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Devil in the Microscope
When "science-fair-geek" Anika goes to live with her scientist father in a town built around his mysterious genetics laboratory, she is determined to prove herself worthy of his legacy. But all preconceptions about her new life are thrown out the window when Anika discovers her father is a megalomaniac living in a town populated entirely by mad scientists. Now Anika will have to navigate her way through a high school filled with vindictive evil geniuses, deadly science projects, and unspeakable human experimentation. Relying on her wits, scientific know-how, and talented allies, Anika fights for her very life, and the lives of her new friends. Will Anika have to become like her mad scientist father in order to save the day?
332 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2017
8 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Decaria
3 books18 followersRyan Decaria was raised on science fiction and fantasy novels and 80’s adventure movies. On rainy days, you can find him sulking on the window sill waiting for a treasure map, his future self, an alien buddy, and his own luck dragon. He lives in Northern Utah where he invents problems for invisible friends; he also writes fiction.
Ryan approaches magic like a scientific field of study and science fiction as if were magic. Slam both together, and Mad Science is born, where anything is possible and it’s always a little gooey. His favorite parts are the monster always hiding in the closet, adventure around every corner, and a brilliant mind trying to set things right.
Ryan is also a fierce board game enthusiast, podcaster, father, and church-ball warrior. Ryan co-hosts the Meeple Nation Podcast where he discusses the board game world.
Ryan approaches magic like a scientific field of study and science fiction as if were magic. Slam both together, and Mad Science is born, where anything is possible and it’s always a little gooey. His favorite parts are the monster always hiding in the closet, adventure around every corner, and a brilliant mind trying to set things right.
Ryan is also a fierce board game enthusiast, podcaster, father, and church-ball warrior. Ryan co-hosts the Meeple Nation Podcast where he discusses the board game world.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 1, 2017
If you follow me at all, you know I'm not really a sci-fi reader, and I'm stingy with the stars, so you better believe this read left me breathless. Anika is a science fair nerd that I just know should have been my best friend in high school. She's stuck with a family that goes a bit beyond dysfunctional, but not to worry, she's got a feisty girlfriend, a mutant bodyguard, and a zany band of misfit students helping her to get to the bottom of her daddy issues. The pages flew through my fingers as I followed her adventure, cheering for her at every new plot twist. Easy to read and appropriate for ages 12+. Can't wait for you to pick it up and let me know your thoughts!
September 19, 2017
Teenage Annika lives with her seemingly paranoid mom who moves them frequently and changes their identities. The one thing about Annika that remains consistent is her knack for everything science and her desire to help the people she loves, including her current best friend. When Annika is suddenly jolted out of her happy current existence, she learns that her father is alive, her mother has been hiding from him since Annika was a baby, and that her father built a town in Florida, whose center is a research facility. Intrigued by the father she has daydreamed about so much, she willingly moves, and soon learns that the research being done is unethical and far beyond anything Annika believed was possible.
The beginning was a little rough, but as Annika adapted to her new town and high school, I fell in love with her and her friends. Decaria's chemistry between the characters and unique story left me saying, "Noooooooooooo" at the cliffhanger ending. Recommened for high school.
The beginning was a little rough, but as Annika adapted to her new town and high school, I fell in love with her and her friends. Decaria's chemistry between the characters and unique story left me saying, "Noooooooooooo" at the cliffhanger ending. Recommened for high school.
August 15, 2017
I had the opportunity to read Ryan Decaria's freshman attempt. It's a great book! I love this book, it's like a lot of other YA novels which deal with high school. High school is a time of great emotion and people figuring themselves out. This book mixes spy novels with crazy scientists. Anika is a girl on the run. Her mom has her move all the time and she doesn't know why. She also wants to know about her dad.
She gets kidnapped and taken to a small town called Moreau (named after the H.G. Wells book "The Island of Doctor Moreau", which is a nice touch). I don't think that the kids who read this book will know of that book, but their parents most likely will.
I try to think about what to put in the review that won't give away too much of the story. Annika feels like she doesn't fit in at her high school, which is a feeling that really I think everyone can relate to. Annika is someone who is really into science and Chemistry especially. She feels like she's way different from everyone in her high school and then she gets kidnapped. She's taken to a small town in Florida called Moreau. Here she has the chance to feel like she fits in. In this high school she has the chance to actually be popular. It's a high school filled with scientists. All the children are children of scientists and really into science, like Annika.
The author put a lot of thought into the story and I couldn't put it down. To me, it was exciting and there was always something new to discover in the story.
Read this book!
She gets kidnapped and taken to a small town called Moreau (named after the H.G. Wells book "The Island of Doctor Moreau", which is a nice touch). I don't think that the kids who read this book will know of that book, but their parents most likely will.
I try to think about what to put in the review that won't give away too much of the story. Annika feels like she doesn't fit in at her high school, which is a feeling that really I think everyone can relate to. Annika is someone who is really into science and Chemistry especially. She feels like she's way different from everyone in her high school and then she gets kidnapped. She's taken to a small town in Florida called Moreau. Here she has the chance to feel like she fits in. In this high school she has the chance to actually be popular. It's a high school filled with scientists. All the children are children of scientists and really into science, like Annika.
The author put a lot of thought into the story and I couldn't put it down. To me, it was exciting and there was always something new to discover in the story.
Read this book!
September 14, 2017
Wow! I really liked this book. The story is interesting and the characterizations are really well done, but where this book really shines is in the good writing. It's so great any more to get a few pages into a book and realize you're in the hands of a writer who knows what he's doing. And Moreau! Ha! So great. I can't wait to read more from Ryan Decaria.
September 14, 2017
What a good read, I highly recommend it to anyone who likes "Frankenstein" style Sci-Fi. The book was engaging the entire way through and I had a real tough time putting it down. Excited for the sequel!
August 15, 2017
I am a science fiction fan.and that was what I was expecting this book to be. There was little effort to make it seem like the events were really possible; it was more like fantasy. The beginning was confusing because the mention of science fair projects that included volcanoes led me to assume that the main character was at most a middle school child. Shortly we found that she was having her 16th birthday and the story line began to make more sense. There are many characters involved and most were fleshed out and their personal relationships gave them interest. The plot is somewhat bizarre and the action non-stop and sometimes hard to follow. My biggest concern is the frequent use of substitute bad language by the teen characters. While I am aware that teens are prone to using inappropriate words, I do not want MY teens reading a book that makes it so commonplace as to seem acceptable. When you use sound-like substitutes, everyone knows what word was meant and I feel it is inappropriate. I was disappointed by the ending since it seemed to be less of a conclusion and more as a set up for a sequel.
August 14, 2017
It took me a while to get into the book, but once it got rolling I very much enjoyed it. Usually I don't go for anything set in high school, but this wasn't so bad. I liked the conflict and the main character's quest to get to know her father. But I have to say, I wasn't a fan of the ending. It just....ends. And we'd better pray for a sequel. I thought the loose ends could have been tied up a little better while still leaving room for another installment.
I'm still giving it four stars because it was enjoyable to read, despite the ending.
I'm still giving it four stars because it was enjoyable to read, despite the ending.
August 25, 2017
I haven't read much in this genre, mostly fantasy and science fiction, but I enjoyed reading this book. The real science is good, and the wonky mad science is entertaining. The characters develop well throughout this book, and I am looking forward to the sequel where we can see more of them now that they have been firmly established.
I will definitely recommend this to my bibliophile nieces once they are a bit older (being in elementary school now, the high school themes would probably be a bit beyond them).
I will definitely recommend this to my bibliophile nieces once they are a bit older (being in elementary school now, the high school themes would probably be a bit beyond them).
August 15, 2017
Not my normal genre but I gave it a shot and wasn't disappointed. Only problem is now I have to wait for the next book...
September 22, 2017
It was a great read, i had a hard time putting it down. It was an action pact adventure with a little mystery and mischief. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy or is fond of science.
July 26, 2017
Crazy, kinda-sweet, and overall a fun YA read. Full of mad scientists and monsters, it was enjoyable and I'll be waiting for the sequel!
August 12, 2017
I was able to be a beta reader for the Devil in the Microscope. I really enjoyed reading it and following the characters and trying to work out the mystery. The book progresses quickly and it's the type of book that you read in just a few sittings because you don't want to stop reading it.
The scene between Anika and Boulsour when they first meet is brilliant writing. I also like how there are obviously other events going on, but the author doesn't feel the need to explain every little detail. There were some enemies in the book that obviously had prior history with the main bad-guy, but besides a passing reference to prior events you don't really know what is going on between them. I like that because adding all of that detail would have been distracting, but those people should have prior experiences that are outside of the reader's knowledge. It adds to the mystery of the book, and leaves room for the universe to be built out in future books.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy mystery and YA horror / sci-fi.
The scene between Anika and Boulsour when they first meet is brilliant writing. I also like how there are obviously other events going on, but the author doesn't feel the need to explain every little detail. There were some enemies in the book that obviously had prior history with the main bad-guy, but besides a passing reference to prior events you don't really know what is going on between them. I like that because adding all of that detail would have been distracting, but those people should have prior experiences that are outside of the reader's knowledge. It adds to the mystery of the book, and leaves room for the universe to be built out in future books.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy mystery and YA horror / sci-fi.
August 15, 2017
I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this great YA book. It has delightful characters, plenty of twists, a cool premise, and some moments of truly memorable writing. It's more focused on mystery and character than on the details of the science itself. It's mad science, not hard science, and is treated more like magic. While there are nods to the realities of physics and biology, and while the science plays a central role, there's an underlying assumption that through this brand of science, anything is possible. That frees the story from having to spend time explaining how things work: time it spends advantageously on crafting charming characters and introducing us to a world teeming with nuance just below the surface. This book sets up numerous sub plots that I hope will be explored in sequels, but it does so without detracting from the main plot.
While the majority of the story is fun and active, at moments it dips into serious issues like family struggles, abuse, and mental illness. The characters handle these topics deftly, giving them weight, but not sinking into too much darkness or negativity. This is a story about kids who do things to right the wrongs in their lives, rather than allowing themselves to be paralyzed by those wrongs. There's a refreshing amount of loyalty to family and friends above individual concerns, and while the details of the scenario may be wildly imaginative, the motives and emotions feel relatable.
Fans of mad science will also find nods to the staples of the monster/sci-fi horror genres in the well-conceived characters and set pieces. There are a few moments where the fast paced story seems a little too fast, but all in all it makes for an engaging read that you'll want to stick with until the final page and beyond.
While the majority of the story is fun and active, at moments it dips into serious issues like family struggles, abuse, and mental illness. The characters handle these topics deftly, giving them weight, but not sinking into too much darkness or negativity. This is a story about kids who do things to right the wrongs in their lives, rather than allowing themselves to be paralyzed by those wrongs. There's a refreshing amount of loyalty to family and friends above individual concerns, and while the details of the scenario may be wildly imaginative, the motives and emotions feel relatable.
Fans of mad science will also find nods to the staples of the monster/sci-fi horror genres in the well-conceived characters and set pieces. There are a few moments where the fast paced story seems a little too fast, but all in all it makes for an engaging read that you'll want to stick with until the final page and beyond.
January 18, 2018
This book is very imaginative. My wife Kristy and I first started reading this book then she dropped out and I finished it alone. This must have a sequel the way it ended. I know this author having been in the same ward and served as his son's cub leader.
I could never have believed he would have come up with something so imaginative. Blake being a bug and Anika's boy friend is an example. Tie this in with her dad and Victor coming way from the past. This city of Moreau in the lightning belt of Florida, if there is such a belt, is eerie. This whole town seems to be made up of re-created people and kids.
Anika and friend Billie have a deep loyalty, something the constantly moving Anika must not be used to. Anyway, she is staying in Moreau as she has a home now. Will her father redeem himself. This book didn't say.
Stay tuned, next bug, next Misty, next book?
I could never have believed he would have come up with something so imaginative. Blake being a bug and Anika's boy friend is an example. Tie this in with her dad and Victor coming way from the past. This city of Moreau in the lightning belt of Florida, if there is such a belt, is eerie. This whole town seems to be made up of re-created people and kids.
Anika and friend Billie have a deep loyalty, something the constantly moving Anika must not be used to. Anyway, she is staying in Moreau as she has a home now. Will her father redeem himself. This book didn't say.
Stay tuned, next bug, next Misty, next book?
November 19, 2017
As a Junior High English teacher, I am always looking for great books to “hook” my students. I highly recommend, “Devil in the Microscope.” This fun novel is full of STEM connections. Decaria has given us a strong, interesting female protagonist who uses her wits and background in science to navigate through an exciting plot. His ability to weave science, magic, and a little mysticism add spice and interest in layers through the story. If you enjoyed the premise of the TV show “Eureka,” you will love the town of Moreau—yes, the allusion is intentional. “Devil in the Microscope,” is a fun read with many plot twists and turns. I am excited to share this one with my students.
January 19, 2018
I really liked this story! I really appreciated the quick pace and the handful of surprises I didn't see coming. If you like a lean, action-packed YA story, this is definitely for you! The only thing that kept me from 5 stars was I thought there were parts that would have benefited from slowing down just a bit. The fast pace was really nice but there were a few parts where I thought the character building and relationship interactions would have been more natural and understandable if we'd have been able to slow down and hear some more inner monologue and thought process from Anika. Other than that, pretty solid and fun story!
November 5, 2019
This book kept my interest from start to finish, though the target audience seems to be teens. The premise of an entire town of "mad scientists" who are experimenting on their children and themselves, is a new "take" on the usual science fiction genre that I thought was very creative.
It was quite entertaining but seemed to end a bit abruptly, as he was planning on the next book filling in some more details.
It was quite entertaining but seemed to end a bit abruptly, as he was planning on the next book filling in some more details.
August 6, 2022
Annika lives with her paranoid mother who keeps moving them and changing their identities. Annika loves everything science and has a strong desire to help all she loves including her best friend. She then learns that her father is alive and lives in a town in Florida that he built. Her mother has been hiding her from him since she was a baby. She also learns that he has a research facility, so she moves there. What she finds is not what she expected. A pretty good story.
May 4, 2021
Wow! That was a wild ride. I loved it, but it was sorta all over the place.
August 26, 2017
The book, Devil in the Microscope, quickly introduces us to Anika, a 16 year-old girl, who is thrust into challenging situations not of her making. She adapts to each challenge with courage, a keen intelligent, and loyalty to friends as she sets off to discover the mysteries of a mother who is missing and a new life with a father that she thought was dead. I enjoyed reading her story as she unlocks mysteries from the past, challenges in the present and disturbing information about her father in the mad-scientific world he has created and what it all holds for her own future. A great read! I want to read more about Anika and her friends and look forward to the sequel!
September 25, 2017
A rousing adventure filled with drama, intrigue and mad science. It makes my high school years seem easy by comparison. If it has one problem is that it leaves you wanting more right now.
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January 5, 2018Hi Ryan and staff,
I made a little mistake in clicking I DID receive Devil in the Microscope.
I did NOT receive it as of yet, and I am so looking forward to reading it.
If it is not possible to send another ? no worries, it was my fault for checking
the wrong box. But if you can... Yippee ! Thanks very much from a delighted
Good reads winner !
and Happy New Year !!
Allie Brothers
5519 Swep-Sax Road ( short for Swepsonville Saxapahaw Road, Hence the Abbv ! )
Graham, NC 27253
I made a little mistake in clicking I DID receive Devil in the Microscope.
I did NOT receive it as of yet, and I am so looking forward to reading it.
If it is not possible to send another ? no worries, it was my fault for checking
the wrong box. But if you can... Yippee ! Thanks very much from a delighted
Good reads winner !
and Happy New Year !!
Allie Brothers
5519 Swep-Sax Road ( short for Swepsonville Saxapahaw Road, Hence the Abbv ! )
Graham, NC 27253
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2018
I love the premise of this book and if I were in a different mood I think I would have liked it better also I listen to it on audible and didn’t enjoy the near raider as far as the story goes the characters are likable other timesThey seemed awkward and a lot of the description I couldn’t get into Omaha I think this book was very well written and had an awesome talk it just wasn’t my thing
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews