another 'genetic-manipulation-gone-bad' novel; ancestor by scott sigler

The last Scott Sigler book I read was the arresting Infected, where a mysterious alien spore started infecting people, making them lose control of their thoughts and behaviour, and leading to a rather gross conclusion. While it was not an entirely original concept – Invasion of the Body Snatchers anyone? – Sigler managed to tell a gripping tale by focusing on one individual and the emotions he goes through as he realises that something is taking over his mind.
In his new book Ancestor, Sigler has again taken up another common theme in science-fiction. This time it's the evil that occurs when people get involved in genetic manipulation.

 

Once again, a conglomerate is out to play god and create some sort of creature that will – supposedly – solve a terrible human condition; oh, and make lots of money in doing so. Dr Claus Rhumkorrf is trying to create the perfect organ donor and win the Noble Prize... and success must occur at all costs.
Naturally enough, science goes too far and an abomination is created, something that not only doesn't appear to have solved the human organ supply problem, it's also got very sharp teeth, near human intelligence and an amazing ability to develop overnight.
Tied into this story is a clearly insane Chinese geneticist, Jian, who's nightmares may have something to do with the monsters; PJ Colding, a mercenary for hire with a heart; his love interest, sassy pilot Sara; assorted baddies in the guise of more mercenaries and a nutter of a businessman.
Plonk them all on an isolated island in the American Great Lakes, add a nasty snowstorm, a few crafty locals and lots of cows; unleash the monsters and you've got yourself a gore-fest in Ancestor.
Sigler can write; his main characters are good, if a little clichéd – the mad scientist, the crass bully, the baddie with a heart of gold – his dialogue likewise, but his plotting is obvious and the early part of the book a little slow.
In many ways Ancestor does not stack up against other books in this genre. White Devils by Paul McAuley, for example, remains one of the better genetic-manipulation-gone-wrong books published recently. Still, Ancestor is not bad; there are some great action scenes and the conundrum of Jian's nightmares leads to a great twist towards the conclusion.
If you enjoy science-fiction with at least one foot in reality, as these types of books usually have, then Ancestor will fit the criteria.
Although there's a bit of scientific language at the start of the novel – which may be why it's a bit slow – the action from about a third of the way through makes up for it and Sigler sets up the final scene with an eye towards a sequel.

Ancestor by Scott Sigler is published by Hodder & Stoughton and is available from good book stores and online.

not-so-thrilling thriller

Niki Bruce reviews a novel that raises the fear of genetic manipulation once again.

THE premise of James Rollins' book Altar of Eden, while not entirely new, will manage to make even the most staunch proponent of technological advancement take a few moments to think about the negatives.
 
Centered around a feisty, young veterinarian, Lorna, the book tracks the appearance of a number of mysterious animals – all apparent genetic throwbacks – after a storm in the delta of Louisiana.
 
After recovering the less aggressive animals, Lorna realises that there's something much more dangerous on the loose – a saber-tooth tiger. So, along with old friend Jack, who is now a US Border Patrol agent, Lorna races off to track the animal.
 
At the same time, the Lorna and Jack realise that not only is the cargo genetically odd, their provenance is just as mysterious. On top of that, the animals' apparent owners are as dangerous as the saber-tooth tiger.
 
While the introduction is a bit on the slow side, the pace takes off as Lorna and Jack appear to be in a race against time to save the animals, find out what they actually are and defend themselves against the ruthless, ex-military group that's trying to wipe them all off the map.
 
The story zooms along with references to the military-industrial complex, private contractors, Defence dollars and eventually the denouement where human DNA is added to the mix.
 
Unfortunately for Rollins, while the action isn't bad and the characters are reasonably well-written with good back stories, the overall premise has been done before; and done better.
 
Most notable in this genre is Paul McAuley's White Devils that was published in 2005 to critical and reader acclaim. Like Rollins' story – White Devils is about a misguided group of scientists attempting to turn animals into some sort of military weapon by genetic manipulation.
 
Unfortunately the twist to Rollins' novel is also uncannily like that of McAuley's book – the obvious squirm factor of human DNA being added into the equation.
 
So although Altar of Eden isn't a badly written book, the plot is glaringly obvious from the outset. So too is the eventual relationship between the two lead characters, despite a touching back story. All in all, these similarities are a shame, since Rollins is clearly a good writer.
 
However, if you enjoy these sorts of science-thrillers – think Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain – then give Altar of Eden a go. There's plenty of action, reasonably understandable science and an easy plot.
 
I only hope that the premise of Rollins' next book is a lot more original.
 
Altar of Eden by James Rollins is published by Orion Books and is available from good book stores and online.

First published on The Straits Times blogs on January 28, 2010