Forbidden Cargo

by Rebecca K. Rowe

Edge, 352 pp, $14.95

Forbidden Cargo is a debut novel. The year is 2110. On Mars, a secret project to create the next step in human evolution. The world has developed the M [molecular] A [advantage] M [machine] a virtual instant access experience to all humanity’s Knowledge. Cried Xerkler, it’s creator is unwittingly entangled in a plot by the council to prove the existence of an illegally engineered race called Imigofas or nanogens. Revered by many, they’re considered by the council to be a dangerous aberration and a threat to mankind..

In their quest to prove this crime against humanity, the Council abducts two Imagofas from Mars and smuggles them to Earth, but the abduction takes an unexpected twist and the Imagofas become fugitives. The Council wants them dead, others want to capitalize on their existence. The Imagofas just want to go home.. To escape, they must rescue Xerkler, with the aid of the Cadet, a hard core gamer, Ochbo, a cleanlife pervert, and Prometheus, an enlightenment seeking MAMintelligence, and get back to Mars.

This is an engrossing book where science and science fiction meet in a complex future that is both incredible and believable and moves with the speed of light. Try and put it down between plot twists. Go ahead. Try.... - Pam Allan