My Brilliant Demise

by D. A. Hinkley

Professor Anna Fairchild is always pushing her limits, driven by her ambition to change the world as a prominent leader in neurogenetics. After years of research on human attractions, she has a eureka moment and finally makes a breakthrough. She has discovered a method to close specific pathways in the brain and create new ones, potentially eliminating our impulse to judge each other based on their appearance. Excited by the prospect of a world free of superficial judgments, Anna tests her unproven drug on a human specimen.

However, this decision sets off a chain of events that Anna could never have foreseen. Her drug, instead of achieving its intended purpose, triggers a dormant virus in the subject’s body, leading to an uncontrollable spread through bodily fluids. The virus, far from being benign, mutates unpredictably, causing a complete reversal of the desired effect. The affected individuals no longer find young, fertile people attractive, a consequence that Anna could never have imagined. Anna must stop the spread before she causes an epidemic, which would end natural reproduction in the fertile population.

Will Anna be able to halt the drug's effects before they spiral out of control? Can she undo the damage already done? And most importantly, can she survive the consequences of her creation?

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2025

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasnt sure I was going to like this book, but it became strangely addicting, wanting to know what would happen. It got more interesting the more I read.
But, I was put off by the 1st person pov that keep switching to 3rd person pov. I also thought that the writing felt a little stilted in places, a bit plain. Plus the ending was so quick! Not a bad story line though, just not really my cup of tea.

[Daniella S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Somewhat addictive, I couldn’t put it down. The story is refreshingly different, and the characters are wonderful. I hope there is a sequel.