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The Cicada Prophecy
FOR A SMALL PRICE, ANYONE CAN BE IMMORTAL.
WELCOME TO THE BRAVE NEW WORLD.
Dr. Richard Ross has discovered a miracle cure for aging. But it comes at a price. Everyone who wants eternal youth must undergo an operation before passing into adulthood that locks their body in the form of a preadolescent youth. When seniors die off, immortal juveniles rise to power and take over the world.
But not everyone is happy with the new arrangement. A group of rebels from the Garden of Eden church plots to overthrow the new regime and return the world to its natural order. When juveniles suddenly begin rapidly aging, the entire population is set on a course of imminent extinction.
Building to a chilling climax, Dr. Ross and his endocrinologist girlfriend must find and rescue the one remaining person who carries the genetic link for saving the human race.
A mind-bending technothriller based on Nobel prizewinning research.
Warning: Most of the characters in this story, although chronologically advanced in years, inhabit the bodies of preadolescent youths. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of such juveniles engaging in adult behaviors, do not read this book.
WELCOME TO THE BRAVE NEW WORLD.
Dr. Richard Ross has discovered a miracle cure for aging. But it comes at a price. Everyone who wants eternal youth must undergo an operation before passing into adulthood that locks their body in the form of a preadolescent youth. When seniors die off, immortal juveniles rise to power and take over the world.
But not everyone is happy with the new arrangement. A group of rebels from the Garden of Eden church plots to overthrow the new regime and return the world to its natural order. When juveniles suddenly begin rapidly aging, the entire population is set on a course of imminent extinction.
Building to a chilling climax, Dr. Ross and his endocrinologist girlfriend must find and rescue the one remaining person who carries the genetic link for saving the human race.
A mind-bending technothriller based on Nobel prizewinning research.
Warning: Most of the characters in this story, although chronologically advanced in years, inhabit the bodies of preadolescent youths. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of such juveniles engaging in adult behaviors, do not read this book.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2014
444 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
J.R. McLeay
5 books28 followersJ. R. McLeay is an Amazon top 100 author who writes standalone stories across multiple genres.
His first novel, The Cicada Prophecy, was a quarterfinalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and was selected as the best science fiction book of 2015 by the review site Books, Books, and More Books.
His second novel, the crime thriller Unlucky Day, was picked up by Kindle Press within a few months of publication after ringing up off-the-charts endorsements and reviews.
He is currently working on his third book, a political thriller titled The Candidate, expected for release in late 2017.
J. R. is a graduate of the University of Toronto and lives in Vancouver, Canada with his wife and three rambunctious dogs. He loves to hear from his readers and personally responds to everyone who reaches out to share their impressions. Contact at mcleayjr@gmail.com or www.jrmcleay.com.
His first novel, The Cicada Prophecy, was a quarterfinalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and was selected as the best science fiction book of 2015 by the review site Books, Books, and More Books.
His second novel, the crime thriller Unlucky Day, was picked up by Kindle Press within a few months of publication after ringing up off-the-charts endorsements and reviews.
He is currently working on his third book, a political thriller titled The Candidate, expected for release in late 2017.
J. R. is a graduate of the University of Toronto and lives in Vancouver, Canada with his wife and three rambunctious dogs. He loves to hear from his readers and personally responds to everyone who reaches out to share their impressions. Contact at mcleayjr@gmail.com or www.jrmcleay.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 22, 2016
I love hard science fiction and this book definitely qualified. I give credit for an interesting new idea and for the technical detail. Most of it was outside my area of knowledge so I cannot vouch for it's accuracy. I found myself sort of enjoying the book. Why would that be strange and why a 2 star review then? Well we're talking about eleven year old people. When the male protagonist talks about how attractive his love interest is, kisses her and even has sex with her, it just comes across as very creepy. I have a tendency to picture the story in my mind as I read and kept thinking to myself that two eleven-year-olds were having sex. I hope no one tries to make a movie from this.
While I did learn a lot, the book frequently came across as the author's attempt to show how smart he is. Sometimes it was more like a lecture. In fact, there WAS some lecturing.
The protagonist was a bit too large for life. He was a brain surgeon that was also apparently an OB/GYN, seemed to single-handedly performed ALL operations to extend life, acted as a university lecturer and just dabbled on the side with being the chief medical officer for the United Nations. No problem, still plenty of time for a hobby in bonsai and a relationship with a world class endocrinologist that seems to have less knowledge of the endocrine system than he. Did I mention part time private investigator?
The dialogue was unbelievable as were many of the characters.
The plot was very good, but the climactic scene where the protagonist confronts the antagonist was very Hollywood and predictable.
I also think the author missed some small details that would have added color to the universe. Instead of lecturing us on the evolution of long lived trees he could have mentioned how products were made smaller to accommodate the new world body form or that a few juveniles slip through by maturing too much before the age of eleven. But mostly, I just couldn't get over the creepy factor. I'm still trying to figure out WHY eleven-year-olds would even want to have sex. If they have no sex drive and they don't reproduce, what's the point?
Religion is not treated kindly, so stay away if you are so inclined. There wasn't really any harsh language and there was no real life overly political agenda.
I checked out this book for free from amazon and was not paid for the review.
While I did learn a lot, the book frequently came across as the author's attempt to show how smart he is. Sometimes it was more like a lecture. In fact, there WAS some lecturing.
The protagonist was a bit too large for life. He was a brain surgeon that was also apparently an OB/GYN, seemed to single-handedly performed ALL operations to extend life, acted as a university lecturer and just dabbled on the side with being the chief medical officer for the United Nations. No problem, still plenty of time for a hobby in bonsai and a relationship with a world class endocrinologist that seems to have less knowledge of the endocrine system than he. Did I mention part time private investigator?
The dialogue was unbelievable as were many of the characters.
The plot was very good, but the climactic scene where the protagonist confronts the antagonist was very Hollywood and predictable.
I also think the author missed some small details that would have added color to the universe. Instead of lecturing us on the evolution of long lived trees he could have mentioned how products were made smaller to accommodate the new world body form or that a few juveniles slip through by maturing too much before the age of eleven. But mostly, I just couldn't get over the creepy factor. I'm still trying to figure out WHY eleven-year-olds would even want to have sex. If they have no sex drive and they don't reproduce, what's the point?
Religion is not treated kindly, so stay away if you are so inclined. There wasn't really any harsh language and there was no real life overly political agenda.
I checked out this book for free from amazon and was not paid for the review.
May 13, 2016
This was one of the worst books I have read in my life. The premise was interesting but the characters over-explained everything. Rick knows science but he uses words like "hip" to describe a nightclub. It was painful, like dental surgery. I have a background in science, so I followed all of the dialogue but it was still very boring. Never again.
December 2, 2015
The Cicada Prophecy
By J.R McLeay
I have to say that the blurb for The Cicada Prophecy by J. R McLeay immediately grabbed my attention and got me excited in a way that not all blurbs do. I had high hopes for it: a proposed storyline that told the tale of the possibility of eternal life. I waited patiently for the genre to be picked and its’ turn in my queue. Although I can honestly say that as a whole it was definitely up to snuff, I did have a few issues with it as well.
The storyline was exciting and creative to say the least;, leaving me not wanting to put it down because I couldn't wait to see what McLeay had in store next. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there were also plenty of moments that certain aspects of it left me feeling slightly let down as well.
The storyline pertains to our world in the future where a surgical procedure performed in adolescence prior to puberty prolongs our lifespan indefinitely. The removal of what causes the body to transition from adolescence to adulthood permanently muted leaving humankind outwardly 11-years-old while the mind continues the journey on its own, allowing mental maturity despite the outward appearance. Perhaps this sounds like the cure-all to the problems in our world, but does everyone stand in agreement? How is the world repopulated? Is it truly eternal life? These questions kept me reading!
The story is told in 3rd person with the perspective of each of the main characters being thoroughly developed. This became an issue for me only when the focus one of the main characters, Dr. Richard Ross, turned from character and plot development into a dissertation about biology and the like. In addition to being a world renowned neurologist he also teaches bioethics. Sometimes I felt like I was sitting in his class anxiously awaiting the end of the lecture period. Albeit pertinent information for someone who is pursuing an education in biology; however, I am not.
There were some uncomfortable moments though. Due to the fact that the bodies of the majority of the characters are 11-year-old despite adult minds, just the discussion of those adolescent bodies engaging in adult activities made me queasy. I fully realize that there are only insinuations; however, I feel it is necessary to mention it to perspective readers.
In summation I can say this was an extremely unique storyline with great character development. I certainly feel that the blurb came through on what was promised. I’d like to give the book a 5-fly rating based solely on how much I liked it; however, the couple of aforementioned hiccups cause me to hesitate in doing so.
By J.R McLeay
I have to say that the blurb for The Cicada Prophecy by J. R McLeay immediately grabbed my attention and got me excited in a way that not all blurbs do. I had high hopes for it: a proposed storyline that told the tale of the possibility of eternal life. I waited patiently for the genre to be picked and its’ turn in my queue. Although I can honestly say that as a whole it was definitely up to snuff, I did have a few issues with it as well.
The storyline was exciting and creative to say the least;, leaving me not wanting to put it down because I couldn't wait to see what McLeay had in store next. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there were also plenty of moments that certain aspects of it left me feeling slightly let down as well.
The storyline pertains to our world in the future where a surgical procedure performed in adolescence prior to puberty prolongs our lifespan indefinitely. The removal of what causes the body to transition from adolescence to adulthood permanently muted leaving humankind outwardly 11-years-old while the mind continues the journey on its own, allowing mental maturity despite the outward appearance. Perhaps this sounds like the cure-all to the problems in our world, but does everyone stand in agreement? How is the world repopulated? Is it truly eternal life? These questions kept me reading!
The story is told in 3rd person with the perspective of each of the main characters being thoroughly developed. This became an issue for me only when the focus one of the main characters, Dr. Richard Ross, turned from character and plot development into a dissertation about biology and the like. In addition to being a world renowned neurologist he also teaches bioethics. Sometimes I felt like I was sitting in his class anxiously awaiting the end of the lecture period. Albeit pertinent information for someone who is pursuing an education in biology; however, I am not.
There were some uncomfortable moments though. Due to the fact that the bodies of the majority of the characters are 11-year-old despite adult minds, just the discussion of those adolescent bodies engaging in adult activities made me queasy. I fully realize that there are only insinuations; however, I feel it is necessary to mention it to perspective readers.
In summation I can say this was an extremely unique storyline with great character development. I certainly feel that the blurb came through on what was promised. I’d like to give the book a 5-fly rating based solely on how much I liked it; however, the couple of aforementioned hiccups cause me to hesitate in doing so.
September 15, 2016
Spoilers!
Wow, where to begin. It's not often that I am absolutely delighted to be done with a book – but boy was I ready for this clunker to be over with. Sophomoric writing, including frequent lack of meaningful details with nonsense descriptors that read like, “The medicine was administered in the perfect amount to induce the required reaction for the appropriate outcome…” (not a direct quote, just an example).
The story line that was so filled with holes it defied belief. No sense of how much of the population was juvenile, and if all where juvenile why were they constantly defined as juvenile since that was the norm? the world’s population on these patches? Everywhere? Every corner of Africa, the deserts of Australia, and inland china? Really? All from one company? With no more security than you would find at a warehouse? No back up plan? No redundancy?
And making your reader imagine 11 year olds having sex is creepy. Period.
A “Queen Bee” woman that was providing eggs in case the human race had to be saved – and after years of doing this she finally asks, “I wonder what they do with the eggs?” really?
Terrible. Do not waste your time. I don’t know what book the other reviewers read, but it certainly wasn’t this virtual pulp.
Wow, where to begin. It's not often that I am absolutely delighted to be done with a book – but boy was I ready for this clunker to be over with. Sophomoric writing, including frequent lack of meaningful details with nonsense descriptors that read like, “The medicine was administered in the perfect amount to induce the required reaction for the appropriate outcome…” (not a direct quote, just an example).
The story line that was so filled with holes it defied belief. No sense of how much of the population was juvenile, and if all where juvenile why were they constantly defined as juvenile since that was the norm? the world’s population on these patches? Everywhere? Every corner of Africa, the deserts of Australia, and inland china? Really? All from one company? With no more security than you would find at a warehouse? No back up plan? No redundancy?
And making your reader imagine 11 year olds having sex is creepy. Period.
A “Queen Bee” woman that was providing eggs in case the human race had to be saved – and after years of doing this she finally asks, “I wonder what they do with the eggs?” really?
Terrible. Do not waste your time. I don’t know what book the other reviewers read, but it certainly wasn’t this virtual pulp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 25, 2016The only reason I managed to finish this book was my sense of obligation to the book challenge started by a friend and the fact it was all I had to read during an all day stay in a hospital waiting room.
The writing is horrible. The prose is juvenile and clichéd. Surgeons stop in the middle of brain surgery to have a long inner monologue on just what they are doing. There is no character development to speak of and there is the lack of anything resembling a coherent plot.
The premise itself is very interesting. In the near future immortality or at least the end of all aging, is achievable through the surgical removal of the pituitary gland as long as it is done before the onset of puberty. This leads to a world populated by immortal adults in the bodies of eleven year olds. Sadly the premise is so mishandled that if you were to skip over the paragraph detailing the fact that everyone is physically a pre-pubescent child you would not notice. This society of child immortals is pretty much indistinguishable from the here and now.
The writing is horrible. The prose is juvenile and clichéd. Surgeons stop in the middle of brain surgery to have a long inner monologue on just what they are doing. There is no character development to speak of and there is the lack of anything resembling a coherent plot.
The premise itself is very interesting. In the near future immortality or at least the end of all aging, is achievable through the surgical removal of the pituitary gland as long as it is done before the onset of puberty. This leads to a world populated by immortal adults in the bodies of eleven year olds. Sadly the premise is so mishandled that if you were to skip over the paragraph detailing the fact that everyone is physically a pre-pubescent child you would not notice. This society of child immortals is pretty much indistinguishable from the here and now.
December 8, 2016
An original medical thriller/mystery.
I'm a fan of TV medical shows, but I'd never read a medical thriller book before. The concept of living forever sounded interesting and how it brings up all kinds of trade-offs and questions, like what is the role of religion if nobody dies?
The first part of the story sets up the characters and the underlying science, which seemed well researched. It was interesting to see how people reacted in the ethically-disturbing corporate boardroom (they go to the extreme when backed into a corner). Many of the characters are high-level professionals, so their dialogue is precise.
The second part of the story starts when the crap hits the fan and things take off.
In the end, The Cicada Prophecy was an original and creative idea with intelligent characters put in bad situations, ending with action and mystery as well. And, as a side bonus, I learned a lot about the science of genetics.
I'm a fan of TV medical shows, but I'd never read a medical thriller book before. The concept of living forever sounded interesting and how it brings up all kinds of trade-offs and questions, like what is the role of religion if nobody dies?
The first part of the story sets up the characters and the underlying science, which seemed well researched. It was interesting to see how people reacted in the ethically-disturbing corporate boardroom (they go to the extreme when backed into a corner). Many of the characters are high-level professionals, so their dialogue is precise.
The second part of the story starts when the crap hits the fan and things take off.
In the end, The Cicada Prophecy was an original and creative idea with intelligent characters put in bad situations, ending with action and mystery as well. And, as a side bonus, I learned a lot about the science of genetics.
April 25, 2016
oh dear. This book seemed promising. But it turned out to be an author humble bragging about all the big words and definitions he knows. The characters - a brain surgeon & endocrinologist, so people who would in reality have quite an in depth level of biological knowledge - kept explaining stuff to each other that I knew from middle school biology. It might be me but if I were getting brain surgery I’d want a doctor who didn’t need to have basic biological ideas explained to them as if they were 13.
Also the way the characters have sex and stuff. I get that they’re adults in child bodies but I think it’d be weird to write sex scenes between 11 year olds. Certainly weird to read them...
I finished the book, hence 2* but i didn’t enjoy it.
Also the way the characters have sex and stuff. I get that they’re adults in child bodies but I think it’d be weird to write sex scenes between 11 year olds. Certainly weird to read them...
I finished the book, hence 2* but i didn’t enjoy it.
August 3, 2016
Find more reviews like this at Brian's Book Blog
Forever young… that was the plan, anyway
Humans have long tried to find the fountain of youth. In the future, it appears that doctors and scientists alike have found the proverbial fountain of youth and it literally involves keeping people young… very young. 11 years old (on the outside at least). There is a new surgery that is mandatory, allowing the world to live a young and full life much longer than their parents and grandparents were able to.
At first, I thought it would be heard to imagine a bunch of adult 11-year-olds running around and at times it was. I just don’t see a doctor or a member of the UN to be 11 years old. Other than having a slightly difficult time imagining the characters looking a certain way I thought that the premise was fascinating.
The science in the book was really interesting and I believe that it was based on some true findings. You can tell that the author has either worked in medicine before or did a lot of research before writing this.
A few times I felt like the book got bogged down in a Steven King-esque detail tirades (I’m thinking the scene in the graveyard), but they were few and far between.
Overall, The Cicada Prophecy was a fascinating look into the near future and what could happen if we begin to mess with science. It also featured a pretty interesting conflict between science and religion that has existed for decades.
Forever young… that was the plan, anyway
Humans have long tried to find the fountain of youth. In the future, it appears that doctors and scientists alike have found the proverbial fountain of youth and it literally involves keeping people young… very young. 11 years old (on the outside at least). There is a new surgery that is mandatory, allowing the world to live a young and full life much longer than their parents and grandparents were able to.
At first, I thought it would be heard to imagine a bunch of adult 11-year-olds running around and at times it was. I just don’t see a doctor or a member of the UN to be 11 years old. Other than having a slightly difficult time imagining the characters looking a certain way I thought that the premise was fascinating.
The science in the book was really interesting and I believe that it was based on some true findings. You can tell that the author has either worked in medicine before or did a lot of research before writing this.
A few times I felt like the book got bogged down in a Steven King-esque detail tirades (I’m thinking the scene in the graveyard), but they were few and far between.
Overall, The Cicada Prophecy was a fascinating look into the near future and what could happen if we begin to mess with science. It also featured a pretty interesting conflict between science and religion that has existed for decades.
December 20, 2015
Talk About Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket...
In this genetic engineering techno-thriller, scientists have finally given humanity near immortality, having "fixed" the body's own propensity to mandate death sometime after adolescence. Almost the entire the population is made up of pre-adolescent eleven year olds.
But the now-common procedure comes with a terrible risk, and some consider it to be not only ill-advised but immoral. The drama arises when the infrastructure supporting this "peaceful, utopian society" comes under attack.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the novel was underpinned by a large amount of well-researched science, real science that informs the reader and furthers the impression that this problem could be, in not a few years, all too real.
There are many intriguing themes to keep the intellectual among us engaged, and plenty of action-filled scenes to entertain the rest of us. Well recommended, unless you happen to have a doctor's appointment the next day!
--- Joe Dacy II (Author or Esquelle and the Tesla Protocol)
Note: I employed my Kindle Unlimited subscription to obtain a copy of this work.
In this genetic engineering techno-thriller, scientists have finally given humanity near immortality, having "fixed" the body's own propensity to mandate death sometime after adolescence. Almost the entire the population is made up of pre-adolescent eleven year olds.
But the now-common procedure comes with a terrible risk, and some consider it to be not only ill-advised but immoral. The drama arises when the infrastructure supporting this "peaceful, utopian society" comes under attack.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the novel was underpinned by a large amount of well-researched science, real science that informs the reader and furthers the impression that this problem could be, in not a few years, all too real.
There are many intriguing themes to keep the intellectual among us engaged, and plenty of action-filled scenes to entertain the rest of us. Well recommended, unless you happen to have a doctor's appointment the next day!
--- Joe Dacy II (Author or Esquelle and the Tesla Protocol)
Note: I employed my Kindle Unlimited subscription to obtain a copy of this work.
September 16, 2016
The book has an interesting premise, but ultimately the plot is hackneyed, the story is boring, and the writing is horrible. For example - the author spends 10 pages describing how the main character prunes his bonsai tree. At a funeral, he spends at least another 10 pages describing the different trees and tombstones in the cemetery - and then half a page on the explosion during the funeral. There were many times where I was literally fast forwarding thru the pages to get past huge chunks of not freaking relevant description about boring activities like pine cone gathering that had nothing to do with the story at all.
I started reading it out loud to my wife because it was so bad. After a few minutes she started throwing things at me to make me stop.
I started reading it out loud to my wife because it was so bad. After a few minutes she started throwing things at me to make me stop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2016
This author is VERY promising. The ideas he has are very thought provoking and I will definitely watch for his other books, but why only two stars? He clearly had put together a great plot, but I thought the ending came a little too quick with a sudden explanation of everything rather than letting the story play out. There were a couple of places where the descriptions got overly detailed and drug down the pace of the book. All this being said, the plot was so compelling for me, I put it at the front of my reading list (jumped over 300 books to the top). I'm glad I read it; it's a rare book that makes you re-think from another perspective.
February 25, 2016
First I must confess that I sometimes skim through books. I am a voracious, eclectic and FAST reader. However, I did not skim through The Cicada Prophecy. There was far too much to learn. I didn’t want to miss a thing. In fact, I found myself looking up a few concepts online to see if they were true. (And they were.) You have to like medical thrillers, intelligent discussion, and challenging concepts, but I expect that most readers check the genre before they read. I loved this book for the premise, the twists, and the ultimate message about the human condition.
February 2, 2016
This book was awful and I only finished it by skimming large portions of endless boring descriptions of places, buildings and procedures. The writing is weak and the scenarios of 11yo bodies acting like adults is disturbing.
May 23, 2016
The plot was predictable and none of the characters were likable.....with no one to root for the book became less interesting. The author spent too much time explaining medical jargon and too little time developing the characters.
June 29, 2016
Very interesting and apparently based on some facts albeit speculative.
April 28, 2016
A+ story idea, C+ plot execution, F dialogue/writing style. Took me way too long to get through, despite wanting to know how it ended.
December 18, 2017
I am very pleased that I went ahead & read this book. The back cover description was successful in doing its job, it grabbed the possible readers. First it impressed me the amount of knowledge the author had. Knowledge in biology, trees, architecture & History. But then I realized that there was not the knowledge within myself to see if it was true, or he pulled a fake it to you make it moment. Now the topic was interesting, but I had a bit of a problem getting deeply involved with the characters, usually I am a type of reader who enjoys being a fly on the wall type. But there was a uncomfortable feeling of being a voyeur & almost far as being perverted. With the subjects being 11yr Olds, even though their minds grew, the body never did...put yourself in the position of how you would react seeing DOOGIE HOUSER MD being in certain “adult” situations. He had a adult mind, but yet he was still just a child and he was still older than 11, I think you get where I’m at. Then you have an adult who is a preacher, who is very concerned with the soul of all of those involved in doing the procedure’s and those have them done. Afraid they will never see God, and going against what is God’s plan. But it is just another situation of being so heavenly bound he was no earthly good. He went as far as enticing violence, murder and personally participating in kidnapping as well as in rape. But overall the four stars is for the overall wish they could’ve been maybe 17, but then again it would not of worked for the storyline.
March 3, 2017
Michael Crichtonesque medical masterpiece!
The Cicada Prophecy: A Medical Thriller definitely lives up to its title. While I was reading this book, I thought J.R. McLean (the author) must be a doctor. He infused medical procedures, terminology, and theories masterfully into his utopian, possibly dystopian..., well written and compelling sci-fi thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed and came very close to giving it 5 stars, however for as a good as it was there were a couple areas I felt could've been better. (Minor spoilers below)
Although I don't believe there is any debate on the morality of juveniles fornicating, it is up to the author to provide the substance and narrative to his work. The overwhelmingly majority of characters in this book are juveniles in appearance and are frequently throughout the book referred to as such. Chronologically, however, their actual ages are between 30-60 years old. There are a few instances in the book where it is implied that the "juveniles" engage in intimate behavior together. I was never shocked or disgusted with the narrator's prose because he weaved an intricate believable story and I rarely truly viewed any of the characters, unless they actually were, as minors. It seemed apparent that he knew he was walking a fine moral line and needed to tread lightly. That said, in the interest of writing a review others can gain insight from and the fact that it partially inspired my 4 star rating, I think it fair to mention this point.
Other than what was mentioned above and a few other minor disappointments, I thoroughly enjoyed this title. I found it engrossing and it had vivid world building combined with rich and meaningful character development despite the fact that the stories main plot line doesn't begin until well over half the book. When it does start, the tension rises swiftly and carries you with it until the novel's conclusion. I loved reading about this not too distant future and the highly believable (in the context of the book) medical advancements that created immortality for this human civilization. It is a superb mix of detailed world building and edge of your seat, dark at times, thrilling story telling. I would highly recommend this book for sci-fi fans, especially those who enjoyed Michael Crichton.
The Cicada Prophecy: A Medical Thriller definitely lives up to its title. While I was reading this book, I thought J.R. McLean (the author) must be a doctor. He infused medical procedures, terminology, and theories masterfully into his utopian, possibly dystopian..., well written and compelling sci-fi thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed and came very close to giving it 5 stars, however for as a good as it was there were a couple areas I felt could've been better. (Minor spoilers below)
Although I don't believe there is any debate on the morality of juveniles fornicating, it is up to the author to provide the substance and narrative to his work. The overwhelmingly majority of characters in this book are juveniles in appearance and are frequently throughout the book referred to as such. Chronologically, however, their actual ages are between 30-60 years old. There are a few instances in the book where it is implied that the "juveniles" engage in intimate behavior together. I was never shocked or disgusted with the narrator's prose because he weaved an intricate believable story and I rarely truly viewed any of the characters, unless they actually were, as minors. It seemed apparent that he knew he was walking a fine moral line and needed to tread lightly. That said, in the interest of writing a review others can gain insight from and the fact that it partially inspired my 4 star rating, I think it fair to mention this point.
Other than what was mentioned above and a few other minor disappointments, I thoroughly enjoyed this title. I found it engrossing and it had vivid world building combined with rich and meaningful character development despite the fact that the stories main plot line doesn't begin until well over half the book. When it does start, the tension rises swiftly and carries you with it until the novel's conclusion. I loved reading about this not too distant future and the highly believable (in the context of the book) medical advancements that created immortality for this human civilization. It is a superb mix of detailed world building and edge of your seat, dark at times, thrilling story telling. I would highly recommend this book for sci-fi fans, especially those who enjoyed Michael Crichton.
April 4, 2025
I never realized my review was never pasted on this website. Even though I read the book around 10 years ago, I still remember it well. One of my favorite aspects was the friendly banter between the neurosurgeon and the anesthesiologist. It felt immensely realistic.
Well... there is a catch. Every character in the book are mentally adults that voluntarily wear hormone patches to remain trapped in the bodies of 11-12 year olds, which stops the aging process and allows everyone to live indefinitely. It was an interesting plot concept, which to me was a huge plus. Even though the spicy scene between the protagonist and his love interest gives the icks, I set the ickiness aside because the character is really in his 60s, acts like someone in his 40s and only appears young. However, readers that don't want to read this scene can skip it without major issue.
Now, why did I give it 3 stars? I thought leaving the fate of humanity on forcing 5 women to become adult egg donors to be a really huge gamble. But it did knock down a star.
The writing at times felt like the book was aimed at a Middle Grade audience, when in every sense of the word it is a book aimed at full-fledged adult readers. Not so much because of the book is particularly violent, but it goes somewhat into medical jargon that will feel unrelatable to teenagers.
Despite the worldbuilding flaws and how cartoonish the villain reacted at times, I thought it was an ok read.
Well... there is a catch. Every character in the book are mentally adults that voluntarily wear hormone patches to remain trapped in the bodies of 11-12 year olds, which stops the aging process and allows everyone to live indefinitely. It was an interesting plot concept, which to me was a huge plus. Even though the spicy scene between the protagonist and his love interest gives the icks, I set the ickiness aside because the character is really in his 60s, acts like someone in his 40s and only appears young. However, readers that don't want to read this scene can skip it without major issue.
Now, why did I give it 3 stars? I thought leaving the fate of humanity on forcing 5 women to become adult egg donors to be a really huge gamble. But it did knock down a star.
The writing at times felt like the book was aimed at a Middle Grade audience, when in every sense of the word it is a book aimed at full-fledged adult readers. Not so much because of the book is particularly violent, but it goes somewhat into medical jargon that will feel unrelatable to teenagers.
Despite the worldbuilding flaws and how cartoonish the villain reacted at times, I thought it was an ok read.
October 16, 2015
Mr. Mcleay has taken our obsession with youth and longevity and has given us a wonderful novel of what the future could be.
With his scientific background he puts forth a hypothesis that will have you questioning the age old question of evolution vs. creationism.
Just because we can should we? Is it okay to mess with Mother Nature just because we can, or think we can?
The characters in his book are very real, well developed and I can see this actually happening someday. In the future children never reach puberty, so those pesky little hormones don't begin to move us towards death. You may be 50 years old, but you remain physically at 11. Obviously there needs to be some way to insure the continuation of the species and that is where the Queens come in. Harvesting eggs for future use and giving birth to the next generation of Queens. Violence is low, hormones are kept at precise levels so we don't have people running on their hormones. It would seem fairly logical. But greed and religion seem bent on destroying that.
This book did what the best books do. It makes you think. What if? Would I? We see the lengths people will go to now to remain young or at least maintain the appearance of youth so is this line of thinking really so far-fetched? I don't think so.
I would not only recommend this book, but I'll read it again!
With his scientific background he puts forth a hypothesis that will have you questioning the age old question of evolution vs. creationism.
Just because we can should we? Is it okay to mess with Mother Nature just because we can, or think we can?
The characters in his book are very real, well developed and I can see this actually happening someday. In the future children never reach puberty, so those pesky little hormones don't begin to move us towards death. You may be 50 years old, but you remain physically at 11. Obviously there needs to be some way to insure the continuation of the species and that is where the Queens come in. Harvesting eggs for future use and giving birth to the next generation of Queens. Violence is low, hormones are kept at precise levels so we don't have people running on their hormones. It would seem fairly logical. But greed and religion seem bent on destroying that.
This book did what the best books do. It makes you think. What if? Would I? We see the lengths people will go to now to remain young or at least maintain the appearance of youth so is this line of thinking really so far-fetched? I don't think so.
I would not only recommend this book, but I'll read it again!
September 4, 2016
The author clearly did his homework in biology, but The Cicada Prophecy is lacking depth in numerous aspects, most notably social sciences; the extraordinary premise that in less than 30 years from now humanity as a whole will have discovered, developed and globally deployed a complicated medical operation with such far ranging implications (not to mention the minor issues of solving world hunger and nation-state aggression which would be prerequisite to such a deployment) requires extraordinary plots to back it up. Additionally, the conflicts and plot twists seem to build up mostly in the author's head, while we readers have to resign to being an audience who could not relate to any of the antagonists.
February 13, 2016
This Book was an interesting twist on the age old question of how to cheat death and live forever. J.R. does this in a new way with a little mystery, thriller, and medical science fiction. The middle of the book does have a little medical and chemical techno-jargon that left me a little bored at first but once you get through that, its back to the thrill of the mystery. Great Work!!!
September 19, 2016
This book has ZERO redeeming qualities. The topic is poorly presented, the dialogue appears to have been written by an eleven-year-old child and the development of the story seems forced (at best).
This is, undoubtedly, one of the most poorly written novels that I have read in a long time. A one-star rating feels generous on my part...
This is, undoubtedly, one of the most poorly written novels that I have read in a long time. A one-star rating feels generous on my part...
March 5, 2015
I thought this was a brilliant book. I really enjoyed all the science along with the story. I love a dose of learning along with my entertainment. Like a great thriller should, it unnerved me, and I hope mankind never steers this route. A riveting and fascinating read.
January 15, 2018
It was a good story, but there was WAY too much science in this science fiction book. The constant in-depth technical explanations detracted from the story. At times it seemed I was reading a text book from a class I was about to fail.
February 8, 2022
So, this is a weird book. On the one level, it's a really interesting concept. On another level it's creepy af. And then there's the "but what about...?" aspect of the "science".
The idea of a society of young people living forever is really interesting. It leaves a lot of unanswered questions about day to day life, the transition period from old world to new world and the mechanics of how it all works. For example, the kid sized people drive cars, fly planes, etc, but it's never really explored how they made that work. If the cars were smaller, if the driver/pilot compartment was adjusted, etc. I would have liked to know more about that, than say the indepth history of bonsai trees that we did get.
That is kind of a theme to the writing, what I wanted to know, I didn't get. But what I could have done without I got too much of. For example, character development was severely lacking, but it did go in depth on God complexes. Settings are mostly merely outlines, but paragraphs about hormones.
I feel the science of this book was.... Well... Wrong. It sounds good as a quick overview, but doesn't add up when you think about it too much. As a thought experiment, it's interesting, but as "hard sci fi" it kind of falls flat. (see spoiler section at the bottom)
Worse than the dodgy science, the sparse character development, or the unexplored settings though, was the creepy factor. This is a world populated by people in 11 year old bodies. People in 11 year old bodies, making out, talking about how beautiful each other are, having adult situations, etc. At one point, the 11 year Olds are trying to convince a woman in a grown up body to pursue a adult relationship with an 11 year old grownup. The antagonist of the book speaks out about how wrong this all is. It's mixed in with the rest of the hate speech and religious mumbo jumbo, and we're meant to think he's crazy, but like everything else aside, dude's right. I know it's supposed to be adults inside the bodies (though I disagree) but still, ew. Ew, Ew, Ew. If there wasn't this emphasis on sexualizing these juveniles, then this would be a 3 Star book.
The characters themselves are not well developed enough to really to make you forget they are in a kids body. They get almost no development or ark. Limited backstory and no life outside the plot. There are no everyday characters, to flesh things out or to make the world seemed lived in. Every character is a linchpin of the story. The head of the UN, the last egg producer, head of the church, CEO of the most important company of the world, and of course our humble main character. Just the typical surgeon general to the UN, GP, Surgeon, OB/GYN, ER doctor. You know, the kind of everyman we all know.
The voice narration, by Todd McLaren, was problematic. Not Todd himself. Todd was the best thing about this book. He is easy to listen to, does great voices and has a passable female voice. He sounds very much like Ray Porter, in many ways.
However, he has a rich males voice, to tell the story of a bunch or pre-pubesant adult/kids. His voice was much too low for everyone except the antagonist. Personally, I fell it would have been better to get a voice over actor, like Tara Strong or Nancy Cartwright (not them but like them), to voice the characters, as they would do better at bringing home that these are kids bodies.
All in all, this is a problematic book, with a good premise, but creepy execution. It is enjoyable to follow along with, but the important part of the book is underdeveloped while other parts are excruciatingly gone into. It has a great voice actor, who is the wrong choice for the book. And the science doesn't stand up, if you think too much about it.
***spoilers***
The book very much glosses over the fact that puberty is a complicated process. It's not just about reproduction development, it also has a large impact on brain development. A child's brain lacks the capacity to think as an adult does, and the brain goes through restructuring during puberty. This is part of the reason why we have drinking ages, because a child's mind is still developing and alcohol can screw it up. Meanwhile, I'm this book, the juveniles are out drinking, going to college and preforming surgery, things that an 11 year Olds brain just can't cope with. Brain development isn't just how long your brain has been active, but it is also tied to body growth.
I'm not going to speculate on the Mechanics of the adult play dates, amongst the juveniles, there's something not right in that whole situation. But this is part of my problem with the queen bee hooking up with a juvenile. She's a proper woman, he has the brain of a child.
Which is the other flaw, no war because of lack of testosterone? What? Has the author never seen kids play? I've seen kids knock each other down over a balloon, but yet let them rule, no more wars, conflict, etc. Now, if the premise was smaller people, less resources, less conflicts, I could get behind that. Bit to simplify all wars down to hormones, come on. Similarly, to suggest that kids just get along, not happening!
The idea of a society of young people living forever is really interesting. It leaves a lot of unanswered questions about day to day life, the transition period from old world to new world and the mechanics of how it all works. For example, the kid sized people drive cars, fly planes, etc, but it's never really explored how they made that work. If the cars were smaller, if the driver/pilot compartment was adjusted, etc. I would have liked to know more about that, than say the indepth history of bonsai trees that we did get.
That is kind of a theme to the writing, what I wanted to know, I didn't get. But what I could have done without I got too much of. For example, character development was severely lacking, but it did go in depth on God complexes. Settings are mostly merely outlines, but paragraphs about hormones.
I feel the science of this book was.... Well... Wrong. It sounds good as a quick overview, but doesn't add up when you think about it too much. As a thought experiment, it's interesting, but as "hard sci fi" it kind of falls flat. (see spoiler section at the bottom)
Worse than the dodgy science, the sparse character development, or the unexplored settings though, was the creepy factor. This is a world populated by people in 11 year old bodies. People in 11 year old bodies, making out, talking about how beautiful each other are, having adult situations, etc. At one point, the 11 year Olds are trying to convince a woman in a grown up body to pursue a adult relationship with an 11 year old grownup. The antagonist of the book speaks out about how wrong this all is. It's mixed in with the rest of the hate speech and religious mumbo jumbo, and we're meant to think he's crazy, but like everything else aside, dude's right. I know it's supposed to be adults inside the bodies (though I disagree) but still, ew. Ew, Ew, Ew. If there wasn't this emphasis on sexualizing these juveniles, then this would be a 3 Star book.
The characters themselves are not well developed enough to really to make you forget they are in a kids body. They get almost no development or ark. Limited backstory and no life outside the plot. There are no everyday characters, to flesh things out or to make the world seemed lived in. Every character is a linchpin of the story. The head of the UN, the last egg producer, head of the church, CEO of the most important company of the world, and of course our humble main character. Just the typical surgeon general to the UN, GP, Surgeon, OB/GYN, ER doctor. You know, the kind of everyman we all know.
The voice narration, by Todd McLaren, was problematic. Not Todd himself. Todd was the best thing about this book. He is easy to listen to, does great voices and has a passable female voice. He sounds very much like Ray Porter, in many ways.
However, he has a rich males voice, to tell the story of a bunch or pre-pubesant adult/kids. His voice was much too low for everyone except the antagonist. Personally, I fell it would have been better to get a voice over actor, like Tara Strong or Nancy Cartwright (not them but like them), to voice the characters, as they would do better at bringing home that these are kids bodies.
All in all, this is a problematic book, with a good premise, but creepy execution. It is enjoyable to follow along with, but the important part of the book is underdeveloped while other parts are excruciatingly gone into. It has a great voice actor, who is the wrong choice for the book. And the science doesn't stand up, if you think too much about it.
***spoilers***
The book very much glosses over the fact that puberty is a complicated process. It's not just about reproduction development, it also has a large impact on brain development. A child's brain lacks the capacity to think as an adult does, and the brain goes through restructuring during puberty. This is part of the reason why we have drinking ages, because a child's mind is still developing and alcohol can screw it up. Meanwhile, I'm this book, the juveniles are out drinking, going to college and preforming surgery, things that an 11 year Olds brain just can't cope with. Brain development isn't just how long your brain has been active, but it is also tied to body growth.
I'm not going to speculate on the Mechanics of the adult play dates, amongst the juveniles, there's something not right in that whole situation. But this is part of my problem with the queen bee hooking up with a juvenile. She's a proper woman, he has the brain of a child.
Which is the other flaw, no war because of lack of testosterone? What? Has the author never seen kids play? I've seen kids knock each other down over a balloon, but yet let them rule, no more wars, conflict, etc. Now, if the premise was smaller people, less resources, less conflicts, I could get behind that. Bit to simplify all wars down to hormones, come on. Similarly, to suggest that kids just get along, not happening!
September 17, 2020
I’ll try not to echo the previous reviews if I can, however, they are all on point so far. The premise of the book is very inviting and wonderful fodder for the imaginative mind. You May even become tempted to let your mind gloss over the uncomfortable sexualisation of juvenile bodies or “mature adult in a child’s body” aspect. I certainly tried. The preachy atheism and science first tone can be a little eye rolling at times but it’s not the first disappointment on my list. For me, the editing was very poor. I am inclined to believe the author must have ignored his editors advice in key sections, as the language gets more than its dose of high brow vocabulary words and jargon on repeat. The hard science is very interesting and I was inspired to learn more on the subject in my spare time so that is my bonus takeaway to lean upon. As for the ending ... it was so “fast, predictable and painfully disconnected from any tangible reality that I was disappointed even more. Over all I would have loved to see more come from this concept and it clearly has potential ... it just needs a stronger edit.
August 19, 2022
Sadly one of worst books I've read, it was close to painful to finish it. full disclosure, I read this as an audiobook and I think the poor narration was part off the problem. The majority of characters are suspended at 11 yrs old but the voices are done by a deep voiced man, and he portrayed then as mean old men. It was incongruous to the story.
the next problem I had was the horrible dialog. You have two medical doctors and one is describing basic genetics to the other, something that most of us learned in high school science. and it continues like that throughout.
the idea for the book in very interesting, but I think it was forced and didn't take time to develop. I don't know this author so I don't know about any other works and I don't think I will.
the next problem I had was the horrible dialog. You have two medical doctors and one is describing basic genetics to the other, something that most of us learned in high school science. and it continues like that throughout.
the idea for the book in very interesting, but I think it was forced and didn't take time to develop. I don't know this author so I don't know about any other works and I don't think I will.
August 31, 2019
Forever young, who wants to be? It’s the 2100s and all people are mandated to undergo an operation that will preserve their physical preadolescent age. There are few select queens committed to propagate humanity. It’s a peaceful world free of conflict, chaos, illness... and so most everyone thought.
The prophesy was based on the life cycle of the Magicicada. If you don’t know about this type of cicada, this book gives lessons, both objective and moral.
Just a caution...There were a lot of uber scientific jargons and explanation throughout the book. These slowed down my reading pace, but just enough so I can absorb them better. They turned out to be engaging!
The prophesy was based on the life cycle of the Magicicada. If you don’t know about this type of cicada, this book gives lessons, both objective and moral.
Just a caution...There were a lot of uber scientific jargons and explanation throughout the book. These slowed down my reading pace, but just enough so I can absorb them better. They turned out to be engaging!
September 28, 2017
Not thrilled
I hate to berate an author who has obviously put a lot of effort into research. But, the prose was just brutal. No one speaks like this. Especially a 50 year old 11 year old. The main character was about as likable as dishwasher. Although he was practically perfect in every way. Enough said. Anything more would be petty and mean.
I hate to berate an author who has obviously put a lot of effort into research. But, the prose was just brutal. No one speaks like this. Especially a 50 year old 11 year old. The main character was about as likable as dishwasher. Although he was practically perfect in every way. Enough said. Anything more would be petty and mean.
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