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Second Genesis

by Jeffrey Anderson



      Deep in the Amazon rain forest a team of scientists has accomplished a breakthrough in genetics that will rock the scientific community and human culture to the core. Using human embryonic stem cells, they have created a chimpanzee with super-human intelligence. The excitement at the facility is matched in intensity only by the secrecy surrounding the project, and the future possibilities for the human race are endless. However, the excitement morphs into concern when it’s discovered that the human-like chimp not only possesses human-like intelligence, but also possesses human-like emotion, and it’s not just the "good" emotions that are expressed. What happens when the uncontrollable gets out of control? What happens if the genius ape escapes?

Written with suspense and plenty of action, this book will capture the eye of those who love the science thriller genre. For those into current events, the issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research can certainly make for some heated debates. Jurassic Park with chimps instead of dinosaurs - that’s the thought that kept running through my mind as I read, and, yes, I do consider that a compliment because I loved Crichton’s dinosaur thriller. Like Crichton, Anderson does a phenomenal job of portraying the recklessness and arrogance of the human race in its attempt to control and manipulate nature, which was a central theme of this story. Although the flow was at times choppy, mostly due to the intricate scientific details that threaten to leave behind many readers, overall the story did not suffer.

Entertaining and thought-provoking, this is a science thriller that depicts a scenario with the potential of becoming reality, making it a worthwhile and intriguing read.

The Book

Jove
July 25, 2006
Paperback
0515141984
Science Fiction
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE:

The Reviewer

John Washburn
Reviewed 2006
NOTE: Reviewer John Washburn is the author of When Evil Prospers.
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