Aislyn Hollings, Ryan’s central character in this gripping, unusual book, has a serious social disorder, a deep and lifelong terror of speaking in public, of doing anything that draws attention to herself outside her family and small circle of friends. Debilitating as it is, this crippling imbalance has kindled her interest in gene therapy, to which end she’s engaged in research at a genetic engineering company, Nova Genetics, in Tacoma. Her oral presentation about her investigation into DNA and gene therapy in a scholarship competition goes awry due to her disorder, heightening the desperation and causing her to say yes to trying an experimental therapy, CZ88, developed by a professional on the staff of Nova Genetics, works, to Aislyn’s amazement, but the secrecy surrounding the drug and the side effects of the treatment soon expose the deadly consequences not just for Aislyn but for the others to whom this viral experiment has been administered.

The writing is tense and interesting, exploring a subject rarely represented in literature for Young Adults, opening the reader to the burgeoning, controversial world of genetic experimentation. “How much do we allow humans to change themselves and at what price?” asks the writer. What therapies are ‘right’ (like easing the suffering of those with Cystic Fibrosis like Aislyn’s little brother) and the sudden development of traits like instant charisma.

The book, 317 pages long, touches on themes of scientific integrity, responsibility, trust, copycat drugs, viral terror, military uses of bizarre inventions and the quest of a young woman to find a cure. It’s a great read.

Highly recommended!

Reviewer: Holly Gwinn Graham