Replication

Martyr swallowed and closed his eyes. “My purpose is to expire. To be a sacrifice for those who live outside. I expire in twenty-five days, when I turn eighteen. Then my purpose will be fulfilled.”

Book: Replication by Jill Willamson, Zondervan Publishers, 2011

Genre: Science Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 16-20

Subjects: Cloning, Genetics, Chronic disease, Dating relationships, friendship, evangelism, love

Summary:  J:3:3 has one purpose in existence – to expire. He’s a real human, but he’s been cloned in secret cloning farm and taught all his life that he will only live for a certain time and only to make it so that others can live full lives in the outside world. Abby doesn’t know what her purpose in existence is. Her parents fought a lot while her mom was alive, then her mom died of cancer. Now her dad is hauling her off to Alaska where he’s found a new job and Abby is even more unsure what her purpose is. When their two worlds collide everything they thought they knew about themselves could change.

Notes: This book explores a concept that some believe will be reality one day: cloning human beings. Abby knows what her mom believed about it and knows what her dad believes about it and has to decide for herself what she believes. She is a Christian and bases her decisions on her Christian worldview. Martyr quickly becomes a Christian, eagerly studying the Bible and learning more about God. When romance comes into the picture, it comes from studying the Bible. Martyr, the new Christian, then at the end, shows Abby, the one who has been a Christian for years, what it means to follow Christ. And once again, the Bible is quoted. The Bible and what it means to truly follow Christ is a big focus of this book. It is implied as the ultimate source of authority.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 16:11 – You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.