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The Ego Cluster: They discovered the genes that define us all...
In a future world strafed with economic inequality, religious wars and climate extremes scientists discover a gene cluster that appears to govern the human ego. By suppressing these genes much of the ego-driven nature of the human decision process could be converted to a more empathetic, logical and considered approach, devoid of racial, religious or economic bigotry.
Visionary scientists Ethan Hendersen and Amelia Holt form both a romantic partnership and a working one in which their characters will be tested to the limit when they are employed by a mysterious cartel headed by antagonist Stefano Croce to develop a treatment to eliminate the human ego. Professional colleagues Dr Doug Ashton and Professor Caleb Fuller are also swept up in the action as the real potential of the ego cluster gene therapy is revealed. This is a story of an epic battle between scientific progress and its potential to change the human mind and the entrenched mind-set of the established elite.
Visionary scientists Ethan Hendersen and Amelia Holt form both a romantic partnership and a working one in which their characters will be tested to the limit when they are employed by a mysterious cartel headed by antagonist Stefano Croce to develop a treatment to eliminate the human ego. Professional colleagues Dr Doug Ashton and Professor Caleb Fuller are also swept up in the action as the real potential of the ego cluster gene therapy is revealed. This is a story of an epic battle between scientific progress and its potential to change the human mind and the entrenched mind-set of the established elite.
- GenresScience Fiction
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2016
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Robert Cole
5 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Robert Cole was born and grew up in Sydney, Australia. After achieving a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the Australian National University he travelled extensively and returned to Sydney to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology. Following a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Sydney University, he worked in a number of biotech companies and has numerous scientific publications.
Robert has always had an interest in writing speculative fiction, particularly with themes related to social and political issues. Recently he has published an Apocalyptic novel called "Nuclear Midnight," that reached number one on Amazon UK. His other areas of interest lie in children and teenage fiction, generated while raising three children.
Robert Cole was born and grew up in Sydney, Australia. After achieving a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the Australian National University he travelled extensively and returned to Sydney to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology. Following a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Sydney University, he worked in a number of biotech companies and has numerous scientific publications.
Robert has always had an interest in writing speculative fiction, particularly with themes related to social and political issues. Recently he has published an Apocalyptic novel called "Nuclear Midnight," that reached number one on Amazon UK. His other areas of interest lie in children and teenage fiction, generated while raising three children.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 1, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book could also be titled "Genetically engineered socialism for underachievers".
Dr. Ethan Hendersen, a scientist with a major company, has worked for years on a way to eliminate the genes that contribute to the human ego. No one wants to listen to any ideas other than their own, there are people with "too much money" (oh here we go whining on this issue), and the woman who heads his department is too fixated on the bottom line than the right thing. Oh, you mean she's DOING HER JOB? Oh no not that. Not to mention that Ethan hates how she's always with her boss on an issue and even thinks that she may be "kissing up" to him. So an ambitious person is evil and a successful woman is a whore? Talk about ego! Ethan even hates his ex for leaving him for not getting himself together. Once again the strong women are vilified. He and colleague, Amelia try the cocktail on themselves, and evaluate their findings before, during, and after the effects. What they want is to administer this drug world wide, so everyone supposedly works together, listens to ideas, doesn't let their own ego get in the way, no one is 'mean' to someone else in order to get ahead, and there is no arguing. Complacency. So basically, a date rape drug for the masses.
The story and premise are good. I get that there is unfairness and very, very many egos need to be curbed. However the major problem with this book is that ego is normal; it's what accounts for progress in society and how some people get ahead and others don't. Some people have more ego: it's called AMBITION. And it's natural. The problem, however, is that some people are taught to curb their ego (women for example) and others are taught to cultivate it.
Ego is biological; the superego (which is really what the characters should have been focusing on) is sociological, and that's really where this book went wrong. Ego tells us who we are - society tells us who to be, and who gets privilege according to gender, race, etc.
Honestly, while it is a good story and it's told well, the idea is for people who want socialism merely out of being jealous underachievers.
This book could also be titled "Genetically engineered socialism for underachievers".
Dr. Ethan Hendersen, a scientist with a major company, has worked for years on a way to eliminate the genes that contribute to the human ego. No one wants to listen to any ideas other than their own, there are people with "too much money" (oh here we go whining on this issue), and the woman who heads his department is too fixated on the bottom line than the right thing. Oh, you mean she's DOING HER JOB? Oh no not that. Not to mention that Ethan hates how she's always with her boss on an issue and even thinks that she may be "kissing up" to him. So an ambitious person is evil and a successful woman is a whore? Talk about ego! Ethan even hates his ex for leaving him for not getting himself together. Once again the strong women are vilified. He and colleague, Amelia try the cocktail on themselves, and evaluate their findings before, during, and after the effects. What they want is to administer this drug world wide, so everyone supposedly works together, listens to ideas, doesn't let their own ego get in the way, no one is 'mean' to someone else in order to get ahead, and there is no arguing. Complacency. So basically, a date rape drug for the masses.
The story and premise are good. I get that there is unfairness and very, very many egos need to be curbed. However the major problem with this book is that ego is normal; it's what accounts for progress in society and how some people get ahead and others don't. Some people have more ego: it's called AMBITION. And it's natural. The problem, however, is that some people are taught to curb their ego (women for example) and others are taught to cultivate it.
Ego is biological; the superego (which is really what the characters should have been focusing on) is sociological, and that's really where this book went wrong. Ego tells us who we are - society tells us who to be, and who gets privilege according to gender, race, etc.
Honestly, while it is a good story and it's told well, the idea is for people who want socialism merely out of being jealous underachievers.
October 4, 2016
Wow! This is a powerful book. A suspenseful, scientific story, The Ego Cluster is a book that tells what happens when an amazing discovery gets into the wrong hands. Ethan is a research scientist working to isolate genes to find out what causes certain traits of personality. When the monkeys he has been working with show an astounding improvement in how they relate to each other, seeming to become smarter and more able to work as a team to solve problems, he realizes he has found the genes that control the ego and a means to suppress them. It's the discovery a scientist dreams about. But quickly, the heads of the company change how they want to do things, looking for more profit and shutting down his program. After years of research, Ethan doesn't want to end his work, so he secretly experiments on himself, leading to all kind of changes in his life and work. It is a action-filled story, with some unique people involved. The book quickly gets the reader involved in a global perspective on scientific issues, and it is a compelling story. I recommend this book. Thanks to the author or publisher for providing The Ego Cluster in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2016
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to come November 2nd
Full review to come November 2nd
July 27, 2021
Cole weaves a compulsively readable tale of scientific intrigue, sinister conspiracies, murder, and mayhem in his stand-alone latest.
The brilliant scientist Ethan Hendersen is struggling to come to terms with his anger and shock after the funds for his ambitious and promising research project on gene conversion are slashed to make room for a new project. But Ethan soon finds a sympathizer in the lovely Amelia Holt, his colleague at the lab, and the two continue to work in secret on the project. Things change when the pair is hired by the enigmatic Stefano Croce to develop a treatment to eliminate the human ego. With Stefano having his own sinister agenda, the scientists soon become embroiled in an international conspiracy.
The pacing remains swift, the prose is assured, and an electric series of startling twists and relentless revelations heighten the suspense. Meticulously researched, the novel’s detailed descriptions of life in the aftermath of ego cluster revolution ring true, and the progress of the breakout is satisfying. Cole is excellent when it comes to characterization. he describes his characters’ life in discrete pieces, each revealing a bit more about their desires, ambitions, individual struggles, and fears.
At times, the narrative stretches believability just short of the breaking point, but Cole is skilled when it comes to integrating medical details into a taut and troubling thrilling story. Along the way, Cole brings to his story a passionate concern for climate change, religious wars, and economic inequalities.
This scalding examination of science and ethics, in which unanticipated welfare concerns go tragically unnoticed, makes for a page turner. Cole is definitely a writer to watch.
The brilliant scientist Ethan Hendersen is struggling to come to terms with his anger and shock after the funds for his ambitious and promising research project on gene conversion are slashed to make room for a new project. But Ethan soon finds a sympathizer in the lovely Amelia Holt, his colleague at the lab, and the two continue to work in secret on the project. Things change when the pair is hired by the enigmatic Stefano Croce to develop a treatment to eliminate the human ego. With Stefano having his own sinister agenda, the scientists soon become embroiled in an international conspiracy.
The pacing remains swift, the prose is assured, and an electric series of startling twists and relentless revelations heighten the suspense. Meticulously researched, the novel’s detailed descriptions of life in the aftermath of ego cluster revolution ring true, and the progress of the breakout is satisfying. Cole is excellent when it comes to characterization. he describes his characters’ life in discrete pieces, each revealing a bit more about their desires, ambitions, individual struggles, and fears.
At times, the narrative stretches believability just short of the breaking point, but Cole is skilled when it comes to integrating medical details into a taut and troubling thrilling story. Along the way, Cole brings to his story a passionate concern for climate change, religious wars, and economic inequalities.
This scalding examination of science and ethics, in which unanticipated welfare concerns go tragically unnoticed, makes for a page turner. Cole is definitely a writer to watch.
November 18, 2021
We are proud to announce that THE EGO CLUSTER: They discovered the genes that define us all... by Robert Cole has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
September 27, 2016
The Ego Cluster is a novel that easily falls into the “hard science” fiction category, meaning believable science and not fanciful spaceships or exotic aliens is what the story is all about.
The character-driven plot centers on idealistic scientists Ethan Hendersen who seemingly discovers a gene cluster that controls much of self-interested human decision making. By altering those genes, Hendersen believes he can diminish sociopathic tendencies, change humankind to be more empathetic, logical, gain mental clarity, and be less narrow-minded.
Working for a company dominated by just such a sociopathic bureaucrat, Hendersen teams with fellow scientist Amelia Holt. The two form a romantic and professional relationship as they conduct experiments not sanctioned by the company. Things begin to spiral out of control when they are forced to resign from their employer before they take their experiments to a secretive laboratory where they learn their goals are far from those of their apparent new boss, Stefano Croce.
Battle lines are drawn when their ostensible supervisor, Dr. Doug Ashton, learns how they are all being duped by a dangerous cartel who wants to use any new drugs to destroy politicians wanting to empower the people at the expense of rich corporations. At the same time, governments and those greedy corporations don’t want to address the growing threats from global warming, and environmentalist Professor Caleb Fuller becomes part of the small group of Henderson, Holt, and Ashton, who are the only ones who can save humanity from near genocide.
In terms of action and increasingly fatal encounters across Australia, The Ego Cluster is a slow burner. The first part of the book takes place mostly in or near laboratories where Cole establishes his characters, sets personality conflicts in motion, and deftly demonstrates how all the science is plausible. On one hand, the possibilities of Hendersen’s research show promise and hope for the future. On the other, just what are the consequences of untested drugs in the general populace? Who has the right to determine what direction humanity should take?
In short, The Ego Cluster is both readable and cerebral, a book for those who like engaging characters who get swept up into ever-increasing webs of intrigue and danger. The philosophical points Cole is making are delivered with subtlety, although the villains are very dark indeed and the heroes are obviously admirable from their first appearances. Well, most of them. Cole has many surprises as the circles of deception come into clearer and clearer focus.
You could consider The Ego Cluster as much a mystery as science fiction, and that’s not a bad hybrid. When you finally set the book down, you might find yourself wondering just how feasible it all is. When the chips come down the way they do, what choices would you make if it was you?
This review was first published at BookPleasures.com:
goo.gl/vyNqtf
December 31, 2017
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Ethan has discovered genes that seem to create the basis of the human Ego, and so could help change the world for the better. Unfortunately, being able to edit the Ego isn’t likely to make the company he works for money, so the project is abandoned. Ethan is determined that his research is worth something more, and he is willing to give up everything to do it.
Bad guys never give up do they? This novel offers a satisfying plot with twists that I certainly didn’t see coming. Bam! Nothing like having sociopaths on the loose. Even if some successful scientists are likely also sociopaths. The ultimate question is whether removing those genes will be sustainable and what might happen next.
Some people have tagged this as science fiction, but it’s really not the case. It’s more future fiction or an apocalyptical future. The things that are happening in this novel? It’s happening now, albeit not in such a structured or successful way. But gene editing will get there, and it’s not unlikely that we will discover genes that are responsible for how humans interact with each other (although it will probably be more than 6).
I had a definite advantage having a science background. There’s a lot of jargon here for you to absorb, but it is absolutely worthwhile. If you enjoyed Sapient for the science, you will love this novel. If you enjoyed Ken Kroes novels for their environmental awareness, this novel is going to be for you as well.
Let me say that I was divided between giving this novel 4 or 5 stars. Some of the text didn’t flow smoothly for me in the beginning, and some of the interactions were messy. This problem was probably heightened for me by the fact that I was reading an ebook, never my first choice. Let me say now that I would buy a paperback version of this novel, so I’m thinking I’d better go with 5 stars.
Ethan has discovered genes that seem to create the basis of the human Ego, and so could help change the world for the better. Unfortunately, being able to edit the Ego isn’t likely to make the company he works for money, so the project is abandoned. Ethan is determined that his research is worth something more, and he is willing to give up everything to do it.
Bad guys never give up do they? This novel offers a satisfying plot with twists that I certainly didn’t see coming. Bam! Nothing like having sociopaths on the loose. Even if some successful scientists are likely also sociopaths. The ultimate question is whether removing those genes will be sustainable and what might happen next.
Some people have tagged this as science fiction, but it’s really not the case. It’s more future fiction or an apocalyptical future. The things that are happening in this novel? It’s happening now, albeit not in such a structured or successful way. But gene editing will get there, and it’s not unlikely that we will discover genes that are responsible for how humans interact with each other (although it will probably be more than 6).
I had a definite advantage having a science background. There’s a lot of jargon here for you to absorb, but it is absolutely worthwhile. If you enjoyed Sapient for the science, you will love this novel. If you enjoyed Ken Kroes novels for their environmental awareness, this novel is going to be for you as well.
Let me say that I was divided between giving this novel 4 or 5 stars. Some of the text didn’t flow smoothly for me in the beginning, and some of the interactions were messy. This problem was probably heightened for me by the fact that I was reading an ebook, never my first choice. Let me say now that I would buy a paperback version of this novel, so I’m thinking I’d better go with 5 stars.
October 7, 2016
It starts with a man who is having bumpy time of things from his perspective. Dr. Ethan Henderson has just had a break through with the problem solving skills of his primates. Very interesting team work skills they have displayed. From this he decides he has found the gene that controls the ego. That is kind of a crazy thing to think, primates are NOT humans, but for the sake of story you just roll with it.
So after all this time and work, of course, it's always sold out to the highest bidder. That is the way of the world. Ethan really isn't happy about this, no one wants to be pulled of their main project and shoved onto another one. In a classic "mad scientist" move, Ethan tests his work on himself. He has a huge ego, so this should be very, very interesting. What about Amelia? How is this going to effect her? She is Ethan's research partner.
And you really think the powers that be will let this slide by without punishment or greed coming into play. Nope, no way! Now things are really fast paced, plausible, and disturbing.
The settings were nice, but I think the terms can be confusing. Lines that are ego get all blurred with things that are actually narcissus and other major issues. Over all it was an interesting read. The first, oh, about 1/4 was all the medical and science background setup which can move very slowly if your not into that sort of thing. I tend to be interested, so it wasn't too bad for me.
I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
So after all this time and work, of course, it's always sold out to the highest bidder. That is the way of the world. Ethan really isn't happy about this, no one wants to be pulled of their main project and shoved onto another one. In a classic "mad scientist" move, Ethan tests his work on himself. He has a huge ego, so this should be very, very interesting. What about Amelia? How is this going to effect her? She is Ethan's research partner.
And you really think the powers that be will let this slide by without punishment or greed coming into play. Nope, no way! Now things are really fast paced, plausible, and disturbing.
The settings were nice, but I think the terms can be confusing. Lines that are ego get all blurred with things that are actually narcissus and other major issues. Over all it was an interesting read. The first, oh, about 1/4 was all the medical and science background setup which can move very slowly if your not into that sort of thing. I tend to be interested, so it wasn't too bad for me.
I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
September 28, 2016
This book fascinated me. It was an interesting concept that the ego genes can be supressed and what this means for society. Despite being quite a complex and scientific topic, it was easy to read, even for non-scientists like me. It was great to get some insights into working in a scientific lab. The story had a great deal of action and drama and I could never quite work out who were the good and bad guys. There was murder, secret experiments, running from the police/secret organisation and suspected terrorist acts. I even started doubting Ethan and Amelia, who I thought were the good people all along. The first part of the story with Ethan and his girlfriend didn’t really add anything in my option, I wasn’t really sure what this had to do with the rest of the story and could have easily skipped those scenes. Being from Australia myself, I loved that it was set in Australia. It was nice reading about places I had been to and knowing all about them. Overall I recommend this as a great read.
I received a complimentary copy through the Read for Review program in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy through the Read for Review program in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2016
Wow! This book fascinated me. It was an interesting concept that the ego genes can be suppressed and what this means for society. A suspenseful, scientific story, The Ego Cluster is a book that tells what happens when an amazing discovery gets into the wrong hands. Ethan is a research scientist working to isolate genes to find out what causes certain traits of personality. When the monkeys he has been working with show an astounding improvement in how they relate to each other. They become smarter and more able to work as a team to solve problems. He realizes he has found the genes that control the ego and a means to suppress them. The heads of the company change how they want to do things. Looking for more profit and shutting down his program. After years of research, Ethan doesn't want to end his work, so he secretly experiments on himself, leading to all kind of changes in his life and work.
I received a complimentary copy through the Read for Review program in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy through the Read for Review program in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2016
The Ego Cluster Robert Cole
First let me say that I do recommend this book. Now let me say that the first 25% or so is very technical with a lot of medical jargon that actually needs to be there in order to understand the rest of the book. The author takes the reader on a journey that we can all relate to especially with the elections here in America right now. As the title states, it has to do with the Ego and the story follows two scientists that have found a way to block that. There are plenty of twists and turns with characters betraying those who are trying to do a good thing for the world the author set up in the near future. There are plenty of moral dilemmas for the main characters to work through and those also help keep the reader engaged in the story. This was a very well thought out and well written book that many would enjoy reading.
First let me say that I do recommend this book. Now let me say that the first 25% or so is very technical with a lot of medical jargon that actually needs to be there in order to understand the rest of the book. The author takes the reader on a journey that we can all relate to especially with the elections here in America right now. As the title states, it has to do with the Ego and the story follows two scientists that have found a way to block that. There are plenty of twists and turns with characters betraying those who are trying to do a good thing for the world the author set up in the near future. There are plenty of moral dilemmas for the main characters to work through and those also help keep the reader engaged in the story. This was a very well thought out and well written book that many would enjoy reading.
October 2, 2016
Ethan is having a bad day. His girlfriend has moved out to be with someone else and his job is not working out. The Ego Cluster is a thrill packed conspiracy novel like no other, and it’s set in breath-takingly beautiful Australia. Ethan and Amelia are research scientists who are looking for a behavior altering genetic makeover. Just on the verge of discovering a world changing serum, they are told to work on a different project instead. A series of inexplicable circumstances occurs leaving them fearing for their lives.
Robert Cole has developed likeable main characters who fight hard for their cause, and equally bad guys who stop at nothing to prevent it. If you liked The Firm you’ll love The Ego Cluster.
I received The Ego Cluster in exchange for my honest review.
Robert Cole has developed likeable main characters who fight hard for their cause, and equally bad guys who stop at nothing to prevent it. If you liked The Firm you’ll love The Ego Cluster.
I received The Ego Cluster in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2016
Scientists Ethan and Amelia are working on a gene cluster that suppresses the human ego. When their project is cut short, they are recruited by an unknown organization to continue their research.
Although this book had a very interesting premise, the author didn’t really take the time to build the plot or relationships. Instead of building up, the author jumped ahead in time, briefly explained who was who and then jumped again. This could be a great story, it just needs some more work.
Although this book had a very interesting premise, the author didn’t really take the time to build the plot or relationships. Instead of building up, the author jumped ahead in time, briefly explained who was who and then jumped again. This could be a great story, it just needs some more work.
January 6, 2017
If you could inject people with a drug that would suppress their ego, would you? That's the ethical dilemma Ethan faces in The Ego Cluster. While the concept of this novel was interesting, the scientific language was a bit too much for anyone who isn't well-versed in that field, and the sections discussing climate change felt somewhat heavy-handed, as though the author was lecturing the reader.
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September 26, 2016Review to come
October 4, 2016
The author jumped around a bit to much for me. I like science fiction novels but this missed the mark for me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews