We are moving into the future - well 2030 so quite near. As the years evolve we find Britain not that much changed - one character bemoans the floppy haired leader who caused Brexit and there's a female Archbishop of Canterbury alongside more bicycles and no cars as such.
Into this Talissa an American hard up anthropology graduate who's been refused funding for research when she turns to the Parn Institute in London who are offering mega cash for new surrogates. Off she trots to meet prospective parents Alaric and Mary and spends a year carrying a baby. But the sperm is not Alaric's and the Parn Institute is a cross between an evil Bond film factory and some horror film studio. For Lukas Parn the main financier has instructed the sperm of a neanderthal past species into Talissa's womb.
Seth is the product (baby) and in we dash to his rather weird world. Faulks presents him as an outsider with many autistic spectrum traits - not fitting in, not understanding social signals and although harmless perhaps acts to give others concern at times.
Having worked for a charity dealing with infertility and reading this in the week more scientists have 'made' an embryo with no human genetic links I felt the ideas being pursued here were not even sci-fi or ethical but ones we've all being ignoring for years.
Some of the plot was bizarre - the first sexual encounter for Seth and the ending but overall I felt a germ of an idea in Faulk's writing test tube just didn't get the time to develop to its full potential. Characters were overall not bad - especially Talissa's samosa making landlady Mrs Ghopal and to some extent the rather ineffectual supposed father Alaric and his obsession with trains and Crystal Palace FC?
Compared to other novels by the author this was disappointing for me as a read. However Faulks has written enough brilliant books to rest on his laurels and perhaps felt it time to pursue an ideologically and ethically based future scenario. Sorry it didn't quite work.

Set in the near future an American surrogate mother and unsuspecting couple are being used as part of a Billionaire tech entrepreneur’s experiment.

The story follows the family as the baby grows up and lightly includes details of a credible future world. But things can’t stay hidden for ever and the parties are drawn back together to try to deal with the consequences. A superb read that challenges what it actually means to be human.

As the world continues to make huge advances with regards to genetic engineering and IVF it is perhaps not surprising that Sebastian Faulks realised he could build an interesting story based around these developments.
The heroine of our story is Talissa Adams a very bright young woman seeking to follow up her PhD with a post doctoral research position investigating the distant, but discoverable human past.
She is offered a position with the top Institute but the offer comes with a catch. She has to self fund her first year. No way has Talissa the funds to do this so, when she sees an advertisement for a surrogate mother role, the payment for which would cover all her costs, she leaps at the chance.
From this point on Faulk's draws us into a beautifully crafted web as Talissa increasingly realises she has been made part of a hugely ambitious and expensive experiment. Whilst quite happy with the original birth and handover process at the outset, Talissa's suspicions increase over the following 20 or so years until her own investigating results in a truly dreadful discovery.
The storyline has a deeply disturbing plausability to it. It exposes how money, power and expertise, if combined in the wrong hands, can use genetic engineering for selfish ends rather than for benefitting mankind.
A highly recommended and original work written by an author who is a master of his craft.

I love Sebastian Faulks's writing and the plots of his novels carry you along beautifully. The themes explored here are interesting, surrogacy, genetic manipulation, how it is to live in a world when you're different from most people.

The setting is the near future which feels entirely plausible as a depiction of how the world might be in just a few decades, the chip in the wrist, cars that drive themselves, etc. I could imagine hopping on the hyperloop!

Whilst I enjoyed the novel very much, I do have some reservations, especially about Talissa's behaviour. I didn't feel that her relationship with Felix really added anything. Her leaving him to be a surrogate mother and thinking they could continue together was unconvincing. I thought too that her motivation would need to be something stronger than that she needed the money. Her relationship with Seth at the end of the novel was creepy, giving how they were connected. She's a strong character, but I couldn't quite believe in her.

I think the very finest scene in the entire book was Seth's television interview. I read it on a busy train and was so engrossed in his answers that I was oblivious to all the noise and chatter around me. Didn't he handle it brilliantly, his innocence meaning that without even trying he could run rings around the programme's awful host!

I'd have loved the book to have more focus on Seth than on Talissa. Maybe if there'd been less of the difficult to understand science there would have been more scope to get to know him better..

Seth is different. But why? Set in the near future (beginning in 2030) this is a tale of scientific experimentation and love. Talissa, an academic who needs cash to continue her education, serves as a surrogate for Alaric and Mary. The child is conceived at the Parn Institute but what happened in the lab? It's clear early on that Luke Parn and the Institute have played with the DNA and that Seth, the much wanted and loved boy is not the sum of his parents parts but of something else. This raises all sorts of ethical questions and if the science occasionally seems a bit much, well, I learned something. I'm a fan of Faulks for his sly storytelling and this was no exception. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Thought provoking.

A very different read. Interesting and topical subject and quite technical at times. Not at all what I was expecting and not sure if I enjoyed it. However I did read it from start to finish in a couple of days and thought about it for days after so it made an impact.

A Sebastian Faulkes novel is always worth reading. I found this one fascinating as it explores the very origins of the human species. As more is discovered, it is clear that we were only one of many human species and that homo sapiens are, most likely, an amalgamation of these. The novel begins in 2030 and you would have to like science fiction to enjoy this book. A lot of developments are already here, driverless cars, fertility treatment etc. Whether we could get to point in the novel in 7 years is debatable but the science is certainly already there. This book questions what it is to be human. It is not beyond belief that we could in the future recreate other human species. Whether we would want to and how these humans would be treated is up for debate. We only have to look at the bigotry, discrimination and hatred that differences currently produce to understand Seth's experience. My only negative observation is that there is a curious detachment in the characters and I was disappointed with the ending, although I'm not sure how it could have ended.

When a young American academic Talissa Adam offers to carry another woman's child, she has no idea of the life-changing consequences.

Behind the doors of the Parn Institute, a billionaire entrepreneur plans to stretch the boundaries of ethics as never before. Through a series of IVF treatments, which they hope to keep secret, they propose an experiment that will upend the human race as we know it.

Seth, the baby, is delivered to hopeful parents Mary and Alaric, but when his differences start to mark him out from his peers, he begins to attract unwanted attention.

This is another fantastic book from Sebastian Faulks and it’s quite mind-blowing. The concept is very believable and because of that, frightening. I raced through the story hungrily and it’s now stayed with me. One of the most thought-provoking books I have read for some time.

This is quite a different book to William Boyd’s usual novels where the stories are character driven and not usually fast paced. I never expected it to be a “page turner” but at the beginning found myself wanting to keep reading and unable to put the book down. I do have an interest in genetics so this may have influenced me. Unfortunately three quarters of the way through I felt the plot had begun to lose its way although it always held my interest but I was slightly disappointed by the ending. I also didn’t expect it to be set in the future albeit not that far ahead in time.
The central character of the book Seth Pederson, is the subject of an “experiment” brought about by an unethical multi millionaire and the scientists in his scientific laboratory who want to push the boundaries of human understanding to help people in the future regardless of the cost to the lives of innocent people.
The story covers many topical issues including IVF, surrogacy, dementia, mental health, press intrusion and ethics.
Talissa, an American, needs money to fund her research into early hominids and signs up with a surrogacy laboratory in the UK to carry a child for Mary and Alaric Pederson. Unbeknown to her and Mary and Alaric, the top scientist at the Parn laboratory where the IVF will take place, has a strong interest in evolutionary science and has the wherewithal to be able to take his research further even though this will have a direct and overwhelming effect on the people involved.
The narrative gives a lot of food for thought about moral ethics such as how much and who should be sacrificed for experiments that may or may not help future generations?
The insight into the future was also thought provoking -driverless cars are already in existence, but the possibility of meat being rationed, the ability to travel great distances through a tube and the limiting of air travel to name a few are interesting possibilities.
The book tells the story of the profound effect one scientific experiment can have on the lives of ordinary unsuspecting people.
I really enjoyed reading the majority of the narrative but felt that the ending was not of the same quality of storytelling as most of the book.
Thanks to the publishers for supplying an early reader copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5824107062

I loved the premise of this- using ancient man DNA to try and overcome a modern illness, with the horrific ethical implications and only just in the future from today. Experimentation on humans, without consent is at the forefront of this book but more importantly it is about family- about nature versus nurture and about the ongoing intrusion of the media, baying at the doors for the next great story.
I did find the ending of the story disturbing and sad but the book itself is a fantastic read.

This novel has stayed with me long after I finished reading – making me think about how I’d react in a similar situation and asking questions around genetics, ethics and being human. Talissa Adam, an academic in need of additional funds to continue her studies, agrees to be a surrogate for a husband and wife who desperately want a child. Seth arrives, and his parents are thrilled. Meanwhile, what goes on behind the doors of the Parn Institute is not for the faint hearted, IVF treatments that will change evolution as we know it. There’s a great deal of technical talk which explains the experiment and it’s guaranteed that you’ll have an opinion as to whether it’s perceived as right or wrong. As Seth grows up, he’s different to others, but he and Talissa build an unusual bond. Set in the near future, it’s a beautifully written novel that touches on myriad topics: nature versus nurture and the right to choose just two examples.

Gifted author, Sebastian Faulks, serves up a superb, speculative literary fiction novel here which provides a fascinating imagined glimpse of the near future (it starts in 2030) and explores the potentially dystopian nature of it.

Genetics and ethics are the backbone of this story. The cold facts of scientific discovery, and the excitement of charting previously unexplored territory, sit beside the all too human dilemma of those being experimented on without their consent or prior knowledge.

Talissa, who is an academic in the field of archaeological history, in her drive and desire to raise funds for a research post opportunity, volunteers her services as a surrogate to Mary and Alaric, who are desperate to become parents.

Once Seth has been born, much to his adoptive parents’ delight, Talissa has no further contact with him until he reaches the age of twelve, as agreed in the contract. By then, Seth is already displaying a sense of difference and otherness to his peers. Enough to make them curious.

Although Mary and Alaric simply love and accept Seth as he is because there are no siblings to compare him with, Talissa is concerned enough to dig deeper into the processes prior to his birth to see if anything was amiss.

Her findings are disturbing, and place her in danger when she reveals her knowledge to those who deliberately chose to experiment with Seth’s genetic makeup. But Talissa is all the more determined to help him even if the truth eventually comes out and causes chaos.

Each character is excellently depicted. Seth’s sad story really tugs at the heartstrings.This is an exceptionally well researched and beautifully written book, though the science is a bit complex in places. Grateful thanks to Random House, UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for the ARC. — 4.5**

I’m a big fan of the author so this one jumped to the top of my to be read pile immediately
Noble tells the story of a young woman who has an academic interest in anthropology who volunteers to become a surrogate mother for a clinic to raise money to support her own studies. What she is unaware of is that the owner of this clinic and eccentric wealthy entrepreneur also has an interest in anthropology and wants to produce a hybrid baby using some DNA that he has obtained from Neanderthal human remains. The science is just about believable, although it does on occasion stretch this believability, a little too thin there was far too much explanation of the science, which became quite dull at times.
The author looks at the characters of the individuals involved in some depth, and you do feel that you understand their motivations more clearly by the end of the novel. The characters feel real and believable in contrast to the science
The novel is set in the near future where people have chips under the skin to use the underground, in a dystopian world with no private cars in use, and a limit to the possibility of long-distance air travel. I personally wanted more of this element of the story .
Some bits made me smile for “The man with the silly hair,”that’s exactly what we called our ex prime minister in our household .
There is a side story about a schizophrenic ex boyfriend which I felt was a bit contrived . Although I could understand why they also had chosen to use this story as he did. I personally felt it was unnecessary.
As I say, I am a big fan of the authors work in particular the fabulous novel Birdsong, however I did not feel this novel lived up to his previous work. I did enjoy reading the book felt more like the writing of Stephen King and the death and beauty and beauty of Birdsong
I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK the book is published in the UK 23 by Hutchinson Hyneman.

This review will appear on NetGalley, UK, good reads, my book log, bionicsarahsbooks.wordpress.com and on Amazon, UK, after publication.

We start with a couple who desperately want a child and a young woman who is willing to carry one for them - she desperately needs the money to fund her ongoing education. Sadly this all happens at the Park Institute where there is also a man who is willing to cross ethical boundaries for the sake of science. Mary and Alaric's number comes up in the lottery and the embryo implanted into Talissa slightly modified genetically...
Talissa gives birth to Seth and duly hands him over. There are rules about contact which they all adhere to. Talissa goes back to her studies but not her previous boyfriend who is not well mentally. Meanwhile Seth grows up in the loving environment provided to him by Mary and Alaric although he does show signs of being slightly different. Not just neurodivergent, he is also physically different to his peers. Shorter, thicker set and very strong...
This book was as shocking as it was emotional. It brought up, for me anyway, all sorts of questions, some answered within the book, but most would definitely benefit from this being a book club read as there is discussion and debate to be had. Suffice to say, the big question for me was black and white. And is the obvious answer.
I really felt for the characters who were all just trying to live their lives but who all had this thrust upon them through no fault of their own. And I felt for them every step of the way.
But I also saw the other side. With the way things are going these days, something has to give... Why not this? Albeit in a much more controlled way... Definitely food for thought...
And the very worst thing I took from the book was how credible it all could be. How possible. This stuff could happen. Probably already does somewhere. I hope not, but I can't help but wonder. I mean, all that money buys people what they want... Scary stuff indeed.
And, as an aside, I also enjoyed the little political digs that the author delivered along the way... Poignant stuff indeed!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I imply loved this book. It starts in 2030 and finishes in 2056 and as a person who never reads science fiction I just found this fascinating. This is a book that addresses so many emotions, love, fear, moral views, ethical feelings and arrogance to name a few. The whole book covers human behaviour from all sides,but it should be noted that this is speculative fiction or is it maybe?
The story starts off with a definite scientific twist that really sets the scene for the rest of the book and it looks at re-evaluating the past and attempting to correct it. The genetics study is frightening but oh so plausible,
The characters were all very well described and each had its own personality. Talissa wants to continue to study and decides to participate in an IVF surrogacy study at the Parn Institute . She meets the parents to be Alaric and Mary and forms a loose bonding with them during her pregnancy. Whilst she is staying in London she lives with Kayla Gopal in Muswell Hill and this lady has lots of words of wisdom about life to impart as well as being a tower of strength to Talissa.
The seventh son - Seth - was different, not always liked by his contemporaries, had a difficult childhood, especially coping himself with his differences and emotions
The depiction of some of the future ideas were very interesting and could perhaps in some cases benefit society today. The difficulty of getting meat and people rarely eating it, regulating and limiting air travel to a single number of trips each year, self driven cars that can hold a conversation with you as well and the possibility of bike and bus lanes being reversed with bikes taking priority on the roads. A really fascinating view on possibilities.
OOne of the best Sebastian Faulks books yet.

This was a fascinating novel set in the near future with a highly original premise and yet one that is possible as was outlined. Like Ishighuro's Klara and the Sun, it introduced us to a near future scenario that looks and feels very plausible to introduce ethical dilemmas that are heading our way.

I found the characters well drawn, and it was easy to empathise with Talissa, Seth, Mary & Alaric. The varied locations were well drawn too. The science parts were necessary but found them a bit 'over my head'.

After thoroughly enjoying the pace throughout, I then found the ending a little rushed and would have appreciated more detail here, although I appreciate this may have made the novel too long for the contemporary market.

Thank you, the NetGalley, for the ARC

Super thought-provoking, a book set in the future, but also deeply embedded in the very distant past.

It was a fascinating concept, a lab in the future secretly creates a new species though a surrogate mother, and the book explores the outcomes, and consequences for all involved, from the surrogate, to the adopted parents, the child, the scientists, and the rest of the world.

While fascinating, I found it clunky at times, with too much science to make it an easy read, although I can appreciate that the author needed the science and genetics conversations to make it as realistic as possible.

Ultimately, it's a reminder of the fact that humans, while well-equipped for our role in the world, are not particularly good at it, and are really not very nice.

My thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for enabling me to read and review this book.

Thought provoking tale set in the near future.
This is a very feel written book, full of extensive descriptions of the various settings and locations. There is a fair amount of science involved but it is amazingly and clearly described so readers not scientifically inclined s should have no problem with it.
The book deals with the important ethical issues associated surrounding IVF and surrogacy leading to a shocking experiment that some may find distasteful. These issues are all dealt. with in a respectful manner by Sebastian Faulks though with some surprising outcomes.
On then whole though a thought provoking read highlighting ethical issues.

The Seventh Son is gamechanging fiction; it’s a jaw dropping blend of fact, fiction and science which raises so many ethical and moral questions and remains spellbinding from page one. I believe this is his first foray into what may be loosely termed science fiction. It’s set in the very near future, one deeply rooted in a time we recognise. There are references to the politician with the funny hair and something called Brecksit which remind the reader that the events are only a few years ahead.

It’s a story of surrogacy which is manipulated for all the wrong reasons and the result as we follow Seth, the birth child, on his journey in a world very much like our own. The story is filled with relatable characters and relationships. Talissa, the birth mother, is an American scientist and has her own relationship issues. The book starts with her story and I warmed to her as a person. The story is really well paced as more and more detail unfolds. In the background is an Institution and wealthy philanthropist keen to fulfil his own dreams and aspirations. It’s easy to see links to individuals we’re all familiar with and their demonic manipulations are chilling.

The most remarkable thing is the way in which the science and the history of the development of mankind is used as the backdrop to the story. I found that aspect fascinating and easy to follow and so plausible. This is a book which works at avery level. Filled with plausible characters, a story which sounds a waning and raises so many ethical and moral questions which stay long after the book is finished. This has to be Faulks best yet and I can’t stop thinking about this book.

So far I have not been disappointed in Sebastian Faulks' novels, and this was no exception. It was rather unusually set in the fairly near future, which allowed much of the way of life to be familiar, if not always comfortable in the often subtle changes and developments that have taken place in his new world. The advances in genetics seem plausible enough, although it is the morality surrounding the possibilities that creates the tension and moving force of the plot. As ever, I was immediately engaged in the premise for the book, even though the scientific explanations seemed a little forced and repetitive at times. However the drive to discover how the experiment would work through and conclude kept me gripped throughout. The characters were interesting and varied, if lacking in depth of understanding in some cases. Talissa's acceptance of the whole process of surrogacy seems rather gullible for a well-educated woman, for example, especially based on financial gain, and barely touches on the emotional and psychological toll of pregnancy. Nevertheless, the plot was fascinating and well paced, and I was drawn along wanting to find out more to the very end. An excellent read.