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Cognition
Has intelligence reached its apex with the human species, or is it just taking off?
The genetics of intellect are finally within reach, and a man’s DNA holds a key piece of the puzzle. When research suggests how to harness brain evolution, a hunt ensues for a missing link―one that allows to design humans with skills that prodigies of old would have envied.
As germline engineering and biological enhancement have become routine, ancient doubts have emerged under new guises: Who are we? Is there a purpose to life? Why is there so much suffering? When faith and science fail to answer these questions, personal greed and national interest quickly fill the void.
But gene selection is expensive, and many are excluded from its benefits. The stage is set for tribalism and social discontent on a scale without precedent, and those caught in the fray, whether by choice or by chance, must play roles not always to their liking in the struggle of all creatures against the arbitrariness of existence.
The genetics of intellect are finally within reach, and a man’s DNA holds a key piece of the puzzle. When research suggests how to harness brain evolution, a hunt ensues for a missing link―one that allows to design humans with skills that prodigies of old would have envied.
As germline engineering and biological enhancement have become routine, ancient doubts have emerged under new guises: Who are we? Is there a purpose to life? Why is there so much suffering? When faith and science fail to answer these questions, personal greed and national interest quickly fill the void.
But gene selection is expensive, and many are excluded from its benefits. The stage is set for tribalism and social discontent on a scale without precedent, and those caught in the fray, whether by choice or by chance, must play roles not always to their liking in the struggle of all creatures against the arbitrariness of existence.
- GenresFiction
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2019
123 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 22, 2019
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (02/19)
In “Cognition” by Jacques St-Malo, the exciting intrigue unfolds not too far into the future. It all begins, in the middle east, when the infant son of a deceased crown prince is sent into hiding with a trusted servant. The child’s mother sends him away to save him, because their kingdom, which is the last of its kind, is about to fall. The child and the servant are unaware of the secrets that surround his conception, but there are others who know the truth and are either opposed to his existence or will search for him so that they can access the key that he holds in his genes, for world dominance.
Science plays a huge role in this suspenseful thriller. During this time the wealthy elite can conceive through in vitro fertilization, and for an extra price, they pay for germline manipulation. This is a process in which genes are deliberately modified. This creates huge ethical concerns because not only is this procedure done to remove potential genetic health disorders, but it is also used for aesthetic purposes such as determining skin color, height and eye color. It results in artificial chromosomes being implanted into human beings. In addition to ethical considerations, there are also concerns that illnesses can be created specifically to destroy people who match certain genetic criteria. Individuals created with this process make up less than two percent of the population, however, there are people who feel that these “extrasomatics,” are given unfair advantages limited to only those families that can afford it.
In “Cognition,” a whole political party was created to try to defeat extrasomatics. Unfortunately, for the protagonist, he is not only targeted by this group, but also by different factions that are literally out for his blood.
“Cognition” immediately captured my attention and I found myself unable to put this novel down. The characters are well developed and intriguing. I was impressed with the author’s ability to write in a manner that allows the story to flow effortlessly, despite the complexity of the plotline. His vivid descriptions bring the scenes to life. In my mind, I was able to clearly see everything as it was happening. The blend of politics, science, ethics and romance, creates the perfect thriller. This is not the novel for a reader who wants something light, rather it is the perfect novel for someone who is looking for a suspenseful thriller that is also unnervingly realistic. I highly recommend “Cognition” by Jacques St-Malo for that reader.
In “Cognition” by Jacques St-Malo, the exciting intrigue unfolds not too far into the future. It all begins, in the middle east, when the infant son of a deceased crown prince is sent into hiding with a trusted servant. The child’s mother sends him away to save him, because their kingdom, which is the last of its kind, is about to fall. The child and the servant are unaware of the secrets that surround his conception, but there are others who know the truth and are either opposed to his existence or will search for him so that they can access the key that he holds in his genes, for world dominance.
Science plays a huge role in this suspenseful thriller. During this time the wealthy elite can conceive through in vitro fertilization, and for an extra price, they pay for germline manipulation. This is a process in which genes are deliberately modified. This creates huge ethical concerns because not only is this procedure done to remove potential genetic health disorders, but it is also used for aesthetic purposes such as determining skin color, height and eye color. It results in artificial chromosomes being implanted into human beings. In addition to ethical considerations, there are also concerns that illnesses can be created specifically to destroy people who match certain genetic criteria. Individuals created with this process make up less than two percent of the population, however, there are people who feel that these “extrasomatics,” are given unfair advantages limited to only those families that can afford it.
In “Cognition,” a whole political party was created to try to defeat extrasomatics. Unfortunately, for the protagonist, he is not only targeted by this group, but also by different factions that are literally out for his blood.
“Cognition” immediately captured my attention and I found myself unable to put this novel down. The characters are well developed and intriguing. I was impressed with the author’s ability to write in a manner that allows the story to flow effortlessly, despite the complexity of the plotline. His vivid descriptions bring the scenes to life. In my mind, I was able to clearly see everything as it was happening. The blend of politics, science, ethics and romance, creates the perfect thriller. This is not the novel for a reader who wants something light, rather it is the perfect novel for someone who is looking for a suspenseful thriller that is also unnervingly realistic. I highly recommend “Cognition” by Jacques St-Malo for that reader.
February 20, 2019
Cognition by Jacques St-Malo is a science fiction suspense thriller that delves into the future and the race to be the one to control the genetics of intellect. Cognition starts off with a fast-paced gripping start that pulls me into the story and then the author throws on the brakes and slows the story down to delve into the dangers, politics, and stories of the characters. A war is raging, a mother...royalty...sends her child away to protect him while she must stay behind to draw the enemies away and a young girl suffers a cruel fate. The story will eventually turn to follow the boy child as he grows up unaware of his history and those who were impacted by the war so many years ago.
Cognition by Jacques St-Malo is the first book that I have read by this author. When I first read the blurb for this book my interest was piqued. I honestly thought that this book was going to be fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. This book does start out engaging and a real page-turner but it quickly shifts gears, slows down and becomes more character driven than the situation. I will say that this ebbs and flows. The author engages me and then slows the story back down. This story mixes politics, mystery, intrigue, and science fiction into a not so distant futuristic world.
Concerning the overall storyline, there isn't much that I don't like. The author has done a good job having the book edited, so there are few to none editorial issues. My only complaint is the pace of the story. I'd have liked it to be more even-paced and engaging throughout. The story starts off like fire. Hot, engaging, intense and demanding the reader delve deeper. Then, right when the story is about to seemingly transition to more drama, it downshifts to a slower pace.
For that reason, I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. The story is good and one that science fiction readers and those who love a good mystery/suspense novel then this book is a good choice, but the change of pace from fast and intense to slow will be one that throws some readers off.
Cognition by Jacques St-Malo is the first book that I have read by this author. When I first read the blurb for this book my interest was piqued. I honestly thought that this book was going to be fast-paced, gripping, and hard to put down. This book does start out engaging and a real page-turner but it quickly shifts gears, slows down and becomes more character driven than the situation. I will say that this ebbs and flows. The author engages me and then slows the story back down. This story mixes politics, mystery, intrigue, and science fiction into a not so distant futuristic world.
Concerning the overall storyline, there isn't much that I don't like. The author has done a good job having the book edited, so there are few to none editorial issues. My only complaint is the pace of the story. I'd have liked it to be more even-paced and engaging throughout. The story starts off like fire. Hot, engaging, intense and demanding the reader delve deeper. Then, right when the story is about to seemingly transition to more drama, it downshifts to a slower pace.
For that reason, I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. The story is good and one that science fiction readers and those who love a good mystery/suspense novel then this book is a good choice, but the change of pace from fast and intense to slow will be one that throws some readers off.
February 21, 2019
I found this book to be a confusing mix of fast-paced thriller and deep delving philosophical discussion- but a very interesting dive into politics, genetic engineering, philosophy and many other topics. It is a book that requires your whole attention and will take time to read but the story is still great and takes you on a journey of those impacted by a parent's choice of their DNA. You're immediately thrown into the story - a war is waging, a mother gives her child to another to help him escape and the consequences of individual and corporate decisions. A deep read, this book requires you to sit down and read it and to give it time.
February 11, 2019
Well, it was interesting technothriller. Very smart, the author definitely know what he's writing of. If You're looking for fast-paced adventure, this isn't it. It's rather character driven story, but it can grip from the start. There was a time I had to focus much on what I was reading about, but only because story i sreally complex and demanding. That's not a book you should go through in one evening. Dive in it for a little longer and you'll grab unique concepts and ideas author created in this novel.
April 16, 2019
Cognition is a high-powered political thriller centred around the concept of DNA manipulation, or Germline Engineering as it is known - the ability to edit the DNA strands of an embryo to remove any undesirable traits and to improve or add the more desirable attributes such as looks, build, health and intelligence. Author Jacques St-Malo uses a broad sweep, employing a number of canvasses to present his chronicle. These range from the US and Chinese presidential offices, along with their respective secret services, to Middle East terrorist organisations, companies involved in the business of germline engineering and some of the innocent individuals caught up in the increasingly violent struggle for control of the industry. Among the various scenarios three characters hold prominence and carry the story along, adding a touch of humanity and perspective to a highly technical concept. Ethan is a boy smuggled out of his country during a bloody coup who is hunted because of his lineage, Valerie Taylor is the daughter of a billionaire tycoon involved in the germline engineering industry and Connor Dashaw is a normal Joe from the rough end of Chicago who becomes embroiled in the resulting political upheavals. Their stories weave an intricate thread through the narrative adding thrills, intrigue, excitement and a touch of romance to the storyline.
Cognition is a masterly tale which uses the emerging science of germline engineering as its base, examining the possible repercussions and outcomes. The narrative displays Jacques St-Malo’s skill as an author and the depth of his knowledge on the subject he has chosen. The characters are well-drawn, solid and believable, the locations beautifully described and the technicalities clearly explained. The storyline, although getting bogged down with technical points and observations at times, still manages to move along at a brisk pace. Cognition is an impressive piece of work. I do not hesitate to recommend it either as a thriller or to anyone wanting to look more deeply into the implications of this fascinating, but worrying, technology.
Cognition is a masterly tale which uses the emerging science of germline engineering as its base, examining the possible repercussions and outcomes. The narrative displays Jacques St-Malo’s skill as an author and the depth of his knowledge on the subject he has chosen. The characters are well-drawn, solid and believable, the locations beautifully described and the technicalities clearly explained. The storyline, although getting bogged down with technical points and observations at times, still manages to move along at a brisk pace. Cognition is an impressive piece of work. I do not hesitate to recommend it either as a thriller or to anyone wanting to look more deeply into the implications of this fascinating, but worrying, technology.
September 9, 2023
I had a blast reading this. Science fiction is - when it's doing what it's supposed to - about confronting us with ideas. Cognition's core plot certain does that - a What If about human genetic
engineering and the prospect of how to imagine intelligence that is smarter than human.
But there are way more ideas sprinkled along the way The book finds excuses to explore tons of other thought-provoking concepts: quantum peeking, the limits of what human cognition can understand, the Monty Hall puzzle, how to compute the Mandelbrot set, the taming of monotheistic religions to be socially adaptive, the economics of self-selection in health insurance. Some of these ideas are dialogues between characters (sometimes with slightly flimsy excuses, to be honest, but I didn't mind), and sometimes expressed by an omniscient narrator. Anyway, it's good stuff.
The plot follows a good half dozen major points of view -- a billionaire's daughter, a genetically-modified middle-eastern prince who doesn't know his history, a disaffected political campaign worker, Chinese secret agents, American secret agents, a underground elite genetics engineer -- plus a few more. It's possible to keep track of the interlocking threads, but because of the omniscient narration, it's sometimes a little hard to know who's the character we should follow and who's an NPC and just around for this scene. Also, minor thing, one of the Chinese spies is called Hsieh, which is a Taiwanese spelling and would be Xie in pinyin.
Look, all of my little micro-complaints are just nits on what is overall an unapologetically intelligent and engaging work of art. I loved it. It asks you to be intelligent enough to go for the ride, and pays off when you look up the things you didn't know.
Sci fi for nerds. It's great.
engineering and the prospect of how to imagine intelligence that is smarter than human.
But there are way more ideas sprinkled along the way The book finds excuses to explore tons of other thought-provoking concepts: quantum peeking, the limits of what human cognition can understand, the Monty Hall puzzle, how to compute the Mandelbrot set, the taming of monotheistic religions to be socially adaptive, the economics of self-selection in health insurance. Some of these ideas are dialogues between characters (sometimes with slightly flimsy excuses, to be honest, but I didn't mind), and sometimes expressed by an omniscient narrator. Anyway, it's good stuff.
The plot follows a good half dozen major points of view -- a billionaire's daughter, a genetically-modified middle-eastern prince who doesn't know his history, a disaffected political campaign worker, Chinese secret agents, American secret agents, a underground elite genetics engineer -- plus a few more. It's possible to keep track of the interlocking threads, but because of the omniscient narration, it's sometimes a little hard to know who's the character we should follow and who's an NPC and just around for this scene. Also, minor thing, one of the Chinese spies is called Hsieh, which is a Taiwanese spelling and would be Xie in pinyin.
Look, all of my little micro-complaints are just nits on what is overall an unapologetically intelligent and engaging work of art. I loved it. It asks you to be intelligent enough to go for the ride, and pays off when you look up the things you didn't know.
Sci fi for nerds. It's great.
February 22, 2019
This was a thought-provoking book. All the way through it, there's philosophy and science and genetics, even spies and mysteries and romance. It's an intriguing plot, with a kidnapped prince and genetically altered super-intelligent humans. It makes for an adventure, as enemies try to find the prince. Men also try to seek out the lucrative science that would allow parents to choose the most desirable traits in their future children, for a price. When there is a lot of scientific detail and much philosophical rhetoric, I found myself a little lost. So, at times, the story is hard to follow. But the best part is how a young couple find each other over the course of many years-it's very sweet and makes the foundation of the story for me. There is also a sub-plot that shows a different life from the wealthy and privileged, a family that struggles for every penny and is forced into some life-changing events. It's a unusual kind of story, and if you're looking for something to take you away to a different place, this is it.
February 13, 2022
This was an unexpected jewel of a book that cast a wide net. A unique blend of sci-fi, thriller, philosophy, politics, genetics, psychology and more. This book had more threads than a cardigan sweater, putting demands on the reader to keep them straight and recall previous characters later in the book. The search feature in Kindle comes in handy. The pacing fluctuated throughout the book but in my opinion that added welcome variety. There were several complicated philosophical discussions that I enjoyed because they were challenging even if I didn't follow completely. There were several clever devices used in the story that I found both fascinating and topical. There was also commentary on our current societal and political situation told from the perspective of 40 or 50 years in the future (the exact time wasn't made explicit which I also thought added to the appeal). Another way to describe this book is an intellectual thriller; Jack Reacher it is not. I loved it.
October 24, 2020
A very intelligent but perhaps too complex a plot
One thing this book won’t be seen as is simple or expected. The ideas and philosophies explored here are very deep and interesting but the plot suffers from a serious overdose of complexity. As if the writer wanted to make the reader feel inferior on purpose both with his overly rich use of vocabulary as well as the number of characters and names which are mentioned either by the first name and then by the last name.
Perhaps it is my simple intellect that is at fault here. But I feel that the amount of thinking needed to be employed in reading this book takes some of the joy away.
The plot however is very sophisticated and believable as a possible future. I couldn’t help but finish it.
One thing this book won’t be seen as is simple or expected. The ideas and philosophies explored here are very deep and interesting but the plot suffers from a serious overdose of complexity. As if the writer wanted to make the reader feel inferior on purpose both with his overly rich use of vocabulary as well as the number of characters and names which are mentioned either by the first name and then by the last name.
Perhaps it is my simple intellect that is at fault here. But I feel that the amount of thinking needed to be employed in reading this book takes some of the joy away.
The plot however is very sophisticated and believable as a possible future. I couldn’t help but finish it.
April 22, 2020
Aside from the actual story and scientific premise which, in itself is fantastic, the style of writing is unique. There are moments of prose and direct intention that melodies sumptuously into poetry with precise tangibility of thoughts literally processing not just the words but concurrently the emotional ramifications of their delivery in a single-minded perfection that is absurdly delightful. A joy to read. Top shelf - keep writing Jacques because I want more books like this to cherish! Cheers.
March 12, 2019
This story is amazing. I was completely engrossed in the story from the beginning and had difficulty putting this down. Thought-provoking is nearly an understatement. This is mind-blowing. I love this book. I cannot wait to see what else this guy has to write!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
Science fiction philosophy
A ripping good story, full of foo foo big college words and interspersed with philosophy micro essays — you’d think it would not work. But in the line of Heinlein who could also pull this off, it works. I loved the unusual quotes. Clearly a lot of others like it too, so who cares what I think. But sure, buy it. Read it!
A ripping good story, full of foo foo big college words and interspersed with philosophy micro essays — you’d think it would not work. But in the line of Heinlein who could also pull this off, it works. I loved the unusual quotes. Clearly a lot of others like it too, so who cares what I think. But sure, buy it. Read it!
July 24, 2022
This is a weird book. On one hand, there is too much explaining of scientific and philosophical ideas. It feel like there are too many characters. But the author brings it all together in an interesting way, and the book left me thinking about the ramifications of a genetically modified segment of society and what it might look like.
February 26, 2020
The basic story was interesting and full of insights about life now and in the future. But I hated all the lengthy side discussions that seemed put in more to show the writer as highly educated than because of any connection to the plot.
June 22, 2020
Action packed and thought provoking
An interesting exploration into what could happen as people start tinkering with their own genes. Though some of the philosophical treatises went overlong, the compelling story and many of the characters (especially Ethan) made up for it.
An interesting exploration into what could happen as people start tinkering with their own genes. Though some of the philosophical treatises went overlong, the compelling story and many of the characters (especially Ethan) made up for it.
July 12, 2020
Well
It apparently had a happy ending.... But it takes someone smarter than me to follow it.... I bought it because it got these great honors from so called experts... The greatest emotional response it aroused in me was one of disgust for those so called experts.
It apparently had a happy ending.... But it takes someone smarter than me to follow it.... I bought it because it got these great honors from so called experts... The greatest emotional response it aroused in me was one of disgust for those so called experts.
August 8, 2020
Icould hardly wait
For the book to end. It was a chore getting through it. The story line was loosely connected through too many characters.
I.kept going back to figure out what was going on. I hung in there to the end hoping it would get better. It did not.
For the book to end. It was a chore getting through it. The story line was loosely connected through too many characters.
I.kept going back to figure out what was going on. I hung in there to the end hoping it would get better. It did not.
August 11, 2020
Thoughtful, brainy and suspenseful
As a lawyer, I particularly enjoyed the discussions on ethics. As a techno nerd, I enjoyed the author’s acquaintance with biological science, specifically neuroscience and genetics.
As a lawyer, I particularly enjoyed the discussions on ethics. As a techno nerd, I enjoyed the author’s acquaintance with biological science, specifically neuroscience and genetics.
August 12, 2021
Thought provoking, compelling narrative
Story carried the unusual points made; namely, the social and political ramifications, unusual lives, potentials which will certainly be occurring as the ability to choose genetic traits for our offspring comes to pass.
Story carried the unusual points made; namely, the social and political ramifications, unusual lives, potentials which will certainly be occurring as the ability to choose genetic traits for our offspring comes to pass.
April 23, 2020
Excellent .
Serious and entertaining at the same time. Great research with many venues to explore. Look forwards for more from Mr. St. Malo.
Serious and entertaining at the same time. Great research with many venues to explore. Look forwards for more from Mr. St. Malo.
September 18, 2020
Not My Cup Of Tea
I would have enjoyed the book more had I realized that from the beginning. As it was, the book never brewed to my expectations.
I would have enjoyed the book more had I realized that from the beginning. As it was, the book never brewed to my expectations.
February 18, 2021
What could have been a good story was marred by wordiness, periods of boredom, and an anticlimactic ending.
September 2, 2020
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
25th January, 2019
TITLE: Cognition
AUTHOR: Jacques St-Malo
Star Rating: *****
CATCHY QUOTE
‘A gripping technothriller. Powerfully written and totally unputdownable!’ Wishing Shelf
EDITING 9/10
PLOT 10/10
WRITING STYLE 9/10
COVER 10/10
REVIEW
To begin with, let me say I did enjoy this novel very much. Any thriller which attempts to discuss genetic coding and how it might, very soon, change the world, is very welcome on my bookshelf.
Let’s begin with the writing style. The author is adept at many aspects of writing, from character development to plot development, from helping the reader envisage the (slightly) futuristic setting, to helping the reader understand the problems of the day (of which there are many). He is also very good with speech. I recently read another technothriller which I enjoyed very much. But my enjoyment was marred by the insistence of the author to overwhelm the reader with technobabble. Thankfully, this author has not fallen into that trap. Yes, there is a technical aspect to the story, but, thankfully, it is understandable, even to me, a lass from Yorkshire!
Well, I finished the novel three nights later and I did very much enjoy it. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested and the characters (good and bad) were interesting and well-developed. The ending was also excellent and, closing my computer, I knew I’d be happy to open another of this author’s books.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes, totally. To anybody who is a fan of technothrillers or, indeed, dystonia novels, they will get a lot from this story. Also, any reader who enjoys richly-developed characters; this, in many ways, is predominantly a character-led story, and all of them, even the lesser characters, jump off the page. Finally, there’s the underlying ‘existence’ which pops up throughout the novel. There’s depth to this story which will make you think.
In a way, this is not just a ‘smart’ technothriller, it’s also a ‘thoughtful’ modern novel. The sort of book you don’t finish and instantly forget – which, sadly, happens a lot. It is the sort of novel that will force you to think about humanity (particularly in regard to genetic engineering) and the way scientists focus too much on ‘Can I do it?’ and not on ‘Should I do it?’ The sort of novel you might discuss at a dinner party and strongly recommend everybody read it.
I always like to end with a ‘what struck me the most’ comment. Well, ‘what struck me the most’ about this novel was the knowledge of the author. He knows this genre very, VERY well and this shows in the depth of the futuristic world he created. He also knows genetics, politics and ethics to an amazing degree. It is a very scary world he’s created but, still, it’s fun getting lost in it. Enjoy!
To Sum Up: A powerfully written novel; often stark and unsettling.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Cognition
Author: Jacques St-Malo
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
9 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A cleverly plotted story with plenty of ‘techno’ to keep boffins happy! There’s also a strong thriller element to it; even the characters develop within the story. Very enjoyable!’ Female reader, age 44
‘Strong opening, interesting dilemmas for the characters to overcome, but the ending lacked punch. This is not particularly pacey for a thriller but, like The Martian, the enjoyment is in the technical aspects of the novel.’ Female reader, aged 51
‘This book looks in depth at ‘intelligence’ and how it can be developed ethically. It is not a pacey thriller. If you want Dan Brown, buy Dan Brown. This is heavy going and you will need to re-read parts of it to keep up with the science. I’m technically-minded, so this was right up my street. I thought it was thought-provoking and based on pretty sound science. I suspect the author did a lot of research to get this right.’ Male reader, aged 53
To Sum It Up:
‘A thoroughly engaging technothriller packed with twists and turns. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
25th January, 2019
TITLE: Cognition
AUTHOR: Jacques St-Malo
Star Rating: *****
CATCHY QUOTE
‘A gripping technothriller. Powerfully written and totally unputdownable!’ Wishing Shelf
EDITING 9/10
PLOT 10/10
WRITING STYLE 9/10
COVER 10/10
REVIEW
To begin with, let me say I did enjoy this novel very much. Any thriller which attempts to discuss genetic coding and how it might, very soon, change the world, is very welcome on my bookshelf.
Let’s begin with the writing style. The author is adept at many aspects of writing, from character development to plot development, from helping the reader envisage the (slightly) futuristic setting, to helping the reader understand the problems of the day (of which there are many). He is also very good with speech. I recently read another technothriller which I enjoyed very much. But my enjoyment was marred by the insistence of the author to overwhelm the reader with technobabble. Thankfully, this author has not fallen into that trap. Yes, there is a technical aspect to the story, but, thankfully, it is understandable, even to me, a lass from Yorkshire!
Well, I finished the novel three nights later and I did very much enjoy it. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested and the characters (good and bad) were interesting and well-developed. The ending was also excellent and, closing my computer, I knew I’d be happy to open another of this author’s books.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes, totally. To anybody who is a fan of technothrillers or, indeed, dystonia novels, they will get a lot from this story. Also, any reader who enjoys richly-developed characters; this, in many ways, is predominantly a character-led story, and all of them, even the lesser characters, jump off the page. Finally, there’s the underlying ‘existence’ which pops up throughout the novel. There’s depth to this story which will make you think.
In a way, this is not just a ‘smart’ technothriller, it’s also a ‘thoughtful’ modern novel. The sort of book you don’t finish and instantly forget – which, sadly, happens a lot. It is the sort of novel that will force you to think about humanity (particularly in regard to genetic engineering) and the way scientists focus too much on ‘Can I do it?’ and not on ‘Should I do it?’ The sort of novel you might discuss at a dinner party and strongly recommend everybody read it.
I always like to end with a ‘what struck me the most’ comment. Well, ‘what struck me the most’ about this novel was the knowledge of the author. He knows this genre very, VERY well and this shows in the depth of the futuristic world he created. He also knows genetics, politics and ethics to an amazing degree. It is a very scary world he’s created but, still, it’s fun getting lost in it. Enjoy!
To Sum Up: A powerfully written novel; often stark and unsettling.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Cognition
Author: Jacques St-Malo
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
9 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A cleverly plotted story with plenty of ‘techno’ to keep boffins happy! There’s also a strong thriller element to it; even the characters develop within the story. Very enjoyable!’ Female reader, age 44
‘Strong opening, interesting dilemmas for the characters to overcome, but the ending lacked punch. This is not particularly pacey for a thriller but, like The Martian, the enjoyment is in the technical aspects of the novel.’ Female reader, aged 51
‘This book looks in depth at ‘intelligence’ and how it can be developed ethically. It is not a pacey thriller. If you want Dan Brown, buy Dan Brown. This is heavy going and you will need to re-read parts of it to keep up with the science. I’m technically-minded, so this was right up my street. I thought it was thought-provoking and based on pretty sound science. I suspect the author did a lot of research to get this right.’ Male reader, aged 53
To Sum It Up:
‘A thoroughly engaging technothriller packed with twists and turns. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
March 24, 2019
Cutting-edge science.
*The bits of information from which learning is built, so hard to come by only a century before, had almost overnight become available to everyone who cared to look, and in such surplus that the ability to sift through an ocean of data had become a critical skill.*
Philosophy.
*“I think it’s fair,” said Valerie, “to ask whether life is something we should do something with, or is more like watching a movie, whose purpose lies in the experience itself.”*
Plenty of heart and humanity.
*....Would ice-cream be more exciting if you found the occasional turd in your scoop? Life can be thrilling enough without heartache.”*
These elements weave into a fast-paced, action-packed storyline with dynamic characters that leap off the pages for a worthwhile read.
*The bits of information from which learning is built, so hard to come by only a century before, had almost overnight become available to everyone who cared to look, and in such surplus that the ability to sift through an ocean of data had become a critical skill.*
Philosophy.
*“I think it’s fair,” said Valerie, “to ask whether life is something we should do something with, or is more like watching a movie, whose purpose lies in the experience itself.”*
Plenty of heart and humanity.
*....Would ice-cream be more exciting if you found the occasional turd in your scoop? Life can be thrilling enough without heartache.”*
These elements weave into a fast-paced, action-packed storyline with dynamic characters that leap off the pages for a worthwhile read.
June 27, 2020
Excellent! The author knows his science and politics (and other stuff, too) which obviously added to the effectiveness of his plot. The book starts out with a bang, and good pace ensues. Good dialog, well-formed characters, and non-technical prose add to the enjoyment. A cool/unusual thing about this thriller is that it makes you think about our future, especially our ethical choices. Highly recommended.
I really appreciate the ARC for review!
I really appreciate the ARC for review!
April 1, 2019
I don't believe the copy I received was final since it was in dire need of editing/proofreading. The way the paragraphs cut off actually affected comprehension. I had to re-read sections to understand which letter/word was meant to go where. The story was confusing and all the loose ends (character wise) did not help mitigate that issue. I finished the book so there's clearly something there to keep the reader's attention, but much more work will be needed to make the story coherent.
May 6, 2019
This is a very timely novel that took on the issues surrounding the ability to use genetic manipulation to our advantages and what that may mean for humanity looking forward. This was science fiction with elements of politics, philosophy and science to name a few of the plot points. Very interesting and important subject given the recent advances in genetic modification and how we treat this as a society/humanity as a whole.
#Cognition #NetGalley
#Cognition #NetGalley
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