Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
After a harrowing mission, Navy SEAL Aiden Willingham was approached to participate in a secret research project. Now he realizes the Spartan Project is a covert, multinational government testing program run by a private company called The Silverstone Collaborative. The company’s mission is to create super soldiers, men capable of recovering from horrendous illness and injuries, using a serum derived from indigenous plants in the Amazon rainforest. The program is brutal and when the men object, they go from test subjects to caged prisoners overnight.

The doctor leading the program is world-renowned for his cutting-edge cures, but Aiden sees only the madness in his eyes. The serum is producing results, but men are dying every day of testing. And, as more men die, the experiments turn more deadly. What the research team doesn’t realize is exactly what the serum is doing … creating a psychic connection between four of the men.

Aiden and his team have to break out of the camp before they’re compromised further. But getting out of the camp is the easy part. They know that actually living to bring the Silverstone Collaborative to justice is going to be the most difficult mission any of them have ever undertaken.

ebook

Published June 20, 2018

179 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Madden

70 books929 followers
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.

J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
235 (61%)
4 stars
114 (30%)
3 stars
24 (6%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
3,033 reviews2,697 followers
April 11, 2024
The start of something good!



The Hero: Aiden - he was in the military, a Navy SEAL, and he was a participant in the Spartan Project. It was a top-secret project that had delegates from different special forces branches of the military from a bunch of different countries. When they arrived in the jungle, they had been impressed with the state-of-the-art research facility and the participants were housed in barracks with the guards, but as things went on, and some of the participants died, the guards were replaced by the Brazilian army and the participants were moved into cages after being drugged. Now the few that were left were prisoners being tortured and their lives might be forfeit.

The Story: The governments of their countries were involved in research to create super soldiers who could heal from devastating wounds and sicknesses and do things that normal humans couldn’t come close to. The research was funded by the Silverstone Collaborative and headed by a brilliant but sadistic Doctor Shu. It revolved around the Ayahuasca plant in the Amazon and some locals who drank a brew derived from the plant and demonstrated superhuman abilities. Though the tests that Aiden and the men underwent after being given the serum were things like being infected with deadly viruses and being horrifically injured to see if they would recover.

Aiden and the others found out that not only could they force their bodies to heal from some of the terrible experiments, but they also saw improvements in their mental capabilities. They could talk to each other through their minds and even held sway over some people using mental suggestion. Though they kept these abilities to themselves and didn’t inform the people that were holding them.

This book was the prequel to a new series and a spin-off of another series, though it was my first book by this author. I do love the whole super-soldier trope and have read many books with the theme of genetic experimentation. They almost always start out like this, with military men being imprisoned and tortured while being experimented on. So, I couldn’t wait for them to escape and take control of their own lives.

The story was actually very good and most of it was action. The next book is actually book one of this series and the Hero is also Aiden, so it makes sense that this book was all about what happened to the guys and their escape. They had a long trek through the Amazon rainforest so it was pretty interesting, and I certainly can’t wait to start the next book.

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,754 reviews189 followers
July 8, 2018
It has been so long that I’ve actually gone into a book without romance as its primary goal and this much I’d say: it’s a change, a subtle shift in re-looking the way I tend to evaluate romances…and perhaps a most welcome one after having gone through too many forgettable and mediocre reads. That also means the very freeing sensation of not having to nitpick through romantic tropes and analysing why they work (or not) for me and then rating the plot and/or the characters as disappointing/unimpressive each time. At least, that has been the pattern with me for a long, long time.

As the prequel J.M. Madden’s ‘Dogs of War’ series, ‘Genesis’ is the short but brutal story of captured soldiers experimented on and their daring escape—men bonded by torture and their emerging abilities—from a nightmare that they can’t seem to free themselves from. I barely remember Aiden Willingham at all from Madden’s other books, but the prequel takes care of it all, unravelling his past in a way that leaves no uncertainty or mystery (at least for Aiden as a character) in the next book to come. In any case, ‘Genesis’ is quite the exciting read: full of danger at every turn, with the thrills of these men’s desperate race for survival during harrowing flight for freedom (with a lick of the paranormal), proving a rollicking good start to a series which I can’t wait to see out.
Profile Image for Jackie Lane.
1,142 reviews609 followers
July 30, 2018
A bit of a departure from one of my favorite authors, but great just the same. I reminded me of the Sin Brothers series by Rebecca Zanetti and it had a bit of everything in it.

I am excited to read the next book in the series to find out what happens to the men in this book.

Aiden is one of the characters from her Lost and Found series that has always intrigued me and the fact that we get to go back to the beginning and find out what he endured along with the men he was with and why he is the way he is, is thrilling. I am so excited for this new series.

If you haven't read the LNF series, I would advise you to go and grab it. It will not disappoint you, you'll be hooked.

5 stars
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,352 reviews172 followers
June 23, 2018
We have been teased with Aiden's story throughout the Lost and Found series. Genesis is an appropriate title as it take us back to the beginning when military men thought they were selected for secret research project but instead found out they were being used as lab rats for a mad doctor/scientist who after injecting them a serum proceeds to torture them to see who can live through it. Many die. Aiden and 3 others come to use their new abilities to outsmart their captures and escape.

This book gives us all the background of the Spartan Project so we (as readers) can hit the ground running when Chaos (Aiden's book) comes out. Great prequel to the series that whets your appetite for more..
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,478 reviews49 followers
July 6, 2018
What the heck. I was not ready for this storyline for Aiden at all. J.M. Madden always seems to amaze me with the thongs she come up with. I know Aiden was different and he had a past because of the way he acted when we got glimpse of him in the last LNF books but I was NOT expected this. Not at all. My mind needs time to adjust and prepare for what is to come. This novella set me up for feelings, adventure, and not so much love or a HEA. I am intrigued.
Profile Image for Edna.
313 reviews20 followers
October 20, 2018
Awesome

I love JM Madden, her books are awesome. This book was a great start to what's going to be an awesome new series. Can't wait for the next book .
Profile Image for Sabine.
67 reviews
October 16, 2018
Wow, that was intense!
Like many readers I wanted to know more about the mysterious Aiden who kept appearing throughout the LNF series. And one thing is for sure: I'm certainly not disappointed! The author skillfully crafted a story that not only keeps readers riveted to their seats but also nicely ties up all the loose ends hanging around this character (how he successfully bypasses John's state-of-the-art security system, why he reacts so violently at the hospital with Duncan, why he is hiding from everyone - among other things).
I finally got answers to a lot of questions, all wrapped up in a fast-paced suspenful plot reavealing that Aiden litterally went to hell and back. Fair warning: this story is a bit darker than the previous installments in the series (not that I mind, though) and contains some scenes that are not for the faint-hearted (which I'm not, so don't change a thing!).
My only regret is that the characters return to civilization was surprisingly easy after everything they went through (I was expecting them to be a lot more uncomfortable in a crowd). And the ending comes a bit too fast: I was totally on board for a bit of retaliation towards their captors before moving onto the masterminds behind this evil plan. I guess I'll have to read the next book for that.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
February 17, 2020
If you are a fan of the Lost and Found Series you will remember that we first met Aiden in Embattled Hearts, and he pops up in the other books as well. Now at long last we get his story, this is the beginning and we meet the others that were with him during this truly trying period of his life.

This is not a romance, this is a detailed accounting of the events leading up to Aiden appearing in Denver. We first meet the four men held close together. Aiden, Wolfe, Fontana and TJ Rector. Wolfe is the only non- American in this group, he is from Germany.

These men originally had volunteered for the program, but when men started dying things changed. They became prisoners.

The conditions are harsh, the treatment is brutal and had me sniffling and holding my breath.

We also meet the cold hearted Priscilla Mattingly, COO of the Silverstone Collaborative. She becomes the most dangerous of all their captors as she lets everyone know who is in charge.

I have to say I was much relieved when the guys got out. However there were many trials and tribulations for them as they trek through the jungle hoping to find a place big enough for phone reception.

Action-packed, emotional, scary and I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2018
Ever since meeting Aiden in the Lost and Found series I have wanted to know more about him and the men he went through hell with. Now I get my chance and this is the book that tells how it all got started. Wow, I knew he had been held captive and that he was tortured from what he had told Duncan and John in the Lost and Found Series. But I was amazed that while they were literally broken, tortured, humiliated and left at the hands of an evil scientist and his minions that they were not broken mentally. The four men that survived are amazing in their own right and I can't wait to see what comes next for the four men and those they meet along the way.

Ms. Madden writes about incredible men and women and this series will be no different. I can't imagine how they will find love with evil still following them and targets on their back. The Silverstone Collaborative is evil and they will stop at nothing to get back what is theirs. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride judging by the way this novella got started!
3,547 reviews14 followers
February 18, 2019
Genesis by J.M. Madden is a fantastic opening for her new series, Dogs Of War. Ms. Madden has provided readers with a well-written, edge of your seat read. There is no romance in this particular book, I believe it's background for the rest of the series, which I can't wait to pull off my bookshelf. This is a quick read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Aiden, Wulfe, Fontana and TJ are being held captive after volunteering for the Spartan Project. Their story is loaded with drama, action, humor and suspense. I loved this opening to the Dogs Of War Series and can't wait to start the next book. Genesis is book 0.5 of the Dogs Of War Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,768 reviews52 followers
June 25, 2018
I'm giddy just reading this prequel. We met Aiden in the LNF series and were dying to know more. Now, we get it. He was part of the Genesis project to enhance a soldier's abilities when things went south. He and three other men come together in the best way to save their lives. I was on edge the entire book never wanting to read the end, but at least Chaos will continue the story.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
June 30, 2018
If you are a fan of the Lost and Found Series you will remember that we first met Aiden in Embattled Hearts, and he pops up in the other books as well. Now at long last we get his story, this is the beginning and we meet the others that were with him during this truly trying period of his life.

This is not a romance, this is a detailed accounting of the events leading up to Aiden appearing in Denver. We first meet the four men held close together. Aiden, Wolfe, Fontana and TJ Rector. Wolfe is the only non- American in this group, he is from Germany.
These men originally had volunteered for the program, but when men started dying things changed. They became prisoners.

The conditions are harsh, the treatment is brutal and had me sniffling and holding my breath.
We also meet the cold hearted Priscilla Mattingly, COO of the Silverstone Collaborative. She becomes the most dangerous of all their captors as she lets everyone know who is in charge.

I have to say I was much relieved when the guys got out. However there were many trials and tribulations for them as they trek through the jungle hoping to find a place big enough for phone reception.

Action-packed, emotional, scary and I couldn't put it down!

I look forward to reading more of Aiden's story in Chaos which just released. I am also going back to re-read the Lost and Found Series since I haven't read it since I purchased it in 2015.
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,316 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2018
I have been following Aiden and wondering what his story was since he first appeared in the LNF Series. J.M. Madden has given us some of the answers to the mysterious Aiden in the Prequel to the Dogs of War Series. Action packed, intense and heart-wrenching, J.M. puts you through the gamut of emotions. I immediately hated the Dr. in charge and his security team, none of which had a compassionate bone in their bodies and I am anxiously awaiting to see what happens to the Bitch in Blue. Genesis means the origin or beginning and this book begins with the introduction of Aiden and his fellow band of brothers. You will not be able to put this down. If you have not already purchased CHAOS (Book 1) hurry and do so as you will want to immediately begin reading it.
942 reviews
January 7, 2019
Genesis is the prequel to J.M. Madden’s new series, “The Dogs of War.”

This is the story about Navy Seal Aiden Willingham who is introduced in Ms. Madden’s “Lost and Found” series. Aiden volunteers to participate in a research project called The Spartan Project. When Aiden and the other military men involved in this project realize what is really happening, they try to escape. At that point, they are kept in cages, and become prisoners.

This is a thriller filled with intrigue, suspense and non-stop adventure! If you like thrillers, you will not be able to put this books down until the end.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews545 followers
July 2, 2018
The Lost and Found series is one of my favorites and Aiden has always been a dark horse when he's shown up. So when I learned that he was going to be featured in a new series I was excited.

This short introduces us to Aiden in a whole different light, and not a good one for him. I'm honestly surprised that Aiden and the men with him managed to stay as sane as they did. I loved how they fought back, how they weren't going to give up. Unfortunately it looks like they are in for the fight of their lives. I can't wait to see how it goes for them all!
Profile Image for Allena.
1,468 reviews
June 26, 2018
Aiden and his journey to the pages of the LNF series begins here.
A fantastic start to a series I can’t wait to read. We finally get the low down on on what was eluded to before and it’s a page turning and gripping account of what makes the Dogs Of War who they are.
Fascinating back story of pain, perseverance, and the will to survive. Can they bring down the evil that almost destroyed them? Looking forward to finding out.
Profile Image for Cayla.
619 reviews34 followers
June 29, 2018
It was a good opening to the new series. So we could understand the background of where Aiden and his buddies had to endure before they freed them selfs and what was the result of the testing they ended up being forced to compline in. I had some issues getting into this series which worried me because I love J.M Madden's books but I slowly got into it and liked it. So far it's not one of my favorites but I'm sure the series will grow on me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,395 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2018
What a story and a new beginning

After reading all of the Lost and Found Series as well as the Lowell family I'd been missing the Combat Modified Vets I had grown to love from the LNF Agency. Well wait no more because Aiden, Fontana, TJ and Wulf who are going to be the new guys that we'll anxiously wait for each book just like the other men. If you remember the small references to Aiden from Duncan's story and a few others but you'll love how he and the other men discover their new "talents" when they decide that enough is enough and it's time to escape and quickly.

So truly Genesis is a fantastic ride from start to finish that will leave you wanting more.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,249 reviews34 followers
February 29, 2020
This series starter was incredibly intense, brutal and frightening. We briefly met Aiden Willingham in the Lost and found series and he was definitely an enigma. Now we get his story starting in the deepest Amazon jungle. Soldiers treated as guinea pigs and science experiments are subjected to torturous tests in order to develop a serum that can withstand any injury or disease. Four men bond over their developing powers and when the time is right escape their deadly prison.
Profile Image for Janet Overstreet.
188 reviews
June 28, 2018
WOW! What a prequel to a new series. This was super intense from the beginning to end. I am now so ready to read Aiden and his buddies stories of what they are going to do to keep themselves alive and get the story out about what has happened to them from the "so-called" training. Next up in The Dogs of War series is Aiden.
9 reviews
July 4, 2018
She has done it again.

JM Madden has done it again. If you have read the lost and found series you know what I mean. She has given the background of some amazing characters. I am hooked. I have to find out now what happens to the Dogs of War and if they will find the happy ending. If you like military and romance alpha males and strong women I recommend JM Madden’s books.
202 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2018
Hurrah for the new series

I read this as soon as it arrived in my library and enjoyed the beginnings of a new series. J.M. did it again. I will be reading the first book now and all the rest she sees fit to write. Love her style and characters. Her “heroes” aren’t to bad either.
Profile Image for Beatrice.
112 reviews
August 6, 2018
I want more!

J M Maddens books were the ones to tear me away from simple sappy love stories.(I still like them, just prefer hers over them 😉) I love her strong women and her men..oh my lord, her men! I love all the action, the adventure, the conflict..she just pulls it all together in a way that makes me want to live one of her stories!
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,099 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2018
This was the first book I read from this author but it won't be my last! Already bought the next book. Aiden was a great character. Being kept a prisoner with others from different special forces and used as a lab rat they develop extra abilities. Loved it! Lots of action and fantastic characters that I look forward to reading more of!
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,263 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2019
This book is a amazing surprise. Its a great drand alone book but if you really want to know who this strong amazing characters is you need to read the Lost and found series. Aiden's is a amazing character and tkanks to JM Madden and her incredible writing skills she is bring him to you in all of his glory. This new series will.....blow......your ......mind
Profile Image for Davia.
832 reviews13 followers
July 17, 2018
So good!

I am thrilled to finally get the story of Aiden amd why he is worried about his brother and yet will not really make contact or connect with a team who could help him. Now I get it! Bravo JM write On! Davia
2,881 reviews8 followers
February 1, 2019
I enjoyed this little prequel, and this new series is certainly off to an interesting start. This story provides background on the secret project that impacted Aiden and his teammates. There is no romance here, but it sets the stage for the series. Can't wait to read Aiden's full story!
Profile Image for Sandra.
448 reviews
March 20, 2019
Disturbing but gripping

A compelling reason to keep going with this Series. Also a good reason to keep your head down while in the military. Suspense, intriguing and 4 amazing characters that I am so excited to read about. Start this as fast as possible.
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
May 21, 2020
OMG 😲! Captivating.

I really was swept into this one. It has suspense, drama and twists and turns. It will keep you on the edge of your seats.

I have an autographed copy
#33 Bookhoarders Challenge - signed book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.