NOTE: The author graciously gave me a copy of this book and asked me to write a review.

Authors often combine two storylines in one book, a strategy that always runs the risk that one story will be considerably more interesting than the other, and possibly making readers frustrated and impatient while waiting for the author to get back to “the good stuff.” That’s what happens to Jonas Saul in his novel, “The Immortal Gene,” a mixture of a science fiction main plot and a police procedural secondary plot that is easily more entertaining that the somewhat problematic main storyline.

“The Immortal Gene” is the story of a Toronto-area police detective named Jake Wood, who winds up investigating the latest in a series of murders committed by a very patient, very meticulous, and very sadistically deranged serial killer. The man kills entire families and, over the course of a decade, hasn’t left a bit of forensic evidence behind. Unfortunately for Jake, before he can really look into the case, he is called away, in this case far, far away, to the Brazilian rain forest to try to help out an old friend of his who has run into trouble on his new job with a major pharmaceutical company. While trying to find out what happened to his friend, Jake winds up in a coma for nearly two years, and, when he wakes up, learns that he is now presumed dead. He also discovers that some substances to which he was exposed caused the coma and also resulted in a number of bizarre side effects. When he returns to Canada to take up his pursuit of the serial killer, he finds that he’s attracted the attention of some shadowy and highly dangerous corporate types as well.

Jonas Saul is the author of a lengthy series of thrillers involving another character, Sarah Roberts (none of which I’ve read), and he undoubtedly envisions “The Immortal Gene” as the first in a series of books about Wood. As such, it reads more like the origin story of a comic book superhero than a standalone work. By the end of “The Immortal Gene,” Jake knows that the pharmaceutical company has a vested interest in what has happened to him (although there are still a lot of details that will presumably be worked out in future books), resulting in a somewhat indeterminate ending in that regard. I wasn’t so much upset by the ending itself as by the often sketchy nature of the plot details before that. Specifically, Jake’s trip to the Brazilian rain forest doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, and for an experienced cop, he seems exceedingly trusting, going off to the middle of nowhere without much thought. Nor did the scientific explanation for what happened to Jake make a whole lot of sense either, even by the relaxed standards of thriller writing. Instead, author Saul pretty much asks readers to buy into an incident that seems a heck of a lot like Peter Parker getting bitten by a radioactive spider.

While I felt that the description of what happened to Jake both in the jungle and later back in Canada was too sketchy and, frankly, unengaging, Saul more than makes up for this plotting problem with a terrific secondary storyline. Several chapters in “The Immortal Gene” are told from the point of view of the serial killer, whose modus operandi and motivation are about as twisted as I can recall in this type of book. Further, Saul throws in a couple of plot twists that make the police hunt for the killer that much more difficult. The description of the violence may be a bit much for some readers, but this is one of the best serial killer thrillers I’ve read in a long time, so much so that I really believe it would have read better as a standalone book, rather than an origin piece for another series.

Assigning a rating to “The Immortal Gene” is a bit difficult because of the varying quality of the various sections of the book. The serial killer story would rate four to five stars easily, but the science fiction aspects of the story are far more flimsy and problematic. Hopefully, the author will get another chance to fill in the details in his story in another book. When the two separate storylines in the book eventually do come together, leading to a somewhat complex finale, Saul does a better job with the science fiction aspects of the story. On the basis of a fairly strong ending, I’ll give “The Immortal Gene” a four-star rating with the hopes that the author can smooth out the rough edges the next time around. “The Immortal Gene” isn’t quite immortal yet, but the book has the potential to lead to a series with a pretty long life of its own.

I enjoy most of Jonas Saul’s novels. This one was a bit reminiscent of Stephen King’s the Dead Zone in it’s general plot line and atmosphere but still greatly enjoyable and intense. Jake wood is a great main character, likable and relatable, and leads the story in a white knuckle pace through a great deal of mystery and action.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exhange for an honest review.
I found the book, "Immortal Gene" by Jonas Saul a very strange book.
I think the author had some great ideas here but just failed in the execution.

I really had a hard time connecting with this book. I'm a bio nerd so the cover picture hooked me, but it was much too crime genre for my liking. That was my oversight as it says as much in description. I have read my fair share of books in this genre though as well and still thought the story line was a bit convoluted. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters. It was okay overall, but I really struggled to stay interested and keep reading.

Unfortunately I could not finish this book. I read 20% and could not manifest a connection to any of the characters.

I found the dialogue between characters to be awkward and disingenuous, and the characters themselves were not anyone I felt I could invest in. The transition from scene to scene was a bit strange, and all in all - not my cup of tea.

Thank you for sending a review copy of this book, and I wish the author nothing but the best. Everyone has an audience and unfortunately, I was not the target for this particular novel.

I'm not really sure where to start with this review, the book left me a bit perplexed if I'm totally honest. It seemed like the author had two storylines he wanted to write, and meshed them together. Unfortunately they don't really work together, and we're left with two half stories and a disjointed narrative.

The story starts well, with the introduction of the Blood Eagle Killer and the crime thriller side of the novel. It quickly goes off on a tangent though with Jake heading off to South America and having his accident. Then we are introduced to the sci fi side of the novel, with the immortal gene, rogue scientific company and the changes to Jake's body.

The author tries hard to keep the two stories running together but it just didn't work for me. I was left with a lot of questions on both sides, such as what happened to Luke? What was the scientific company trying to do? What happened in the police investigation at the end of the book? I'm also very puzzled as to why Jake's partner is so accepting of the changes to him and his behaviour, particularly at the end of the novel.

On top of this I found that the dialogue throughout was rather stilted, and the story didn't flow very well.

I don't like writing bad reviews for books, and this one particularly disappoints be as I felt that the author had two really good stories here, both if which could have made cracking novels, but not together. I would have love to read the story of Jake's accident, changes to his body and his subsequent investigation into the company that caused it all.

2* for me, I think the author had some great ideas here but just failed in the execution.



Thanks to NetGalley and Vesuvian Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This novel follows two different characters that are yet intertwined. Jeffrey Harris is a serial killer who has successfully killed his latest family. He is basking in his success for approximately a year and a half until he deices to kill again. Detective Jack Wood and Detective Kirk Aiken are assigned to catch this serial killer, until Wood goes missing and wakes up from a coma eighteen months years.

I started this novel thinking it would be a sci-fi with a crime/mystery element to it. Instead I would strongly classify it as a mystery with a slight sci-fi element (mainly the main character). This distinctive may not seem important but to a reader who loves sci-fi (especially space opera) and only reads mystery novels sporadically it makes a big difference.

The plot was okay but cliche. It read like a typical crime mystery with a villainous serial killer and a hardworking detective. I loved the location, reading about Ontario in such intimate details was phenomenal. This is the first time I have read an author get the details so accurate. The author gets the police structure horrendously wrong, it's actual embarrassing. OPP have investigators not detectives and the RCMP should not have been there at all. RCMP only investigate federal crimes or police federal buildings in Ontario (hence why they are present in Parliament).

I'm not a big fan of gore or torture scenes so a lot of parts with Jeffrey made me very uncomfortable. I really didn't need to read about his murders or fantasies.

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.

I've read several of Jonas Saul's book so was not surprised when I was pulled into this story and read through the night. The Immortal Gene, what every scientist has been looking for since The Fountain of Youth. The book starts as an excellent mystery and ramps up from there. As the first book in a planned series, Saul has taken the time to build his characters and give them emotions and backgrounds that will make their actions and reactions credible. This story line has given us the why of Jake Wood's mission in life, now we'll see where he goes to fight the bad guys and maybe find happiness along the way.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Vesuvian Books and Jonas Saul for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Immortal Gene.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me up until I finished the whole thing. I loved the concept of what was happening to the main character in the novel. The storyline was well thought out and fast paced with plenty of intrigue to keep the reader engrossed.
Definitely well worth a read. I can't wait for the next book in this series. ( please tell me you are going to write another book Mr Saul. )

This is the first book that I have read by Jonas Saul, it is a bit darker than I usually read or like to read. The murders were brutal and tough to take. The first third of the book seemed slow to me, the only thing to happen was the horrible night of murders by a psycho. We also got a feel for our H's "perfect" life, that I wasn't sold on. I kept getting interrupted and almost quit reading, but I am glad I went past the first third mark. I started getting into it once the immortal gene came into play and then it seemed to zoom by. As a sci-fi (or out of the ordinary) lover it became my kind of reading. The ending left me feeling like it had loose ends or a set up for a second book.
I would recommend this read to people who l who don't mind the dark side of a murderer playing a big part with their sci-fi.

Thanks to Netgalley and to the author for an ARC, which I just finished.

Whew! This was going to be easily 4-5 stars. The idea was original and exciting, the writing flawless, the characters well rounded and believable, and it was also a page-turner that is very well plotted. So what's the problem?

IT ENDS WITH A CLIFFHANGER!! And it's a big one, IMHO. I can't tell you how disappointed (and po'd) I am. Anyone who has read any of my reviews knows how I hate cliffhangers. I absolutely won't buy or read authors that do it. I believe it shows great disrespect for their readers, and it's just plain mean. I will never again read a book purported to be by James Patterson, for example. Many, many excellent authors sell book after book in a series without ever resorting to a cliffhanger to get their reader buy the next one. These are authors who clearly respect their readers and have the self-confidence to finish each book without resorting to cliffhangers. I have no problem with hints of problems or issues to come. Just finish the damn book you're writing right now for Pete's sake!

And so, I was going to give this a "one star" because that's the lowest we can go. I actually thought it was "amazing" (five stars) UNTIL that last page. Sorry, Mr. Saul, I won't be reading or recommending anything else you write. (less)

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy some mystery and science fiction. This story centers mostly on Jake, a detective who finds himself in the middle of a major scientific breakthrough and in the middle of a major crime investigation. The first part of the book develops most of the characters nicely; some more predictable (i.e banter with Kirk and sex scene with Cindy), but it was all interesting and well explained. The second part, I could not put the book down. Jake is the foci of the second part and his dilemma is unlike any story I've ever read. Jake's financial situation changes quickly and I find that to be the most disconnected part of the story. Why did Adam step in when he had one outcome in mind? What happened to Luke? Hopefully Luke is explained in the next book! What makes this book so good is that Jake's story was just one slice of this book. Every other chapter shifts from story line to story line. Jeffery Harris's story was just as original and complex as Jake's story, Jeffery's story heats up in the third part and was just absolutely enthralling! I wish there was more for him though. He was such a complex character that we learned more about him every page! Jonas Saul is now on my favorite list and I will be looking for more!

I like science fiction and thrillers and this book is both.
The story kept me interested, couldn’t put it down.

The main character is called Jake. He is a cop turned something else. After going through an immense trauma, he is changed physically and mentally. His life is in ruins. But he tries to start a new life and tries to find out what happened to him and how.
And we have a killer on the loose. He is one sick individual. His character is elaborate, we get to know his motives. It’s importent for me that the story has an ending when you get a closure.

I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book, because the way the story ended is infurianting. It stopped in the middle of a conversation. It’s not fair.

Thank you Netgalley for the oppurtinity to read this book.

If you enjoy both science fiction and crime thrillers, but can’t get to grips with a hefty novel then this may be the book for you!
The story line is easy to follow and although predictable in places, still holds your attention and leaves you ready for the next chapter as Jonas takes you on a journey through the eyes of a detective and the perp they are investigating.
I cannot wait for the next book!

The Immortal Gene was hard for me to put down. As a fan of science fiction, serial killer and police procedural stories I was quite satisfied with how they came together in this book.

At first things are a bit confusing as the switching back and forth is rather abrupt. Definitely keep muddling through as it all makes sense later! I took off a star due to the cliffhanger ending.

Fans of Robin Cook, Stephen King and James Patterson should enjoy The Immortal Gene as it has elements of all three. It is also well written, in my opinion. I definitely recommend it.

Jake is a cop in Ontario soon to be married and seems to have it all. He and his best friend/partner Kirk are drawn into a serial murder case but before they do much investigating Jake flies to Brazil to help his friend Luke in the Amazonian Rainforest. He never finds Luke but he has a freak accident. Waking up in the hospital he finds in life in shreds. His fiancée married another man and is pregnant. His dog dies. His house and belongings have been sold. Understandably he is angry and wants to get away from it all. But Jake has a really bad temper now and some weird abilities he didn’t have before. Is Fortech Industries, the company Luke worked for, involved in this? What has happened to the serial killer? Will Jake ever find peace? You will have to read on to find the answers in this book and subsequent books in this series. This book has mystery, suspense, and science fiction. The pace is fast and keeps you wanting more. Jonas Saul has a winner. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book to review.

Canadian detective goes to Amazon to help friend and wakes up two years later from a coma. Then the story takes off. I enjoyed the book. The plot was well developed and the story flowed easy. Looking forward to next in series.

"The Immortal Gene" by author Jonas Saul comes across as more sci-fi than suspense. What starts off as two seemingly different stories, does ultimately meld together by the story’s end, but since sci-fi is not one of my preferred reading genres, I was more engaged with the crime thriller portion of the story than I was with the portion devoted to the genetic transformation of the book’s protagonist.

Essentially, this is the bizarre tale of two very different men--Detective Jake Wood and serial killer Jeffrey Harris. Guided by the hand of fate, the journey each man travels is suddenly disrupted and diverted, causing their individual paths to eventually converge. Unfortunately, the two individual storylines were too dissimilar and disconnected for my personal liking. I truly felt as though I were alternating between reading two entirely different books.

Then there is the awkward, stilted dialogue, which only serves to detract from the overall story itself. I hate to be super-critical, but there were moments where I literally found myself cringing. Most notably, I found the sexual banter between Jake and his fiancé’ to be more uncomfortable than sensual. And the verbal exchange between Jake and his partner is, at times, bordering on cheesy.

Ironically, it is serial killer Jeffrey Harris that I found to be the more interesting of the two men. By far, his character is more intriguing and offers up more depth than that of the one-dimensional Jake Wood. Hence, I loved the portion of this book that is devoted to Jeffrey’s psychotic murdering spree.

Needless to say, I feel a bit conflicted as I write this review. Can a person love one half of a book and feel let down by the other? Because, dare I say, that’s exactly how I feel! Perhaps if I were more of a sci-fi lover, I could forgive the lack of character development and give the unnatural, affected dialogue a free pass. But, unfortunately, I am not. So, while “The Immortal Gene” boasts a unique and compelling premise, ultimately, the execution falls a bit flat.

Part detective procedural, part sci-fi/adventure, part horror story channeling Koontz and King; fully delightful opening narrative arc of a new series.

The initial depravity is disturbing, but it acts as a crucial backdrop to set up the backstory for a thoroughly enjoyable character development and potential superhero / villain storyline.

Looking forward to the next installment

"Witness the results of insanity enough and a sane mind could slip to the other side.”

I liked the premise of this book but it definitely lacked in execution. The storyline was scattered and it seemed the author changed direction midstream without shoring up the new ideas.

The dialogue throughout was terrible - stilted and wooden. I found it hard to believe that the author has written a number of books previously. There were many aspects that seemed like freshman efforts.

The characters are one-dimensional and stereotypical. The main character is Ontario Provincial Police Detective Jake Wood. Well, I did a simple bit of internet research and that's not even a rank in the OPP. They have constables and even sergeant constables (and other quasi-military ranks) but I found nothing about detectives. How hard is it to do some simple research or even make a phone call to the OPP to discuss rank structure?

So I was not impressed. At all. Oh, and there was one laughable sex scene that should have just not been included.

I received this book from Vesuvian Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.