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Altered Genes #1

Altered Genes: Genesis

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When an unconscious British businessman arrives at NYC’s Bellevue Hospital with a deadly surprise, a doctor finds herself at the epicenter of an infectious outbreak. Meanwhile, a world-renowned geneticist receives an enigmatic telephone call that hints at a bacterial threat, unlike anything the world has ever seen. As civilization collapses around them, the two ex-lovers lead a small group in their desperate fight for survival while they run from the man who started it all.

Book one in this post-apocalyptic technothriller trilogy is an engaging blend of science with action.

272 pages, ebook

Published March 23, 2016

543 people are currently reading
700 people want to read

About the author

Mark Kelly

6 books32 followers

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5 stars
337 (41%)
4 stars
296 (36%)
3 stars
136 (16%)
2 stars
31 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Don Gerstein.
755 reviews100 followers
February 21, 2017
I purchased this series backwards, buying the second book without careful research and thus decided to purchase the first book and begin there. Thus, I knew there might be a potential cliffhanger but since I had both books, it wasn’t an issue. More on the cliffhanger thing later.

First, I enjoyed the majority of Mark Kelly’s book. The story evolved well, the chapters moved from character to character in a logical fashion, and the cast size was large enough to keep me interested without getting lost trying to keep up with too many people. There was enough science to justify the plot, but not so much that I had to grab the medical dictionary off the shelf. The story of a “superbug,” though done many times in recent years, is handled well and I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting.

I always try to review without spoilers, and it is tough this time because if I reveal what bothered me about the book, I may spoil the story for some readers. I will try to explain. Mr. Kelly was doing well, pacing, plot, style, everything…and then he introduced what I call a plot contrivance. He forced something to happen that, in reality, had less than a trillion-to-one possibility of happening. As an example, say I write a story about myself and a friend putting together a jigsaw puzzle, and at the end, we find one central piece is missing. Another friend stops by, says she is late because of a flat tire, and talks about a puzzle piece she found on the side of the road about 15 miles away from my house. Of course, the puzzle piece fits and the story concludes happily because I contrived an event that would never happen. The shame is that Mr. Kelly had a couple opportunities to conclude the story without inserting this hard-to-believe-it-happened event into the plot, and why he didn’t is a mystery.

As far as the cliffhanger, I thought it was a non-issue. Yes, the characters still have a lot to do, and the major storyline will pick up in book two. However, Mr. Kelly ends the book with NONE of the characters in immediate danger. One could read “Altered Genes: Genesis” and feel that book one’s storyline was completed even though the main story still goes on. Think Lord of the Rings trilogy. The story ends in each book, yet you have to read all three to see how the main story concludes.

For those who are interested, no sex scenes in the book and vulgarities are used sparingly and more in the second half.

For me, this was a solid four star effort (or was, until the plot contrivance entered). Still, I can’t say I wasn’t entertained and I would recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced read. Three-and-a-half stars rounded up.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
160 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2016
For lovers of medical thrillers involving pandemics...this one is a great read. Full of lots of fast paced action and intrigue and best of all not one single zombie appears.

Written in such a way that should you decide not to read the trilogy, you would still be satisfied with the ending but for those like me, addicted to good medical thrillers, the ending left it in such a way that I was already trying to guess how Book 2 would start. Will definitely read out the trilogy.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
September 20, 2016
I saw this book on one of the free book lists and on a whim decided to get it. I do enjoy medical/scientific type novels. I started reading it and ended up finishing it! Of course now I will have to get my hands on the 2nd and 3rd novels in this series. It really leaves you wondering what happens next!!

This book revolves around gene splicing ---to the point that the bug-which is highly contagious--can't be cured by any of the antibiotics that are around. There are several people who are trying to find a cure--but there are a couple that are trying to hide what has been done. The entire country is shut down (as is most of the rest of the world). They will have to somehow get to Canada and are aided by an Indian tribe. They cross to Canada----and that is where the book ends!!

That this could actually happen scares me no end!! Bio-terrorism---------------------------
Altered Genes: Genesis
12.6k reviews189 followers
February 17, 2019
Unbelievable story that has you gripped to find out the end. A bacteria spreads all over the world, helped by two people. You hold your breath and hope at least some will be saved. Extremely realistic.
Profile Image for Kayla ✧♥︎ .
351 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2023
3.5 rounded down

This was a pretty good pandemic story. A lot of what happens in the book you can't help but think/compare to the recent pandemic the world just went through with covid.

There is a fair amount of scientific talk but I thought it was pretty easy to understand, though I did skim a few sections because I didn't understand a lot of the large scientific words haha. But it didn't really take me out of the story as it does sometimes when I skim sections of information dumping. I thought it was well balanced with the science mumbo jumbo ;)

Honestly, it was a good read. I enjoyed it. It kept me entertained for the most part. I can't say I was as enthralled that I want to pick up the second book immediately though.

Also, warning! It does end on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
87 reviews7 followers
April 28, 2016
Time span 3/20 Glasgow, Scotland to 4/20, McConnell AF Base Wichita, KS. Also London, England, Ahmedabad, India, lots of different NY & various US cities, Beijing, China, Georgetown University (Washington D.C.), North Korea, & several US military Army & Airforce bases.
John Raine (Director Lexington Homeland Security) & Dr. Alice Mayer (PhD, Professor, doctoral advisor, Stanford University) did not realize what they did would cause a major pandemic.

The North Koreans received the bacteria strain from John Raine. They thought he was a sympathetic to their regime & had no idea he was with the CIA.
Dr. Edward Gore (researcher, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Porton Down, UK), Dr. James Robinson (Bellview Hosptial (BH), Chief of ER), Dr. Thomas Dullet (BH Chief of Medicine), Dr. Mei Ling (Asian), Dr. Jason Grant, Dr. Tony Simmons (PhD, Assistant Professor Biochemistry, retired US Army) Ms. Emma Rice (former student), Dr. Murray Black (CDC), Dr. Reynolds (scientist,

John Hopkins), & Dr. Mei Ling (Asian) were all working diligently & co-jointly to find a vaccine/cure for the deadly virus.
Albany Medical Center, Baptist Health Medical Center & Bellevue Hospital Center had been quarantined.
Ft. Detrick, Maryland was now on lockdown.

What about Dr. Tony Simmons?
Would all the medical staff come be able to stop the dealy outbreak?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Post-apocalyptic book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Post-Apocalyptic movie, animated cartoonor a mini TV series. To be continued. I wasn’t as exciting as I thought it was going to be so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Barking Gog Productions; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
73 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2020
Excellent read!

To read this book during the coronavirus made it doubly scary. The author spent a lot of time researching the science here. I have a medical background so understood most of it. It is GOOD!!
Mixing politics with the horror of the disease is brilliant. The incredibly stupid premise that gave rise to the creation of such a virulent and deadly pandemic is a massive statement on political thinking and stupidity. Every action has consequences, many unforseen as is well demonstrated in this book. Thank you for a thought provoking novel. I hope it never comes true.
71 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2017
Imagine, a simple stomach virus - except tweaked to destroy. Not to mention, being altered to defeat all known antibiotics. It's bad enough for the bad guys in the book to get this, but imagine if various terrorist groups got ahold of this? This can kill 25-50% of the world's population, all in a matter of months. Think it won't happen?

Well written, Mark. Great story flow, great character development and more.

This is coming. Are we prepared?
115 reviews
October 4, 2019
I'm hooked

Finally a pandemic story grabbed my interest in the first chapter. The story connects the world and while there are a few items that are incredibly unlikely, the reader is left thinking, "but how unlikely are they really?"
Watching medical alerts in real life for known diseases, the path the pandemic takes is reasonably aligned.
678 reviews11 followers
April 4, 2020
When I started this book I had it figured all wrong. It turned out to be a very very fine story with a lot of action and suspense. It began to turn into how our own pandemic could turn out. The writing and the characters were just great and the ending will leave you wanting to grab the next book quick.
It was really a very enjoyable read. You will not be sorry you bought this book.
490 reviews
February 9, 2021
Intriguing and exciting!

The book keeps you on your toes wondering what's going to happen next. It's exciting and filled with drama. It's a book written along the lines of what I taught my children from a young age. It's realistic and is something that could happen and about surviving!
Profile Image for Michelle.
86 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2016
Decent

Amount of action, relatively fast paced, but the characters were Luke warm and seemed like bumbling idiots at times for all their purported intellect. Not enough interest in their future well being to want to read any further into the series.
Profile Image for Warren Long.
62 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this. Grabbed me quickly. For the most part, is pretty accurate (or at least, convincingly realistic). Lots of good ideas and everything hangs together well. Now off to buy the next book in the series.
189 reviews
December 26, 2018
Wow!

I enjoyed this book. With the things we hear about the government today, and the evil in some hearts,I can see something playing out like this. Looking for the next one now.
My thanks to the author for a good read.
Profile Image for Karen.
76 reviews
January 8, 2019
Loved this book and can't wait to be able to buy both of the next in the series. I read a lot of apocalyptic books but have never read one from this type of illness causing world wide panic. I can see this as a movie easily.
770 reviews
March 16, 2019
Scary

This is really scary as it could happen. This is a story of a bio weapon that accidently got lose.

This book is a page turner. I just had to see what was going to happen next. There was always a surprise in store. Wow

On to the next book.
130 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2020
Timed nicely

Definitely a book to read in these Times. Disease coming out of China people dying and countries trying to find a cure. Still with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
December 16, 2017
Slipping Into Darkness 🌙
ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.

A deadly, debilitating, gastrointestinal disease is spreading across the world, thanks to airline travel and closed in spaces.
When a business traveler visits his sick father in a dementia ward in England, he returns to the U.S., critically ill by the time he arrives. His father had said something about a Chinaman visiting him, but his son dismisses it as the ravings of a deluded old man. The son has brought the new disease with him. Poor cleanliness by an examining teaching Doctor at a NYC hospital, begins the spread across the U.S.
The author cites numerous examples of how unsuspecting people are infecting themselves and spreading the disease to others before the danger is even known or identified.
It's a horrifying scenario that the author describes, and entirely possible with an enemy country developing an engineered disease that humans have no immunity to.

This is a well written, thought out book, that will make you think about possibilities from now on. But it's a long, depressing, and desperate book all the same. It ends in a cliffhanger. 🐎🐎🐎🐎
123 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2019
I found the student annoying. Why did the author have to add a “I know nothing so will ask tons of questions” person to the storyline? Was it as a way to explain what was happening in detail? She was a major distraction to the entire story. Annoying to the point of almost stopping to read less than a 1/3 of the way through. Thankfully, her part ended at that point (for short while but she came back but by the. she was slightly less annoying). The novel had nose dived by that time with conspiracies, shootings and escapes. For me there has to be a sense of plausibility to the narrative (even if sci-fi / future / etc.). The string of events at the US army lab just sent the plausibility factor over the edge for me and I quickly lost interest.

Additionally, and more troubling, it was yet another book that ends without the story being finished. While I like a series, I expect each book to be stand alone or at least have some sort of conclusion to the main elements in the book. After all, it’s a book, not a tv series. This one fares better than some in that it is not a full on cliffhanger so kudos to the author for that. However, I won’t be rushing to find the next book.
Profile Image for Julian White.
1,711 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2019
Kobo/ebook with the kindle double helix cover; 240 pages

I enjoyed this - an engaging read with a distinct modern touch (antibiotic resistance; world affairs in turmoil - with one or two named nation states in particular in mind; nefarious secret government plots and shady agencies... ) and structured to encourage reading on - short chapters. Little medical jargon beyond the inevitable biological names for pathogens (and antibiotics).

The pace is good and the core group of characters is small enough to not be confusing and large enough not to be claustrophic.

While the central problem is unresolved by the end of the book (a feature common to similar books - one thinks of the biological catastrophes that occur in John Wyndham and John Christopher's books, for instance) there is a satisfying pause point rather than a cliff-hanger. The author is to be commended for that - but I was impressed enough to have bought the box set containing the next two books and will be reading them shortly.
Profile Image for Meredith.
568 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2021
(3.5) In hindsight, I probably should not have read this apocalyptic thriller which centers around a global pandemic while I am currently living through a global pandemic.

While this story was highly entertaining and could easily be read in one sitting due the intrigue around the topic, it felt a little too close to current events for me to enjoy it fully. The concept was interesting, but it fell short of my expectations as far as what a pandemic would actually look like (a sentence I never thought I would write, thanks 2020).

I would have enjoyed more details and more character development, but those elements might be included in the rest of the series. I did enjoy the science details as they were well-written. I have not yet decided if I will continue the series. Maybe after we've finished experiencing the current pandemic ;).
Profile Image for Travis.
2,888 reviews48 followers
June 20, 2025
Interesting premise for the story, though this kind of thing has been done before. It's still worth the read. No idea if I'll continue with the series, but this first book in the series was a decent story, so perhaps at some point I'll pick up more in the series, but at this point, it doesn't seem likely.
Just a word about it's classification. It's labeled as post apocalyptic. During the course of the book, only a few hundred people have died, and by the end of the book, they seem to have a pretty good handle on how to go about solving the problem. That doesn't scream post apocalyptic to me, but like I said, I'm not likely to read the other books in the series any time soon, so perhaps something happens in those books that turns it post apocalyptic, but just for reference, I wouldn't classify it as such.
Profile Image for Livia Wren.
126 reviews
February 13, 2024
For a book that cost me $1.14NZD, I was pleased with this. An apocalyptic pandemic novel following a troupe of particularly remarkable individuals (for the most part) and their lives suddenly entwining as a result of the horror of a mutated C. diff bacterial infection - well, it wasn't always believable, but the reality is that any lesser characters would've died, and there wouldn't have been a story. And I had fun, which was all I really wanted!
Profile Image for Richard Burke.
Author 11 books22 followers
June 24, 2017
This was a well-written book and you can't complain about the price (still free on Kindle as of 24/6/17). My only gripe, and it is a very minor one, is that it leaves the story hanging a bit too much for my liking. I know this is the first in the trilogy but I would have liked a little more resolution.
Well worth reading.
Author 2 books
November 20, 2017
The story is interesting, with some standard government action against scientists, some international cloak and dagger stuff, nothing really new there. The bacterial genetics seems on point, but only because I haven't studied it and wouldn't know if it wasn't. The science seems plausible enough to carry the story along, but the pace is slow in areas.
Profile Image for jboyg.
425 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2020
One Of The Better Pandemic Tomes Out There

Kelly is a solid writer and excels at creating believable characters you care about. The plot is fairly predictable: engineered disease mutates out of control and starts killing everyone on sight. Is there no hope for humanity? Well. . .mayyyybe.
2 reviews
May 12, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. it included an interesting plot, well drawn characters, realistic dialogue and faced paced action. There were a few quirks that should have been addressed in editing such as misspelling yesses, nos, and Montana. One character was referred to alternately as Albert and Edward Gore, even in the same page. I look forward to reading more work by this author.
14 reviews
February 25, 2023
Great Read!

I've always enjoyed medical thrillers, and this is no exception. My only "complaint" is the cliffhanger ending. This book appeared on a freebie email, and fortunately the two books that comprise the rest of the series are well within my budget. I'll be buying them both in the next day or so.
247 reviews
May 26, 2025
Excellent read! Fast paced and after the recent pandemic, a totally believable, though horrifying scenario. Not usually a fan of post apocalyptic stories but this was well written with the reader feeling very engaged with the characters. Can’t wait to read the others in this trilogy. Highly recommended.

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