Holy crap what did I just read? This might be one of the few books that actually qualifies as both Science Fiction and Fantasy; it uses far to many technical terms for readers who are not well versed in genetics, biology or chemistry to get the full impact of the *heavily detailed* descriptions and breakthroughs that are so integral to the writer's ridiculous and convoluted plot. On the flip side of this, I can't imagine anyone with the technical knowledge to understand all of the scientific points in this book to actually be able to divorce from reality enough to buy into this absurdist fantasy. Points for originality, loses points for its tedium, its inability to make me care about a large majority of the characters, and just be too far out there for me to suspend my disbelief long enough to endure this book. At least you can spell and edit.

I was given a free copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So much happens in this book that I hardly know how to review it. It takes place thirty-five years in the future, where gene therapy is making great inroads into better health. Genetic companies are supposed to abide by the Marshall Dictat: make no changes in genes that could be inherited by the next generation. The genetic miracles were the result of a desperate attempt to help a powerful family’s unborn child.

This is a very long book, and it takes a while to get the bigger picture of it. First, we see it just from the perspective of a genealogist who is been commissioned by a secret sponsor to look into the history of the family I mentioned above. At the same time, a man has been brought in to try to help a dying child. But other forces are at work, and this book takes you on quite a ride that certainly makes you question where we are going with all of our current research into genetics. Knowledge is good, but what we do with that knowledge can be wrong.

If you don't mind long books that take a bit to pull it all together, you might enjoy this immersive read about the possible future misuse of genetics.

I found the story riveting. Godsland has created an alternative world that I wholeheartedly entered. I was captivated as I followed the experiments. The prose and imagery is outstanding, and I would strongly recommend Gene Thrall as a shocking and vivifly stunning read.