Kira, a social outcast at her high-school, works as many part-time jobs as she can to pay the family’s bills and help her cancer-stricken mother. But she’s also a brilliant scientist more interested in unlocking the mystery of life and death than the social code to popularity.

Her life changes overnight when she wins a prestigious science contest and is swept up into an international intrigue (sorry, can’t reveal more, don’t want to spoil the fun!) And it is fun as Leimbach takes us on a wild ride to European capitals, underground labs, elegant ballrooms and even to the Hall of Mirrors where the first Nobel Prize was awarded. It’s clear that Leimbach has done her homework as the descriptions are so vivid that you feel like you’re there.

Kira is a complex and compelling character (she reminded me of Beth, the chess prodigy in The Queen’s Gambit). You can’t help but fall in love with her as she desperately tries to do the right thing but is thwarted at every turn. I felt like shouting at her as I read the pages, “No! Don’t trust him! He’s lying!!” You root for her, you cry with her and you hold your breath as she runs from danger. If you don’t want to get emotionally involved, don’t pick this one up.

There was so much I loved about the book. The wonderful characters (in addition to Kira, there’s a cast of well-developed secondary figures) and the propulsive plot. But what really sets this YA thriller apart is Leimbach’s skillful integration of real science into the story world. Leimbach’s explanations of lab protocols, animal experimentation, brain research, etc. were fascinating and were seamlessly woven into the action.

Leimbach is an established adult author so no surprise that she nailed this one, her first foray into YA fiction. A previous book was made into a movie. No doubt this one will too. Definitely 5 stars!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this advanced reader's copy.

I think this was more heavily science based than I would normally go for but I love that a strong female character is featured in that context. I Think the book is great for the target audience and is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you for this boon in exchange for a review. I really liked this book. I loved the premise as it was something different from books that are out there. I loved seeing a female in the sciences, as a fellow female science nerd this was very refreshing. I loved the idea of walking that thin line of helping and playing God. Overall great read!