Maladapted

Description: (SHORT-LISTED FOR STOCKPORT SCHOOLS' BOOK AWARD 2016 (UK)

From BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Richard Kurti comes an exciting, fast-paced thriller that shows the power science has to change not just our lives, but our very selves. From BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Richard Kurti comes an exciting, fast-paced thriller that shows the power science has to change not just our lives, but our very selves. Cillian is the sole survivor of a devastating terrorist attack on a packed Metro train. How did he survive when everyone else was killed? Searching for answers with the mysterious Tess, Cillian discovers that his father has links to P8, a group of genetic scientists operating outside the laws of Foundation City. The shocking discoveries he and Tess make at P8's secret hospital start to make Cillian ask not who he is, but what he is...

Review: Magnificent storytelling that doles out science fiction, horror and conspiracy theories with a handful of conscience and a lesson in forgiveness very graciously learnt by those involved. A truly good read, aimed at teenagers, recommended to all. -- Dominique White * Goodreads *
Fast-paced thriller that shows the power science has to change our lives and our selves. * The Bookseller *
Richard Kurti's YA novel doesn't shrink from tackling some pretty big, inflammatory issues. [...] what's striking is how lightly Maladapted wears all these weighty concerns, using them to power a taut, pacy thriller that takes us from the sky walkways of a futuristic city to a remote gothic fortress housing a terrible secret. At the heart of the story is a fascinating dynamic between the victim and perpetrator of a terrorist atrocity [...] For a kid's book, Maladapted has some very grown up ideas. * SFX Magazine *
...this skilfully written political thriller will draw readers into a world where extreme ideologies collide. [...] the pace of this novel is relentless. [...] Richard Kurti's screenwriting credentials are evident in the short, tense chapters in which violent action sequences alternate with shock discoveries and revelations, leaving both readers and protagonists breathless. The ideological clash between the extremes of scientific experimentation and religious fanaticism is powerfully portrayed [...] This disturbing, thought-provoking, modern thriller should appeal to older teens who enjoy fast-paced dystopian fiction. * Books for Keeps *
This book certainly got off to an explosive start! A really good opening couple of chapters set the pace and intrigue for the duration of the story...Overall a good read, a bit different and I would certainly look for a follow up book. * School Library Association *

Author Biography: Richard Kurti studied at Cambridge then worked at the BBC, which led to a career as a screen writer. Richard's film writing includes 14 commissions for US studios (Universal, Warner Bros, Miramax) and UK companies (Working Title and Pathe). His TV writing includes BBC adaptations of Kidnapped and Sherlock Holmes, episodes of Robin Hood, Primeval, Sinbad, Wolfblood, and a large-scale adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Going Postal. These shows have earned widespread industry recognition with BAFTA nominations and RTS Awards. In 2013, Richard branched out into new areas, with a radio dramatization of The Martian Chronicles. Monkey Wars, his debut novel, was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal. He lives in Essex.