Deadly Design by Debra Dockter (review)

Kyle has always lived in Connor’s shadow, and although he covers his insecurities with quippiness and pretend indifference, he cares deeply about the fact that his twin (who is two years older, because his parents decided to spread out their genetically modified embryos) is perfect at everything. After Connor dies on his eighteenth birthday, however, dark secrets emerge about the Genesis Innovations Laboratory, where many children were created with modifications to avoid disease and enhance positive attributes. These better-than-normal kids are now all dying at eighteen, and Kyle knows he isn’t far behind if he can’t figure out why and change his fate. Kyle’s narration keeps readers guessing along with him about who can be trusted, and his point of view adds urgency when he is running for his life and poignancy when he finally realizes that his true love was his best friend all along. Unfortunately, the geneticist he is chasing is absurdly evil with absolutely no nuance or ethics, and a brief attempt to give the villain a backstory does nothing to make his character more complex. In addition, there are too many twists built into the plot, and readers will likely be exhausted before Kyle hits any good luck at all. Nevertheless, sci-fi fans who don’t mind a hefty dose of ridiculously improbable science may still enjoy Kyle’s race to find answers.