Customer Reviews

The Clone Codes #1

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The Clone Codes should have been a fantastic book. The setting and premise are promising - a future world where clones and cyborgs are treated as property and less-than-human. An underground organization, deliberately compared to the Underground Railroad on the nineteenth century, strives to win personal rights for all human beings, and members find themselves declared enemies of the state. Leanna Deberry, a teenage girl clone who was raised as a human, represents the sole proof that second-generation beings are equal to their progenitors.

In my opinion, it's the style of writing that diminishes this wonderful premise into a 3-star book. In the belief that young readers have no patience, the authors have rushed to dump us immediately into the danger-escape-chase mode, without taking the time to build a setting full of richly drawn characters we care about. I found the writing extremely bumpy at the beginning. I believe that readers delving into science fiction and fantasy need to be given time and space to suspend their disbelief. The book should draw you in gently until you are willing to believe whatever the narration gives you. Instead, while reading The Clone Codes, I found myself saying, "C'mon now! Do you expect me to buy this?"

Throw in some aliens where none are really needed, and include the unfortunate fact that there are few surprises in the book (every big reveal was something that I'd seen coming for a long time) and readers may be left with a disappointment.

The idea behind "Clone Codes" is interesting: a way to teach young readers today about the past issue of slavery by placing similar conditions in a future world. However this isn't a new idea really and therefore it had to be something quite special to stand out for me. Sadly it fails on several levels.

First, the book is simply too short. There is no solid conclusion to our heroine's adventures. While that might be ok if this were the first book in a series, I see no evidence of that plus it ends rather suddenly as though this copy wasn't finished and was missing at least 20 pages.

Second, the characters are not fully explored. I want to care about Leanna, I really do but I don't feel enough time was spent on her life to get a good feel for her. After events start happening to her, she seems to flow with them instead of directing or influencing them very highly. Yes, she is just a teenager but for a book written for teens and tweens I expect more active characters for their age group.

Third, some aspects of the world or just briefly mentioned and never fully explored. Who are these aliens exactly? We see them only for a brief time. Why does a ship's computer seem to behave in an odd fashion? Why would a family risk it all to break the laws and clone a child? Why is this even called "Clone Codes"? I have an idea but it isn't very clear and I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who might decide to give it a shot.

Finally, even though I'm a historian and one of my topics is slavery, the use of antebellum southern slavery here is like a huge hammer hitting the reader over the head. It's just too convenient some of the things that happen and some of the information Leanna is flat out given.

The result is that I was deeply disappointed by this book though I have to give it a star for even attempting to make a future connection to our own history on such a difficult subject.

The great thing about this YA sci-fi book is that much like most good sci-fi the book opens the door to great discussions about issues. With this book, we can think of the under-class, who do jobs that most don't want to do. However, in this future world clones are doing the "dirty" jobs. And, the clones do not have rights--aren't viewed as being worthy of rights, since they are not human.

Yes, the book is predictable at times, but this book is geared for the YA crowd and not necessarily adults. Even if teens are left thinking, "Oh, I saw that coming," we can still discuss slavery, union politics, and the nativist rumblings in the US for instance and how some groups are viewed as being less worthy of full civil rights and protections.

Some books open the door for more conversation, and this book is one of those books. Is it a classic or later to be designated classic, no, but it offers teachable moments and that makes it a worthy read. I have suggested the book to my tween and she will get to it--big pile of books to read.

In the year 2170, a hundred years after the Cyborg wars, humanity has had peace and prosperity, and yet things are not as rosy as they seem. Cyborgs are only considered 3/5 human and do not have many rights. Clones have even fewer. For the global Clone Code states:

"The Clone Codes:

Clones are living organisms patented by Topas Corporation International. All rights are reserved.

* All clones are to be identified by numbers or alphanumeric designations. The use of names is restricted.
* Clones have no rights under a court of law and are recognized solely as property.
* Groups of clones in excess of three are not permitted without direct human supervision.
* Attempting to educate a clone beyond its work model specifications is forbidden and punishable in accordance with article 3C74.
* The manufacture of a clone in the likeness of a child is a capital offense.
* Imprinting the ability to mimic human emotions into a clone's behavioural patterns is forbidden.
* A clone that disobeys a direct order must immediately be taken to a processing center for decommissioning.
* Instructing a clone to lie is restricted.
* Since clones are not citizens, they may not participate in elections.


Issued by the Clone Humane Society, the government agency for the protection and processing of clones."

The story focuses around a group called the Liberty Bell, modeled after and a continuation of the abolitionists' movement, founded by Benjamin Franklin. He was contacted by the O - observers from the future who have appeared from the future to humans at different points in history to help foster freedom and liberty for all humans. Those contacted are called Custodians they are shown truths and help lead and guide the Liberty Bell movement to work for human freedom. The Custodians are Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), Justice John Marshall Harlan (1833-1911), Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), Dr. David H. Montgomery (2057-2142) and an unknown child who will be contacted in 2170. Our story is also the story of Leanna Deberry; she is a 13 year-old girl, going to school and hanging out with friends. Then her world is shattered. Her mother, world-renowned child doctor Annette Deberry, is arrested for treason and terrorism for her role in the Liberty Bell group. Soon Leanna finds herself on the run and with unusual help. She finds out the truth about a family secret that shatters her perception of herself and her world view.

This is an amazing book and the first in a trilogy by the McKissacks. It is fast- paced and gripping. Once I picked it up I did not want to put it down and read it in 2 sittings. In part, it is a retelling of the antislavery story in a future setting; it uses historical characters and their lives and examples in a different context much like the books in the 39 Clues Series. But it is also partially a retelling of antislavery and antiracism much like Sven Lindqvist's The Skull Measurer's Mistake, but in a fictional setting. It is well researched and very well written. It even has a bit of a Blade Runner feel to it that will make it intriguing to older readers.

Overall I would say it was an excellent book, which I could not put down. I highly recommend it to young and old alike. I am eagerly awaiting the second book which will be told from a cyborg's perspective - a young man named Houston Ye, one of the people to help Leanna.

Note: Preview of book 2 states:

"By order of the World Federation of Nations (WFN), as of January 1, 2084, all persons who have been enhanced with three or more biofe, or synthetic body or organ replacements, shall be classified as three-fifths of a human being, or a cyborg.

The Cyborg Act of 2130
For the security and general welfare of the cyborg race, these protections have been established on this the 7th day of October, 2130.

The Cyborg Codes

* All cyborgs must be registered with the Bureau of Cyborg Affairs (BCA).
* Those that are cyborgs must live within designated areas set aside on the Moon Colony. If a cyborg desires to live or work elsewhere, it must acquire BCA permission.
* It is mandated that cyborgs may not serve as officers in the World Federation of Nations' defence forces or serve in any national law enforcement agencies.
* Cyborg children must attend one of four cyborg academies based on test scores and abilities.
* All cyborgs over the age of 16 must be employed.
* Cyborgs need permission from the BCA to marry or have children.
* The BCA will provide cyborgs with medical insurance and health-care needs.
* Cyborgs cannot inherit real property.
* Cyborgs can only participate in amateur or professional sports within the Cyborg Leagues."

Looks like it will be another great one.

The Clone Codes Trilogy:
The Clone Codes - Book 1
Confessions of a Cyborg - Book 2 (February 2011)
Unnamed - Book 3 (February 2012)

This book is aimed at early teen readers, and hits that mark fairly well, but this does mean that most adult readers might find this a little spare and too simplified.

In the year 2170, clones are treated very much like slaves, and are required to be specially marked (mainly through obvious body changes, such as blue skin). The book follows thirteen-year old Leanna, who at the beginning of this book feels that this treatment of clones is appropriate (if she thinks about it all), but who suddenly has her world turned upside down when her mother is arrested for treason. What follows next is a series of adventures and harrowing experiences that help open Leanna's eyes both to the truths of her world and its parallels to the history of the United States as exemplified by people like Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.

While Leanna's growth as a person is done fairly well, I did find the plot was somewhat marred by too many coincidences and somewhat inadequate thinking by the 'bad guys' along with a somewhat rushed exposition. In addition, the ending does not fully resolve all the issues, probably indicating that there might be a sequel planned, but as it stands it left me feeling a little let down and without a feeling of completeness. The world McKissack builds here is fairly well done, showing some very interesting gadgets, the most impressive of which would make great teaching aids.

A reasonable book for its intended audience, which might help expand a young person's awareness of the issues of slavery and prejudice based on perceived difference, but lacking robustness of development and with too weak an ending to fully grab.

---Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)

A novel which asks the question : can a young clone girl find happiness
with an older cyborg boy? Do they deserve a world that thinks they are human?
I just watched I, Robot [Blu-ray]
where Will Smith as the detective plays a cyborg
who distrusts robots. With supermarkets , and gas stations having robot check out clerks,
the future seems to be corporations displacing humans in order
to lower their overhead, so a book that thinks in terms of how the
future might treat these creations of science and technology is good idea.
I liked the book.

Things you need to know about the book:
- It's only 165 pages double-spaced, really a novella rather than a novel
- There is no ending, just an unresolved cliffhanger. This appears to be the first of a series of books. Based on the contents of the novel, I can't decide if this is good or bad.

A large part of my problem in rating this book is that it is extremely well written for its target audience: teenagers, particularly girls. On the one hand, the book is technicaly very well written and the background is well developed with a deft use of a few words that is quite impressive. On the third hand, it hits you over the head clumsily and repeatedly with certain basic themes. In other words, the book is very much hit and miss, much like the teenagers it is supposed to connect with.

The heroine of the book, Leanna, is a spunky 13 year old girl and behaves EXACTLY like a spunky 13 year old girl. I applaud the realism while shuddering at the results because she is frequently put in situations where 13 year old girls will not do well and she doesn't.

The authors make use of a lot of virtual reality scenes, which makes a lot of sense given the way technology is going and the fact that a lot of the history is delivered in a "you were there" mode that makes it more real to teen-aged readers but the scenes fall oddly flat and I can't figure out why. On the other hand, the social interaction scenes are quite vibrant and interesting to read.

Another indication of the split-personality of the book is that astute readers are able to see a lot hints of things going on "off-stage" that are potentially interesting and dangerous but the main character (absolutely true to her 13 year old maturity level) is frequently surprised and irritated when they come into her life. Is this a positive or a negative? I guess that depends on the reader but it turned me off.

The plot (what there is of it) is nicely developed and the character is forced into an ever-more harrowing set of circumstances that build suspense nicely and lead to the unresolved cliff-hanger end.

If you're a teen-aged girl you'll probably like this one quite a bit but if you're a middle aged male you're going to say something like "it's okay but with a bit more work and length it could have been quite a bit better."

CLones Codes was an interesting and fast paced read. I put this book on the same level reading grade wise as the Among the Hidden series. Leanna is a young 13 year old girl who finds that her mother is arrested for treason. What is this treasonous crime? Merely believing that Clones and Cyborgs are humans as well, not 'Second'. When Leanna's mother is taken her world falls apart. Those that she thought were friends and neighbors are now transformed into people who just want to turn her into the authorities. Luckily though friends in unlikely places begin to pop out from the wood work to help Leanna on her way to justice.

This was a middle school level book. The plot was not that difficult and the characters a little 2D, but for a 12 year old this would be a fun ride through a futuristic version of Earth 100 years from now. It causes us to question what it means to be human. Are clones human? Especially the skin colored clones that are manufactured for little more than menial labor? Or what about the humans who are in accidents and become bionic? With their extra strength are they considered still human? And more importantly who decides? The supreme court? The states? The UN? Or the bigoted people who are afraid of anything or anyone different? I recommend this book for anyone who enjoyed Skinned, Uglies and The Hidden. It is lower reading level, but the underlying themes shine through. I wonder how Leanna will save her mother and their world in the next book.

Clones are not humans. They have no names. They have no rights to own property because they are considered property. Programmed for specific purposes they perform their jobs and cannot tell a lie. Bald, color coded and treated like machines it isn't hard to tell a clone from a human. But not everyone agrees that clones aren't human. There are those who believe that they should have the same rights and civil liberties as those who are born, not created. Calling themselves the Liberty Bell, these people have been working in secret to prove to the rest of the world that slavery, whether it be of other races as in the past or of clones, in all its forms is wrong.

When Leanna's mother is arrested as a member of the Liberty Bell, her world is thrown into chaos. Everything she knew about her mother comes into question. Avoiding being brought in to protect the secrets she holds Leanna must learn the truths the Liberty Bell movement has sought to uphold before its too late. What she discovers may be the most dangerous secret of all will determine the course of the future!

At first glance I took this to be a story to teach younger readers about slavery, civil rights, equality and the ethics of scientific advances where human cloning is concerned. They can be pretty meaty topics for the age group this book is intended for but woven into a science fiction tale might be well digested. Unfortunately The Clone Codes tries to be both a morality tale and an entertaining scifi adventure. In doing so the treads of both get somewhat lost in the telling. Characters are under-developed and many things go unexplained (ie. out of nowhere cyborgs are suddenly brought into the plot). The use of historical figures as virtual teachers is neat in theory but comes across as watered down which made me question why it was bothered with at all.

Will kids enjoy this? I honestly can't say. My reader in the suggested age group wouldn't read this. I definitely think there are better books out there both in scifi and morality tales. Most of all what turned me off to the book was the ending... or rather, the lack there of. I literally turned the page to start the next chapter and had a moment of thinking my copy was defective. The ending really does nothing to make the long drawn out story come to a resolution. Overall I just didn't care for this book and cannot think of anyone I would recommend it to. Very disappointed.

I am always on the lookout for things my tweens can read and this book did not disappoint.

The story is set in the future, where clones are created to do jobs humans don't want to do. Even though the clones look like humans (other than their odd colors: purple, blue, etc), they have no rights and are not treated as humans. There is heavy reference and parallel to the slavery that is part of US History. Without giving away too much of the story, the plot revolves around a 13 year old girl who initially believes clones are not worthy of equal rights/treatment, but as her life suddenly spins out of control after her mother is arrested, she begins to change her views.

For the most part, I thought the book was an entertaining short read, albeit a little predictable in spots, and I thought the ending, while left open, was too abrupt. My twelve year old son agreed. My ten year old daughter hasn't read it yet.

All in all I would recommend this book with no qualms. There is no foul language, no adult themes, and it teaches a little about US History in an empathetic way.