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The Crucible of Steele
An orphan’s dream turns to nightmare when she discovers her family, a secret society on a disturbing and deadly mission.
* Winner - Best Techno-Thriller - 2021 American Fiction Awards
* Winner - Best Thriller - 2021 Florida Authors and Publishers Association
“It’s Orphan Black meets Ms. Robot in this smart thriller.”
In a remote region of Honduras, Dr. Gene Young is horrified to discover all his teen patients are sterile, and only Frank Anderson, a discredited geneticist and pioneer of in-vitro fertilization, cares.
Technology expert Georgia Steele is brilliant and motivated. She's also an orphan. Despite her undeniable talents and willingness to flout the law, she has yet to uncover the cryptic origin of her biological bloodline. But when a younger near-twin approaches Georgia out of the blue with startling insights, she learns the answers could lie with their estranged godfather, Frank Anderson.
With a determined federal agent on her tail, Georgia travels from Atlanta to New York and Honduras to track down the men she believes know the truth. But after uncovering an international conspiracy to purify the world’s population, she’s terrified to discover a shocking personal connection with the very people she’s desperate to take down.
The Crucible of Steele is a fast-paced techno-thriller filled with unexpected twists, ethical entanglements and provocative science. Watch for the sequel, The Singulatory Implant, coming Fall, 2022.
For readers of James Rollins, Douglas Preston, Dan Brown, Douglas E. Richards, AG Riddle, Matthew Mather, and Michael Grumley.
* Winner - Best Techno-Thriller - 2021 American Fiction Awards
* Winner - Best Thriller - 2021 Florida Authors and Publishers Association
“It’s Orphan Black meets Ms. Robot in this smart thriller.”
In a remote region of Honduras, Dr. Gene Young is horrified to discover all his teen patients are sterile, and only Frank Anderson, a discredited geneticist and pioneer of in-vitro fertilization, cares.
Technology expert Georgia Steele is brilliant and motivated. She's also an orphan. Despite her undeniable talents and willingness to flout the law, she has yet to uncover the cryptic origin of her biological bloodline. But when a younger near-twin approaches Georgia out of the blue with startling insights, she learns the answers could lie with their estranged godfather, Frank Anderson.
With a determined federal agent on her tail, Georgia travels from Atlanta to New York and Honduras to track down the men she believes know the truth. But after uncovering an international conspiracy to purify the world’s population, she’s terrified to discover a shocking personal connection with the very people she’s desperate to take down.
The Crucible of Steele is a fast-paced techno-thriller filled with unexpected twists, ethical entanglements and provocative science. Watch for the sequel, The Singulatory Implant, coming Fall, 2022.
For readers of James Rollins, Douglas Preston, Dan Brown, Douglas E. Richards, AG Riddle, Matthew Mather, and Michael Grumley.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2020
146 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Whitaker
2 books24 followersGRIPPING. GLOBAL. GEEKY.
LM WHITAKER (Linda) is an award-winning author of action thrillers laced with science and technology.
Linda loves science inspired fiction…and fiction inspired science. When Linda co-founded a software company, she and each of her co-founders read Michael Crichton's Prey, which led them to build computer algorithms mimicking the complex systems found in nature…and nano-robot monster novels.
Linda resides with her husband in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She likes running in the forest, gardening, cooking, and playing with her dog, Olive.
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LM WHITAKER (Linda) is an award-winning author of action thrillers laced with science and technology.
Linda loves science inspired fiction…and fiction inspired science. When Linda co-founded a software company, she and each of her co-founders read Michael Crichton's Prey, which led them to build computer algorithms mimicking the complex systems found in nature…and nano-robot monster novels.
Linda resides with her husband in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She likes running in the forest, gardening, cooking, and playing with her dog, Olive.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 18, 2021
Ms. Whitaker has written a plausible account of what could happen when someone with a God complex fools with nature by playing with DNA. In fact, I have no doubt someone in a lab in some dark corner of the earth is doing just that --- because they can. The best science thrillers are always one strand (no pun intended) away from reality. The author has created a character who not only uses her brain but her physicality. There's a romantic element too, which I assume will develop in subsequent books, along with some unfinished business with a worthy adversary. The Crucible of Steele is worthy of the awards the book garnered.
August 23, 2025
Wow. Just… wow. The Crucible of Steele isn’t just another thriller, it’s an intellectual adrenaline rush. L. M. Whitaker pulls you in from the first chapter and doesn’t let go until the very last page.
Georgia Steele is such a brilliant, complex protagonist, fierce, flawed, and incredibly relatable. I loved how the story blends cutting-edge science, family secrets, and global conspiracy without ever slowing down. One moment you’re in Atlanta, the next you’re in Honduras, and somehow the stakes just keep getting higher.
What really impressed me is how smartly written this book is. It’s gripping but also thought-provoking, you’re entertained and learning at the same time. If you’re a fan of Blake Crouch or Douglas Preston, you’ll feel right at home here.
I honestly can’t wait to dive into Book 2. Georgia Steele has officially made my “favorite thriller heroines” list. Highly, highly recommended!
Georgia Steele is such a brilliant, complex protagonist, fierce, flawed, and incredibly relatable. I loved how the story blends cutting-edge science, family secrets, and global conspiracy without ever slowing down. One moment you’re in Atlanta, the next you’re in Honduras, and somehow the stakes just keep getting higher.
What really impressed me is how smartly written this book is. It’s gripping but also thought-provoking, you’re entertained and learning at the same time. If you’re a fan of Blake Crouch or Douglas Preston, you’ll feel right at home here.
I honestly can’t wait to dive into Book 2. Georgia Steele has officially made my “favorite thriller heroines” list. Highly, highly recommended!
July 26, 2020
Move over, Michael Crichton! There’s a new science thriller writer on the scene and her name is L M Whitaker. In her debut novel, The Crucible of Steele, Whitaker proves herself to be a master storyteller and a gifted writer.
Rooted in Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the plot of The Crucible of Steele revolves around a simple premise. If we have the ability to craft a more perfect human through genetic alteration and speed up the natural selection process, why shouldn’t we? The novel deals with the ethical quandaries facing a world struggling to keep up morally with the choices now possible due to technological advances.
Technology consultant Georgia Steele is no computer nerd. This kick-ass protagonist is both brilliant and tough, and perhaps the only one who can stop a secret organization from ridding the world of individuals it deems to be inferior. As she searches to uncover secrets about her past, Georgia finds herself tested beyond her wildest expectations.
Whitaker does a remarkable job of relating scientific information in understandable terms, all the while providing the reader with a roller-coaster action ride. Reader Beware! This techno-thriller will keep you turning the pages long after you planned to turn out the lights.
Rooted in Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the plot of The Crucible of Steele revolves around a simple premise. If we have the ability to craft a more perfect human through genetic alteration and speed up the natural selection process, why shouldn’t we? The novel deals with the ethical quandaries facing a world struggling to keep up morally with the choices now possible due to technological advances.
Technology consultant Georgia Steele is no computer nerd. This kick-ass protagonist is both brilliant and tough, and perhaps the only one who can stop a secret organization from ridding the world of individuals it deems to be inferior. As she searches to uncover secrets about her past, Georgia finds herself tested beyond her wildest expectations.
Whitaker does a remarkable job of relating scientific information in understandable terms, all the while providing the reader with a roller-coaster action ride. Reader Beware! This techno-thriller will keep you turning the pages long after you planned to turn out the lights.
December 2, 2020
Frightening preview of Science without heart.
I was not really prepared for this book, not knowing what I was in for. Needless to say, it grabbed me wholemeal, and could not stop reading till the end. A very interesting plot; anything that supposedly has mad scientists plotting to affect whole swaths of population got my attention. The writer has created a believable and likable cast of friends, and some utterly vile bad guys. If you enjoy a book with l9ts of action, a great plot, and well-written to boot, you'll definitely enjoy this gem. Can't wait what Georgia, and gang, will be up to in the next book. P.S. I could have sworn that somewhere, someone mentioned that a person Georgia knew was a 'double agent'? But that never came to light. Perhaps yet to come? Hmmmm?
I was not really prepared for this book, not knowing what I was in for. Needless to say, it grabbed me wholemeal, and could not stop reading till the end. A very interesting plot; anything that supposedly has mad scientists plotting to affect whole swaths of population got my attention. The writer has created a believable and likable cast of friends, and some utterly vile bad guys. If you enjoy a book with l9ts of action, a great plot, and well-written to boot, you'll definitely enjoy this gem. Can't wait what Georgia, and gang, will be up to in the next book. P.S. I could have sworn that somewhere, someone mentioned that a person Georgia knew was a 'double agent'? But that never came to light. Perhaps yet to come? Hmmmm?
April 30, 2023
NOT All That Interesting of a Book, Despite the Amazon Hype
The Author starts this 1st story of a 2-book series, making it seem to The Reader as if you’ve missed a previous book that featured Georgia Steele, and which explained everything you ever needed to know about her.
However, quick searches I’ve done on Amazon have failed to find any earlier writing or stories, so this whole perception simply has to be a function of how The Author wants to write. Which is not very good.
I decided to abort after reading about 1/3 of this book, because the more I read, the less interesting the tale became. I’d have to recommend NOT taking the time to read this series, because you’ll be waiting quite a while for something interesting to occur.
The Author starts this 1st story of a 2-book series, making it seem to The Reader as if you’ve missed a previous book that featured Georgia Steele, and which explained everything you ever needed to know about her.
However, quick searches I’ve done on Amazon have failed to find any earlier writing or stories, so this whole perception simply has to be a function of how The Author wants to write. Which is not very good.
I decided to abort after reading about 1/3 of this book, because the more I read, the less interesting the tale became. I’d have to recommend NOT taking the time to read this series, because you’ll be waiting quite a while for something interesting to occur.
November 7, 2025
Georgia Steele is a technology expert who, while mastering many fields, would most like to discover who her biological parents were. When someone who could have been her twin shows up and is then murdered, Georgia attempts to contact the one man who has the keys to her past and may have the answers to all her questions. The problem: he lives off the grid. At the same time, a doctor working in a remote part of Honduras is also attempting to contact this man as a link to the genetic research he has been doing. How these stories link and what kind of nefarious research was conducted in the past and is presently ongoing, will keep the reader curious to the end. This is the first in the Georgia Steele, techno-thriller series.
July 22, 2020
This book has everything— a badass, brainy and beautiful heroine; conspiracy; romance; adventure; danger; and lots of smart science & technology. Whitaker is able to write about complex concepts in a way that is intriguing and understandable. The author paints her characters and various locations with vibrant detail. It’s a page-turning thriller that leaves the readers feeling smarter and more aware of the possible power plays being played out across the globe. It’s a timely story focused on engineered viruses designed for sinister reasons. I can’t wait to read the next Georgia Steele novel! Well done- especially for a first book release!
August 10, 2020
This is a really, really good first novel. The author has taken great pains to research and incorporate current science into the story line of "designer humans." Reading the book I could easily imagine that Georgia Steel, the protagonist, was a real person dealing with current scientific meddling by "evil" forces. In other words, the story was enhanced because it is totally believable even though it's fiction! This book was an easy read, and I recommend it highly. I also hope the author will take us on another adventure with Georgia Steel, perhaps in a second book.
July 19, 2022
The mixture of science and action adventure reads like a good mix of old school Michael Crichton and Dan Brown or for younger readers, Michael Grummley and Douglas Preston. There are shadowy secret societies with agendas that have far reaching impact and a smart heroine for whom I wanted to root! Nice pacing and a strong close! Hope there's another coming :)
February 19, 2025
Intriguing thriller with a strong female protagonist to root for in Georgia Steele! I enjoyed this smart thriller with aspects of technothriller, medical thriller, and environmental thriller expertly interwoven. A page-turner that kept me reading to the end. I will look forward to reading the next book in the series!
September 28, 2020
Author's ability to describe locales and completely build characters, enabled me to lose myself in this story. Very impressive command of science and technology. A true page turner. Looking forward to her next book!
January 30, 2021
Pretty good
I really enjoyed the first part but the last half needs a Little work, violence doesn’t seem realistic, and the rescue needs more build up for why the specific rescuer decides to participate. Also some misspellings and misuse of words which was distracting
I really enjoyed the first part but the last half needs a Little work, violence doesn’t seem realistic, and the rescue needs more build up for why the specific rescuer decides to participate. Also some misspellings and misuse of words which was distracting
February 4, 2023
Intense
I had a hard time putting down my phone once I started reading. The descriptions of each place were so vivid I was right there with the amazing characters. Can’t wait to read the next book. Pattie Z.
I had a hard time putting down my phone once I started reading. The descriptions of each place were so vivid I was right there with the amazing characters. Can’t wait to read the next book. Pattie Z.
June 5, 2024
The reading of this was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon or so. I personally hate reading about folks who want to do A Eugenics, and also hate reading about rich, but that's me.
Other than that, it was fine.
Other than that, it was fine.
January 28, 2021
Great book. Characters were believable and kept my attention.
I liked the style of writing and it was interesting all the way to the end. I would recommend to read.
I liked the style of writing and it was interesting all the way to the end. I would recommend to read.
September 4, 2022
The idea of the book was good but it started to get offensive. Deleted from my library.
May 12, 2023
Quick read with enough twists and turns to keep you attention. Will probably read the sequel.
March 21, 2024
Mindblowing
This is an excellently crafted mystery/thriller that packs punches but leaves you wanting more. I enjoyed this book more than most books ever!
This is an excellently crafted mystery/thriller that packs punches but leaves you wanting more. I enjoyed this book more than most books ever!
February 5, 2025
Wow!!
This book is a great thriller and it also raises some serious questions about our Earth and the responsibilities of science and scientists. But mostly, it's a great thriller!!
This book is a great thriller and it also raises some serious questions about our Earth and the responsibilities of science and scientists. But mostly, it's a great thriller!!
August 24, 2022
The Perfect Weekend Read!
You won't be able to put this one down. The depth and layers of a Harlan Coben style story with the intelligence and scientific background of a Richard Preston (Hot Zone) novel. The fact that her story is so completely possible makes this my vote for favorite book of the year. L M Whitaker, write faster I can't wait to read the next what comes next.
You won't be able to put this one down. The depth and layers of a Harlan Coben style story with the intelligence and scientific background of a Richard Preston (Hot Zone) novel. The fact that her story is so completely possible makes this my vote for favorite book of the year. L M Whitaker, write faster I can't wait to read the next what comes next.
March 17, 2023
Fast paced thriller that gives you much to think about regarding ethics in genetics.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews