Reviews

Marzolf debuts with a lively fusion of science, genetics, and ancient mystery, centered on graduate student Inga Adamsen—who’s just trying to make it through her last two semesters when she’s suddenly offered a fellowship at biotech giant Lyndhurst Labs. But that seemingly perfect—and timely—opportunity starts to feel uncertain when Inga uncovers strange connections with Lyndhurst’s CEO, Sean Sinclair. A shocking discovery within the company’s files accelerates her already growing doubts, and, when she confronts Sean with the incriminating information and threatens to go to the authorities, Inga ends up drugged and held captive in an alarming medical facility, where the powers that be inform her as long as she cooperates with their bizarre experiments, she can, eventually, go free.

That’s an ambitious setup right out of the gate, and Marzolf only ups the ante from there. While Inga devises plans to escape her captors—and her father Einar and roommate Sam join forces with an unlikely crew to find and rescue her—parallel storylines track international asset management firm Logo and its somewhat overwhelmed CEO Barry Ford, elite cybercriminals Nikola and Sebastian, the discovery of ancient relics in South America, and a cryptic organization with limitless power—one that seeks something more arcane and frightening than simple world domination. Inga carries the key to several of the story’s mysteries, and, as such, she’s a strong lead—intelligent, street smart, and strong—who is only just realizing the power she holds within. Her journey of discovery will keep readers guessing, and Marzolf’s blend of academia, high-stakes action, and conspiracy entices.

Ultimately, greed and unethical human experimentation form the true villains in this series opener, and, though Marzolf leaves readers with more questions than answers, the fusion of complex family dynamics, biotech thrills, elaborate cybercrime, and ancient mystery will tempt fans of sci fi thrillers with fast-paced, tangled plots.

Takeaway: Ambitious SF packed with action, genetic engineering, and high stakes.

Comparable Titles: Blake Crouch’s Upgrade, Michael Rutger’s The Anomaly.