Replication: The Jason Experiment

Summary (from the publisher): When Your Life Is Not Your Own, Martyr---otherwise known as Jason 3:3---is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to 'expire' in less than a month. To see the sky. Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars. As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures---the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he's ever known.


Review: I received an ARC from Zondervan publishers. 


Replication is  a young adult novel that focuses on J:3:3, or Martyr, one of many clones who has been raised locked in a facility and told he will "expire" on his 18th birthday. Marty escapes so he can see the sky before he dies and ends up meeting Abby, the daughter of a new doctor at the facility. Abby is shocked that Jason looks just like a boy at her school and is determined to save Martyr and the other clones so they are not unethically killed. 


I didn't find the plot of this novel overly original. It sort of reminded me of a blend of the movie The Island and Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go. However, this was young adult and is more appropriate for younger audiences. This novel also differed in that it featured Christian elements. I found the blend of science fiction and Christian literature interesting and surprising since I didn't suspect it and the description didn't allude to it. However, the Christian elements were not too heavy handed and served to give meaning and understanding to Martyr's life and replaced the doctors as the all powerful elements in his life. 


Overall an entertaining young adult novel that manages to be a fun read while dealing with heavy issues like scientific ethics and religious beliefs. Many issues were left unresolved at the conclusion of this novel including what would happen to the 55 clones, many of whom had severe handicaps, and all of whom will develop Lupus. However, the novel is thought provoking, even if it does not provide answers. 


Stars: 3