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Miscreation?
Does your future lie in your genes or your choice?
The year is 2077 and it’s now the Genome Age, where humans, plants and animals have been genetically modified to create a new world. All genetic advances are tightly controlled by a powerful government department, Genetico.
Enter the brilliant fifteen-year-old Natalia with genetic predispositions for both science and music. She discovers the choice to follow her father comes at a cost.
Meanwhile, her mother’s hiding a genetic timebomb that’s just about to go off.
Then there’s the underground cadre that wants to expose the government secrets of the Genome Age.
But the question is: what do you do with Miscreations—the genetic experiments gone wrong? Especially when they have powers you don’t understand...
Miscreation? is a young adult science fiction novel. It explores a genetically engineered world where technology creates as many problems as it solves and cannot deal with the pain and prejudice in the human heart. For lovers of future worlds and people interested in the relationship between science and people.
What readers are saying about Miscreation?:
“I love a good dystopian novel and I know this is one I would have loved as a teenager.” - Jessica
"This novel is just brilliant! My husband is sitting across the room watching me cry like a crazy person." - Heather
“A unique and fascinating idea... A lot of great twists and the ethical dilemmas were particularly interesting. A story that really kept me reading to the end.” - Sarah
"Easy to read, great characters. What an amazing world you have created." - Sacha
The year is 2077 and it’s now the Genome Age, where humans, plants and animals have been genetically modified to create a new world. All genetic advances are tightly controlled by a powerful government department, Genetico.
Enter the brilliant fifteen-year-old Natalia with genetic predispositions for both science and music. She discovers the choice to follow her father comes at a cost.
Meanwhile, her mother’s hiding a genetic timebomb that’s just about to go off.
Then there’s the underground cadre that wants to expose the government secrets of the Genome Age.
But the question is: what do you do with Miscreations—the genetic experiments gone wrong? Especially when they have powers you don’t understand...
Miscreation? is a young adult science fiction novel. It explores a genetically engineered world where technology creates as many problems as it solves and cannot deal with the pain and prejudice in the human heart. For lovers of future worlds and people interested in the relationship between science and people.
What readers are saying about Miscreation?:
“I love a good dystopian novel and I know this is one I would have loved as a teenager.” - Jessica
"This novel is just brilliant! My husband is sitting across the room watching me cry like a crazy person." - Heather
“A unique and fascinating idea... A lot of great twists and the ethical dilemmas were particularly interesting. A story that really kept me reading to the end.” - Sarah
"Easy to read, great characters. What an amazing world you have created." - Sacha
- GenresDystopia
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2021
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 25, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Miscreation. It has an original story line that had me hooked from the start. I cannot wait to see what Natalia does next.
February 16, 2022
OMG I looooved Miscreation!!!!!
Its story flashed before my eyes like a TV show and gave me a lot of Dark Angel vibes (I loved that show and this book made me so nostalgic)!
This book is definitely a page turner! The whole time I was like "ok, let's read a few pages" and then I found my self at page 300 in a blink of an eye. I'm telling you... this book is unputdownable!
I need the second book... like... right now!
Its story flashed before my eyes like a TV show and gave me a lot of Dark Angel vibes (I loved that show and this book made me so nostalgic)!
This book is definitely a page turner! The whole time I was like "ok, let's read a few pages" and then I found my self at page 300 in a blink of an eye. I'm telling you... this book is unputdownable!
I need the second book... like... right now!
October 3, 2024
I don't want to wait a whole year until I find out what happens to Natalia and the twins and her loyal and great friends!
Natalia is such a well-fleshed-out character with flaws and strengths, and I found her so relatable. I also found her relationship with both her parents fascinating. I also love her talent, passion, and mysterious emotional connection to music.
The plot of the novel is fast paced and fun and easy to read. And the calibre of writing is top-notch.
Overall, June Yu has written a very exciting page-turner that can be enjoyed by pre-teens, teens, and adults. I heartily recommend it.
Can't wait to read the next installment!
I bought the Kindle edition but I am looking forward to getting a print copy of this terrific book when I can travel to Australia.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
The following quoted passages are my favourites:
This passage because it argues for nurture over nature:
This passage because it deals with the coming out process - whether that be being LGBTQ+ and shedding any internalised shame or coming out as courageously different to your family - for example wanting to work in the Arts rather than a more conservative career that your parents want you to do. There is a lot of wisdom and guidance in June's words here:
And this passage on love and taking chances:
And last but not least, this beautiful moment regarding whether non-biological children are somehow lesser than biological ones:
Natalia is such a well-fleshed-out character with flaws and strengths, and I found her so relatable. I also found her relationship with both her parents fascinating. I also love her talent, passion, and mysterious emotional connection to music.
The plot of the novel is fast paced and fun and easy to read. And the calibre of writing is top-notch.
Overall, June Yu has written a very exciting page-turner that can be enjoyed by pre-teens, teens, and adults. I heartily recommend it.
Can't wait to read the next installment!
I bought the Kindle edition but I am looking forward to getting a print copy of this terrific book when I can travel to Australia.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
The following quoted passages are my favourites:
This passage because it argues for nurture over nature:
"I want to know what sort of Miscreation he was. And how he became an IntelliGene. I have his genes. It's part of who I am."
"Is it?" asks Simon. His blue-green eyes turn hard... "My father was an IntelliGene and a scumbag who hit my mum and made her cry. I was glad when he had the affair and left us. So what if I have his genes? I'm not my father. I choose not to be like him."
This passage because it deals with the coming out process - whether that be being LGBTQ+ and shedding any internalised shame or coming out as courageously different to your family - for example wanting to work in the Arts rather than a more conservative career that your parents want you to do. There is a lot of wisdom and guidance in June's words here:
"You're Miscreations?"
I can't help it. I flinch. Lelaini's face pales and Simon moves back.
Domic's deep voice drops further. "Ah, Natalia. I sense you have not accepted your true identity."
"I'm not ashamed of being a Miscreation!" But am I? I shudder when I think of Kade at IntelliFest. I'm not like him...
"There is a difference between knowing what you are and loving what you are."
"Do you love being Miscreations?" My retort bursts out. "If you do, then why do you hide it?"
"We value what our Miscreation genes have given us. But Natalia, you've seen how Miscreations are treated."
And this passage on love and taking chances:
My mother's challenge rings. Have you ever tested your father on his love? But what about Max's love? Simon thinks I shouldn't tell Max about my telepathic ability. Or my family's past. But how can I know what Max thinks unless I test him? Unless I give him a chance to tell me?
And last but not least, this beautiful moment regarding whether non-biological children are somehow lesser than biological ones:
"But tell the twins it makes no difference to me. I loved them from the moment they were born and I love them now."
February 3, 2022
Excellent book. Very well written and the characters and storyline keep developing as the book progresses. A great new young adults book in this genre. Love the focus on the science. Looking forward to the second book, and where that will take the characters and who to trust!
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February 3, 2022Miscreation, June Yu’s first book, is set in a future we could be setting ourselves up for. A fast-paced and well-written thriller, with a sassy protagonist and some colourful characters. And it’s just the first instalment in the Genetico Chronicles. Can’t wait for Book No 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
Fast paced, sci fi YA story which kept this adult fascinated with the concept of gene therapy maybe not being the saviour it's supposed to be in this all too believable near future. Some characters are relatable and fun, while others are darker and/or more mysterious, and I Ioved the way the music motif was woven through the story, deepening the main character's sense of her world. The climax was as unexpected as it was exciting. Can't wait to read book 2!
December 5, 2021
June Yu’s debut novel fits into the categories of YA and Sci-fi. She has created a very believable world of the future and combined it with a coming-of-age story and a mystery twist. Her characters are engaging and the reader is effortlessly drawn into their world. The front cover promises it is Book 1 of the Genetico chronicles. I can’t wait for the next one.
December 4, 2021
I adored Miscreation. A perfect mix of sci fi and sweet romance! A must read to add to your to read list! Can't wait for book two!
March 7, 2022
Imaginative dystopian Australian speculative fiction
Miscreation was a fascinating read, interrogating the relationship between our genetic predispositions, and our environmental influences, all to a background of a post-apocalyptic Australian “Utopia”. I really enjoyed the musical component of this in particular, and how the main character expressed her emotions through music. Aside from the genetic engineering themes, Miscreation also emphasized the power of family, friends, and love.
A great piece of YA Australian Speculative Fiction. I do recommend this.
Miscreation was a fascinating read, interrogating the relationship between our genetic predispositions, and our environmental influences, all to a background of a post-apocalyptic Australian “Utopia”. I really enjoyed the musical component of this in particular, and how the main character expressed her emotions through music. Aside from the genetic engineering themes, Miscreation also emphasized the power of family, friends, and love.
A great piece of YA Australian Speculative Fiction. I do recommend this.
April 10, 2022
I really enjoyed the book.
The worldbuilding was solid and consistent and was linked well to the conflicts and themes presented by the book. It's worth reading if you want to have a fantastic time and if you want to immerse yourself into the nature vs nurture debate, as well as determinism vs free-will.
June's style and characters are mature and this is easily one of the highlights of my reading in the past year. I can't wait for her next installment.
The worldbuilding was solid and consistent and was linked well to the conflicts and themes presented by the book. It's worth reading if you want to have a fantastic time and if you want to immerse yourself into the nature vs nurture debate, as well as determinism vs free-will.
June's style and characters are mature and this is easily one of the highlights of my reading in the past year. I can't wait for her next installment.
December 16, 2021
This book was great. Natalie is choosing a music career over following in her parents' footsteps, which begins to unravel their lives. As a scientist who took piano for over ten years, I absolutely loved Natalie, and the way she incorporates music in the way she interacts with her world. The science feels completely plausible, and the way everything collides for Natalie is super exciting and leads to many questions that the author expertly addresses. I felt the friendships were well-done, the typical YA love interest plot was interesting with some great twists, and I'm really hoping the author delves into Natalie's relationship with her mother. Since the book is written in first person, it's hard to get things from her mom's perspective, and she comes across as incredibly cold. I suspect it's more complex than that, and I'm really looking forward to Book 2 to see what happens with that.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews