This was such a unique story, with mystery and twists, and I enjoyed the audio format which I listened to in pretty much one sitting.

*many thanks to RB Media and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley was such a fun and fascinating read! It felt like a mix of The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, with its unique premise and intriguing twists. Kit’s journey kept me hooked the whole way through—part science, part heart, and full of surprises. If you love stories that play with time in unexpected ways while still packing an emotional punch, this one’s definitely worth a read!
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley.

The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley by Shelley Wood was an intriguing book. The storyline made me question if the book was fiction or fact. I enjoyed the narrator.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media Recorded Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Interesting concept of baby Kit born on Leap Year Day in 1916. She ages at 1/4 the rate of other people and her family has to move around a lot to hide her slow growth.

I enjoyed Rachel Botchan's narration.

Kit McKinley was born on February 29, 1916 after an unusually long pregnancy. Her mom, Lillian, was a war widow, whose sister and late husband’s brother helped raise Kit. They soon noticed that Kit was not aging as quickly as other children, seeming to age 1 physical year every 4 calendar years. For decades, her family moves around, keeping her secret safe from the press, Nazi scientists, and pharmaceutical companies, until Kit is old enough to pass for an adult and make decisions herself.

Based on the blurb, I expected part of the book to cover what decision Kit made regarding revealing her secret to the world and what consequences her decision brought about in her adult life. However, the book ended just at the hint that she could make that decision herself, so I was personally a bit disappointed based on expectations from the blurb. The story that was told was interesting and well-written. The story is written from multiple points of view, mostly those taking care of Kit, with Kit’s own voice being added once she gets older. I did feel the story could have been slightly shorter, as the plot dragged at times.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.

It seems Kit McKinley is born with a gene that coordinates with Western calendar's February leap year. . .and since being born on that once in 4 years date (the 29th), she has a yearly growth rate that is 1-to-4 compared with other children. In other words, when she has been alive 8 years she's aged only to the stage of a two year old. Eight years of diapers (if she was a late learner) would be challenging.

Lucky for the long line of her caretakers who also have to move often, and become adept at ID fraud, Kit is precocious - sorta - and her adventures kept me reading. I wanted to bond with these characters with this problem that is fresh and new, but I didn't. Her keepers are in thrall to her as an 'experiment' and the end was rather dismaying - potentially she could live for centuries. Usually that presents as an intriguing promise in a read. . .for me, in this one, that feels like a sentence.

Unless. . . .she goes undercover and becomes a spy???!!? Ok. Maybe then I'll stay in. (So, 2.5 stars, rounded up.)

*A sincere thank you to Shelley Wood, RBmedia, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

"The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley" is a historical fiction book about Kit McKinley - a girl born on the 29th of February 1916. She's a bright young girl, but she ages slowly for some reason - to put it simply she ages one year in the span of four years. Since she was born during a time when being special was a bit taboo, her family has to hide her secret and protect her.

I listened to the audiobook version of the book. The story, in general, was fascinating and gripping enough to make me go back to it, although to me it was a rather slow-paced book. The characters were well developed and I loved that the plot took place in various places across the world.

The book is told from various Kit's family member's POVs and eventually from her POV. To me Kit's POV was definitely the weakest one. Everyone in Kit's family had to make sacrifices and it seemed like Kit was just a bit ungrateful to her family who put so much effort into keeping her and her secret safe for over 60 years (or more).

I would recommend the book to anyone who's looking for a historical fiction book with a twist.

My overall score is 3.5 stars.

My overall score is 3.5 stars.

Shelley Wood’s *The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley* is an audiobook that feels both deeply intimate and intellectually stirring, an intricate weave of science and humanity that lingers long after the final chapter. At its heart is Kit McKinley, a leap year baby with a rare genetic mutation that offers the tantalizing promise of longevity—but with strings attached. Through her journey, Wood explores profound questions about identity, family, and the inescapable influence of genetics on our lives, and the audiobook format amplifies these themes in a way that feels deeply personal.

The story’s pacing is a highlight, blending moments of quiet introspection with bursts of emotional intensity that keep the listener hooked. This isn’t just a tale about science or an extraordinary mutation; it’s an exploration of how the very fabric of our biology intersects with the choices we make. Kit’s voice—earnest, sharp, and occasionally vulnerable—pulls you into her world, making her struggles and triumphs feel tangible. The audiobook’s narration elevates this connection, delivering her story with a raw authenticity that breathes life into her character. The narrator’s skillful shifts in tone and cadence help distinguish each character, while Kit’s inner thoughts are captured with a perfect balance of fragility and strength.

One of the most striking aspects of this story is its ability to make complex scientific ideas accessible. The concept of a “leap year gene” could easily feel abstract or overly technical, but Shelley Wood’s writing, paired with the narrator’s warmth, ensures that these ideas are relatable. You don’t need to be a geneticist to feel the weight of Kit’s decisions and the ripple effects on her family and future.

The themes in *The Leap Year Gene* are universal, yet uniquely framed through Kit’s perspective. It challenges listeners to think about what it truly means to live a “full” life. How much of our identity is shaped by biology versus choice? And can science bring us hope without robbing us of wonder? These questions resonate not only as intellectual exercises but as deeply personal meditations, making the audiobook as much a journey of self-reflection as it is a narrative about Kit.

From a technical standpoint, the audiobook is flawlessly produced. The sound quality is clear and immersive, allowing the story’s emotional beats to land without distraction. The narrator’s delivery is nuanced, with pauses and inflections that amplify key moments, turning already powerful scenes into unforgettable experiences.

*The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley* is an audiobook that will appeal to anyone who loves stories blending scientific intrigue with emotional depth. It’s a rare gem that feels both introspective and expansive, inviting you to think deeply while connecting on a visceral level. Whether you’re listening on a long drive, during a quiet evening, or while on a reflective walk, this audiobook has a way of embedding itself in your mind and heart. Shelley Wood has crafted something extraordinary here, and it’s an experience worth savoring. Five stars, without hesitation.

While I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator I did enjoy the book and tandem reading and listening. The story is such a great concept and one I haven't read before

I loved the concept of this story. The idea of a leap year gene and a character who ages every 4 years. I wasn’t expecting it to be such a historical novel of science and the ongoing around the main character. I did enjoy the novel, it was captivating with rich lovely characters. I did feel the novel was very slow paced and went a lot of directions. If you’re looking for a slow paced historical journey through time this is your book! Creative author, great audio!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.

dnf at 33%

Another entry in the "The Time Traveller's Wife" genre. I only wonder how you can make such a fascinating story idea turn out so utterly boring? There are the eugenics, classism and fascism of the early 20th to discuss, the burgeoning science of genetics, so many interesting topics that could be explored in a book like The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley - yet they are only ever touched upon on a surface level, only ever serving as a motivation for Kit's family to move from place to place, lest her slow aging be discovered. Possibly the worst choice the author made, in my opinion, is having the story be told from Kit's parents' point of view (though I can only speak for about the first third of the book, since this is how far I got). To quote a popular meme: "I don't want these."

This novel has a super interesting premise, and much of the book was interesting, but it just dragged too much and tried to do too much. The political commentary was interesting, but it just tried to cover too much - from Nazi's to birth control, because Kit lives so long the book runs the gamut. But, as a reader, I just got bored and ended up speeding up the recording to get through it.

Most of the relationships started out good, but then were underdeveloped and too many things were too much of a coincidence, so it got annoying.

I'm glad I finished the book, but can't really think of anyone to whom I'd recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Spanning decades and continents this is a heartfelt story about a baby born with a rare genetic disorder that has her aging one year for every four. It's also a story about sisters, family, love, the changing course of medicine in the 20th century and so much more. Original, moving and hard to put down, this was good on audio and a fun departure from the Canadian author's debut, The Quintland sisters. It would also make for an excellent book club pick, full of controversial topics sure to inspire healthy debates. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Overall 4 stars. I recommend this book for people who like historical fiction and the premise of the leap year gene. It's an interesting read.
Thank you to Netgalley, RB Media, and Shelley Wood for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. 🌟

Dear The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley,
You were a spur of the moment request from NetGalley. I think I was hoping for Oona Out of Order vibes from you. Unfortunately, because you lacked the perspective of Kit for most of the story, it was hard for me to get into her head and understand her struggles. I really enjoyed your concept but you just lacked somewhat in character development and execution for me.

This book seemed a little long and sometimes seemed to drag a bit. It is a history from 1916 to the present and much time is spent on discussing pertinent topics- the World Wars, eugenics, the discovery of DNA and genetics, medical ethics-as relating to Kit McKinley., but the book would not have been as meaningful and thought provoking without this history. The premise-a leap year baby that only ages 1 year for every 4-was unique. It probably sounds inviting to look younger than your years but this book explores the problems involved for the whole family. To avoid questions about Kit and the danger they could bring in trying times, and not wanting to try to explain what even they didn't understand, the family had to keep moving. I quickly became invested in the characters, who developed throughout the book. The audiobook was well done.. Rachel Botchan did an excellent job with the narration, with a voice well modulated and easy to listen to. This book may not be fore everyone but for those interested in history and medicine I highly recommend it.

I just finished the most interesting historical epic audiobook. The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley was amazing. I truly enjoyed it.

3.5 Stars
Such and interesting book! This is a slow read that takes you through the life of Kit who was born on Leap day and only ages a year on the Leap years. The narrator was phenomenal and did such a great job with all of the voices and accents. Pick this one up if you love historical fiction and a good slow read. Perfect for cozy fall read.

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this Audio book.

ARC audiobook was provided by NetGalley. Thanks for the read!

I really enjoyed this story, which follows Kit McKinley from prior to her birth in 1916 to nearing 100 in 2015. By her 100th, she will look only twenty-five. The book follows the challenges this presents for her and everyone around her. Each character is well developed, whether with us from chapter one or only a few from the end. Most importantly, there was a feeling of normalcy amongst the chaos of all of the decisions that had to be made. It's not normal to age so slowly, to have to worry about moving regularly and forging believable documents to keep up the ruse, or to have to worry about losing the love of your life far sooner than anyone else. And yet for Kit these things are as common to think of as what outfit she might wear. She must always be careful but this hasn't shaped her into living fearfully. She is simply taking each day as it comes, and this helps guide the reader along her curious journey.

Admittedly the description led me to think it would be geared more toward the nazi risk but this wasn't the case, although it was a major event in Kit's life. Despite this, I was drawn in and couldn't stop listening.

The narrator was great - easy to listen to and could differentiate between characters with her tone. The one struggle I did have, by no fault of the author or narrator, was to truly understand the character names. Kit has wonderful travels and people all over the world that she meets. In written books, I have the opportunity to look up the pronunciation but I wasn't sure how to do this the opposite way. It didn't take away from the story at all.

Absolutely adored this book but I would have loved to see Kit through to her 100th. This isn't a spoiler - she's presumably alive given her condition - the book just stops shy of it. Unless it's leading into a sequel... in which case I take it back.

Kit McKinley was born on Feb 29. She ages at 1/4 the rate as her peers and parents. A very interesting concept.

The author has Kit in Nazi Germany when the regime was trying to purge society of anyone "special" and not within their norms.

I enjoyed the majority of The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley. Kudos to the author for inserting Jesse Gelsinger into the story; the first person publicly identified as having died in a clinical trial for gene therapy. I feel that I had heard of this trial, but it had slipped my mind. I'm glad to have been reminded that he was a hero.

I had the opportunity to review the advance listen copy of the audiobook. Narrator Rachel Botchan did a wonderful job with narration. The family moved around a great deal (to many countries) to keep Kit's youth more difficult to detect. There were many accents and I think she handled them perfectly.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher Recorded Books for approving my request to read the advance review copy of The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley in exchange for an honest review. The audio is 13 hours and 37 minutes. Publication date is Aug 6, 2024.

Wasn't keen on the last couple chapters; hence the 4 stars vs 5.