by Kazuaki Takano
Narrator: Joe Knezevich
Length: 18 hrs and 43 mins
Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
The internationally bestselling, award-winning Japanese thriller about a child who may be the future of the human race--or the cause of its extinction. During a briefing in Washington D.C., the President is informed of a threat to national security: a three-year-old boy named Akili, who is already the smartest being on the planet. Representing the next step in human evolution, Akili can perceive patterns and predict future events better than most supercomputers, and is capable of manipulating grand-scale events like pieces on a chess board. And yet, for all that power, Akili has the emotional maturity of a child--which might make him the most dangerous threat humanity has ever faced. An American soldier, Jonathan Yeager, leads an international team of elite operatives deep into the heart of the Congolese jungle under Presidential orders to destroy this threat to humanity before Akili's full potential can be realized. But Yeager has a very sick child, and Akili's advanced knowledge of all things, medicine included, may be Yeager's only hope for saving his son's life. Soon Yeager finds himself caught between following his orders and saving a creature with a hidden agenda, who plans to either save humanity as we know it--or destroy it.
Genocide of One by Kazuaki Takano was an exciting thriller complete with covert missions, secrets, action and raises a question about humankind. Suspenseful, thought-provoking and at times extremely dark, I was held spellbound as the narrator, Joe Knezevich brilliantly brought the characters and action to life.
Five reasons to plug-in and listen to Genocide of One
- If you like, thrillers that take you deep into the jungle, into the office of the President and avoiding the police in the streets of Japan you will love the story that unfolds in Genocide of One. What if a child was born that was smarter than our supercomputers? Who at age three could crack our security codes but still cried when he was tired? American soldier, Jonathan Yeager takes an elite team into the Congolese jungle under Presidential orders to destroy this threat to humanity. Genocide of One shares their mission with us.
- If you enjoy stories within stories that run parallel and soon find themselves wrapped within the main plot, you will enjoy Genocide of One. Jonathan Yeager has a very sick son with a rare disorder who only has weeks to live. The young child Akili may hold the knowledge to save him. This second thread has us following a young Japanese medical student in a race against the clock. Spies, secret codes and lots of cloak and dagger moments kept me fully engaged.
- The tale is told in multiple perspectives and one of those is from that of a medical student who recently lost his father and soon finds himself in a race to save two lives. Jonathan is another voice and he takes us deep into the jungle. Each character we come across is developed and felt authentic. Knezevich did an excellent job of giving each character and pov a unique voice.
- Realism, unfiltered brutality and violence are something you can handle. Takano does not tone down the brutality of war and there were scenes that will forever be etched in my mind. Ones I would prefer to forget. He exposes the cruelest aspects of war and the raw hopelessness young children recruited unwillingly into the cause face. While it was dark, I appreciated the authenticity and questions in raised.
- Takano weaves a fascinating and well-researched tale. From the original concept to the science fiction and war aspects, it had a realistic vibe that notched up my enjoyment. Genocide of One was dark but there were moments of joy, laughter and humor. As we traveled between characters, I became completely swept up as the tension built. Each storyline was developed allowing me to fully appreciate each aspect. It was a ride I will not forget and the ending left me both satisfied and hopeful.
Genocide of One was an engaging thriller and perfect on audio thanks to Joe Knezevich. Dark and vivid with a realism I won’t soon forget I highly recommend this to fans of thrillers.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Ramona
My, my, if this doesn’t sounds good as The Walled City (which, btw, I started listening to yesterday and you were RIGHT: it’s *so* good!) So I guess I’m putting this on my list as well… Your excellent reviews will ruin me financially! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I am so excited to hear you are enjoying the Walled City. 🙂 hehe..sorry about the financial burden..I read/listened to some awesome books in December and have been slamming ya all with them this month.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I’m a big fan of thrillers and it sounds like this one was interesting and done very well.
A great review Kimba. Sharon – Obsession with Books
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Sharon, this one grabs you
Sophia Rose
This sounds like a real stunner. What a dilemma for that soldier and the premise has me intrigued if a little leery. I can see why the story would stay with out. Nice review, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, government cover ups and each thread held me spellbound
Angela Adams
This book definitely sounds like a page-turner. Thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
It was Angela. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I do like thrillers and this one certainly sounds like you are kept on the edge of your seat. I also have some people who I think would love this one. Oh I might have to get it as a pressie… after I read/ listen to it! LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Nice..I love that you give books/audios as prezzies.
Candace
I’m not always a fan of thrillers like this, but I’ve listened to some on audio and really liked them. So I think I might like this! This is the kind of story you have to pay close attention to so you don’t miss anything though!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..each thread builds and overlaps into the other story lines as the author weaves then together. It is a long audio and this aspect made the time fly
Heidi
Brutal violence isn’t easy for me to listen to. I do better reading it as I can skim it when it gets to be too much. I think this would be better read for me.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..and it gets very violent and graphic at times especially in the jungle.
Braine Talk Supe
Oh wow, I can totally see this as a movie, I hope he gets a deal.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..high body count and hot men in the jungle..yep movie!
Carmel
Multiple POVs, and plot threads have a way of holding my interest like nothing else; throw in a talented narrator, and I am done for. This sounds a bit like a SciFi version of the show Scorpion which I am currently addicted to.
kimbacaffeinate
I haven’t seen the show, but if it is similar I would probably like it
Debbie Haupt
Wow, this is definite for me. Thanks Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I had no idea you liked dark, intense thrillers Debbie:)
Red Iza
It looks like a great addictive read, I’m putting it straight on my “next” shelf, thanks for sharing ! And great review 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Anytime. This was dark and interesting to be sure
Tanja
I for sure need to read more Japanese authors. I love those I have already read, so I just need to keep digging. You did job for me here, it seems. This sounds really interesting and I will have to give it a try. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I having been delving more in authors abroad and finding some awesome reads.
Michelle
This is my first time seeing this book and it sounds pretty cool! I really need to try out more thrillers this year.
kimbacaffeinate
I love a good thriller, and the darkness of this one.
Sharyla
This sounds really interesting. Sharing with my husband because I think this might be up his alley.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I quite imagine this will appear more in bookshelves of the opposite sex.
Sharyla
I just don’t like Sci-Fi that much while the husband LOVES it. He’s always trying to get me to read the genre, but I just can’t seem to do it.
sherry fundin
I love thrillers and this sounds like a really, really good one.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I do believe based on your bookshelf that you would enjoy this one
Katherine
This sounds interesting and a bit different than my usual reading. I’ve realized recently that I’m either not enjoying my go to thriller authors anymore or they’ve stopped writing all together. I’ll definitely have to look for this one!
kimbacaffeinate
This is why I mix it up Katherine I get burned out if I stay too long in one genre or with one author
Nick
Sounds like a thrilling and brutal story. My dad might enjoy this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Indeed he might..thanks Nick
kindlemom1
This sounds intense! And over 18 hours for the audio, holy crap! That is a long listen. Glad you liked this so much Kim. Have a wonderful weekend! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..it didn’t seem altogether long Ali. Enjoy your weekend!
Cynthia
Wow, that sounds amazing. I love that premise! I am adding it to my TBR. Thanks for yet another book that I must read. Ha
kimbacaffeinate
I am on a roll. Soon all of my books will be in your bookshelf..bwahaha.
blodeuedd
Interesting, and scary
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..and at times brutal but engaging!
Melliane
Oh Japan? Jungle? I haven’t read something like that but it’s fun to have such an evironment in a story! I need to read more thriller!!!!
kimbacaffeinate
I love a good thriller and hope you give it a whirl
Christy
How did I miss this book? Ohh and I actually love the narrator’s voice. Damn, it’s long though.
kimbacaffeinate
You said that and I was like long? Honestly it didn’t seem that long to me.