The Y FactorAbout the Book:
National Geographic’s Genographic Project is mapping hundreds of thousands of DNA samples to develop a comprehensive family tree of the human race. Computer scientist Eric Colburn and geneticist Alana McKinsey join the project and continue their college romance, but find the stress of workplace conflict and business travel test the limits of their relationship. Eric stumbles on a plot by a brilliant Muslim scientist, Dr. Alomari, who has co-opted the Genographic project.Before Eric is able to produce the proof, he is targeted by al Qaeda assassins in a series of devastating attacks. A Mossad agent uncovers the explosive plot: Alomari plans to inflame the Muslim faithful with genetic proof that will vindicate Ishmael as the rightful heir of the Abrahamic covenant. Armed with this knowledge, Alomari vows to unify the fractured Muslim kingdoms into a mighty Islamic empire that will finally drive the Jews into the sea.
It’s a race against time as Alana becomes a target in an attempt to silence Eric. When she disappears in the slums of Karāchi, Pakistan, Eric resolutely embraces the role of reluctant hero and is determined to rescue the woman he loves. Eric succeeds and they desperately elude the relentless terrorists, but their options begin to diminish. Their hope of staying hidden begins to fade as Alana relays an urgent plea to her brother, an officer with the Navy SEALs.Will the SEALs risk a daring rescue from a Islamic nuclear power – a tenuous ally in the war on terror? Will Eric and Alana live to reveal the explosive truth? The Y Factor will keep you engaged as these subplots come to a breathtaking climax.
About the Author:Liam Roberts’ fascination with genetics—particularly the Genographic Project sponsored by The National Geographic Society and the idea that the story of Noah’s flood might be recorded in our DNA—combined with an interest in Islamic terrorism, provide the impetus for this debut novel. Roberts has a popular blog where he writes on topics surrounding Christianity and Islam in America. He has been married for thirty-three years to his wife, Marsha, and they have been blessed with three incredible children.
My Review:
To be honest, I went into this book a bit hesitant. It seemed like a book that was out of my desired reading groups: romance, historical, easy. For some reason, I was compelled to agree to a review. It is definitely different than any other book I've ever read. For this to be Liam Roberts first book is astonishing.
This is a political/medical thriller that will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end. There is no let up in this story! Roberts keeps the story tightly woven and I don't feel like he's left any loose ends. With all the political, medical, religious, and technological information being woven throughout the story you'd think it'd be easy for even the author to get lost in the story lines. Definitely not the case here.
I came away from this story with understanding so much more about the National Geographic Society & IBM's part in the genome research. I even looked up "Genome Project" on Google and sure enough the NGS research came up!! Can I admit something? After all the mystery & intrigue (and killing) I thought more than a couple of time that I might not want to type those words on my computer! I mean, it's not only Big Brother who's watching, as this book reveals!
The historical facts in this story weave well with the line of the al Qaeda. The part they play in our world is frightening and learning why they detest anyone who isn't a staunch Muslim is disheartening. I learned a lot from reading this book and stuck with it to the very end.
Towards the end of the book, I found one item that interested me. Military families were encouraged to get rid of anything that associated them with the military for fear of becoming targets. No bumper stickers, Marine flags flying with the American flag, etc. What would happen if terrorists were able to get vital information from a database with that information? It would have devastating effects!
So, even if you aren't into technology, science, or politics, you would still enjoy this book! Seriously! This typically isn't my cup of tea, but it had me on the edge of my seat, no foolin'! I have several people I'd like to give my copy to, so I won't be able to give yet another book away. I apologize! I know you look for giveaways here, but I need to make sure I share them outside of the net as well. I hope you understand. Thank you so much for visiting!
*UPDATE* The author has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of The Y Factor to one commenter! See, you never know who's watching what you do online!!
For the longest time, pretty much all my life, we believed our Polish heritage was linked to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Alas, in the last year or so, we found out we're Bohemian/Czech. I've always talked about how Polish I am. Now my 18 yr old loves saying she's Bohemian.
To win Mr. Roberts book, share with us who you are a descendent of. Leave a comment with your email address. No email = No entry. Giveaway open to US residents (not because I think we're superior, but because shipping isn't cheap) 18 and older. Void where prohibited. Giveaway will run through November 11, 10pm.
I'd like to give my sincerest thanks to Liam Roberts for his generous donation of The Y Factor. This book was offered after my review was complete and had no bearing on my opinions.
10 comments:
Greetings! Thank you for your review of my book! Your comments are greatly appreciated.
You're the first reviewer that's commented on the real-life aspects of The Y Factor. There is more fact than fiction in the book. My son is a SEAL, and many of the incidents I wrote about came from his experiences. And yes, we were told that we should remove all evidence of our connection to the SEALs because al Qaeda was targeting families of our special forces. That is the primary reason for writing under a pseudonym.
Since you will be reviewing this before posting it: I'll be happy to provide a copy of The Y Factor for you to give away. I can either mail it to you, or mail it directly to the winner, whichever you choose. Also - if your book club would select my book, I will be happy to provide copies at a nominal cost.
Blessings,
Liam Roberts
This is exactly the type of book I love to read, as a lot of the things you read are real. I've read different authors who wrote of things we are going through now. At the time, my family laughed at me. They don't any more. This book sounds like one of those. Please enter me. Thanks!!!
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
I found you on Momlogic- and I LOVE your blog- Very interesting book here- I am not of Polish descent, but of Norwegian descent. Wonder how that plays into all of this?
sara_broers@yahoo.com
Would enjoy reading this book...thanks for the opportunity.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
my dad, son and I would all love to read this book!
we are descendents of Buffalo Bill Cody!
stampedwithgrace at cox dot net
This book sounds so interesting and I love to read exactly these types of thrillers. If you would enter me into your draw that would be awesome.
In case I don't get chosen I will definitely add your book to my must read list.
Thanks,
Brenda
joudreyb@yahoo.com
I love to read medical thrillers and books that keep you on your seat. I am flying to my sisters and need a good book to read on the plane.
I've not really read political thrillers but do read medical thrillers and the idea of both is interesting. Would love to be entered in the giveaway.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds fascinating - I love books that are both interesting and educational - especially ones that send me googling!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
I would love to read this book!
My e-mail address is hoerauf at comcast dot net
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