Review: Exciting Thriller with a Compelling Premise
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 18, 2013
“Origins” is a top-notch thriller with all of the requisites for a fast-paced read: ruthless and determined government officials, likeable protagonists in danger, and a well-developed sense of tension throughout.The story begins with a Stanford professor named James Cutter, who has been hired by the government for secret studies, but the results of the studies based on adults are not proving satisfactory. They decide to move onto children, masking the studies as scholarship screenings—and they find more than they bargained for in two young students named Ronnie and Cassie. Ronnie and Cassie have extraordinary psychic powers the government is eager to harness for its own political gain—but the two have other ideas for their future once they figure out what is happening, and together they are a dangerous force to be reckoned with.Ronnie and Cassie, as the two heroes of the novel in danger, are written realistically, especially their dialogue; their personalities are distinct and they balance each other well. They prove to be strong and resourceful, and the corruption of those trying to use them drives the two to extraordinary and disturbing lengths. The suspense develops quickly and propels the plot forward, as the focus alternates between Ronnie and Cassie, those pursuing them, and various other characters. Their power is also fascinating and adds a light sci-fi element to the book. I would recommend “Origins” to readers who enjoy thriller/suspense novels, especially with a sci-fi twist.