The end of the world came and went.
Twenty years later humanity is crafting new and secretive ways to protect itself, but the atmosphere stays clear of threats . . .
Eighteen-year-old academy graduate Alyssa is determined to start her military career as a GENE (Genetically Enhanced Entity) on her own terms. But after being transferred from her native London to America, she struggles to control her powers and find her place among a military unit of underdogs and other enhanced soldiers. When a rogue GENE is taken into custody, Alyssa's empathy for him forces her to choose between her carefully mapped out life plan, or a path that would put her in direct conflict with her superiors.
With the promise of superpowers and a green card on the table, thirteen-year-old Miguel signs a contract to become a GENE. Enduring the enhancement process is sure to be worth it with his refugee status at stake and dazzling dreams of becoming a superhero in the mix. But when he forms a psychic connection with a mysterious girl who could die without his help, he must decide what he's willing to risk in order to save her.
As Alyssa and Miguel embark on parallel journeys, their desire to choose their own individual paths transforms into a fierce battle for the rights of fellow enhanced people. The world might not be ready to find out about GENEs, but it had better brace itself. The protective barrier of secrecy will soon burst, and those called "Refurbished" will make themselves known.
Reviews
A must-read for Latinx sci-fi fans!
“What immediately kept me turning the pages was the immersive world the story takes place in. The concept of human emhancement has always been a topic of interest, especially for military purposes. But to let the young protagonists faces this hard-hitting issue is compelling. What they choose to do with their new abilities and the consequences of those choices keeps me hooked.”
Expertly constructed dual plotlines
“This story is EXCELLENT. Monárrez’s writing style is crisp and clean. What I LOVE is how she intertwined two separate plotlines in the most gloriously fascinating method. And all of that doesn’t even mention the complex characters that detail the story, or the carefully considered political parallels to real-life issues.”
strong characters from the start
“Great for fans of X-men, Gene 13, and a pinch of Minority Report. Author Monárrez did a great job creating her universe of enhanced superheroes. She gives us something relatable and recognizable by us, comic book readers, and fans.”