Transplant

by Malcolm Rose

Who are you if your friends are gone and you don’t recognize your own face?

Cassie is scarred for life – her face mutilated horribly by an acid bomb thrown by a terrorist. But she’s been given a second chance by a surgical procedure that means she’ll look in the mirror and forever see someone else’s face. She is the world’s first face transplant patient. This thriller was written well before the world’s first real face transplant ever took place.

When Wayne first meets Cassie she’s ugly like something out of a zombie film. But thrown together as medical guinea-pigs, Wayne and Cassie form an alliance that will be tested to the limit because Cassie’s new face isn’t enough to hide her from the terrorists who are after her father. They’re determined to get him by any means necessary – and that means they’re gunning for her...

‘It gets off to an explosive start – and being a thriller, it pretty much maintains this fast pace all the way through the book. There are lots of parts that keep you on the edge of your seat, and not sure what is going to happen. Having said that, the main characters, Cassie and Wayne, get such a battering you truly feel sorry for them.’ Chris, www.cool-reads.co.uk.

‘An explosive and chilling thriller from the author of Bloodline and Plague, this book is neatly constructed and strongly written, and will appeal to teenagers – particularly those in a gruesome frame of mind.’ Sian O’Neil, South Wales Argus.

‘Malcolm Rose’s previous novels for teenagers have combined gripping stories with subjects which invite serious moral and ethical debate amongst readers. His latest is no exception, intertwining questions of medical ethics, politics and religion. A powerful storyline which pulls no punches despite its youthful intended audience, Transplant would provide a wealth of discussion points for PSHE at Key Stage 3 and 4.’ Bridget Carrington, Writeaway website.

‘I was surprised at the amount of action that could be fitted into one book. Straight away, it grasped my attention and I read it in one 4-hour sitting. Excellent.’ Chris Fraser, Priestnall School, Stockport Schools’ Book Award website.

‘A roller coaster of drama, cosmetic surgery, murder and love with dramatic results. Rose has excelled himself. A fantastic read.’ Duncan, Judging Panel of The North East Book Award.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Believe it or not, until Easter 1996, I was a Lecturer in Chemistry at The Open University. I carried out research in analytical chemistry, particularly in the area of health, and I taught mainly organic chemistry. The teaching part of the job predominantly involved writing, with some radio, TV and video work. It also left very little time for fiction writing which I tackled mostly after midnight. Perhaps that is why some of my strongest scenes are set on dark nights! Anyway, I am now a full-time writer.

Many people think it odd and fascinating that a scientist should also be a novelist but I don’t find it strange. After all, scientists have to be creative and show perseverance to carry out research. They also write a lot; in particular, they produce textbooks and articles on their research. Anyone who is imaginative, can stick to a task, and knows how to construct a sentence has the credentials for writing a novel. On top of that, my chemical research was aimed at understanding a little better some aspects of human life. A novel also seeks to illuminate some aspects of human life. The aims are similar even if the tools are different.

I reckon novel writing is not so removed from chemistry as you might think. In one life, I mix chemicals, stew them for a while and observe the reaction. In the other, I mix characters, stir in a bit of conflict and, again, observe the outcome.

I began writing stories while I was carrying out research at York for my DPhil degree in chemistry. Writing became a means of escape from everyday life. While I was at York, my then girlfriend (now wife) read my efforts and commented that I ought to try and get something published. I had never thought of writing as anything other than a hobby. Besides, as I thought then, a budding chemist couldn’t possibly be any good at it! Anyway, I joined a writers’ club to find out how to submit a manuscript to a publisher and, to cut a long story short, found a publisher in William Collins for my first novel, Rift.

I am now over half a century old, married to Barbara and have one son (Colin) who is an architect. I read all of my stories aloud to Barbara and Colin and they help me with their comments.

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Cassie, her face mutilated by a cruel acid bomb attack she becomes the first person to have a face-transplant. While in the Department of Experimental Medicine she meets Wayne, he’s in the hospital because of a diabetes problem.

The overall feel of this book (to me) was inspiring and exciting. Although he probably doesn’t realise it at the beginning Wayne sees, almost immediately, the Cassie behind all the scars. Drawn together because they’re the only young people on the ward, they soon develop a bond which will be tested to its strongest limits.

There’s no messing around when the book gets started. Straight-away the action begins and it never really stops throughout the book.

[Viki · Rating 2 out of 5]

As interesting a backdrop as The Troubles were, this book is the absolute epitome of too much telling, not enough showing.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of Rose's medical-based thrillers, this time about face transplants, and written about 2 years before the first one happened. Good, but gets a bit unrealistic in places.

[Anushtha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply LOVED it! its a beautiful book. Very well written.

[Nashita Salman · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZinG....

[Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome