers.com
"Henson hatches a unique concept. Touching on future technology and real-life research, as well as what a person would do with a second life, The Yamanaka Factors is a book readers won’t easily put down." —Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize
FALL 2028. Mickey Cooper, an elderly homeless man, receives an incredible proposition from a rogue pharmaceutical “Be our secret guinea pig for our new drug and we’ll pay you life-changing money, which you’ll be able to enjoy because if (cough) when the treatment works, two months from now your body will be youthened to twenty-three years old.”
When his treatment proves more difficult than expected and corporate espionage turns deadly, Mickey finds himself flanked by internal corruption and powerful external enemies, including Chinese operatives desperate to reverse their country’s aging demographics and amoral U.S. government officials who fear the new technology will upend civilization.
A nihilist at heart with a dwindling number of friends, Mickey yearns to fade into the woodwork to live in peace, struggling to remember what matters in life. An analog old-timer has no chance to win in the digital age anyway, right?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
About the author
Jed Henson
3 books7 followersJed Henson writes thrillers. Fast, lean, near-future thrillers, with hard science baked in. He published his first novel, a technothriller titled All In, in 2022, and his second, another techno-thriller titled The Yamanaka Factors, in 2024. Both are available on Amazon.
He also is a longtime magazine editor and website publisher, and got his professional start back in the day as a newspaper reporter. Jed currently lives in North Carolina with his family, including humans and hounds.
He also is a longtime magazine editor and website publisher, and got his professional start back in the day as a newspaper reporter. Jed currently lives in North Carolina with his family, including humans and hounds.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 19, 2025
I love a book that grabs an interesting premise and runs it to ground, rather than sweeping up all the adjacent ideas into a sloppy stew. This is one of those books. Incredible as it may seem, the premise of a modern-day fountain of youth is not even hard to believe—distressing news for those who have budgeted for a short post-retirement lives.
Our hero is a likable homeless alcoholic, another interesting premise. But Mickey does the job well and quickly establishes himself as a relatable lead character who has had some bad breaks and made some worse decisions in his 72 years. Now he gets a chance for a do-over.
It’s a thriller, so one can assume the arrival of greed-driven baddies, as well as help from an unlikely collection of misfit allies. They do their bits as Mickey sorts out how to live his second life, and how to relate to the survivors of his first. That’s the interesting part that Henson cracks open. Relating to family and friends from the first life, now so much older, is a nest of conflicts waiting to happen. We get some of it, but only enough to want more. Maybe in a sequel.
The action part is well-executed and serves as the canvas on which the age-reversal premise is painted. Not too much, not too little.
Highly recommended.
Our hero is a likable homeless alcoholic, another interesting premise. But Mickey does the job well and quickly establishes himself as a relatable lead character who has had some bad breaks and made some worse decisions in his 72 years. Now he gets a chance for a do-over.
It’s a thriller, so one can assume the arrival of greed-driven baddies, as well as help from an unlikely collection of misfit allies. They do their bits as Mickey sorts out how to live his second life, and how to relate to the survivors of his first. That’s the interesting part that Henson cracks open. Relating to family and friends from the first life, now so much older, is a nest of conflicts waiting to happen. We get some of it, but only enough to want more. Maybe in a sequel.
The action part is well-executed and serves as the canvas on which the age-reversal premise is painted. Not too much, not too little.
Highly recommended.
March 11, 2026
This book was provided for review by The Write Reads as part of the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award. Thank you!
If you had the chance to turn back the clock and be young again, would you?
This is the question that is posed to Mickey Cooper. Homeless and living in a tent, he is given an offer that seems too good to be true. Allow a pharmaceutical company to test a new serum on him and in exchange he not only gets a decent sum of money but also becomes young again. It’s a win-win situation. What could go wrong?
While the treatment works and Mickey is a “new man”, his troubles are only just beginning.
The Yamanaka Factors is one of those books that treads the line between real science and science fiction. The search for the so called Fountain of Youth is a very real branch of science with the market already chock full of products proclaiming to turn back the clock. Whomever does finally crack the proverbial code will be very famous and very rich. In The Yamanaka Factors that code is broken and the mad dash to establish the claim becomes a deadly one.
Henson does a good job in introducing us to the main character, Mickey. He comes across as a very relatable person – down on his luck through some bad decisions and bad luck but doing the best he can. Like most anyone would be, he’s skeptical at the original offer but decides he doesn’t have anything to lose. When the serum works and Mickey is once again a young man, his struggle with his loved ones from his old life is a believable one. His mind and memories may remain but his outward appearance is very different and not everyone is ready to contend with that.
Since The Yamanaka Factors is listed as a thriller, one can easily expect the story to take a dark turn. When it does and people start dying, the danger comes from within and without. While some of the “bad guys” feel a bit clichéd, it’s far from the worst I’ve seen. What I did find myself rolling my eyes at were the times Mickey was automatically good at using a firearm or coming up with a complicated plan. Nothing we were given in regards to his background would lead to this being believable. If Mickey were ex-Special Forces or something, that would be one thing. Having him be a random individual though? Not quite.
While there were a mere handful of moments that took me out of the story, overall I liked The Yamanaka Factors. It had just the right blend of science fiction and action that kept me entertained. With the plethora of movies and TV series being made about the race to reverse aging and the ramifications, The Yamanaka Factors easily fits right in. It might not be for everyone, but it is one I can recommend to my readers.
March 11, 2026
Book source ~ BBNYA
This technothriller starts out at a moderate amble as we meet Mickey, learn about the long life he has led, and his decision to be the human guinea pig in a medical trial that is mind blowing. Reverse aging?! Come on! You’re yanking my chain, right? But no. By the time Mickey makes it backward to 23, the inevitable problems surrounding this procedure start to become clear. This kind of technology is worth billions and there are people who will stop at nothing to have it all to themselves. And this is where the pace ramps up.
What a ride! This is a chase that is worth reading. Honestly? I’d love to see this as a movie. It wouldn’t even need to be on the big screen. Tell Netflix to make it one of their Originals and I’ll watch it with popcorn in hand. The action is succinct and not drawn out. Told with minimal detail to keep the story flowing it doesn’t get bogged down in a lot of extraneous stuff. It stays on target. Gold Five would be proud. I’ve been thinking about this story ever since I finished it. Our world is already a cess pool of greed and calamity. What would happen if this tech were actually real? Would I want to go through the process? What about the ramifications? Is it ethical? How the hell would this industry be regulated? I mean, technically, assuming multiple age reversals are safe, a person could live forever. Well, if they don’t die first. Can’t bring someone back from the dead in this story, so no risky behavior like jumping without a parachute. I go around and around in my head about it and my conclusion is this: I don’t have a fucking clue.
This technothriller starts out at a moderate amble as we meet Mickey, learn about the long life he has led, and his decision to be the human guinea pig in a medical trial that is mind blowing. Reverse aging?! Come on! You’re yanking my chain, right? But no. By the time Mickey makes it backward to 23, the inevitable problems surrounding this procedure start to become clear. This kind of technology is worth billions and there are people who will stop at nothing to have it all to themselves. And this is where the pace ramps up.
What a ride! This is a chase that is worth reading. Honestly? I’d love to see this as a movie. It wouldn’t even need to be on the big screen. Tell Netflix to make it one of their Originals and I’ll watch it with popcorn in hand. The action is succinct and not drawn out. Told with minimal detail to keep the story flowing it doesn’t get bogged down in a lot of extraneous stuff. It stays on target. Gold Five would be proud. I’ve been thinking about this story ever since I finished it. Our world is already a cess pool of greed and calamity. What would happen if this tech were actually real? Would I want to go through the process? What about the ramifications? Is it ethical? How the hell would this industry be regulated? I mean, technically, assuming multiple age reversals are safe, a person could live forever. Well, if they don’t die first. Can’t bring someone back from the dead in this story, so no risky behavior like jumping without a parachute. I go around and around in my head about it and my conclusion is this: I don’t have a fucking clue.
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July 22, 2025Not bad, Jed! Not bad!
March 10, 2026
The Yamanaka Factors by Jed Henson was a finalist in the Book Bloggers Novel of the year Award 2025. There were about 300 books in the contest and this finished inside the top 20. I decided to give it a go for the resultant blog tour and I can see why it did so well.
It's really nicely written, as in the writing is simple and not overblown, its very easy to just follow along. The premise is really cool: Mickey, an old homeless man is approached by a (suspicious to say the least) pharma company with an amazing and highly suspicious offer - be a human guinea pig for their experimental age reversal treatment. You can tell the author knows what he is on about as he draws from lots of real world science that actually sounds like it could happen in the near future.
Mickey accepts and the treatment works but things soon take a turn down a very dangerous route!
Its an engaging thriller that blends hard - or at least hardish sci fi, morals espionage and even a little politics
It's really nicely written, as in the writing is simple and not overblown, its very easy to just follow along. The premise is really cool: Mickey, an old homeless man is approached by a (suspicious to say the least) pharma company with an amazing and highly suspicious offer - be a human guinea pig for their experimental age reversal treatment. You can tell the author knows what he is on about as he draws from lots of real world science that actually sounds like it could happen in the near future.
Mickey accepts and the treatment works but things soon take a turn down a very dangerous route!
Its an engaging thriller that blends hard - or at least hardish sci fi, morals espionage and even a little politics
December 24, 2025
"What would he do with his second life? He constantly had to remind himself this wasn't some indulgent daydream about winning the lottery. He had won the lottery."
Very interesting premise, but for a thriller I rarely felt a sense of urgency/suspense throughout any point in the book. Mickey's trial/treatment went swimmingly, he didn't need much convincing considering he's a homeless guy who's more likely to be taken advantage of by others, let alone by a profit seeking companies with outlandish claims. Both the company Ponce, and Mickey just trust each other from the get-go and are easily the 'good guys': they shake hands and boom, barely a morsel of complication, even though it's the first human trial too.
Then here come the bad evil Chinese government and corporation, and everything went downhill starting with that trope. Just feels incredibly dated and I feel like there could have been more interesting conversation surrounding the literal fountain of youth - it's kinda treated like it's no big deal besides the initial shock, which turns into immediate acceptance. Even if I ignore the thinly veiled McCarthyism here, it's a bit of a dry read. Just not enough thrilling moments.
Very interesting premise, but for a thriller I rarely felt a sense of urgency/suspense throughout any point in the book. Mickey's trial/treatment went swimmingly, he didn't need much convincing considering he's a homeless guy who's more likely to be taken advantage of by others, let alone by a profit seeking companies with outlandish claims. Both the company Ponce, and Mickey just trust each other from the get-go and are easily the 'good guys': they shake hands and boom, barely a morsel of complication, even though it's the first human trial too.
Then here come the bad evil Chinese government and corporation, and everything went downhill starting with that trope. Just feels incredibly dated and I feel like there could have been more interesting conversation surrounding the literal fountain of youth - it's kinda treated like it's no big deal besides the initial shock, which turns into immediate acceptance. Even if I ignore the thinly veiled McCarthyism here, it's a bit of a dry read. Just not enough thrilling moments.
March 16, 2026
This is quite a unique take on a thriller, and throughout feels fresh.
Mickey an elderly homeless drunk is approached to take part in the test of an unlicensed drug that will take decades off his life. Mickey felt he didn’t have a lot to lose, other than possibly his life, takes the money and jumps into this unique scheme not quite realising the journey he is about to be taken on.
This book really grabbed me from the first page and I really didn’t want to put it down. You quickly grow to love Mickey and are rooting from him throughout the book as he enters a world of big business and political intrigue and espionage. So much so at one point he is not sure who he can or should trust. Overall I felt the book maintained its pace, although I did feel there was a slight lull in the second half of the book. It does take some turns you didn’t see coming.
One of the most poignant aspects of the book for me was the impact on the relationship with a female friend he had hooked up with whilst on the street. I felt Mickey should have been more upfront with her at the beginning of events. I felt this part of the book was quite touching and emotional.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. I strongly recommend this book to those that love a good thriller and chase! If you do read it get ready for the ride!
Mickey an elderly homeless drunk is approached to take part in the test of an unlicensed drug that will take decades off his life. Mickey felt he didn’t have a lot to lose, other than possibly his life, takes the money and jumps into this unique scheme not quite realising the journey he is about to be taken on.
This book really grabbed me from the first page and I really didn’t want to put it down. You quickly grow to love Mickey and are rooting from him throughout the book as he enters a world of big business and political intrigue and espionage. So much so at one point he is not sure who he can or should trust. Overall I felt the book maintained its pace, although I did feel there was a slight lull in the second half of the book. It does take some turns you didn’t see coming.
One of the most poignant aspects of the book for me was the impact on the relationship with a female friend he had hooked up with whilst on the street. I felt Mickey should have been more upfront with her at the beginning of events. I felt this part of the book was quite touching and emotional.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. I strongly recommend this book to those that love a good thriller and chase! If you do read it get ready for the ride!
March 9, 2026
Big thank you to BBNYA - the Book Bloggers Novel of the year Award for making me aware of this hidden gem. The book was a finalist in the 2025 contest and its easy to see why.
The Yanamaka Factors is is a fast paced techno thriller with crisp prose that really grabbed me from the opening pages. An elderly down on his luck man, given an unbelievable opportunity (that turns out to be very different to what was promised). I loved the premise and also that the sci fi seemed very grounded in reality and was in my opinion at least really believable. Mickey really stood out as a believable protagonist you could feel for. I can't really fault it
The Yanamaka Factors is is a fast paced techno thriller with crisp prose that really grabbed me from the opening pages. An elderly down on his luck man, given an unbelievable opportunity (that turns out to be very different to what was promised). I loved the premise and also that the sci fi seemed very grounded in reality and was in my opinion at least really believable. Mickey really stood out as a believable protagonist you could feel for. I can't really fault it
March 9, 2026
I thought this was really well written. Just a nice tight and crisp writing style that was very easy to read. I find a lot of indie books can be over written so that was a nice surprise. But don't take my word for it, the book was a finalist in BBNYA 2025 -a highly regarded indie competition and in my opinion it definitely deserved it.
The story is fast paced and jumps right in, with the main character, Mickey, an elderly homeless man accepting a ride in an SUV that promises to change his life. I found Mickey to be a very relatable character all around.
The story is fast paced and jumps right in, with the main character, Mickey, an elderly homeless man accepting a ride in an SUV that promises to change his life. I found Mickey to be a very relatable character all around.
March 12, 2026
a good book with some solid scientific research. I thought the main character, Mickey, was the best aspect of the book, though given the way things go towards the end I think we could have done with learning more about what he did in his actual youth. the general idea of the fountain of youth through science is great and the writing is good. I can see why it was a BBNYA finalist
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews