Geneticist Lucien Roux’s cutting-edge experiment to clone Neanderthals blurs lines between ambition and ethics after the clones are stolen and forced to play a brutal and violent game dubbed Neanderball. Haunted by the realization that his hubris overpowered his morality, Lucien knows he must fix what he’s done.
Racing against time as a military faction and a sinister adversary close in, he has one chance to expose the real reason his research was taken. With his ex-Marine girlfriend, he sets out on a dangerous journey to save the Neanderthals before it’s too late. It’s an all or nothing fight for redemption, leading to a showdown for his survival, and freedom for the Neanderthals.
Editorial Review:
Science has mentioned the possibility of cloning Neanderthals in the future, but in Neanderball, the future is now … and an unexpectedly dangerous game evolves when geneticist Lucien Roux’s controversial experiment is stolen and made into a dangerous sport.
The fine line between ethical behavior and fame has already been drawn by his choices, but further developments take these in a new direction, forcing him to reveal his true motivation and indiscretions as he finds himself on a mission to save his creations from exploitation and a dangerous game, indeed.
Sofia Diana Gabel crafts an absorbing story which is especially notable for its consideration of moral and ethical boundaries in creating, maintaining, and directing life itself. Through her story, genetic experimentation and purpose come to life in a manner that welds sci-fi with insights into what qualities comprise friendships, growth, and humanity itself.
Lucien’s enlightening interactions with Rock and the other Neanderthals teach him about more than the results of his creative impetus as events unfold, embracing intrigue and action as Lucien and his ex-military girlfriend employ all their abilities to mitigate the impact of modern times on these Neanderthal creations.
The cat-and-mouse game that plays out between Lucien and his companions and the Neanderthals (who aren’t as stupid as they first seem) creates a satisfying interplay of personalities, purposes, and intention that encourages readers to more closely consider all forms of motivation and drives for survival.
The evolutionary process which develops as a result of these interactions is intriguing on more than one level. This offers a rare opportunity for action-packed leisure reading for those interested in mystery, sci-fi or medical thrillers, and thought-provoking moments for readers who enjoy moral dilemmas injected into the bigger picture mix.
Libraries and readers will find Neanderball difficult to neatly peg. Whether choosing it as a medical thriller or a sci-fi story of genetics gone wild, Neanderball’s main attraction lies in the unfolding of connections between disparate individuals who each struggle to survive and find meaning in a rapidly changing, alien situation.
Its well-developed tension and characters make it a winner. -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Targeted Age Group:: 18-adult
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
My day job as an archaeologist has me constantly thinking about anything archaeology related, including Neanderthals and how we're finding out new information about them every day! In grad school, one of my professors mentioned how Neanderthals were built like modern day linebackers, and just like that, a plot started to develop.
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
I based my characters on people I know, including professors in grad school! Some are purely from my imagination (such as the Neanderthals), but mostly character traits are obtained from my real life experience. Maybe a little of me is thrown in, too!
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