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Destiny by Design #1
The Breeding Tree
When Katherine Dennard is selected to become a "Creation Specialist" in Sector 4, the opportunity sounds like a dream come true. But Kate soon discovers the darker side of her profession - the disposal of fetal organs and destruction of human life. It makes sense, really. In a society where disease and malformations don't exist, human perfection demands that no genetic "mutants" be allowed to live. For Sector 4, "survival of the fittest" is not just a theory - it's The Institute's main mission.
When Kate discovers that The Institute is using her DNA to create new life, her work gets personal. In order to save her unviable son, she'll have to trust Micah and his band of underground Natural Born Rebels. The problem is, if The Institute discovers her betrayal, the next body tossed in the trash could be hers.
"This is a powerful story about the meaning and value of life--we don't have enough of those." ~ Terry Trueman, Printz Honor author, Stuck in Neutral
When Kate discovers that The Institute is using her DNA to create new life, her work gets personal. In order to save her unviable son, she'll have to trust Micah and his band of underground Natural Born Rebels. The problem is, if The Institute discovers her betrayal, the next body tossed in the trash could be hers.
"This is a powerful story about the meaning and value of life--we don't have enough of those." ~ Terry Trueman, Printz Honor author, Stuck in Neutral
292 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2015
27 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
J. Andersen
6 books74 followersJ. Andersen likes to write books, but doing so means slaying the dragons of procrastination while trudging through piles of laundry to make it to the computer. This small town, stay at home mom and former English teacher may be a world builder by day and a superhero by night, but that doesn't mean she can ignore making dinner or driving the kids to music lessons. She also works as the Director of Author Services for Brimstone Fiction and is the Author Care Manager for Burnett Young Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 4, 2021
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author J. Andersen.)
“For weeks, it seems, as I walk home each night, someone has been following me.”
This was an interesting dystopian story, with a bit of excitement at the end.
Kate seemed like quite a straight-laced studious girl, and had a clear idea of what she wanted to do with her future, unfortunately though, she hadn’t considered that her chosen career included killing babies, and understandably was a bit distraught by this!
“They killed it Micha. And I watched.”
~
The storyline in this was about Kate starting her training in the Creation lab, and slowly discovering exactly what went on, and how she personally was involved, as well as developing a relationship with a man in the labs who wasn’t what he seemed. I did find the story a little slowly paced in places, but the excitement later in the book did make up for that somewhat! There were some little twists that were quite pretty good, and certainly livened things up!
“Count me in.”
The ending to this was also pretty good, but also had a bit of a cliff-hanger, I was pleased that things turned out as well as they did for a certain someone though.
7 out of 10
“For weeks, it seems, as I walk home each night, someone has been following me.”
This was an interesting dystopian story, with a bit of excitement at the end.
Kate seemed like quite a straight-laced studious girl, and had a clear idea of what she wanted to do with her future, unfortunately though, she hadn’t considered that her chosen career included killing babies, and understandably was a bit distraught by this!
“They killed it Micha. And I watched.”
~
The storyline in this was about Kate starting her training in the Creation lab, and slowly discovering exactly what went on, and how she personally was involved, as well as developing a relationship with a man in the labs who wasn’t what he seemed. I did find the story a little slowly paced in places, but the excitement later in the book did make up for that somewhat! There were some little twists that were quite pretty good, and certainly livened things up!
“Count me in.”
The ending to this was also pretty good, but also had a bit of a cliff-hanger, I was pleased that things turned out as well as they did for a certain someone though.
7 out of 10
August 9, 2015
The Breeding Tree is The Giver meets Matrix. This dystopian novel takes place in our world after the collapse of the world we know. Society works to eliminate genetic defects that cause diseases and disabilities through genetics. At birth females eggs are surgically removed and stored to ensure future generation. Being pregnant is a thing of the past as each child is conceived and grown in a lab. As they babies develop they are tested, any signs of deformity or signs of of diseases to come require the child's destruction. The ultimate goal is the perfect human, free of diseases and disabilities.
When young Kate tests to find her future career she is excited to learn that she has tested to become a Creationist, working in the lab that creates and grows the infants. She has worked her whole life towards this goal and thrilled to finally achieve it, yet once she is there she begins to learn things that cause moral confusion for her. When she learns she has a child in the program he whole world is turned upside down.
I really enjoyed the Breeding Tree and am really impressed with Andersen's writing prowess. I was hooked from the start and hope there will be more books in the series to come. Andersen's characters were real and vivid in my mind as I read and I felt like I got to know them and was experiencing the events with them. This book is immersive and I had a hard time putting it down.
5 Stars!
When young Kate tests to find her future career she is excited to learn that she has tested to become a Creationist, working in the lab that creates and grows the infants. She has worked her whole life towards this goal and thrilled to finally achieve it, yet once she is there she begins to learn things that cause moral confusion for her. When she learns she has a child in the program he whole world is turned upside down.
I really enjoyed the Breeding Tree and am really impressed with Andersen's writing prowess. I was hooked from the start and hope there will be more books in the series to come. Andersen's characters were real and vivid in my mind as I read and I felt like I got to know them and was experiencing the events with them. This book is immersive and I had a hard time putting it down.
5 Stars!
September 3, 2015
The Breeding Tree starts out a little slow, and at first seems like many dystopian novels. But as the book goes on it picks up speed, intensity, and your interest. The author's voice becomes stronger the further in you get, and the story really becomes unique. While you can certainly see the influence of other works on this novel, it is creative and a story worth reading in its own right.
January 3, 2016
4/5 Stars
Where do I even start with a story like this? I loved it because I got it. I understood it more ways than one and for me personally I believe this hit home with me. And the other part of me was so horrified as to what was actually happening in the story I wanted to close the book and end it. But I couldn't because this is something that happens every day in this world. And that's the intentional ending of an unborn child.
So Katie is a young woman who in the future is in a world in which human are striving to achieve a total elimination in human defects. In order to do this, babies are brought into the world using artificial means, pods, chemicals in controlled settings as women no longer actually give birth to children. They are grown in labs and are 'disposed' off at any point if there is detection of any abnormality that could cause them to become anything less than 'perfect'. Katie has strived to become a creation specialist where her carer will lie to creating a whole brand new generation. Without giving too much of it away, she discovers completely horrific things and even has to do horrible things that wasn't made fully aware to her. And partially in her defence, she has grown up with a mantra that what the institution is doing is creating a better world and there in no wrong in their work of what and how they go about in achieving this. Katie unknowingly stumbles across her own unborn child who is classed to be disposed as he is unviable. This then leads Katie to try and find a way to save her unborn child.
I don't have children of my own so I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to have children and read this. However I can imagine and experience the horror of what if this child could be mine and I was put into this situation. If I knew that anyone wanted to 'dispose' of my unborn child, they would wish they hadn't been born if I was to get hold of them.
The scary thing about this, is the fact that is does actually happen across the world. So many unborn children killed because of their sex, because there's a chance of their condition of whatever kind it is, may be either small mild or severe but there's no way of knowing or just the mere fact that they aren't wanted. I should know from past research (I'm a 2nd year student nurse) that there are major cases across the continents that there are countries in which sex's are outgrowing the opposite sex because boys are wanted more than girls, that people wish to have the perfect baby so they wish to 'eliminate' any possibility of any condition of illness that may have an impact on the child.
From one side of the perspective I can totally understand where the institution is coming from. As a student nurse I have seen the poor sights of people who have crippling illnesses, diseases and conditions which has impacted in their lives in many forms. Some through lifestyle choices that have caught up with them, some through pure bad luck, some through accident. And to have healthy humans would be GREAT! Absolutely great. But it will never happen. The human body evolves and so does time and technology. I think there will always be cures and preventions, but never a cure for anything and everything.
But to have this way of disposal is completely wrong. And this is where this can cause many arguments for so many people. Are you pro life or pro choice? I won't go into what I feel on this matter because I'll just end up writing an essay and I wish to stay focused on the review. But this is where this sort of plot can have a huge impact on the way we see things in life.
As for the actual story itself, it started off slow and gradually built itself up in anticipation as to what was going to happen towards the end. It wasn't perfect which is why I didn't give it 5/5 stars but I've rated it 4/5 stars because I really enjoyed it and if it had more added to the story then I certainly would rate it higher. I felt there were large time gaps missing from the story where time did skip and you weren't even aware of how much time until right towards the end! That bit I didn't like I must admit. I wanted the story to be fleshed out more, more emotions, character development to be extended. At 280 odd pages or so, I felt it was quite short personally so it could have easily have had another 50 or so pages added in to completely flesh it out more and to add more to the story.
But overall I really enjoyed it, so much so I finished it in one afternoon. Iwanted no needed to find out what happened. The ending left me on such a high and with fear put into me because it left on such a beautiful cliff-hanger.
Half of me is desperate to read the next book (even though it's not out and no mention of a second book is being written!?!?) to find out all the if's. But the other half of me is terrified to read it (If a second book is ever released) to find out shit completely hits the fan and there is no happy ending.
A caution to all, it's not a lighted heart book, it's quite dark and will challenge to question your own attitudes and beliefs as to whether what's right and what's wrong. But you won't regret going ahead and reading this.
Where do I even start with a story like this? I loved it because I got it. I understood it more ways than one and for me personally I believe this hit home with me. And the other part of me was so horrified as to what was actually happening in the story I wanted to close the book and end it. But I couldn't because this is something that happens every day in this world. And that's the intentional ending of an unborn child.
So Katie is a young woman who in the future is in a world in which human are striving to achieve a total elimination in human defects. In order to do this, babies are brought into the world using artificial means, pods, chemicals in controlled settings as women no longer actually give birth to children. They are grown in labs and are 'disposed' off at any point if there is detection of any abnormality that could cause them to become anything less than 'perfect'. Katie has strived to become a creation specialist where her carer will lie to creating a whole brand new generation. Without giving too much of it away, she discovers completely horrific things and even has to do horrible things that wasn't made fully aware to her. And partially in her defence, she has grown up with a mantra that what the institution is doing is creating a better world and there in no wrong in their work of what and how they go about in achieving this. Katie unknowingly stumbles across her own unborn child who is classed to be disposed as he is unviable. This then leads Katie to try and find a way to save her unborn child.
I don't have children of my own so I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to have children and read this. However I can imagine and experience the horror of what if this child could be mine and I was put into this situation. If I knew that anyone wanted to 'dispose' of my unborn child, they would wish they hadn't been born if I was to get hold of them.
The scary thing about this, is the fact that is does actually happen across the world. So many unborn children killed because of their sex, because there's a chance of their condition of whatever kind it is, may be either small mild or severe but there's no way of knowing or just the mere fact that they aren't wanted. I should know from past research (I'm a 2nd year student nurse) that there are major cases across the continents that there are countries in which sex's are outgrowing the opposite sex because boys are wanted more than girls, that people wish to have the perfect baby so they wish to 'eliminate' any possibility of any condition of illness that may have an impact on the child.
From one side of the perspective I can totally understand where the institution is coming from. As a student nurse I have seen the poor sights of people who have crippling illnesses, diseases and conditions which has impacted in their lives in many forms. Some through lifestyle choices that have caught up with them, some through pure bad luck, some through accident. And to have healthy humans would be GREAT! Absolutely great. But it will never happen. The human body evolves and so does time and technology. I think there will always be cures and preventions, but never a cure for anything and everything.
But to have this way of disposal is completely wrong. And this is where this can cause many arguments for so many people. Are you pro life or pro choice? I won't go into what I feel on this matter because I'll just end up writing an essay and I wish to stay focused on the review. But this is where this sort of plot can have a huge impact on the way we see things in life.
As for the actual story itself, it started off slow and gradually built itself up in anticipation as to what was going to happen towards the end. It wasn't perfect which is why I didn't give it 5/5 stars but I've rated it 4/5 stars because I really enjoyed it and if it had more added to the story then I certainly would rate it higher. I felt there were large time gaps missing from the story where time did skip and you weren't even aware of how much time until right towards the end! That bit I didn't like I must admit. I wanted the story to be fleshed out more, more emotions, character development to be extended. At 280 odd pages or so, I felt it was quite short personally so it could have easily have had another 50 or so pages added in to completely flesh it out more and to add more to the story.
But overall I really enjoyed it, so much so I finished it in one afternoon. I
Half of me is desperate to read the next book (even though it's not out and no mention of a second book is being written!?!?) to find out all the if's. But the other half of me is terrified to read it (If a second book is ever released) to find out shit completely hits the fan and there is no happy ending.
A caution to all, it's not a lighted heart book, it's quite dark and will challenge to question your own attitudes and beliefs as to whether what's right and what's wrong. But you won't regret going ahead and reading this.
August 6, 2015
A fine young adult dystopian novel. It speaks truth in our current culture of consuming all things for our own interests. Changing the language of a culture is power. What if you found this language was a lie? J. Andersen creates a believable not-to-distant future dystopia where knowledge and language is power. When the layers are peeled back, there is still life breathing within. This will be a great autumn read.
March 25, 2016
Eh. Didn't care for the plot, the characters, or the pace (which crawled, really). The writing was somewhat decent. Just...eh. (2.5 I guess?)
January 13, 2016
I've been looking forward to reading this book for a while. The subject matter was intriguing and who doesn't love a dystopian world? The characters were solid, the world well built, and the conflict... Oh the conflict...!
Here's where I admit I had a hard time with this one--which is the intention. Being a mother and a huge antagonist of abortion laws (I'm sorry, a baby is a baby no matter the stage), this one really hit home. It makes a good case and I applaud the author for it.
This was a great read and although hard for me to stomach, a wonderful book.
Content: Strong themes of infant mortality.
Here's where I admit I had a hard time with this one--which is the intention. Being a mother and a huge antagonist of abortion laws (I'm sorry, a baby is a baby no matter the stage), this one really hit home. It makes a good case and I applaud the author for it.
This was a great read and although hard for me to stomach, a wonderful book.
Content: Strong themes of infant mortality.
November 13, 2017
Very similar to The Giver by Lois Lowry. A teenager in a dystopian society begins to see the flaws in the seemingly perfect world that the leaders have tried to create. Disease, illness, congenital birth defects, and physical diversity are being eliminated in order to promote "success and health" -- but at what cost?
October 6, 2015
There's got to be a second book!
I loved this book! I could not put it down once I started reading! Please tell us there will be a second book! I have so many questions I want answers to! I need to know what else happens! Great read!
I loved this book! I could not put it down once I started reading! Please tell us there will be a second book! I have so many questions I want answers to! I need to know what else happens! Great read!
January 5, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author and publisher Brimstone Fiction in exchange for an honest review. My full review is at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.This was an interesting, well-written YA dystopian novel. It builds on concepts you’ve already seen frequently in dystopian novels, but with a nice amount of detail and world-building (although I would have liked more of the back history). I had some small issues with the writing sometimes, but then I’m also not the primary audience for this book.
There’s a lot going on in this novel -- it begins with the public torture of a rebel and moves quickly from there. Kate’s living in a world where she can’t trust anyone and where anything she says could brand her as a criminal. Her father’s a bit of a free-thinker but her mother catches criminals for the government, and she’s caught in the middle.
The book has a clear message, which is that killing babies just because they have physical imperfections isn’t right. The publisher of this series describes itself as publishing speculative fiction that appeals to Christian audiences, something I didn’t realize when I agreed to read the book. I was a little worried this book would be preachy and overly anti-abortion, but the issues are kept pretty balanced and Kate is presented with complicated ethical dilemmas. What I liked about the book was that the rebels had their own moral issues (for example, they are willing to kidnap people in order to further their own mission).
Those who like YA dystopian fiction will appreciate this thoughtful and entertaining story that raises issues similar to 1984 and The Giver. Andersen raises interesting issues, like the role of sexuality in a society where procreation is no longer needed, and the idea that medical science could eliminate natural childbirth (safer and healthier for mothers) while still allowing people to have children that are genetically their own. She also raises issues about how much the Institution is controlling the lives of this society, from their jobs to what they eat to what they can talk about.
There were elements of the story I didn't feel were quite realistic, and there were places I felt the writing needed a little editing, but then the book is aimed at a younger audience. All in all, I liked the book and look forward to seeing where the story goes.
There’s a lot going on in this novel -- it begins with the public torture of a rebel and moves quickly from there. Kate’s living in a world where she can’t trust anyone and where anything she says could brand her as a criminal. Her father’s a bit of a free-thinker but her mother catches criminals for the government, and she’s caught in the middle.
The book has a clear message, which is that killing babies just because they have physical imperfections isn’t right. The publisher of this series describes itself as publishing speculative fiction that appeals to Christian audiences, something I didn’t realize when I agreed to read the book. I was a little worried this book would be preachy and overly anti-abortion, but the issues are kept pretty balanced and Kate is presented with complicated ethical dilemmas. What I liked about the book was that the rebels had their own moral issues (for example, they are willing to kidnap people in order to further their own mission).
Those who like YA dystopian fiction will appreciate this thoughtful and entertaining story that raises issues similar to 1984 and The Giver. Andersen raises interesting issues, like the role of sexuality in a society where procreation is no longer needed, and the idea that medical science could eliminate natural childbirth (safer and healthier for mothers) while still allowing people to have children that are genetically their own. She also raises issues about how much the Institution is controlling the lives of this society, from their jobs to what they eat to what they can talk about.
There were elements of the story I didn't feel were quite realistic, and there were places I felt the writing needed a little editing, but then the book is aimed at a younger audience. All in all, I liked the book and look forward to seeing where the story goes.
September 22, 2017
This is the dystopian story of a young woman (Katie) studying to become a creation engineer. This career is all about selective breeding for gene purity in a lab setting. It is a more scientific version of Orwell's 1984 where this government also controls everything - even what you eat! The story dragged at the beginning but did get a little more exciting towards the end. In spite of Micah's directive to trust no one, Katie decided to go to her friend Taryn for help. After having known each other all their lives one would think Katie would know how strictly Taryn would follow the rules. Katie, on the other hand appears to be a rather clueless individual that has learned nothing of subterfuge and keeps wading deeper and deeper into the hot water. If the government can spy on your phone calls surely they could also locate you using your phone! Lots of inconsistencies in this one that a good proofreader should have caught. I did manage to suspend disbelief enough to find the story okay for the most part.
September 23, 2019
Really exciting book
I really liked this book. It shows you how far a government will go to protect their secrets. Katie and Micha go to great lengths to protect the rebels that are trying to overthrow the "Institute" where everyone is alike and looks alike. Nail biting action. What I don't like is there is a clifhanger. Never did like Authors breaking books up so you have to buy more.
I really liked this book. It shows you how far a government will go to protect their secrets. Katie and Micha go to great lengths to protect the rebels that are trying to overthrow the "Institute" where everyone is alike and looks alike. Nail biting action. What I don't like is there is a clifhanger. Never did like Authors breaking books up so you have to buy more.
May 9, 2018
Unique dystopia
Loved this adventure. Enough twists and turns to keep the plot moving, and loveable characters to connect to. The unique twist to the dystopia world touches on real-life issues.
Loved this adventure. Enough twists and turns to keep the plot moving, and loveable characters to connect to. The unique twist to the dystopia world touches on real-life issues.
October 12, 2018
This was so good! I just love the concept and how it’s playing out so far. Can’t wait to start the next one!
December 20, 2015
Book Review: With genetic manipulation scientists eradicate birth defects and forever alter society. This Y/A dystopian breathes the consequences and much more.
The Breeding Tree
By J. Andersen
It is easy to cross the line of ethics when intentions for the greater good can justify crimes against humanity. In this Y/A dystopian novel 17-year old Katherine Dennard has to decide between the life she has been told was the only way and a rebellion that opens her eyes to see beyond the walls that confine her.
Her dream career was to become a "Creation Specialist" in the prestigious Sector 4. In this dystopian world, a female's eggs are extracted shortly after she is born. They are warehoused as the Institute controls all fertility. When a married couple wants a child, they put in a request to the Institute. The Creation Specialists create the child in a Petri dish. It is monitored as it goes through the stages in Utero capsulized in a unique womb-like gel. Should a birth defect or genetic disease occur, then the baby is discharged. This all seemed normal to Katherine, while she had doubts about the Institute's totalitarian rule, she lived within its rules.
As Katherine goes through the career program she has to discharge zygotes. This brings in the topic of abortion, at what point is this being alive? Should science be able to exterminate a life because it may have genetic markers that could harm the perfect community in some way? As she furthers her studies she realizes the Institute is not what it seems. The Institute used her DNA without her knowledge or permission with the intent to experiment on the resulting baby. The adventure of her life and her baby's life brings a new perspective of survival she never thought she'd have to endure. The chip in the back of her perfect neck promised a disease free life of 120 years. Being young she didn't question what happened in the creation lab until now. When her son's life is threatened before he's even born, can she rebel against everything she's known in order to save him and herself?
Author J. Anderson spins a story so enthralling, the reader is hooked from the first page. This story literally is about life and death. It not only questions the ideal of living in a perfect society free of imperfections, it delves deeper into the psyche of "just because they can, should they"? As a society should they allow science to genetically manipulate the future generations? It's a decision the naturally born decide for, they separate the races into districts and weed out abnormalities over several generations. The intent is to create perfect humans after which they will re-integrate the districts.
There is so much detail and thematic diversity in this novel that provides food for thought and most definitely leaves the reader wanting the sequel. It is a Y/A novel that all mature ages would enjoy and would definitely fit into a screenplay adaptation. Script writers take heed, look into this story it could be your next blockbuster series.
Be sure to visit J. Andersen's website at http://jandersenbooks.com
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by Brimstone Fiction and J. Andersen for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded.
The Breeding Tree
By J. Andersen
It is easy to cross the line of ethics when intentions for the greater good can justify crimes against humanity. In this Y/A dystopian novel 17-year old Katherine Dennard has to decide between the life she has been told was the only way and a rebellion that opens her eyes to see beyond the walls that confine her.
Her dream career was to become a "Creation Specialist" in the prestigious Sector 4. In this dystopian world, a female's eggs are extracted shortly after she is born. They are warehoused as the Institute controls all fertility. When a married couple wants a child, they put in a request to the Institute. The Creation Specialists create the child in a Petri dish. It is monitored as it goes through the stages in Utero capsulized in a unique womb-like gel. Should a birth defect or genetic disease occur, then the baby is discharged. This all seemed normal to Katherine, while she had doubts about the Institute's totalitarian rule, she lived within its rules.
As Katherine goes through the career program she has to discharge zygotes. This brings in the topic of abortion, at what point is this being alive? Should science be able to exterminate a life because it may have genetic markers that could harm the perfect community in some way? As she furthers her studies she realizes the Institute is not what it seems. The Institute used her DNA without her knowledge or permission with the intent to experiment on the resulting baby. The adventure of her life and her baby's life brings a new perspective of survival she never thought she'd have to endure. The chip in the back of her perfect neck promised a disease free life of 120 years. Being young she didn't question what happened in the creation lab until now. When her son's life is threatened before he's even born, can she rebel against everything she's known in order to save him and herself?
Author J. Anderson spins a story so enthralling, the reader is hooked from the first page. This story literally is about life and death. It not only questions the ideal of living in a perfect society free of imperfections, it delves deeper into the psyche of "just because they can, should they"? As a society should they allow science to genetically manipulate the future generations? It's a decision the naturally born decide for, they separate the races into districts and weed out abnormalities over several generations. The intent is to create perfect humans after which they will re-integrate the districts.
There is so much detail and thematic diversity in this novel that provides food for thought and most definitely leaves the reader wanting the sequel. It is a Y/A novel that all mature ages would enjoy and would definitely fit into a screenplay adaptation. Script writers take heed, look into this story it could be your next blockbuster series.
Be sure to visit J. Andersen's website at http://jandersenbooks.com
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by Brimstone Fiction and J. Andersen for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded.
October 1, 2015
In near future, humans are made in test tubes, especially when you are in Sector 4, where scientists have perfected the human genome and creating people who are ‘better’. They can heal better from injury and illness, cancer is eradicated.
Doesn’t that sound wonderful? That is what Katherine Dennard thought, well, not exactly. In Sector 4, old Natural Born People are wheeled out for display as a reminder to the young ones how crappy life used to be before the Institute.
The book’s pace was steady, how Katherine came to find out a secret is still an unknown, but the secret forced her hand. A choice was made, and now she has to carry it out, with the help of a friend.
As a procreation specialist, Katherine begins to wonder if her job is indeed a privilege, until that privilege becomes a burden. It saddens me how procreation, the creation of life becomes a cold laboratory process instead of a miracle in the book. I agree that emotions are detached when babies are made in test tubes, but to read about it really rattles me somewhat. Maybe because I’m a mom?
While Katherine questions the Institutes’ motive and method, I question the whole story in itself. Ask yourself this: isn’t this a dream come true for all and what lengths are you willing to go for this dream? Yes, this is the basis of the story and plot, I love how it plays with ethics and moral with the readers.
It may be unsuitable for readers who are too young, but totally a good book if you have an audience who studies science in general. Critical thinking questions like ethics are a good start, and possibly why there are people who would rebel at such a place.
Just beware that there is a book two, possible a series for Breeding Tree. I would love to know how Katherine goes, and will look forward to see her struggles come into fruition.
Doesn’t that sound wonderful? That is what Katherine Dennard thought, well, not exactly. In Sector 4, old Natural Born People are wheeled out for display as a reminder to the young ones how crappy life used to be before the Institute.
The book’s pace was steady, how Katherine came to find out a secret is still an unknown, but the secret forced her hand. A choice was made, and now she has to carry it out, with the help of a friend.
As a procreation specialist, Katherine begins to wonder if her job is indeed a privilege, until that privilege becomes a burden. It saddens me how procreation, the creation of life becomes a cold laboratory process instead of a miracle in the book. I agree that emotions are detached when babies are made in test tubes, but to read about it really rattles me somewhat. Maybe because I’m a mom?
While Katherine questions the Institutes’ motive and method, I question the whole story in itself. Ask yourself this: isn’t this a dream come true for all and what lengths are you willing to go for this dream? Yes, this is the basis of the story and plot, I love how it plays with ethics and moral with the readers.
It may be unsuitable for readers who are too young, but totally a good book if you have an audience who studies science in general. Critical thinking questions like ethics are a good start, and possibly why there are people who would rebel at such a place.
Just beware that there is a book two, possible a series for Breeding Tree. I would love to know how Katherine goes, and will look forward to see her struggles come into fruition.
December 12, 2015
An intriguing read, once it gets started.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review, which you are now reading. I was a little conflicted, since it’s dystopian and that genre isn’t my favorite. On the other hand, Ms Andersen has crafted a tale with a strong female protagonist, and a story problem that sucked me into a whirlwind of student life in a laboratory of creation… creation of human life.
The character’s reactions played well against the background; having lived with the Institute’s teachings for Kate's whole life, truth needs some help, and a convenient stone, to rear its head and confirm what she’s felt uncomfortable with for most of her life.
The opening is slower than I like; a consequence of the world-building needed for understanding the situations Kate’s lived her whole life. Once it gets going, though, it’s pretty much non-stop, and I tore through the last sixty percent of the book pretty much non-stop as well.
I read The Breeding Tree using the Kindle app on my MacBook Pro; there were no anomalies to spoil the experience. I found no typos to speak of. On the color display, the cover is very nice and evoked the appropriate sense of disquiet, at least for me.
For reviews using stars, I give four of five. It isn’t mentioned anywhere, but a sequel (or two) are certainly called for. At least I hope Ms Andersen has them in process; too many questions remain unanswered, not only for Kate, but for the wider world she’s part of.
I heartily recommend The Breeding Tree to YA and older readers interested in characters willing to compete with a totalitarian antagonist to save what they care for, with a helping of both romance and treachery for spice.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review, which you are now reading. I was a little conflicted, since it’s dystopian and that genre isn’t my favorite. On the other hand, Ms Andersen has crafted a tale with a strong female protagonist, and a story problem that sucked me into a whirlwind of student life in a laboratory of creation… creation of human life.
The character’s reactions played well against the background; having lived with the Institute’s teachings for Kate's whole life, truth needs some help, and a convenient stone, to rear its head and confirm what she’s felt uncomfortable with for most of her life.
The opening is slower than I like; a consequence of the world-building needed for understanding the situations Kate’s lived her whole life. Once it gets going, though, it’s pretty much non-stop, and I tore through the last sixty percent of the book pretty much non-stop as well.
I read The Breeding Tree using the Kindle app on my MacBook Pro; there were no anomalies to spoil the experience. I found no typos to speak of. On the color display, the cover is very nice and evoked the appropriate sense of disquiet, at least for me.
For reviews using stars, I give four of five. It isn’t mentioned anywhere, but a sequel (or two) are certainly called for. At least I hope Ms Andersen has them in process; too many questions remain unanswered, not only for Kate, but for the wider world she’s part of.
I heartily recommend The Breeding Tree to YA and older readers interested in characters willing to compete with a totalitarian antagonist to save what they care for, with a helping of both romance and treachery for spice.
August 1, 2016
Actual Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think about these characters at first. Micah, for instance, seemed all right on the surface, but I’d read enough books and I’d watched enough movies to be wary of him for a while, lol. Even though that kept me from clicking with Micah and loving him, I’d definitely count him as a good character: he was smart, caring, sweet, had a life outside of and a purpose apart from Kate, GREAT WITH BABIES—. Oh wow, going over this list, I think I’m falling in love with him. Nevermind, I take back what I said before: Micah’s a sweetheart and a keeper and I proooooobably ship it.
Now about Kate: I liked her to start with, but she felt kind of… flip-floppy? I don’t know if that’s even a word, but for a while, I was really confused about where this girl stood. It seemed to me that she couldn’t make up her mind about whether or not she could trust the Institute, but it wasn’t like conflicting emotions; it felt more like she just switched sometimes and completely forgot she ever did or didn’t trust them. For about the first half, I really couldn’t tell if she was rebel material or not.
But even though that (and a few of the decisions she made during that time) were rather difficult for me to follow, they left a lot of room for her to grow—and grow she did. Once the Institute made it personal, Kate was really able to rise up, figure out what she wanted, and start charging forward. She was caring and inspirational, and I loved rooting for her and her quest to save her child.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think about these characters at first. Micah, for instance, seemed all right on the surface, but I’d read enough books and I’d watched enough movies to be wary of him for a while, lol. Even though that kept me from clicking with Micah and loving him, I’d definitely count him as a good character: he was smart, caring, sweet, had a life outside of and a purpose apart from Kate, GREAT WITH BABIES—. Oh wow, going over this list, I think I’m falling in love with him. Nevermind, I take back what I said before: Micah’s a sweetheart and a keeper and I proooooobably ship it.
Now about Kate: I liked her to start with, but she felt kind of… flip-floppy? I don’t know if that’s even a word, but for a while, I was really confused about where this girl stood. It seemed to me that she couldn’t make up her mind about whether or not she could trust the Institute, but it wasn’t like conflicting emotions; it felt more like she just switched sometimes and completely forgot she ever did or didn’t trust them. For about the first half, I really couldn’t tell if she was rebel material or not.
But even though that (and a few of the decisions she made during that time) were rather difficult for me to follow, they left a lot of room for her to grow—and grow she did. Once the Institute made it personal, Kate was really able to rise up, figure out what she wanted, and start charging forward. She was caring and inspirational, and I loved rooting for her and her quest to save her child.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
February 7, 2016
In this riveting tale of a utopian society, the characters are forced to choose between their conscience and safety. The Breeding Tree tackles important questions about right to life, and who determines whether or not a person is useful to society. Do birth defects, accidents or age dictate a person’s worth? Or, does the value of human life come from something intrinsically deeper?
J. Andersen is a budding author who understands the pace and rhythm needed to move a story. From the establishment of the Institute’s Code of Ethics, to the description of lab experiments, J. Andersen has created characters and environments that are believable and compelling. I found myself cheering for Kate and warning her about the shadows chasing her through the streets of Sector 4. I had a hard time trusting Micah, yet felt pulled to find out more about him. And Kate’s grandmother held more secrets!
The book is targeted to the Young Adult audience, yet held lessons for all ages. The storyline is fast-paced and multilayered. Fans of The Hunger Games will recognize the same thirst to rebel against an establishment that threatens life and liberty.
Fantastic book! I can’t wait to see how the ongoing story will unfold!
J. Andersen is a budding author who understands the pace and rhythm needed to move a story. From the establishment of the Institute’s Code of Ethics, to the description of lab experiments, J. Andersen has created characters and environments that are believable and compelling. I found myself cheering for Kate and warning her about the shadows chasing her through the streets of Sector 4. I had a hard time trusting Micah, yet felt pulled to find out more about him. And Kate’s grandmother held more secrets!
The book is targeted to the Young Adult audience, yet held lessons for all ages. The storyline is fast-paced and multilayered. Fans of The Hunger Games will recognize the same thirst to rebel against an establishment that threatens life and liberty.
Fantastic book! I can’t wait to see how the ongoing story will unfold!
January 2, 2016
The Breeding Tree is a dystopian story that fans of Matched and Divergent will love.
In this novel, Katherine Dennard is a teenager living in a world engineered to secure success and health for all. While pursuing the career of her choice, she comes to find out exactly what that really means and what it's like to be touched by the results of choices made by others. A coming-of-age story with a heavy romance thread, The Breeding Tree explores deep questions about genetic engineering and the quality of life.
I was so wrapped up in the action of this story that I literally lost track of time as I read it. J. Anderson does a masterful job of developing the characters and plot, drawing the audience in and making her readers think deeply about questions we face today and a potential future that may not be so far off. I highly recommend this story, but be warned: it will challenge your thinking about a few potentially volatile topics.
In this novel, Katherine Dennard is a teenager living in a world engineered to secure success and health for all. While pursuing the career of her choice, she comes to find out exactly what that really means and what it's like to be touched by the results of choices made by others. A coming-of-age story with a heavy romance thread, The Breeding Tree explores deep questions about genetic engineering and the quality of life.
I was so wrapped up in the action of this story that I literally lost track of time as I read it. J. Anderson does a masterful job of developing the characters and plot, drawing the audience in and making her readers think deeply about questions we face today and a potential future that may not be so far off. I highly recommend this story, but be warned: it will challenge your thinking about a few potentially volatile topics.
October 3, 2015
Although Speculative Fiction is not my usual genre, I was intrigued by the plot of “The Breeding Tree” by J. Andersen. It involves a futuristic lab where babies are created artificially and, at random, allowed to live or die depending on whether or not they are deemed “perfect.”
Well I was completely caught up in this gripping tale that sent ripples of concern through me as I read. Although the setting is in the future, the plot seems to align itself with today’s news. And it should frighten us all if we consider the potential ramifications of science and the loss of concern for life—especially lives that are not perfect.
This story made me realize how easy it is for humans to de-humanize others in their obsession with practical science taking precedence over man’s soul. Although written for a YA audience, this book is a must read for everyone.
Well I was completely caught up in this gripping tale that sent ripples of concern through me as I read. Although the setting is in the future, the plot seems to align itself with today’s news. And it should frighten us all if we consider the potential ramifications of science and the loss of concern for life—especially lives that are not perfect.
This story made me realize how easy it is for humans to de-humanize others in their obsession with practical science taking precedence over man’s soul. Although written for a YA audience, this book is a must read for everyone.
January 3, 2016
This is Orwell’s 1984 for the next generation. The Breeding Tree explores the dark side of striving for a genetically perfect race free of disease. This well-crafted YA novel takes the reader to a world where genetic engineering has replaced reproduction and the government encourages absolute obedience as it strives for the goal of a perfect race.
This book reminded me of things I’d read regarding Nazi Germany, the Roman Empire and other times in history where a master race was desired. The mind control, propaganda and misinformation are taken one step further with life beginning in a petri dish.
J. Anderson paints a frightening but believable futuristic society that challenges the reader to evaluate their core values.
Edgy and not for the faint of heart. A must-read for every teen who takes life a little too much for granted.
This book reminded me of things I’d read regarding Nazi Germany, the Roman Empire and other times in history where a master race was desired. The mind control, propaganda and misinformation are taken one step further with life beginning in a petri dish.
J. Anderson paints a frightening but believable futuristic society that challenges the reader to evaluate their core values.
Edgy and not for the faint of heart. A must-read for every teen who takes life a little too much for granted.
January 18, 2016
Eerily Prescient
I don’t normally read YA or dystopian, but you don’t need to be a fan of those genres to enjoy this novel. Author J. Andersen weaves a tale right out of tomorrow’s headlines: a society which limits all births to those from test tube babies, and decides which ones are worth bringing to term.
The Breeding Tree tells the story of Katherine Dennard, a young woman training to be a creation specialist, a job involving the artificial creation of human life. She finds it exciting to be doing such cutting edge work. Until she discovers dark secrets within the program, starting with the fact she has a son she never consented to conceiving. Not sure who to trust, she digs further, putting her job, her freedom, and even her life in danger.
A thrilling, well-crafted story that will make you think.
I don’t normally read YA or dystopian, but you don’t need to be a fan of those genres to enjoy this novel. Author J. Andersen weaves a tale right out of tomorrow’s headlines: a society which limits all births to those from test tube babies, and decides which ones are worth bringing to term.
The Breeding Tree tells the story of Katherine Dennard, a young woman training to be a creation specialist, a job involving the artificial creation of human life. She finds it exciting to be doing such cutting edge work. Until she discovers dark secrets within the program, starting with the fact she has a son she never consented to conceiving. Not sure who to trust, she digs further, putting her job, her freedom, and even her life in danger.
A thrilling, well-crafted story that will make you think.
December 23, 2015
This dystopian fiction was intriguing and suspenseful! I found myself thinking about the characters throughout the day and looking forward to the time when I could return to my reading. The main characters, especially Kate, were realistic and multi-dimensional; I believed in them and their fight. For me, it brought up the unnerving possibility of a future world which degrades not only the beautiful variety among human beings, but the value of life itself. I still find myself asking the question, "What if?" What if a world like this really developed, what if I were the one faced with these challenges and choices? I won't say a word about how the story ends; I'll only say I hope there will be a sequel!
July 16, 2016
Matched meets The Giver meets Ember.
There were not a lot of original ideas in this plot. It was pretty typical dystopian with a focus on babies and "breeding" the next perfect race of human.
However, I appreciated the strong pro-life emphasis, even if it came with some really graphic descriptions of abortions. I think that message is so important nowadays with the massive amounts of precious babies being killed.
Taryn and her flagrant sexuality was disgusting and worthless to the plot, in my opinion, and the romance could've been more mature, but, on the whole, this book was fast-paced, kept me turning pages, and was never boring. I stayed up way too late reading!
There were not a lot of original ideas in this plot. It was pretty typical dystopian with a focus on babies and "breeding" the next perfect race of human.
However, I appreciated the strong pro-life emphasis, even if it came with some really graphic descriptions of abortions. I think that message is so important nowadays with the massive amounts of precious babies being killed.
Taryn and her flagrant sexuality was disgusting and worthless to the plot, in my opinion, and the romance could've been more mature, but, on the whole, this book was fast-paced, kept me turning pages, and was never boring. I stayed up way too late reading!
September 7, 2015
Humans have evolved to the point of perfection. With constant monitoring and rules for every citizen, the new world is a utopia approaching perfection. Even procreation has been perfected- almost completely removing human error from the process. But once young Katherine Dennard begins her training as a Procreation Specialist, she begins to see the flaws not only in the new breeding process, but in her world. She begins to wonder: Just because they can, doesn't mean they should.
The Breeding Tree is a both an entertaining and evocative read you'll want to finish in a sitting.
The Breeding Tree is a both an entertaining and evocative read you'll want to finish in a sitting.
August 24, 2016
The Breeding Tree
The story itself is great, it pulls you along through the life of the heroine. The Society built in this world is easy to imagine, and makes you hope it never happens.
My only complaint is the ending. I feel like so many questions are left unanswered, so I hope for a second book. A book that answers questions about the other two main characters in the story at the end.
The story itself is great, it pulls you along through the life of the heroine. The Society built in this world is easy to imagine, and makes you hope it never happens.
My only complaint is the ending. I feel like so many questions are left unanswered, so I hope for a second book. A book that answers questions about the other two main characters in the story at the end.
January 22, 2017
A great book for your YA reader. The story deal with the importance or lack thereof on the issue of life. Society has evolved to the point where natural births no longer take place. Rather babies are formed in a petri dish type of environment. Studies are done on the growing child and only desirables are allowed to live. A student studying in the medical field to care for these developing babies has a crisis of belief related to her field of work. Her choice will impact the rest of her life.
November 12, 2015
While this book started out a little slow, it quickly picked up the pace. The book turned out to be a fast paced page turner that I loved! It is a great book that young adults or older ones would enjoy. I really hope there is a sequel planned, as the ending really left me wondering what happens next.
August 9, 2016
A great story line with an emphasis on the value of life. I saw parallels between the story and our society as a whole with the desire to manipulate life before birth and a loss of the sanctity of life. Loved the characters and what the main characters stood for. I just wish there was a second book as it kind of just ended abruptly with a few loose ends. But I did enjoy it a lot.
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