Keith Brooke, Genetopia

Genetopia

Keith Brooke

PYR, Feb 2006, $25.00

ISBN: 1591023335

In the ancient settlement Trecosann, Flintreco Eltarn notices, by her playful flirting with the Tallyman, that his younger sister by four years, Amber is on the verge of maturing into a young woman. Still he rejoices that there remains enough of the child that he grew up with.

However, during a Treco clan gala, Flint cannot find Amber; he soon concludes that she is simply gone. No one seems concerned except Flint, who knows she may have decided she had enough abuse from their cruel father and left on her own accord; however, more likely Flint assumes the worst that slavers abducted her thinking she is a mutt for market. Feeling nothing toward any other member, except perhaps hatred of his father, Flint decides over the objection of his kin, to search for the only family member he cares about, Amber; when he finds her as expects to do, he will insure her safety, even if he has to battle slavers and slave owners.

The above two paragraphs are the opening gambit in a futuristic tale, in which biotechnology has gotten out of control. There are a few purebred humans who are subject to being tossed into the changing vats. There are also Mutts who are slaves whispering that one day they will be free; obvious parallels to the slavery of this country add depth. This is a thought provoking science fiction story, that is more a coming of age tale that condemns any "ology" or ism that cause harm. The fascinating storyline contains several interesting spins. For instance, ironically the audience knows up front what happened to Amber, while Flint can only conjecture while he learns who he is in a world off kilter, as Amber is just the mechanism to propel the hero to begin his quest. Fans of deep thrillers will appreciate this fine parable of a man frightened by what the future holds, but sets forth anyway.