Genus

I made it about 50 pages in. Seems like the author is just trying too hard with the metaphors instead of getting on and writing the story. Impossible to get to know the characters at this pace. I'm not even sorry I didn't finish it as I genuinely don't care what happens to the characters.

It's a brilliant book, I've never read a book by Jonathan Trigell before, but I'm hooked, he's such an imaginative sci fi Author, and I quite know what to expect, what a great introduction to the Reader, I didn't think I'd like having one. I love real books, especially old wrinkled faded second hand ones it feels like your a kid again reading someone elses book, but I really like the Reader now, I wouldn't ever stop reading second hand books, but this is definitely a good way to find brilliant writers like Jonathan.Without the Reader, I probably wouldn't have bought a newer authors book, just because I like the old ones the best. In this case I'm proven wrong, this relatively new authors MA Thesis no less, first book is a corker, full of rich and complexed characters. Holman reminds me of a kind of new age everyman, unfortunately placed in this new world, apart from his very weird relationship with his family (EW!), Gunther scares the bagibies out of me, possibly the scariest thing in this novel is the supposedly improved, who seem more messed up than anyone. I won't say much more for fear of ruining it, but you've got to read it if you get a chance, seriously good. And I love that its set in the familiar setting of Kings Kross London instead of some American town/city. Fab.

To take a scientific premise, still in it's nascent state, and then build a whole world around it takes a talented writer with an extensive imagination. Jonathan Trigell's world became part of my imagination to such an extent that I couldn't read another book for ages afterwards. I'm going to give it a while but I'm definitely re-reading this. I just couldn't put it down. Just a caution - the tube will never seem the same again once you've read this.

This novel is alright, but I found it a little heavy on exposition. It's all tell, no show. Sure, maybe this is supposed to mirror Crick within the novel who chronicles the last days of the Kross, but I found it clunky. Also the plot is a little uninteresting. The central idea is good, but the morality seems a very and black and white. The improved don't seem to have any human qualities you can empathise with as the reader.

The major themes of an Islamic/Western war and genetic design are played out in a way that feels current, if dystopian and apocalyptic. The style veers from over-use of 'writerly' tropes which can feel clumsy, and perhaps originates from Trigell's academic background, to thoughtful, poignant and amusing with a feel of a cult classic of the future.Overall, enjoyable and sometimes insightful.

I've read another of Jonathan Trigell's books, Cham, and when I started reading this one I remembered that although I enjoyed the end the rest of it wasn't to my taste. Unfortunately I dint think the end of Genus redeemed it for me, too many unanswered questions.

Just what I expected. Great seller and I'm very pleased with the product. Prompt delivery also. Definitely worth a look.

A dense, complex book, very well written and thought provoking. I look forward to reading more of Trigell's work in the future.