Reading level: Young Adult

If you were given life for the express purpose of saving the life of your brother, how would you feel?  Your brother is about to die of cancer at the time you are born and your cells are the only thing that will cure him.  You know you are special for you have been designed to provide those special cells.  How would you feel?

This is exactly the case for Josh Seville.  Josh has lived the thirteen years of his life with the knowledge that he was given life so that his older brother Max might live.  Josh has grown up idolizing Max.  They are alike in many ways, even with the seven year age difference. These similarities include a fanatical affinity for Genesis Alpha.  This internet role-playing game even provides a link between them when Max goes off to college.

But, Josh's perfect world is turned into a nightmare when Max is arrested on suspicion of a horrific murder.  Suddenly, Josh is confronted with the challenge of resolving this mystery that not only threatens his brother's life, but also his own.  In solving this murder, Josh must not only face the reality of the world and its prejudices and fears, but also understanding good and evil, questions of his own identity, and the difference between the imaginary worlds of Genesis Alpha and reality itself.  For the clues he needs to unravel this mystery lie buried deep within Genesis Alpha.

In Genesis Alpha, Rune Michaels explores the world of internet role-playing games and the dangers within.  Also, this author does a masterful job of presenting the possibilities that technology brings and its consequences as seen through the eyes of a thirteen year old boy.  The story is well paced and the building suspense keeps the reader looking forward to each succeeding page.  The key ingredient in this story, however, is the portrayal of Josh Seville, his struggle to make sense of his world as he is forced to mature beyond his years.

— Hugh Starkey , Member SCBWI