The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist - Book 141

When I read The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist, I couldn't help being reminded of another book set in a similar sort of world. In the world of main character Dorrit Wegner, childless people over a certain age, unless they are in protected occupations, are deemed 'dispensable' and leave the outside world behind to live out their days in a unit where all their needs are provided for. The catch is that they must take part in medical experiments and donate organs to help those who are 'needed' on the outside. Sooner or later, the idyll comes to an end with a final donation. At first, Dorrit finds a world that is infinitely more accepting of her than the world she left behind (after all, they are all in the same boat). She falls in love and finds happiness, but her will is often tested as those close to her reach the end of the donation cycle. This was an intriguing and slightly worrying book, but well worth reading. Recommended. I'd love to read some more of her books, but unfortunately this is the only one in English so far. (Oh, and the book it reminded me of?  Never Let Me Go  by Kazuo Ishiguro.)

The Son of Man - Charles W Johnson - Book 115

What if Jesus could be cloned? And what would happen if a big asteroid were due to obliterate the Earth? These two questions form the basis of The Son of Man. The story follows the people who clone Christ's DNA from the Shroud of Turin, the woman (Maria) who is chosen to be the host of the implanted baby, her husband Todd and many others. As you would imagine, everyone is working towards a goal, though not all the goals are in harmony. The start of the book has a nice pace, but this drops off towards the middle as it becomes evident that this is only book one of a series. I'd have liked to see both questions achieve some resolution instead of just one - which, I'll leave you to find out. It's a decent enough read, though not great.

The Arranger - L J Sellers - Book 114

I couldn't put down The Arranger, by L J Sellers. Here's Amazon's description:

The year is 2023 and ex-detective Lara Evans is working as a freelance paramedic in a bleak new world. She responds to an emergency call and is nearly killed when a shooter flees the home. Inside she finds the federal employment commissioner wounded, but she’s able to save his life. The next day Lara leaves for the Gauntlet—a national competition of intense physical and mental challenges with high stakes for her home state. She spots the assailant lurking at the arena and soon after, she lands in deep trouble. Who is the mysterious killer and what is motivating him? Can Lara stop him, stay alive, and win the Gauntlet?

The book proceeds at a cracking pace, alternating between Lara's perspective and that of a government employee who will go to any lengths to win the favor of the woman he adores. Set in a future which seems eerily familiar, where health care is even more unaffordable and unemployment even higher, it's easy to imagine this sort of world. The main character, Lara, has her own demons to face, making this a gripping read all round. Highly recommended.

Book 101 - Calculating God by Robert Sawyer

I think I'm going to hunt down all of Robert Sawyer's books, because Calculating God was every bit as good as Factoring Humanity. Imagine that not just one, but two alien species come calling and they turn out to have the same DNA and cataclysmic planetary events at exactly the same time as those that affected the earth.  Does that mean there's a divine plan. The characters in the book wrestle with this issue and eventually set off for a distant planet to find and confront God. This is a fascinating read which explores humanity, personhood and spirituality through engaging human and alien characters. Highly recommended.

PS. This was my 101st book, which I completed 292 days after starting this challenge. Now that I've got used to book blogging, I plan to continue and see how many I can read within the 1001 days. Wish me luck!

The Fear Index by Robert Harris - Book 96

I have to admit that the Fear Index was a bit of a disappointment after Imperium and the other Robert Harris books I have read. While readable enough, I just couldn't get excited about a computer scientist who has created a hedge fund investment algorithm that seems bent on ruining his life and taking over the world. While the concept is great, the story itself was a bit dull. Not recommended.

Flashforward by Robert J Sawyer - Book 54

When I caught the first episode of Flash Forward a couple of years ago, I immediately liked the concept. The TV realization did not live up to expectations, but I was excited about reading the book. Written by Robert Sawyer, the book deals with a 21 year flash forward to the future and people's attempts to deal with the aftermath. I found it an interesting read and enjoyed people's attempts to prove, disprove and avoid the future they thought awaited them. In the end, which I won't reveal, the book comes full circle to an incident revealed early on. I'd give this 3.5 stars.

The Gift - James Patterson - Book 22

This is the second book in the Witch and Wizard series. Whit and Wisty are continuing to learn what their magic can do and to save kids and others from the perils of the New Order. The story moves between their perspectives, which can be confusing, but there's plenty of action to keep readers going. Will this ever be my favorite series? No, but I might pick up book three when it arrives just to see how the story turns out.

Witch and Wizard - James Patterson - Book 21

Witch and Wizard is a departure from the James Patterson novels I usually read. Instead of being a crime novel, this is in the science fiction and fantasy genre, set in an alternate world where there are witches and wizards but magic is outlawed. Aimed at younger readers (maybe pre-teens and older?), the book follows the story or Whit and Wisty Allgood who find out about their powers and learn to use them while escaping from The One Who is the One and trying to find their missing parents. There are lots of characters and scenarios to keep track of in this book - it's just as well the chapters are short. That said, it was entertaining enough for me to read part two in the series - The Gift.

Crime Zero - Michael Cordy - Book 17

What if you could get rid of crime through genetic manipulation? This 1999 novel is set in 2008, in which such things are possible (the author might be a few years off, but who knows what's happening in labs now?) The story follows the efforts of politicians and others to get rid of the crime problem once and for all. While some scientists work on Project Conscience, a therapy to make criminals reform by enhancing feelings of guilt, others want to go further and get rid of the criminals altogether. It is what you might call the ultimate solution as it involves eliminating those who commit most of the crime. Psychologist Luke Decker and geneticist Kathy Kerr must work together to stop this solution from happening - and it's a thrilling read, as mankind as we know it will change if they fail.

Amazon's description:

Genetics figured in Cordy's debut, The Miracle Strain, so it's hardly surprising to see it surface again here. In the near-future, scientists have found a way to isolate the genes that cause violent behavior in men, and a project to alter the genetic makeup of serious offenders is underway. Then FBI forensics specialist Luke Decker discovers that the men behind the project are up to no good.