I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well developed. It had an interesting plot. I would be interested in reading more

A book with thought-provoking -- and scary -- implications that likely are not impossible in today's scientific inquiries. Perhaps a field we should not be poking?? Though unsettling on several levels, I could not put it down for long without being drawn right back in. A must read for anyone who ponders our existence, our past, and our uncertain future. Great book!

*My sincerest thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reviewing an ARC at no charge.*

This is a very timely novel that took on the issues surrounding the ability to use genetic manipulation to our advantages and what that may mean for humanity looking forward. This was science fiction with elements of politics, philosophy and science to name a few of the plot points. Very interesting and important subject given the recent advances in genetic modification and how we treat this as a society/humanity as a whole.

#Cognition #NetGalley

Cognition is what it sets out and states itself to be: a taut science fiction thriller set in a new future, where genetic splicing to produce desired offspring and cloning are already taking place. Espionage between China and the West is rife, being a deadly game with no prisoners taken. Especially where scientific research may be getting too close to the bone.
The action starts with a civil strife-torn Turkey. A young mother, knowing she may soon fall, entrusts her princely offspring to a governess, to be brought up anonymously in the UK.
Fast forward a few years and it seems the said offspring's princliness is not the only thing of of interest to certain kinds of intelligence. Just what kinds of gifts did his parents endow him with?
Meanwhile, resentment us growing towards all those individuals whise genes were hacked at birth birth for better looks and greater intelligence. The popularist worm is turning and soon such individuals may become pariahs.
It did seem that the plot became less taut in the last third or so of the book, more questions unopened. What was the gift of the young girl who killed several operatives with just a look? This is not really explained. Then it is only partly hinted what the gift of our princely hero might be - possibly precognition, though it is never, fully spelt out.
Life of course, can sometimes leave questions over fate and destiny open and individuals still not knowing key things about themselves - all the same, conclusions like these seem less on keeping with the original premise of the story, which did seem to hint at a more obvious danger, to have created do much long-term skullduggery.

This was interesting enough to finish but I didn't like it enough to review it. The story involves gene manipulation and depicts a possible future that would be an odd place to live.

I don't believe the copy I received was final since it was in dire need of editing/proofreading. The way the paragraphs cut off actually affected comprehension. I had to re-read sections to understand which letter/word was meant to go where. The story was confusing and all the loose ends (character wise) did not help mitigate that issue. I finished the book so there's clearly something there to keep the reader's attention, but much more work will be needed to make the story coherent.

Cutting-edge science.

*The bits of information from which learning is built, so hard to come by only a century before, had almost overnight become available to everyone who cared to look, and in such surplus that the ability to sift through an ocean of data had become a critical skill.*

Philosophy.

*“I think it’s fair,” said Valerie, “to ask whether life is something we should do something with, or is more like watching a movie, whose purpose lies in the experience itself.”*

Plenty of heart and humanity.

*....Would ice-cream be more exciting if you found the occasional turd in your scoop? Life can be thrilling enough without heartache.”*

These elements weave into a fast-paced, action-packed storyline with dynamic characters that leap off the pages for a worthwhile read.

Coming from a biological background I found this story thoroughly captivating and immersed myself happily within its pages. It was well written though at times the technical information felt as though I was reading a science paper and not a novel. Even at one stage it appeared as though two different authors had written sections such that the style and flow changed. This might put some readers off as it interrupted the plot flow. That saying the plot captivated and I enjoyed the story throughout.

I found this book to be a confusing mix of fast-paced thriller and deep delving philosophical discussion- but a very interesting dive into politics, genetic engineering, philosophy and many other topics. It is a book that requires your whole attention and will take time to read but the story is still great and takes you on a journey of those impacted by a parent's choice of their DNA. You're immediately thrown into the story - a war is waging, a mother gives her child to another to help him escape and the consequences of individual and corporate decisions. A deep read, this book requires you to sit down and read it and to give it time.

Well, it was interesting technothriller. Very smart, the author definitely know what he's writing of. If You're looking for fast-paced adventure, this isn't it. It's rather character driven story, but it can grip from the start. There was a time I had to focus much on what I was reading about, but only because story i sreally complex and demanding. That's not a book you should go through in one evening. Dive in it for a little longer and you'll grab unique concepts and ideas author created in this novel.

Excellent! The author know his science and politics (and other stuff, too) which obviously added to the effectiveness of his plot. The book starts out with a bang, and good pace ensues. Good dialog, well-form characters, and non-technical prose add to the enjoyment. A cool/unusual thing about this thriller is that it makes you think about our future, especially our ethical choices. Highly recommended.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!