The Clone Problem

by Kenneth Preston

Immortality can be deadly. It’s 2179. Humanity has discovered the fountain of youth. Cloning technology and the Great Database give humans the ability to transfer their consciousness to new and improved cloned bodies. Living multiple lifetimes is a reality. Immortality is a very real possibility. But this scientific breakthrough comes at a steep price. The former United States finds itself in the throes of a Civil War. After decades of relentless persecution, the Clones have seceded from the Union, created the Pacific States of America and declared war on their tyrannical Mortal neighbors to the east. But it is a war the Clones have little hope of winning. They are outgunned, and they are grossly outnumbered. Jack Callahan is a Clone. Disillusioned with a lifetime of war, he is looking for a way out of his seemingly hopeless existence. He finds a glimmer of hope in his search for a mythical world that is said to exist beyond the boundaries of the Great Database. It is there that he hopes to find a way to end the war once and for all. But finding this mythical world is a race against the clock. After decades of searching, the Mortals have located the Great Database. They’re on their way, and they’re determined to destroy the Great Database and the Clones in one fell swoop.

Genres: Science Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2019

About the author

Kenneth Preston is the author of “The Trouble With Charlie,” “The Final Girl,” and “The Legend of Us.” From literature to television to film, the myriad tales that painted his cultural landscape inspired him to begin writing his own stories. He was born and raised on Long Island and studied English at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with an interesting story that made me think about history as well as the future. About where humanity has been and where it might (or might not) be going. Do we have the courage to shape our now for a better tomorrow?

[Colette Samimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected sci-fi with a mind bending plot

What a unique and interesting story this was. I was intrigued from the beginning to know just what the clone problem was I was not disappointed. Reality turned fantasy turned mindful truth. Great writing very easy to read with just enough suspense to keep you wanting to know more. What a fabulous ending unexpected but so worthy.

[Cindy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read anything by Mr. Preston, and it won't be the last. Dystopian is not my usual genre, but I always enjoy a well-written story regardless of genre. The main character, Jack Callahan is conflicted and well-drawn. The plot is active and forward-moving. Although there is a lot of introspection and a bit of backstory, it is well done and serves to develop character--something all authors should be doing. Nice work, Mr. Preston.

[Niki Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenneth Preston once again amazes me with a his storytelling. The Clone Problem pulls you in from the very beginning as Jack, the protagonist, finds himself being carried/dragged by his clone brother and sister, but has no idea how they are there with him. He's confused by his surroundings as he mumbles something about his own personal forest. The story takes off from there and it was difficult to put the book down as I was anxious to find out what happened next. It took me less than a day to read and now I'm chomping at the bit for more.

Fantastic read and highly recommend it to anyone who loves Adult Dystopian books!

[Denzel Struchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

We!l written story about developing cloning science from Dolly the sheep to cloning humans. What happens when the person controlling the cloning program is an megalomaniac. Read the story to find out, then reflect on current trends. Are we playing Creator?

[Home School Mum 3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book

I don't normally read books like this. But, wow. This book was really good. It was that good I read it in a few hours.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

What a unique story. I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend it. It moved along well and the characters are terrific.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a world where people do not die, they are simply cloned, with a chip embedded into their head of their consciousness and memories of their previous lives subdued so that they can begin life again, only each time they come back they are more evolved. War brewed between the clones and the mortal (Humans that are not cloned.) However, the main war the clones were fighting, the war that was striping them of every stripe of humanity was with one their own. Jack, Angela, and Danny, fight to bring peace back, to do so, they had to betray each other, disobey orders, and sacrifice all that they are to regain control. When I started reading this book, I was preparing for it to be more on the challenges faced by the clones for being segregated by the mortals but the politics within the clone world, orchestrated by General Nash, made it a real clone problem. I look forward to the author’s next book.

[Victoria Simcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is existing for many lifespans possible? Cloning expertise and the Great Database stretch human’s capability to transmission their perception to new and enhanced cloned forms. There is a revealed source of never aging on the horizon. After eras of unyielding oppression, the Clones have withdrawn from the Union, fashioned by Western America. The announcement of warfare threatens an oppressive Eastern Mortal citizen, and a war brings slight chance of victory. Well done tale about the science of cloning, the result of regulatory cloning agendas in a power-hungry society. This book was impressive! Reading the story immersed me, and I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. The best words to describe this book are thrilling, intriguing, and intense. A great dystopian read and a stunning cover. Looking forward to Author Kenneth Preston’s next book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the “The Clone Problem” by Kenneth Preston. It was a fast-paced, engaging read. I was totally submerged in the world of clones. At times, I thought I had the story all figured out but not so. There were many twists and turns, and I loved it.

I was wrapped up in this well-written story. I love the development of Jack Callahan, the main character. From the outset, Jack knew something was wrong with the way they were living. With the help of his friends and fellow soldiers, Angela and Danny, Jack was determined to find out the truth. But, can he handle the truth? It will be worse than he could have imagined. I love Jack’s relationship with Angela and Danny. On another note, Nash, Jack’s father, is a maniac. Clearly, he’s a person who believes that “the end justifies the means.” No heart, is all I will say.

Author Kenneth Preston is a great storyteller. Fantastic job, Kenneth. I’m looking forward to you next book. Grab your copy!

[Michael Slavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a few books about clones, and this was my third. I like the different perspectives on clones, and this one had some unique ideas of how clones might work.

Strongly recommend.