GENES
by Mary Ting
ISAN, #3
Vesuvian Books
June 30th 2020
YA Dystopian/ Science Fiction
Allegiances will be tested.
Identities will be revealed.
No one is safe.
While searching for the HelixB88 anti-serum on the black market, Ava uncovers valuable intel that may help the rebels in their fight to bring down ISAN—the location of a hidden facility. But first, the insurgents must find the female citizens unexpectedly displaying powers without use of the Helix serum before ISAN captures them.
As the rebels join forces with other sectors, ISAN plans their destruction by using someone they don’t suspect at the rebel home base. A traitor within.
Now, Ava must make a dangerous decision, one that could risk their capture—or worse.
MY TIDBITS
Note: I did read the second book in the series before diving into this one, Since each book in the series starts where the last one left off, the series should be read as such and not each book as a stand-alone.
Back with the rebels, Ava now is facing all sorts of new troubles. One of her friends, who escaped ISAN with her, is dying, and they need to find the antidote (a difficult mix only the ISAN has) before her time runs out. Ava's blood test has also revealed who her twin is, and it's not who she was suspecting it to be...it's much worse. Add an ever growing ISAN threat, who is secretly plotting something huge, and the possibility of a traitor within the rebels' walls, and Ava can't pause to take a breath yet.
The weave of plots and subplots has grown thicker during this series and doesn't let up in this book. Ava has a lot to deal with, not only her own problems of adjusting back into the rebel group and adapting to the darkness her past might hold, but she has to save a life, figure out a new sibling relationships, deal with a past evil, and thwart the plans of ISAN, who wants nothing more than to capture and bring her back. Add the romance and some new friendships, and there isn't exactly a lot of time for the book to slow down. And...as extra kudos to the author...this all runs along smoothly!
Action and tension remain steady throughout the read, but sometimes, I wondered if there was almost too much going on. For example, a major bombshell is dropped in the first chapter but then hardly mentioned again until long past the first half of the book. As Ava faced ISAN and her past in an exciting scene, I couldn't help but pause and wonder what happened to that monumental moment in that first chapter. But then, I have to give poor Ava a break. She's up against so much. How could the girl deal with so many issues at once? But this speed also caused some hiccups with some of the new characters. While each one adds spice to the tale, some barely get enough page time for the reader to really connect with them. Plus, there are still tons of characters from the first two books, and even these aren't getting the depth they deserve...but again, it's a thick pool! And let's be honest, outside of Ava, this book isn't really about character depth. It's about action. Every turn adds new secrets and around every corner, there's another surprise. In other words, it's an exciting read and definitely kept me in the pages until the very end.
And here she is...
International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.
Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.
