Rowe, Rebecca K. Forbidden cargo.

ROWE, Rebecca K. Forbidden cargo. Edge. (RO. Box 1714, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 2L7) 352p. c2006. 1-894063-16-3. $14.95. SA

Although a first novel, this shows great promise, with tight plotting and well-developed characters. It's 2110 and two illegally engineered Imagofas have been kidnapped and brought from Mars to Earth by the Council to discredit the Order by their mere existence. The Imagofas, also called nanogens, are part human and part nanotechnology. Some fear them as barbaric aberrations of humanity; others see them as the next step in human evolution.

The story centers on Creid Xerkler, who originally helped create the project that was secretly developed on Mars, and the two Imagofas that have been brought to Earth as well as those who would help them. Rowe's take on where we will go with technology and her virtual reality sequences are seamless and believable. This provides an engrossing story with a cover that reflects the futuristic theme--smeared zeros and ones in the background with a provocative female Imagofas in the foreground. Sherry Hoy, Lib. Media Spec., Tuscarora JHS, Mifflintown, PA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.