Saturday, November 14, 2020

The Gene by Timothy Browne Blog Tour


About the Book

Book: The Gene

Author: Timothy Browne

Genre: Medical Thriller

Release Date: July 12, 2020

We are the dwelling place of God—it is woven into our very DNA. Do we change the core of who we are by manipulating our genes? Is gene-therapy a miraculous cure or a slippery slope into eugenics?

Following their marriage, Dr. Nicklaus Hart and Maggie Russell enjoy the splendor and passion of a honeymoon in Hawaii. They learn that their union has brought new life, but the overflowing joy of Maggie’s pregnancy and their romantic getaway is interrupted by the shocking news of a genetic disorder discovered in Maggie’s family lineage. The devastating possibility that both Maggie and the baby carry the mutated gene for the horrific Huntington’s disease, shakes their faith.

Faced with this dreadful diagnosis, Nick and Maggie seek peace as they wrestle with the heartbreaking discovery of a genetic disease versus the knowledge that God is good—He has made their baby in His image and knit him together in Maggie’s womb. Like the millions of people around the world affected with genetic disorders, Nick and Maggie look for answers. With the belief that people are the dwelling place of God, and He is woven into the DNA, what should they do when that DNA has been corrupted?

Nick and Maggie travel to Poland, where the top geneticist, Emmanuelle Christianson, has founded and operates BioGenics whose mission statement is: Advancing the Human Genome. They understand that medical advances always cost something, but they face impossible decisions. They are unaware that the sinister side of genetic research has slithered in from the horrors of Nazi death camps into this modern-day technology. Their journey reveals more than the fight for knowledge, it uncovers a simmering evil left over from World War II. One that puts their lives in danger.

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review

This novel is very informative about genetic diseases and gene manipulation. I was amazed and disturbed by what Browne says can be known through DNA sequencing, such as ethnicity, eye and hair color, etc. The potential of snipping out defective sections of the DNA is amazing yet frightening. I like how Browne drew the relationship between Nazi experimentation during WW II and current genetic manipulation. He presents the clear danger of the continuation of work to enhance human stock, basically eugenics.

The large amount genetic information included was shared in what at times seemed forced plot scenes, such as through dialogue or visiting historic sites. I felt informing the reader was forcing the action rather than merely adding to the plot. The author's writing style is straight forward and sometimes seemed awkward. Dumping information often stopped the flow of the plot.

Some of the characters in this novel are not Christians and act like it. There are some vulgar words included. Though they were appropriate of the character, they were surprising. There was also a good amount of suggestive sexual activity. Even though it took place among newlyweds, it was just beyond my own comfort level.

This is a novel for readers who enjoy learning a great deal from novels. You will not be disappointed in that area, learning much about genetics and Polish culture and customs as well.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author

Timothy Browne, MD draws from life and work experience when writing. For many years, he has worked as an orthopaedic surgeon and medical missionary for Operation Blessing, Mercy Ships, and Hope Force International. His work has taken him to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Brazil, Ukraine, Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, North Korea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Haiti and Sierra Leone. He now resides in Western Montana with his wife, Julie, who along with their three sons, served with him.

More from Timothy

Christian Fiction that will get your heart pounding!

After finishing, The Gene, the fourth book in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart Series, I have been able to look back at this body of work. The heart of my prose remains the same: to entertain and educate—fueled with imagination, inspired by history, and grounded in truth. I explored the mystery of North Korea and the threat of bioterrorism in Maya Hope, the complexities of the middle East and the history of Mesopotamia in The Tree of Life, the controversies of Big Pharma and our health in The Rusted Scalpel, and now examine the history of eugenics and the pitfalls of gene-therapy in The Gene.

Writing The Gene has taken significant research: exploration of Poland, investigation of the Nazi doctors and their horrendous medical experiments, the history of eugenics around the world, and of course, the science of genetics. The work has been satisfying, edifying, and many times, heartbreaking.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 14

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, November 15

Texas Book-aholic, November 16

Genesis 5020, November 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17

Betti Mace, November 18

deb's Book Review, November 18

Inklings and notions, November 19

For Him and My Family, November 20

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 20

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, November 21

Rebecca Tews, November 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23

For the Love of Literature, November 24

amandainpa, November 25

Artistic Nobody, November 25 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Emily Yager, November 26

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 27


I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Joan...thank you so much for reading and reviewing The Gene.
It truly means a ton to me.
Blessings to you...Timothy

Bea LaRocca said...

Thank you for sharing your review and the book and author details, this sounds like a fascinating read.

Rita Wray said...

The book sounds very intriguing.

Caryl Kane said...

Joan, Thank you for sharing your content concerns.

Debbie P said...

This sounds like a good and very intriguing book.

Emma said...

This sounds fascinating, but I appreciate that you shared your concerns about suggestive content. That would bother me, too.

James Robert said...

I appreciate getting to hear about your book. Thank you for sharing your great book!

Timothy Browne said...

I so appreciate everyone's thoughts. If you would be interested in starting with the first book in the Series, Maya Hope, here is a way to get it for free: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/660zjltvqg

...Timothy

Timothy Browne said...

Oh, I meant to mention...In honor of Celebrate Lit and my first Blog tour, I have lowered the price of The Gene to $2.99 for a limited time!

...Timothy