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Selection
If you’re born different, can you ever fit in?
Pembroke Falls only wants to fit in. Under a materialistic veneer, she hides the secret buried in her DNA for the acceptance of the Selects. But when a deadly virus is unleashed, tearing its victims apart with black growths, Pembroke must shed her façade and fight to save her sisters, her father and the people she loves.
Trapped in a crumbling city, she discovers the virus doesn’t just kill. It is changing the DNA of a small group of people, advancing them into something no longer human.
And she is one of them.
One hundred years in the future, on the east coast of Brazil, Selection is the first of an action packed series. Energetic, gritty, and violent, the story chillingly foretells a world in which viruses can be targeted at the very thing that makes us human.
Pembroke Falls only wants to fit in. Under a materialistic veneer, she hides the secret buried in her DNA for the acceptance of the Selects. But when a deadly virus is unleashed, tearing its victims apart with black growths, Pembroke must shed her façade and fight to save her sisters, her father and the people she loves.
Trapped in a crumbling city, she discovers the virus doesn’t just kill. It is changing the DNA of a small group of people, advancing them into something no longer human.
And she is one of them.
One hundred years in the future, on the east coast of Brazil, Selection is the first of an action packed series. Energetic, gritty, and violent, the story chillingly foretells a world in which viruses can be targeted at the very thing that makes us human.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 20, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
M. Scott Patterson’s dystopian chronicle of the 22nd century begins deceptively with a world that has survived an apocalypse and moved on to create a society filled with technological miracles. Centered on Pembroke, a naturally born citizen in a society where genetic enhancement is the norm, Selection is part coming of age story, part technological thriller and part apocalyptic horror. The blending of genres should make it unwieldy, but instead keep it riveting as the plot unfolds and Pembroke is forced to develop the strength of will to survive when the technological miracles of her society morph into nightmares of horror and destruction.
Only in the interactions between Pembroke and her love interest, Belem, does the novelist struggle, the writing becoming limited and occasionally cliché. The emotions and interactions never ring as true as they do between Pembroke and her sisters and father. Otherwise, the author is endlessly creative both in terms of the computer and medical technology and what happens when both start to deteriorate into madness. Every time the reader thinks there is nothing worse coming, some worse appears. I look forward to the sequel, Inquisition.
M. Scott Patterson’s dystopian chronicle of the 22nd century begins deceptively with a world that has survived an apocalypse and moved on to create a society filled with technological miracles. Centered on Pembroke, a naturally born citizen in a society where genetic enhancement is the norm, Selection is part coming of age story, part technological thriller and part apocalyptic horror. The blending of genres should make it unwieldy, but instead keep it riveting as the plot unfolds and Pembroke is forced to develop the strength of will to survive when the technological miracles of her society morph into nightmares of horror and destruction.
Only in the interactions between Pembroke and her love interest, Belem, does the novelist struggle, the writing becoming limited and occasionally cliché. The emotions and interactions never ring as true as they do between Pembroke and her sisters and father. Otherwise, the author is endlessly creative both in terms of the computer and medical technology and what happens when both start to deteriorate into madness. Every time the reader thinks there is nothing worse coming, some worse appears. I look forward to the sequel, Inquisition.
July 2, 2014
The central mysteries of Patterson's debut--who released the virus decimating Brazil and why do some appear unaffected--are devices that have been well used in science fiction before. But in setting these mysteries in a future Brazil complete with AI controlled buildings and northern hemisphere refugees, Patterson has created an engaging and creative canvass for what is really a cleverly-paced disaster novel.
Patterson has also created likeable characters, and a strong heroine who becomes a remarkable survivor, rather than a damsel in distress. The central sibling relationship between Pembroke and her sisters is well crafted, and the array of colorful villains and supporting characters is wonderfully reminiscent of an Alan Quartermain or Indian Jones adventure.
While the novel falls prey to the occasional YA stereotype (a somewhat rote romantic sub-plot complete with significant bouts of teen angst), the crisp pace and clever action sequences keep the pages turning nicely.
Science fiction is at its best when it resonates with topical social commentary, and Patterson uses his setting well to weigh into issues of class and race. But it is really the well-paced adventure and strong central mystery that make Selection such an engaging read.
If I have one serious criticism, it is that the novel ends without a complete solution or full closure for our characters. I can only hope Patterson produces an equally engaging sequel to finally answer those mysteries and to provide his engaging heroine with an appropriate ending.
Patterson has also created likeable characters, and a strong heroine who becomes a remarkable survivor, rather than a damsel in distress. The central sibling relationship between Pembroke and her sisters is well crafted, and the array of colorful villains and supporting characters is wonderfully reminiscent of an Alan Quartermain or Indian Jones adventure.
While the novel falls prey to the occasional YA stereotype (a somewhat rote romantic sub-plot complete with significant bouts of teen angst), the crisp pace and clever action sequences keep the pages turning nicely.
Science fiction is at its best when it resonates with topical social commentary, and Patterson uses his setting well to weigh into issues of class and race. But it is really the well-paced adventure and strong central mystery that make Selection such an engaging read.
If I have one serious criticism, it is that the novel ends without a complete solution or full closure for our characters. I can only hope Patterson produces an equally engaging sequel to finally answer those mysteries and to provide his engaging heroine with an appropriate ending.
July 27, 2014
This is a teen science fiction novel told from a first person point of view.
The lead character is a teenager called Pembroke. She’s somewhat unique in that she and her sisters have not been genetically manipulated by a virus that changes embryo’s inutero making the emerging children seem perfect. But there is an issue with those who have been affected by the virus and sociopathy seems to be the least of the problems encountered.
Pembroke is cringe worthy teenage character. You wince when she acts her age. She’s young and frankly not my cup of tea but she redeems herself with her interactions with her sisters and how she begins to look outside herself.
This novel is definitely for young adults. It gets quite deep and is somewhat heavy going but with a believable and unlabored premise. I personally struggle with first person POV with teenage characters since I spent half my time face palming if they run generally true to character. That said, the author has created an involving and intricate world in which to base this story.
A solid 3.5 – 4 stars.
The lead character is a teenager called Pembroke. She’s somewhat unique in that she and her sisters have not been genetically manipulated by a virus that changes embryo’s inutero making the emerging children seem perfect. But there is an issue with those who have been affected by the virus and sociopathy seems to be the least of the problems encountered.
Pembroke is cringe worthy teenage character. You wince when she acts her age. She’s young and frankly not my cup of tea but she redeems herself with her interactions with her sisters and how she begins to look outside herself.
This novel is definitely for young adults. It gets quite deep and is somewhat heavy going but with a believable and unlabored premise. I personally struggle with first person POV with teenage characters since I spent half my time face palming if they run generally true to character. That said, the author has created an involving and intricate world in which to base this story.
A solid 3.5 – 4 stars.
August 9, 2016
Although this book may initially bring to mind many dystopian society stories, it is unlike any other currently out there. At the start, you see something more like a futuristic utopia – with scientific breakthroughs eradicating disease and natural deformity, enhancing beauty – but it doesn't take long to see that despite advances that could improve the lives of future generations, all of the woes of the past are still present – social divides, inequality, governmental strong-arming, and two seemingly
antiquated viruses - one biological, one social.
This book was great – it was exciting, filled with action and suspense, the characters were sympathetic and easy to root for (or against), and the relationships between them are often touching. I would absolutely recommend this book to just about anyone, and cannot wait to see where it goes.
antiquated viruses - one biological, one social.
This book was great – it was exciting, filled with action and suspense, the characters were sympathetic and easy to root for (or against), and the relationships between them are often touching. I would absolutely recommend this book to just about anyone, and cannot wait to see where it goes.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews