A fantastic fast paced novel with intriguing and interesting concepts moulding together politics, science, big business and family. Particularly impressive bearing in mind it's a debut novel. The early interaction between Robert Hand; the new Prime Minister and his son is a nice touch and something that drew me in as it gave an insight into traditionally hard to read characters/relationships. The further dialogue with the PM, Icks and Haugan (in interesting and pertinent settings and scenarios) set the scene for a tense and interwoven storyline focused around Candidate 1456, a at times pitiable but fickle character who's decisions surrounding the experiment shape the storyline. Interesting to see where your allegiances lie throughout as the key characters have their likeable traits and flaws exposed as the story develops. A great first time novel and interesting to see what comes next.