Into the Abyss

Gr 8 Up—In the near future, sophisticated human clones have sparked an ethical battle in Haven, NC. The Clone Control Advocacy (CCA) wishes to eliminate the threat of violent clone attacks, while the Huxley group has nefarious and mostly vague plans to unleash the powerful clones. The story of clone Violet Benson begins with her most recent reanimation at CCA headquarters. She awakens as a blank slate with few "retained impressions of events" from previous activations. Violet's tendency to unleash her superstrength, sharp eyesight, and predatory brain returns quickly in combat drills. A contingent of CCA leaders are unhappy that a clone has been brought into their fold. The CCA president has her reasons, but no justifications can satisfy the discontented voices. The son of one coup leader, Josh, emerges to become Violet's enemy. Preventing the overthrow of CCA while tracking down the true origins of her human self, Violet and her allies are thrust into an all-out battle with the clone detractors. Violet grapples superficially with the struggle to know her true nature rather than accepting what others perceive her to be. The first-person perspective is somewhat limited when it comes to portraying action, resulting in scenes in which the protagonist explains in minute detail the movements of people and plans. The expansive writing does little to unpack the motives of the Huxley group or the social struggle in Haven and beyond.