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Perfect Copy
Is there really such a thing as a Perfect Copy? Young Roman is more than a copy of his genetic donor. He is better, enhanced and terrifyingly linked to a murderer. Yet the question remains, who's the greater threat, Roman or the those charged to protect him? Set among the folds of the NC Great Smokey Mountains, Perfect Copy is a thrill ride of suspense.
- GenresScience Fiction
Nook
First published September 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Judith Gaines
4 books19 followersJudith Gaines is an award-winning Producer and Director, creating media content for the NHL, the WUSA, and NASCAR Hall of Famers. As the creator of thousands of local, regional, and national advertising campaigns, her projects include working with program directors at the NC Museum of Art, where Wired, the first book in the Jade Weekes series, was inspired. In addition, she completed training in Non-Verbal Communications in Forensics led by a former FBI agent and spy-catcher, Joe Navarro, is a member of Sisters In Crime, the North Carolina Writer’s Network, and is the owner and executive editor of IndieWriterPro.com. You can learn more about her novels at JudithGaines.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 25, 2013
Scroll down for the English review
Un buon passatempo, ma niente di più
Libro senza infamia e senza lode. Sono stata un po’ ingannata dal fatto che venisse catalogato come un libro di fantascienza. Lo definirei più che altro un thriller a metà tra tecnologico e psicologico. L’argomento è la clonazione e uno dei modi in cui questa può andare male. L’ambientazione è un po’ statica e tutt’altro che originale. I personaggi sono costretti a rimanere in una casa in mezzo ai boschi, mentre una bufera di neve li isola dal mondo; se aggiungiamo un bambino un po’ particolare, tutto questo vi ricorda qualcosa? In questo contesto si sviluppa la trama un po’ thriller e un po’ horror, anche nel modo in cui si svolge, con i protagonisti braccati da qualcuno che da solo riesce a essere più pericoloso di tutti e che più volte tentano di scappare senza riuscirci, fino allo scontato epilogo.
Può essere una lettura carina, ma non mi ha lasciato molto, una volta terminata. Già l’inizio con una linea di dialogo mi ha spiazzata e di conseguenza non mi ha fatto una buona impressione. Sono comunque andata avanti. Le dinamiche dei personaggi si sono presto chiarite, compresi i risvolti sentimentali. Non una volta, però, l’autrice è stata in grado di stupirmi. I colpi di scena sono risultati abbastanza telefonati.
Non mi sento di condannare completamente questo libro, perché è comunque scritto abbastanza bene, ma non è di certo un capolavoro. Il problema non è stilistico, ma è proprio la trama a mancare un po’ di originalità. Sono sicura che la Gaines abbia le capacità per scrivere libri di ben altro valore e probabilmente sarò curiosa di leggerli.
A good pastime, but nothing more
Book without praise or blame. I was a bit deceived by the fact that it was listed as a science fiction book. I would define it more something halfway between a technological and psychological thriller. The topic is cloning, and one of the ways this can go wrong. The setting is a bit static and far from being original. The characters are forced to stay in a house in the woods, while a snowstorm isolates them from the world, if we add a special child, does all this remind you of something?
In this context the plot is developed a little as thriller and horror together, with characters being hunted by someone who alone can be the most dangerous of all; they try to escape several times without succeeding, until the obvious ending.
It can be a nice read, but has not left much to me, once finished. The presence of a line of dialogue at the very beginning already puzzled me and therefore failed to make a good impression. However, I went ahead. The dynamics of the characters were quickly clarified, including the romance implications. Not once, however, the author was able to amaze me. The twists were pretty predictable.
I would not completely condemn this book, because it is still well written, but it isn't certainly a masterpiece. The problem is not about style, but the plot is lacking originality. I'm sure Gaines has the ability to write books of much more value, and I'll probably be curious to read them.
Un buon passatempo, ma niente di più
Libro senza infamia e senza lode. Sono stata un po’ ingannata dal fatto che venisse catalogato come un libro di fantascienza. Lo definirei più che altro un thriller a metà tra tecnologico e psicologico. L’argomento è la clonazione e uno dei modi in cui questa può andare male. L’ambientazione è un po’ statica e tutt’altro che originale. I personaggi sono costretti a rimanere in una casa in mezzo ai boschi, mentre una bufera di neve li isola dal mondo; se aggiungiamo un bambino un po’ particolare, tutto questo vi ricorda qualcosa? In questo contesto si sviluppa la trama un po’ thriller e un po’ horror, anche nel modo in cui si svolge, con i protagonisti braccati da qualcuno che da solo riesce a essere più pericoloso di tutti e che più volte tentano di scappare senza riuscirci, fino allo scontato epilogo.
Può essere una lettura carina, ma non mi ha lasciato molto, una volta terminata. Già l’inizio con una linea di dialogo mi ha spiazzata e di conseguenza non mi ha fatto una buona impressione. Sono comunque andata avanti. Le dinamiche dei personaggi si sono presto chiarite, compresi i risvolti sentimentali. Non una volta, però, l’autrice è stata in grado di stupirmi. I colpi di scena sono risultati abbastanza telefonati.
Non mi sento di condannare completamente questo libro, perché è comunque scritto abbastanza bene, ma non è di certo un capolavoro. Il problema non è stilistico, ma è proprio la trama a mancare un po’ di originalità. Sono sicura che la Gaines abbia le capacità per scrivere libri di ben altro valore e probabilmente sarò curiosa di leggerli.
A good pastime, but nothing more
Book without praise or blame. I was a bit deceived by the fact that it was listed as a science fiction book. I would define it more something halfway between a technological and psychological thriller. The topic is cloning, and one of the ways this can go wrong. The setting is a bit static and far from being original. The characters are forced to stay in a house in the woods, while a snowstorm isolates them from the world, if we add a special child, does all this remind you of something?
In this context the plot is developed a little as thriller and horror together, with characters being hunted by someone who alone can be the most dangerous of all; they try to escape several times without succeeding, until the obvious ending.
It can be a nice read, but has not left much to me, once finished. The presence of a line of dialogue at the very beginning already puzzled me and therefore failed to make a good impression. However, I went ahead. The dynamics of the characters were quickly clarified, including the romance implications. Not once, however, the author was able to amaze me. The twists were pretty predictable.
I would not completely condemn this book, because it is still well written, but it isn't certainly a masterpiece. The problem is not about style, but the plot is lacking originality. I'm sure Gaines has the ability to write books of much more value, and I'll probably be curious to read them.
September 29, 2011
Disclaimer: I received this book as a part of the Menage-a-blog giveaway from the Indie Book Collective. Now promise of a review was made.
Roman is four years old. He is a genetic miracle and mystery at the same time. An enhanced clone of his maker Matthew Roman, young Roman's social, intellectual and genetic potentials are unknown. Brina has taken on the job of raising Roman, teaching him and nurturing him so that perhaps some day he could join the world as an accepted member, instead of the outlawed experiment he now is.
Much more information than that and I risk ruining this amazing book for you.
Pure modern sci-fi Perfect Copy is an exciting and fun read. The characters are consistent and the emotional connection between Brina and Roman bonds the reader to their story so deeply it's impossible not to care. As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's exactly the kind of thing I love to read. It perked my nerd ears and had me reading at a rushing speed to find out what happened next.
Gaines has done a wonderful job and I commend her for the time it takes to make science so plausible and understandable to the average reader. Unfortunately there were enough errors in the manuscript that I got annoyed. Missing words, transposed phrases and even some left in editing notes. Perfect Copy could use another go through. Once those issues are corrected though the book is close to flawless.
I hope there's another book coming out. I understand enough about the plot and science and scheme to be invested but still have questions about what the plan was, what Edward's part was, what Matthew the second's original plan was, and ultimately, who Roman will grow up to be. Pick this one up, it's will keep you thinking long after you stop reading.
Roman is four years old. He is a genetic miracle and mystery at the same time. An enhanced clone of his maker Matthew Roman, young Roman's social, intellectual and genetic potentials are unknown. Brina has taken on the job of raising Roman, teaching him and nurturing him so that perhaps some day he could join the world as an accepted member, instead of the outlawed experiment he now is.
Much more information than that and I risk ruining this amazing book for you.
Pure modern sci-fi Perfect Copy is an exciting and fun read. The characters are consistent and the emotional connection between Brina and Roman bonds the reader to their story so deeply it's impossible not to care. As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's exactly the kind of thing I love to read. It perked my nerd ears and had me reading at a rushing speed to find out what happened next.
Gaines has done a wonderful job and I commend her for the time it takes to make science so plausible and understandable to the average reader. Unfortunately there were enough errors in the manuscript that I got annoyed. Missing words, transposed phrases and even some left in editing notes. Perfect Copy could use another go through. Once those issues are corrected though the book is close to flawless.
I hope there's another book coming out. I understand enough about the plot and science and scheme to be invested but still have questions about what the plan was, what Edward's part was, what Matthew the second's original plan was, and ultimately, who Roman will grow up to be. Pick this one up, it's will keep you thinking long after you stop reading.
July 23, 2011
Perfect Copy is just that. A thriller that grabs your attention from the very first page. Brina is hired to take care of a little four year boy Roman. He is a genetically engineered child from Mathew Roman. Edward is a scientist, and Russ helps control this child.
Brina has had a rough life and was searching for a new life and another beginning. She uses sign language to communicate with the youngster as he can't speak yet. Roman is so very special and they don't know what he capable of. He also has a hundred plus life span.
Things racket up when a Park Ranger comes to the house to tell Brina that Mathew is dead and they found his car. Running to the downstairs lab Brina tells Edward and Russ about it. Hidden secrets, man against man and Brina and the child caught in the middle.
Evil resides in Edward and Mathew didn't contain any moral fibers. Russ, well you will just have to read this fantastic novel to find out.
They are getting ready to move to a safer place when a Snow storm arrives and takes out the phone lines. Searching for a hiding place of the lab records they stumble upon a baby in a crate in fluid that was terminated. Brina looses it and almost throws up but Russ steadies her and things heat up quickly.
While Brina and Russ are up in the attic Edward sneaks out to the garage and inside is another clone of Mathew. Edward has plans to kill him but instead settles on making a deal with this one. The real Park Ranger is lying dead outside in the snow.
Suddenly Roman starts to speak and develope quickly. A Genius bred in the lab. If the secret gets out he will be hounded and sent to a government lab for his life time.
Move over Dean Knootz Judith Gaines is gaining on you. A FIVE STAR READ!!
I received my free copy from Smash Words and the Menage a Blog Tour.
Brina has had a rough life and was searching for a new life and another beginning. She uses sign language to communicate with the youngster as he can't speak yet. Roman is so very special and they don't know what he capable of. He also has a hundred plus life span.
Things racket up when a Park Ranger comes to the house to tell Brina that Mathew is dead and they found his car. Running to the downstairs lab Brina tells Edward and Russ about it. Hidden secrets, man against man and Brina and the child caught in the middle.
Evil resides in Edward and Mathew didn't contain any moral fibers. Russ, well you will just have to read this fantastic novel to find out.
They are getting ready to move to a safer place when a Snow storm arrives and takes out the phone lines. Searching for a hiding place of the lab records they stumble upon a baby in a crate in fluid that was terminated. Brina looses it and almost throws up but Russ steadies her and things heat up quickly.
While Brina and Russ are up in the attic Edward sneaks out to the garage and inside is another clone of Mathew. Edward has plans to kill him but instead settles on making a deal with this one. The real Park Ranger is lying dead outside in the snow.
Suddenly Roman starts to speak and develope quickly. A Genius bred in the lab. If the secret gets out he will be hounded and sent to a government lab for his life time.
Move over Dean Knootz Judith Gaines is gaining on you. A FIVE STAR READ!!
I received my free copy from Smash Words and the Menage a Blog Tour.
August 14, 2011
I received "Perfect Copy" through the Indie Book Collective, with the promise of a review, so here goes:
"Perfect Copy" was fast moving and fairly interesting. I found the story involving and the characters realistic. It was a pleasant surprise to find that it was not a re-hash of the Kubrick/Spielberg movie, "A.I.". I liked the way that the author made the scientific aspect accessible for the average reader. As a mom, my heart went out to Roman from the beginning.
Despite all the positive aspects of the novel, though, here were serious issues with grammar, sentence structure, and word choice. A good, substantive editor would do a world of good for "Perfect Copy". I read widely (as well as writing and editing), in many genres, and these issues seem to crop up quite often in self-published romance and sci-fi manuscripts. Some scenes could stand with fleshing out, as well.
Bottom line: "Perfect Copy" had enough interesting matter in the story to make me keep reading, despite the technical shortcomings. With a good edit, this could be mainstream publishable. But until that edit is done, "Perfect Copy" is not.
"Perfect Copy" was fast moving and fairly interesting. I found the story involving and the characters realistic. It was a pleasant surprise to find that it was not a re-hash of the Kubrick/Spielberg movie, "A.I.". I liked the way that the author made the scientific aspect accessible for the average reader. As a mom, my heart went out to Roman from the beginning.
Despite all the positive aspects of the novel, though, here were serious issues with grammar, sentence structure, and word choice. A good, substantive editor would do a world of good for "Perfect Copy". I read widely (as well as writing and editing), in many genres, and these issues seem to crop up quite often in self-published romance and sci-fi manuscripts. Some scenes could stand with fleshing out, as well.
Bottom line: "Perfect Copy" had enough interesting matter in the story to make me keep reading, despite the technical shortcomings. With a good edit, this could be mainstream publishable. But until that edit is done, "Perfect Copy" is not.
May 31, 2012
Bottom line: Good sci-fi thriller, definitely a page turner.
Perfect Copy follows Brina, a woman who helps mentor Roman, a clone of the lead scientist on a secret illegal project. With short, easily consumable chapters, this is perfect for a bedtime read.
Gaines maintains a lot of tension throughout the story. Brina's desire to protect Roman helps the reader become much more invested in the outcome.
The story did have a few shortcomings. Without trying to give any spoilers, there were definitely some aspects of a familiar horror plot near the end. Even so, it's still worth the read for the use of the mad scientist creating clones.
There's enough unresolved plot points that there's room for a sequel. I'll be interested to see where Gaines takes the story in the future. She's an author to watch.
I received a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Perfect Copy follows Brina, a woman who helps mentor Roman, a clone of the lead scientist on a secret illegal project. With short, easily consumable chapters, this is perfect for a bedtime read.
Gaines maintains a lot of tension throughout the story. Brina's desire to protect Roman helps the reader become much more invested in the outcome.
The story did have a few shortcomings. Without trying to give any spoilers, there were definitely some aspects of a familiar horror plot near the end. Even so, it's still worth the read for the use of the mad scientist creating clones.
There's enough unresolved plot points that there's room for a sequel. I'll be interested to see where Gaines takes the story in the future. She's an author to watch.
I received a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2013
The summary doesn’t really tell you much, but this is a horror story about clones. There isn’t much background about why or how, the focus is on now, and the consequences of creating clones.
Told by the nanny Brina, the story is quick and thrilling. Brina’s viewpoint creates a victim angle with a strong compassion streak. It is obvious she adores the young Roman, and this colours her ideas about the clones. She is strong and very passionate about following her own moral code.
Overall this is an entertaining read. I would have loved to have learned more about the how and why of the clones. There is also the question about clones that didn’t make an appearance in the story. Are there more, and what are they like. Despite these unanswered questions, this was a very thrilling horror story.
Told by the nanny Brina, the story is quick and thrilling. Brina’s viewpoint creates a victim angle with a strong compassion streak. It is obvious she adores the young Roman, and this colours her ideas about the clones. She is strong and very passionate about following her own moral code.
Overall this is an entertaining read. I would have loved to have learned more about the how and why of the clones. There is also the question about clones that didn’t make an appearance in the story. Are there more, and what are they like. Despite these unanswered questions, this was a very thrilling horror story.
July 16, 2011
Clones...always have been and always will be EVIL.
Poor Brina is so focused on loving and caring for the boy she feels is a replacement for the one she lost that she can't see the forest for the trees...at first.
When geneticist Mathew Roman dies and leaves his small staff of three alone with a genetically engineered child, all hell breaks loose in the cabin nestled deep in the woods. With all the men around her injured, weak, dead, Brina steps to the plate to protect the youngest clone with everything she has, including her life.
Perfect Copy is a perfect, can't put down thriller; a good thriller that is a bit creepy and has you checking the dark shadows of your house for silent homicidal clones that you know aren't there.
In Perfect Copy, Gaines delivers that eerie feeling that any thrill seeker craves. Well done!
Poor Brina is so focused on loving and caring for the boy she feels is a replacement for the one she lost that she can't see the forest for the trees...at first.
When geneticist Mathew Roman dies and leaves his small staff of three alone with a genetically engineered child, all hell breaks loose in the cabin nestled deep in the woods. With all the men around her injured, weak, dead, Brina steps to the plate to protect the youngest clone with everything she has, including her life.
Perfect Copy is a perfect, can't put down thriller; a good thriller that is a bit creepy and has you checking the dark shadows of your house for silent homicidal clones that you know aren't there.
In Perfect Copy, Gaines delivers that eerie feeling that any thrill seeker craves. Well done!
December 5, 2011
I’m afraid I had trouble following this book. I enjoyed the concept the author was trying to present and for the most part the story followed a logical path. However, especially at the beginning, I had trouble associating with the characters.
There didn’t seem to be a connect there. I thought I was reading about one character but as I moved along it appeared there were more than one and then I read back and found I still couldn’t tell. I guess it wasn’t obvious enough for me as a casual reader.
I do give points for originality of idea and there were a lot of good plot points that I enjoyed. I would like to see more stress placed on some of the more obtuse points in the novel. Unless that was done on purpose because the author intended this to be a book that had to be studied and not just read.
There didn’t seem to be a connect there. I thought I was reading about one character but as I moved along it appeared there were more than one and then I read back and found I still couldn’t tell. I guess it wasn’t obvious enough for me as a casual reader.
I do give points for originality of idea and there were a lot of good plot points that I enjoyed. I would like to see more stress placed on some of the more obtuse points in the novel. Unless that was done on purpose because the author intended this to be a book that had to be studied and not just read.
September 16, 2011
This was a nice, fast paced thriller. I did feel that it could have ended differently. It was not quite a cliffhanger, but I felt there was a lot of information about the cloning process and the relationship between two of the characters that just wasn't presented the way it should have been.
Either the story started too late, or ended too soon, depending on your point of view. However, I really identified with the main female lead and her relationship with her charge. That really carried the novel for me.
Either the story started too late, or ended too soon, depending on your point of view. However, I really identified with the main female lead and her relationship with her charge. That really carried the novel for me.
April 27, 2011
This is a fun read for long weekends, vacations and lazy holidays. Scientists have perfected cloning to the point where they can change unwanted genetic qualities. The result is Roman, a four year-old prodigy that is learning and developing at a rapid pace.... too rapid to be explained by his creators. To complicate things more, Mathew Roman, the master mind of it all is murdered and it takes Roman and his special abilities to find and out run the killer.
December 31, 2010
Super fast paced thriller. Creative topic, excellent writing. Fun read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews