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The Darwin Corporation advances a technology called Merged Consciousness that allows some of the world's best minds to stay alive forever with the help of seven gifted teens. These young Nobels will act as hosts for the geniuses, and together they will work to develop breakthroughs in science, economics, and the arts that will change the future of the world. But as the teens merge with their mentors, problems arise, and the potential benefits may not outweigh the costs to human life. One of the teens, Stryker, chosen as the Nobel for Peace, begins to question the scientists and to foresee the unintended consequences on the horizon for this new technology. He seeks a solution with the help of the other Nobels that may be less sinister and more humane. As the teens work together, they find friendship and purpose.
This story launches with an intriguing premise that delivers throughout with twisty plotting, inventive characters, and thrilling action. The ethical conundrum raised by evolving technology and cutting-edge science leads to compelling questions and sharp discussions. Readers will be enthralled by the speculative wonder of Merged Consciousness and the cautionary tale of technology advancing beyond ethics. The teens are drawn through personal experience and connection to the ravages of Alzheimer's, the horror of gun violence, and the unfairness of economic inequality. But as they try to solve these societal problems, their sacrifice may be too much to bear in the grip of experimental science. Young adults looking for a riveting sci-fi story will find themselves immersed in a world of possibility and uncertainty in this propulsive and smart novel. The desire to improve the world comes with the heavy burden of difficult choices, cost-benefit analysis, and a continual quest for scientific and technological innovation.
Winner of the 2021 Eric Hoffer Award Sci-Fi Fantasy category and First Horison Award
RECOMMENDED by the US Review