The Modified Ones.

by L.H. Boltson

In a futuristic, dystopian America plagued by unrest and growing distrust in science, Dr. Nicholas Cyrus, a renowned scientist, finds himself at the center of what he believes could be a breakthrough in his career. However, the assignment takes a sharp turn when he realizes things aren’t what they seem.He is partnered with a loyal workaholic recovering from a difficult breakup, someone he connects with almost instantly. Together, the duo work to uncover why a young boy has Modified , unaware that what they discover could change everyone’s lives.

With tensions continuously rising rapidly across the United States, Nick must act quickly to protect himself and his friends who begin to feel more like family. The choices he makes along the way not only alter the course of history but also deepen the divisions already tearing society apart.

288 pages, Paperback

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

H. Boltson’s “The Modified Ones” is a sci-fi thriller set in a near-future world where humans undergo physical modifications (not always voluntary), apparently as an adaptation to climate change. The concept is compelling and is developed to raise timely questions about genetic control, survival, and personal freedom.

Told through multiple points of view—a biologist, a mayor, a modified child, others—the narrative has a cinematic quality that makes it easy to imagine as a chilling streaming series. While the POV-shifting structure adds variety, it sometimes fragments the emotional core of the story and gets in the way of character development.

The author’s use of present tense gives the story a sense of urgency, and the fast-paced plot keeps the pages turning. The novel’s big ideas center around ethics and autonomy and are interesting; the plot twists come quickly.

The ending leans heavily toward sequel setup rather than resolution but Boltson’s world-building is so imaginative and convincing that the premise alone may be enough to engage fans of speculative fiction.

For readers who enjoy action-driven stories with a visual flair, The Modified Ones offers an entertaining ride.

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because it sounded like an interesting piece of dystopian fiction. And it delivered. It starts out at a crime scene. The scene is shown through the perspective of officer Santos. A few things are hinted at without giving away too much. We see that we’re in a dystopic future. And we see there something secret going on about what seems to be a person more than human in some way. At this point, I was intrigued by the mystery of it all. As the world building takes off, you see the brilliance of the story. By weaving politics, environmental issues and science into the storyline the author shows a futuristic world that is almost believable in terms of modern times. The author has an uncanny skill for immersing you in the perspective of the character. This served to make the storyline even more intense and interesting. In the end, what you're left with is a story that is very tension-filled, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and is hard to put down. I recommend this book for all lovers of dystopian fiction.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Modified Ones
By L.H. Boltson
Publisher: L.H. Boltson
Publication Date: June 24, 2025
Length: 332 Pages
ASIN: B0FFFQDRSF
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀
Triggers: Government control, medical experimentation, xenophobia, civil unrest, child mutation

What Did I Just Walk Into?
Imagine Children of Men got real cozy with X-Men, threw in a dash of Contagion, and then decided to write an angsty, thought-provoking breakup song to humanity—The Modified Ones is that. In a future America that’s more divided than a potluck dinner in a feuding family, Dr. Nicholas Cyrus thinks he’s just clocking into work. Instead? Welcome to evolution, scandal, and national freakouts.
Also: gills. Literal gills. On children. Not metaphorical. Not symbolic. Just…gills. And honestly? That’s when I knew I was in for it.

Here’s What Slapped:
L.H. Boltson doesn’t pull punches—this world feels uncomfortably close to ours. The political divide? The media manipulation? The coastal vs inland tension? All served with a very familiar flavor of “oh no, this could actually happen.” And the MODs—Modified humans—are fascinating, creepy, and treated with both scientific curiosity and heartbreaking realism.

Ava’s introspective spiral into generational trauma and dystopian déjà vu? Chilling. Also, can we talk about the boy? The gill reveal? Top-tier slow-burn body horror meets parental dread.

Also appreciated: the subtle romance that didn’t try to upstage the global existential crisis. Gold star for restraint.

What Could’ve Been Better:
The beginning does take a bit to find its stride—like the book itself is stretching its gills before diving in. There’s a lot of exposition upfront, and you may find yourself flipping back once or twice to figure out where we are and who’s narrating. But once it gets going? Strap in.

Also, let’s not pretend Frog Baby wasn’t an absolutely savage media nickname. The cruelty was the point—but oof. Felt that.

📖 Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Dystopian bio-horror that’s one DNA mutation away from real life
📖 Found family with ethical dilemmas and emotional stakes
📖 Quiet sci-fi that punches you in the feelings
📖 Government paranoia and scientific “oopsies”
📖 Evolution with a side of civil unrest

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Nicola McDonagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining dystopian tale.

I really wanted to like this book as I enjoyed Sweet Tooth, and the plot line reminded me of that comic series, so I was ready to dig in and be transported to a futuristic time where people turned into animals, and why it happened.

Normally, I’m not a fan of prologues, but this one was neatly done. It created a sense of mystery that made me want to know more about the Modified Ones.
Unfortunately for me, the rest of the novel didn’t live up to the promise of the prologue. Not with the plot, which I liked, but with the quality of the actual writing. I hoped that the use of the present tense would help to create urgency and tension, but because of the constant telling and not showing, this did not occur.

The use of many viewpoints gave the story a nice perspective, as we got to see what happened from multiple eyes; however, all the characters were introduced with an extensive backstory, which I found to be somewhat irksome, and prevented character development.

I found the dialogue somewhat laboured and not natural. When people do speak, they just explain what needs to be known to further the plot, rather than having believable conversations. The narrative felt more like an instruction manual than actual prose that should have created mood, atmosphere, and a sense of dread and some drama, which was sadly lacking in this book.

Overall, there was just too much telling and not showing, which halted the flow of this engaging story that deals with ethics, government /corporate corruption, the dangers of neglecting the environment, and ultimately, the fight back against a fractured and dysfunctional society.

Even though I was not enamoured with the entirety of this book, I did like the ending. No spoilers, but I think there will be a sequel.

Although the writing style wasn’t to my taste, I feel this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy a fast-paced narrative and an interesting moralistic story.

[Woodrow Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Modified Ones by L.H. Boltson is a fantastic blend of dystopian intrigue, character-driven drama, and just the right dash of romance to keep you emotionally invested the entire way through. From the very first page, I was drawn in by the unique world Boltson has created, where people undergo genetic modifications intended to make them “better,” but often come at a terrible price. The concept itself is both clever and chilling, and Boltson handles the implications in a way that feels both imaginative and unsettlingly plausible.

What makes this book stand out is the depth of the characters. The protagonist is complex and relatable, fighting not just the oppressive system but her fears and doubts. The supporting cast is equally strong, comprising friends, enemies, and uneasy allies who each have their motivations. I appreciated that the plot wasn’t rushed; there was time for genuine character development alongside the action.

The pacing is spot on, with tense moments of danger balanced by quieter, more introspective scenes that make you really care about what’s at stake. The writing style is smooth and engaging without being overly flowery, making it easy to keep turning pages late into the night.

If you enjoy dystopian fiction that actually makes you think, with characters you’ll remember long after you finish, The Modified Ones is absolutely worth your time.

[Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and thought-provoking



I recently read The Modified Ones by L.H. Boltson, and I found it both intense and thought-provoking. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in with its unsettling vision of a future America torn apart by division, distrust in science, and the mysterious rise of the “Modified.” What struck me most was how real the social tension felt; like a reflection of issues we are already seeing in our own world, just taken further.



I really connected with Dr. Nicholas Cyrus as a character. He starts off as a scientist just looking for answers, but I liked watching how his role evolved once he realized that the truth was much bigger and more dangerous than he imagined. His partnership with Katie gave the book a strong emotional anchor. I appreciated their dynamic professional at first but slowly turning into a bond that felt real and human. It added heart to a story that could have easily been only about science and politics.


The pacing was steady and kept me turning the pages, especially once the stakes rose and the family at the center of the mystery came under threat. Some scenes carried a quiet creepiness that I really enjoyed, and the moral questions around fear, difference, and control stayed with me after finishing. Overall, I thought it was a powerful mix of sci-fi, dystopia, and emotion.

[Emirhan Korkmaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Modified Ones pulled me in with its mix of near-future science fiction and unsettlingly familiar social tension. What begins as a scientific breakthrough quickly turns into a story about trust, control, and what it means to protect the people you care about when the world feels like it’s unraveling.

The concept of children “modifying” is handled in a way that’s both fascinating and disturbing. There’s a quiet horror in the details, especially when Boltson shows how society reacts with fear and cruelty. I found myself lingering on those moments, because they felt uncomfortably believable.

Nick and Ava’s partnership gave the story its heart for me. Their relationship is subtle, not forced, but it adds weight to the choices they make as the stakes rise. Boltson does a good job balancing the personal with the political, so you’re never far from either the human impact or the bigger questions about science and ethics.

The pacing starts out a little slow, but once the pieces fall into place, the tension builds steadily and doesn’t let go. By the end, I was left both satisfied with the story and curious about where Boltson might take this world next.

[Chris Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.H. Boltson’s The Modified Ones is an absolute triumph of sci-fi dystopian storytelling, showcasing the author’s remarkable talent for crafting a world that feels both exhilarating and profoundly human. Boltson’s imagination shines, weaving a narrative that pulses with intrigue and heart, effortlessly drawing readers into a future that’s as thought-provoking as it is immersive. The prose is crisp, evocative, and perfectly paced, balancing high-stakes tension with moments of quiet emotional resonance that linger long after the final page. Boltson’s ability to blend big ideas with relatable human experiences is nothing short of masterful, creating a story that feels universal yet refreshingly original. Every scene is infused with a sense of purpose, and the author’s knack for building atmosphere makes the world leap off the page. The Modified Ones is a testament to Boltson’s skill as a storyteller, delivering a captivating, seamless read that’s sure to delight fans of the genre and leave them eager for more.

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A not-too-distant future America is on the brink of another civil war. Some babies are being born with “irregularities” or evolved physical traits, known as—MODs. Somehow this is happening more frequently in the Southern part of the U.S. People on the coast of Southern Carolina notice a dramatic shift when a seven-year-old boy (Adam) suddenly starts showing modified traits. Then his father and younger brother start to modify. The family is ostracized and the government steps in to quarantine them. Dr. Nick Cyrus, a well-known biologist is teamed up with Katie to figure out what triggered the family to suddenly start showing signs of modification. What they uncover could be a huge scandal involving Nick’s previous employer and the government itself. This is bigger than the two of them can contain and it becomes a dangerous situation. Well written and intense science fiction story as well as a cautionary tale as Nick, Katie and the Ardi family go on the run and must use social media and to get the truth out.

[Nicolas Ramis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ambition isn’t the problem here. Control is.

Expectations were reasonably high: near-future dystopia, genetic “mods”, political cover-ups, climate decay, you name it... this is a genre that rewards discipline and punishes sloppiness.

Unfortunately, The Modified Ones leans sounds like a too familiar material without doing the work to elevate it. The prose is doing its job but is quite bloated. Scenes tend to routinely drown in internal monologues and in "explanatory mode".

Come one, "show, don't tell", you see what I mean. It sounds as if the author doesn’t trust the reader to connect dots without a lecture. As a consequence, pacing suffers badly: moments that should crackle with tension stall under redundant description. Also, emotional beats arrive pre-chewed and labeled. The worldbuilding, though earnest, is delivered via long infodumps that read more like policy memos than fiction.

Structurally, the book feels like a TV pilot stretched into a novel - lots of setups, not enough payoff.

Much work was put into this book, no doubt, but it lacks subtlety and maturity.

[We Love Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Modified Ones is a compelling and imaginative read that explores identity, humanity, and transformation through a futuristic and thought-provoking lens. L.H. Boltson builds a world that feels both unfamiliar and unsettlingly close to reality, drawing the reader into questions about what it truly means to be human when boundaries are altered and choices carry lasting consequences.

What stood out to me most was the atmosphere and conceptual depth. The story invites reflection without feeling heavy-handed, allowing themes of adaptation, morality, and belonging to unfold naturally through the narrative. The pacing keeps you engaged, and the world-building is strong enough to spark curiosity well beyond the final chapter.

This is a novel that encourages readers to think, not just consume, and it rewards attention with layers of meaning and possibility. A solid and engaging read for those who enjoy speculative fiction that blends story with deeper questions about the future and ourselves.

[Sean Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

the modified ones is a well-written, thoughtful sci-fi novel that mixes mystery, science, and emotion in a relatable way. it opens with a disturbing scene and a strange artifact, then shifts focus to a group of researchers trying to uncover what “the modified” really are. the pacing is steady and the plot unfolds with care, building tension through discovery.

the main character, katie, is sharp and committed to her work, and her dynamic with nick adds depth. the dialogue feels sincere and the writing is clear. there’s a subtle creepiness to some scenes, especially during the dreamlike moments and encounters with the modified. it keeps things interesting.

the book touches on real themes. fear of difference, the ethics of control, and the human side of scientific progress. it does this quite well. i appreciated how the author showed emotional impact through small moments.

the tone, pacing, and characters all worked cohesively. worth reading for sure.

[Wes Hubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Modified Ones is a science fiction story exploring, as the name suggests, humans that have been modified. It is written in the present tense. The main character is a gritty woman who investigates the rash of modified individuals and ends up having to defend and protect them. The pacing is moderate with political infighting and strategies. There are the usual power mongers who use the crisis and turmoil for their own means. All this happens in the backdrop of the media fight for the truth with all its believers and detractors. That similar fights for public opinion and truth and current and ongoing in our world today is a telling statement as to what happens when the truth is buried under the shouts of the conspiracy theorists. There are a few action scenes, but the strength of this book, I feel, lies mostly in the way it holds a lens to our political system and social media influences.