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Genesis Code
Blue Magic, the latest designer drug linked to a rash of overdoses, might explain the needle mark on the arm of a young woman found dead in her Kansas City apartment. But when Star reporter Rich Azadian digs deeper, the clues point to a far more explosive story: MaryLee Stock was a special protégée of evangelical megapastor and power broker Cobalt Becker, who is poised to deliver his followers and the presidency to a firebrand right-wing senator in the next election. When Azadian sets out to prove that MaryLee’s death was no accident and she may have been carrying Becker’s genetically enhanced baby, the stakes become life itself.
In 2023 America—bankrupt, violently divided by the culture wars, and beholden to archrival China—the rules of the game are complicated. With the danger mounting, the dead bodies of young women piling up, Chinese agents circling, and the US Department of National Competitiveness moving in to quash his investigation, Azadian’s only option is to go rogue, assemble a team of brilliant misfits like himself, and begin the fight of his life to find out who is killing these women and why, and if any others like them may still be alive.
In 2023 America—bankrupt, violently divided by the culture wars, and beholden to archrival China—the rules of the game are complicated. With the danger mounting, the dead bodies of young women piling up, Chinese agents circling, and the US Department of National Competitiveness moving in to quash his investigation, Azadian’s only option is to go rogue, assemble a team of brilliant misfits like himself, and begin the fight of his life to find out who is killing these women and why, and if any others like them may still be alive.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
97 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Metzl
12 books152 followersJamie Frederic Metzl is an American technology futurist, geopolitical expert, and writer, a former partner in the global investment company Cranemere LLC, and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. He was formerly the Asia Society's Executive Vice President.
(wikipedia)
(wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 25, 2020
3.5 stars. It was a fun twist on a crime/thriller novel set in 2023 that's talk about genes. Both crime and a bit of sci-fi that had an interesting plot to follow. Was not over the moon for this book but was enjoyable enough
November 9, 2014
Jamie Metzl's novel is a thrilling look into the near future. He examines what technologies will be at our disposal in our everyday lives, how our relationship with China will be framed due to our crippling debt, the future of the freedoms we now take for granted - like freedom of the press, and the politics that surround the human genetic revolution. I was struck by his ability to master storytelling. I quickly fell into the pages and barely looked up because of the wild ride that ensued. The "Genesis Code" is a smart thriller based on pseudoscience that could easily become an ethics battle based on real science in the real world. I highly recommend this intelligent mystery. Not only could I not put it down, but I can't get it out of my head. Put this book at the top of your reading list!
September 1, 2022
Meh, just not really my thing. Not sure how much was the story, how much the writing, how much the narration… but while a rather interesting idea, it just didn’t do it for me.
January 14, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through the Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
This book was pretty good...it seemed like it was more crime oriented rather than the science fiction that it promised, so I had a difficult time getting into it and following it in a few places, but all in all it was a pretty interesting read.
This book was pretty good...it seemed like it was more crime oriented rather than the science fiction that it promised, so I had a difficult time getting into it and following it in a few places, but all in all it was a pretty interesting read.
November 25, 2015
Ok
Hard to get into. Interesting concept. The Kansas City references fun but may be lost on no residents. (It's not like we live in an iconic city. )
Hard to get into. Interesting concept. The Kansas City references fun but may be lost on no residents. (It's not like we live in an iconic city. )
October 3, 2022
This book was annoying.
First; the main character is nobody that anyone would like be be around. Maybe that’s harsh, but when the author, Jamie Metzl, goes into his head- it’s nothing but stream of consciousness bs that has little to do with literally anything, let alone the story.
The book takes place in the distant future of 2023 and the big thing that’s changed is that everyone wears a “UD” - basically a bigger Apple Watch.
Andy Caploe as narrator— grated on my nerves pretty much the entire time I listened. Can he do voices? Sure! Do any of them sound realistic? Not at all!
I couldn’t even tell you much about the story except that the main character is a journalist on the case of mutations in genes and babies…eh. Oh, and there are a couple of pointless sex scenes.
I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore of this author
First; the main character is nobody that anyone would like be be around. Maybe that’s harsh, but when the author, Jamie Metzl, goes into his head- it’s nothing but stream of consciousness bs that has little to do with literally anything, let alone the story.
The book takes place in the distant future of 2023 and the big thing that’s changed is that everyone wears a “UD” - basically a bigger Apple Watch.
Andy Caploe as narrator— grated on my nerves pretty much the entire time I listened. Can he do voices? Sure! Do any of them sound realistic? Not at all!
I couldn’t even tell you much about the story except that the main character is a journalist on the case of mutations in genes and babies…eh. Oh, and there are a couple of pointless sex scenes.
I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore of this author
March 27, 2017
I won "Eternal Sonata" by the same author and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to read this book written prior to that book. Again, I'm not necessarily a big fan of science fiction but when it blends reality with imagination and is set in the near future with a moral I really enjoy it. These books are political in nature and it isn't much of a leap to actually believe that if certain abuses are left unchecked that the future could very well be as the one imagined in the novel...much like Orwell's "1984" this book really hits home with a caution regarding humans playing G0d left unchecked and what havoc can be wreaked in the name of progress regarding the practic of genetic manipulation. Definitely recommend.
December 30, 2021
A futuristic tale of government secrecy, murder and manipulation of our genetic code. I say futuristic but manipulation of the genetic code is already being done, which makes this book pretty scary. I loved the characters, especially Joseph, a newbie reporter from India. The story is told by Rich, a newspaper reporter who insists on following a story despite being threatened by multiple agencies and let go by the newspaper. He uses Joseph to find information on everything because Joseph is a computer/ hacker genius.
I highly recommended this book. I listened to the audio version because the book I won on Goodreads was cremated by a forest fire.
I highly recommended this book. I listened to the audio version because the book I won on Goodreads was cremated by a forest fire.
September 2, 2020
Tightly plotted and compelling sci-fi of the near future
Written in 2014, but politically prescient book I enjoyed reading. I am picky about my thrillers after having read more than 10k books, but this is inventive and creative. I read Jamie Metzl’s second book first. I suggest starting here. Mr Metzl is an accomplished and well-travelled scholar and policy wonk.
Written in 2014, but politically prescient book I enjoyed reading. I am picky about my thrillers after having read more than 10k books, but this is inventive and creative. I read Jamie Metzl’s second book first. I suggest starting here. Mr Metzl is an accomplished and well-travelled scholar and policy wonk.
April 16, 2023
It started off strong but fizzled pretty hard about at about 60%. It was also a bit hard to remember that the book was set in the near future because I’m reading it in 2023, the year the story is supposed to take place.
Overall readable, but not something I’d go back to or even recommend to a friend.
Overall readable, but not something I’d go back to or even recommend to a friend.
February 27, 2023
Always enjoy books that try to envision how technologies will evolve - especially once set in the near future, as Genesis Code is. It's an enjoyable story and easy to read. It could have perhaps done a bit more with the potential implications of genetic engineering.
November 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book being a bit of a science nerd. I found the story original albeit the characters somewhat predictable. The whole concept of genetic mutations and race I found fascinating.
July 11, 2019
I really liked the writing, but there were too many plot-holes for me to truly enjoy it.
November 18, 2019
Confusing story about future crazy genetics...
September 1, 2020
Genesis Code
STarted a bit slow but picked up the pace. Interesting subject matter which I think is in the near future or happening now.
STarted a bit slow but picked up the pace. Interesting subject matter which I think is in the near future or happening now.
January 31, 2021
There is a love scene that uses the line “I feel her body like a blind man.” That is all you need to know about this book.
June 18, 2021
Addicting from the first page
Great book that makes you never want to put it down. A page turner from the beginning. Easy read and thought provoking.
Great book that makes you never want to put it down. A page turner from the beginning. Easy read and thought provoking.
September 28, 2022
Combines most of my interests and overviews many of the things I've paid attention to over the last 10-15 years.
March 5, 2025
Genetic manipulation, crime, and plot twists
March 1, 2015
See the rest of the review here.
I loved the start of this novel a whole lot, enough that half way through I had already decided to give it a high rating. The first half is very strong. But the last act is a tad of a let down. Rich Azadian is a reporter with commitment issues and a tragic past. In fact, his past is part of the reason he obsesses with the dead girl, wanting to find out what happened to her. His sister was killed years before, and he hasn't really dealt the senselessness of it all.
When MaryLee Stock dies, he goes through great lengths to find out if it was murder. I was on board with him and Joseph, his Indian assistant, as they, little by little, piece together who and what was involved. His suspicion lead him to politicians, the government, radicals, and religious leaders. It was all very intriguing.
The writing itself was a charm. The author did not waste any words. The story goes from one scene to another, one great plot point to another, one day to another. No dull moments. The MC questioned the same things I did, and he got the questions or figured it out around the same time I did. The writer takes you on a fun journey while at the same time not letting you get restless or anxious about where the plot is going.
The main character was interesting in that he not only questioned his job, the loss of his sister, and MaryLee, he also questioned life. He wanted more out of it. I could understand why he didn't want to commit to anyone. He didn't understand himself enough to want to pretend he understood someone else, and so when his ex walks back into his life--he needs her to solve the puzzle--his hesitation made perfect sense to me. Even the conclusion at the end of the story made sense because by that time a lot had happened to him and all the characters involved. I did not have a problem with Rich. But I did have major issues with everyone else in his life.
All the secondary characters were too eager to please Rich. They all sacrificed a lot and risked even more to help him figure out a puzzle that at first didn't make much sense. I could understand why his girlfriend, who still had feelings for him, would go along with it all, but the other helpers, including his editor and the detective on the job, who were supposed to have strong personalities, were all quickly swayed by Rich. They at times seemed like plot devices. The tough but helpful editor at his newspaper, the tough but more than willing to hear him out detective, the tech guy, the scientist...everyone had a profession and a role that the story ultimately needed for all of it to come together at the end. There is more to this, but I don't want to reveal too much. No spoilers here.
Now, the dreaded last act. My problem with it was that I started figuring out the main plot a lot faster than Rich, and everything worked out perfectly and exactly how Rich needed it to. No casualties. No consequences. They all lived happily ever after. The good guy won. I don't have a problem with this thought process, but in this story it all worked out too well. Every one believed Rich and took his advice on almost everything. Everyone ended up yielding. The high stakes didn't seem so high once it was all nicely wrapped up in a fantastical bow.
However, the one part that I did like about the ending was how this near future exposes the world to how genetic engineering can be used for terrible things that lead to devastating results. How science and religion can be both helpful and destructive. How trying to get ahead could lead everyone back. I loved the world of Genesis Code. It was a very realistic place, not too different from the near future we might all have. The science is compelling. The ideas inventive. The plot was fun. And so I still recommend it because of all the good.
I loved the start of this novel a whole lot, enough that half way through I had already decided to give it a high rating. The first half is very strong. But the last act is a tad of a let down. Rich Azadian is a reporter with commitment issues and a tragic past. In fact, his past is part of the reason he obsesses with the dead girl, wanting to find out what happened to her. His sister was killed years before, and he hasn't really dealt the senselessness of it all.
When MaryLee Stock dies, he goes through great lengths to find out if it was murder. I was on board with him and Joseph, his Indian assistant, as they, little by little, piece together who and what was involved. His suspicion lead him to politicians, the government, radicals, and religious leaders. It was all very intriguing.
The writing itself was a charm. The author did not waste any words. The story goes from one scene to another, one great plot point to another, one day to another. No dull moments. The MC questioned the same things I did, and he got the questions or figured it out around the same time I did. The writer takes you on a fun journey while at the same time not letting you get restless or anxious about where the plot is going.
The main character was interesting in that he not only questioned his job, the loss of his sister, and MaryLee, he also questioned life. He wanted more out of it. I could understand why he didn't want to commit to anyone. He didn't understand himself enough to want to pretend he understood someone else, and so when his ex walks back into his life--he needs her to solve the puzzle--his hesitation made perfect sense to me. Even the conclusion at the end of the story made sense because by that time a lot had happened to him and all the characters involved. I did not have a problem with Rich. But I did have major issues with everyone else in his life.
All the secondary characters were too eager to please Rich. They all sacrificed a lot and risked even more to help him figure out a puzzle that at first didn't make much sense. I could understand why his girlfriend, who still had feelings for him, would go along with it all, but the other helpers, including his editor and the detective on the job, who were supposed to have strong personalities, were all quickly swayed by Rich. They at times seemed like plot devices. The tough but helpful editor at his newspaper, the tough but more than willing to hear him out detective, the tech guy, the scientist...everyone had a profession and a role that the story ultimately needed for all of it to come together at the end. There is more to this, but I don't want to reveal too much. No spoilers here.
Now, the dreaded last act. My problem with it was that I started figuring out the main plot a lot faster than Rich, and everything worked out perfectly and exactly how Rich needed it to. No casualties. No consequences. They all lived happily ever after. The good guy won. I don't have a problem with this thought process, but in this story it all worked out too well. Every one believed Rich and took his advice on almost everything. Everyone ended up yielding. The high stakes didn't seem so high once it was all nicely wrapped up in a fantastical bow.
However, the one part that I did like about the ending was how this near future exposes the world to how genetic engineering can be used for terrible things that lead to devastating results. How science and religion can be both helpful and destructive. How trying to get ahead could lead everyone back. I loved the world of Genesis Code. It was a very realistic place, not too different from the near future we might all have. The science is compelling. The ideas inventive. The plot was fun. And so I still recommend it because of all the good.
February 9, 2017
Reviewed by Kevin Winters
The future America is on the decline, and China is on the rise. What can America do to overcome this imbalance and regain her position in the world? Create a super-human through genetics. That is the overall plot of this novel by Jamie Metzl.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
The future America is on the decline, and China is on the rise. What can America do to overcome this imbalance and regain her position in the world? Create a super-human through genetics. That is the overall plot of this novel by Jamie Metzl.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
August 20, 2015
I received this book from first reads on goodreads. This is an honest review.
I have to admit this wasn't really what I was expecting after reading the blurb, but that didn't turn out to be a bad thing. It is part science fiction and part journalist mystery. It starts off right away with some action to get you hooked and stays with that momentum until the end. I think it could make a pretty good film as well. I liked the main character. You get to know different sides to his personality and understand the reasons why he reacts to situations the way he does.
Though I enjoyed the dimensionality of Dikran, I wish at least a few of the supporting characters were half as well defined. They were a little flat and I didn't care as much about their ultimate fates. I found the love interest to be a little on the condescending side as well.
Overall, it was a pleasant reading experience. I would recommend it to fans of mystery, crime or stories that take place in the near future.
I have to admit this wasn't really what I was expecting after reading the blurb, but that didn't turn out to be a bad thing. It is part science fiction and part journalist mystery. It starts off right away with some action to get you hooked and stays with that momentum until the end. I think it could make a pretty good film as well. I liked the main character. You get to know different sides to his personality and understand the reasons why he reacts to situations the way he does.
Though I enjoyed the dimensionality of Dikran, I wish at least a few of the supporting characters were half as well defined. They were a little flat and I didn't care as much about their ultimate fates. I found the love interest to be a little on the condescending side as well.
Overall, it was a pleasant reading experience. I would recommend it to fans of mystery, crime or stories that take place in the near future.
February 11, 2015
Genesis Code is a suspenseful story about the possible implication of human genetic modification with a gripping love story, which will leave you longing for your loved ones.
To be completely honest, I was not aware of Jamie Metzl’s work, until this book. Now I wonder why I waited so long to read it. What a great journey he placed before me, with some great characters that felt tangible. Genesis Code drew me in from the first paragraph and never let up. I truly loved the way Jamie wrote this book mixing in elements of politics, science and human development. I give Genesis Code 5 out of five stars.
I received a hardcover copy of Genesis Code from Skyhorse Publishing free and signed by Jamie Metzl, for my honest review.
Feb 7 2015
I loved this book and I can't wait to tell you all about it, I will have a review soon... =-)
To be completely honest, I was not aware of Jamie Metzl’s work, until this book. Now I wonder why I waited so long to read it. What a great journey he placed before me, with some great characters that felt tangible. Genesis Code drew me in from the first paragraph and never let up. I truly loved the way Jamie wrote this book mixing in elements of politics, science and human development. I give Genesis Code 5 out of five stars.
I received a hardcover copy of Genesis Code from Skyhorse Publishing free and signed by Jamie Metzl, for my honest review.
Feb 7 2015
I loved this book and I can't wait to tell you all about it, I will have a review soon... =-)
March 8, 2015
The Genesis Code really didn't excel in any of the endeavors it tried to achieve. It was not a good mystery definitely not a dystopian thriller and it absolutely should not be placed into the Science Fiction category. There are too many things going on as far as politics; religion; economic powers; philosophy; science and a bit of a love story. There are so many themes stretched too thinly to really come together. The main character Rich, is never developed to someone I really care about. He is noble and doing the right thing, there is just not enough energy written into his character. I would also say that the cover blurb on this book is one of the poorest I have read. Probably because on a whole, this book is rather scattered. Not the worst thing I have read but wish it were more focused.
May 4, 2015
Mr. Metzl is now on my short target list of authors to watch develop.
However, this book is a fascinating mess. It delves into realistic near-future big picture stuff that's terrifying and without getting all dystopian about it. The first chapter almost had me putting the book down, but I gave it another shot and got sucked in quickly, which made the last couple chapters even more disappointing. And Mr. Metzl, please drop characters like the mother...she was distracting without adding anything to the plot or the characters motivations.
Recommended for readers of Max Berry, Mark Russinovitch and Ted Kosmatka.
However, this book is a fascinating mess. It delves into realistic near-future big picture stuff that's terrifying and without getting all dystopian about it. The first chapter almost had me putting the book down, but I gave it another shot and got sucked in quickly, which made the last couple chapters even more disappointing. And Mr. Metzl, please drop characters like the mother...she was distracting without adding anything to the plot or the characters motivations.
Recommended for readers of Max Berry, Mark Russinovitch and Ted Kosmatka.
January 27, 2015
A really good read!
This compelling story takes place in the near future but weaves in many issues facing the world today: incredible advances in science and technology, the rise of fundamental religion in reaction to these advances, the rise of China as an economic powerhouse and the power of governments to intrude in all aspects of our lives. Metzl is a gifted writer who makes the characters come alive and makes "The Genesis Code" a thought-provoking, high-speed trip into one possible look at the world 20+ years from now.
This compelling story takes place in the near future but weaves in many issues facing the world today: incredible advances in science and technology, the rise of fundamental religion in reaction to these advances, the rise of China as an economic powerhouse and the power of governments to intrude in all aspects of our lives. Metzl is a gifted writer who makes the characters come alive and makes "The Genesis Code" a thought-provoking, high-speed trip into one possible look at the world 20+ years from now.
September 22, 2014
*ARC
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. What I really liked about it was that it was set in the future, but one close enough so that it is easy to imagine the subtle changes in our society. If you are a fan of the Nora Robert IN DEATH series, you will love this. It has every bit as much of the intrigue, science-fiction and political mystery, yet it has the romance part cleaned up for a more gender neutral audience.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. What I really liked about it was that it was set in the future, but one close enough so that it is easy to imagine the subtle changes in our society. If you are a fan of the Nora Robert IN DEATH series, you will love this. It has every bit as much of the intrigue, science-fiction and political mystery, yet it has the romance part cleaned up for a more gender neutral audience.
January 3, 2015
understanding science of the future
I enjoyed the mystery & the intelligence of this novel. The science of human genetics
Is very important to the future of our world.
We should all make an effort to understand
the ramifications of the capabilities of this
Science. Jamie Metzl brings a good measure
of possibilities to light in this important novel.
I enjoyed the mystery & the intelligence of this novel. The science of human genetics
Is very important to the future of our world.
We should all make an effort to understand
the ramifications of the capabilities of this
Science. Jamie Metzl brings a good measure
of possibilities to light in this important novel.
March 16, 2015
The underlying concept based on the potentially disruptive force of large scale human enhancement via genetic pre-selection and philosophy/strategy of national competitiveness, in combination with that of the surveillance state and political movement riding on religious belief, makes this a very promising book. Just too many good materials to fit in one story to make it an engaging one.
January 6, 2017
I had to get past the weird and ill formatted future (sci-fi) elements at the beginning of the book. The scene setting was very forced and felt like an after thought or an attempt to cross genre's. As the story continued the elements worked to enhance the story. I did enjoy the main story and the concept of the plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews