By Brittany Edinger

Staff Writer

Jessica Khoury’s debut novel, “Origin,” was released on Sept. 4 and has been named a New York Times “Weekend Read” and Barnes and Noble’s “Book of the Month.”

The novel’s interesting play on science and nature has received praise from various best-selling authors, including Josh Sundquist who called it a “lush, dreamy page turner” that will be “the perfect antidote for those suffering from Katniss withdrawal.”

Deep within the Amazonian rain forest is the secret community of Little Cam— a scientific laboratory and living compound composed of the world’s greatest scientific minds, and their greatest creation, a girl named Pia.

Five generations of genetic testing and experimentation with a lethal and rare flower named Elysia have resulted in Pia’s immortal existence and marks the beginning of what the scientists hope to become a new and immortal human race.

For seventeen years, Pia was content with her place in the scientific community; her dream was to help the scientists create more like her in order to help control the destiny of the world, and more importantly, create a race so she would no longer be alone.

On her 18th birthday however, everything changes. She notices a hole in the electric fence that surrounds Little Cam and she makes a move that changes her life forever. She escapes. Braving the jungle for the first time, she runs in to a boy named Eio who helps her discover the truth to her very existence, and consequently, alters the world’s fate.

What is the cost of immortality and is Pia willing to pay the price for eternity? As told from Pia’s point of view, “Origin” is a stunning look on the consequences that surround the paradise that is immortality.

The novel begins rather slowly, and is simplistic in its relationship compositions. As Pia’s knowledge of the outside world expands, however, the story’s structure becomes a more complex read.

Readers may find themselves sympathizing with Pia and her inner struggle to become an individual and feel overwhelmed by the information she is presented with as the story evolves. It is a great novel about the struggle for identity and acceptance, which every reader will be able to relate to. When the secrets of Little Cam’s scientific world are exposed, you won’t be able to put this book down.

4 Paw Prints