The Enclave

I was so enamored with this novel that I had to e-mail the author before I even finished it and tell her how excellent it was. Among other things, I told her how I'd be surprised if this didn't turn out to be her best selling novel yet. I'm thankful that I found Arena all those years ago and turned into a Hancock fan. Lacey McHenry, new research assistant at the Kendall-Jakes Longevity Institute, runs into trouble shortly after she's hired. Not only have all the frogs in the tank escaped, but a strange man attacks her in the lab. When she tries to investigate, the powers that be cover up any evidence of the break-in and accident. What are they hiding? Though geneticist Cameron Reinhardt is clumsy, aloof, and forgetful, Lacey feels he's the only one she can trust to help her sort things out. They sort of team up and work together to find the truth and expose those who are up to some pretty nefarious deeds. I rooted for the good guys, hated the bad guys, felt empathy and hate and frustration, and my heart beat faster quite frequently. Readers will experience a variety of emotions, keeping them safely encompassed in Hancock's fictional world. Speaking of the world, Hancock didn't create a fantastical world for this book--it's our own. However, the characters experiment, play God, encounter the occult, and discover some very disturbing and fantastical things/beings along the way. One important point I took away from the book is that science and faith can coexist. I only wish I could say more about the plot and themes, but I would be giving too much away for those who haven't succumbed to the curiosity they must be feeling about this novel.

Welcome to a world of an underground enclave full of people who don't realize that the world they know isn't one built on truth. The Enclave by Karen Hancock delves into scientists who build themselves as gods and one man stands in their way. Full of twists and turns, The Enclave, provides a suspense packed read that is fast moving and keeps your attention from the first page. Lacey McHenry accepts a dream job at a world known Kendall-Jakes Longevity Institute, escaping her past or so she believes. Cover-ups, a strange intruder and late night encounters Lacey realizes that all is not as bright and legitimate as she once thought. A co-worker who also works at K-J as one of the top researchers and also is trying to escape his past becomes entangled with a plot larger than he. Struggling to find who they can trust, not knowing if they can trust each other, they must rely on God. This is the first time I've read Karen Hancock and am glad that I had the opportunity to do so through Bethany House's blogger review program. She has written a wonderful book that focuses on God's will for His people even while showing the side that Satan wants us to believe - cloning and murder are okay. Full of plot twists even the reader will find themselves trying to figure out who Lacey should trust, her boss or fellow Believer, Cameron. This is a read that will keep you up at night and you will be pleased that you did. There is no explicit romance scenes - two kisses are exchanged - so this makes for an enjoyable read and one that can be safely called Christian.

What an amazing adventure I've just experienced reading The Enclave. I felt like I was watching a sci-fi movie as I read this book. It reminded me a little of John Grisham's book The Firm, where this law firm kept tabs on their employees' lives and wanted to control them in the end. It also reminded me a little bit of The Matrix, in the way things were created and operated in another world. And finally, it reminded me of Alien, and those hideous creatures and their slime. This story was not like anything I've ever read. I had heard that Karen Hancock had a gift for writing science fiction and that's what made me want to read The Enclave, in the first place. I'm happy to report that my sources were right; this book is suspenseful, imaginative, and scary (but not too scary), as she took on the topic of cloning and all its ramifications. The author has one of her characters say this,"..Remember that just because someone holds an opinion different from your own, they must still be treated with respect." I think that Karen Hancock respects others opinions throughout her story. I'm not a science-fiction reader but this one drew me in and made me think about my faith. It also helped me see how to respect others I live with in this world. Cam the geneticist says to his boss, "What do you want from me?" "I want your mind, son. I want your heart and soul and strength...I just want your loyalty, Cameron. I want you to believe me when I say I have your very best interests at heart and trust that I know what I'm doing. And I want you to share my vision." I couldn't believe that in the middle of life threatening situations, her action figures were contemplating what God would have them do next. It was great!! You just have to read this story to get the full affect. It's hard to describe in just a few words. This book will definitely take you to most intriguing places you've never been before or even thought existed. All I can say about this book is what a great trip to "infinity and beyond." Finding Hope Through Fiction Book Club Servant Leader

I have to say that I was thrilled with this book. I've never read a Christian Sci-Fi before and it had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I was shocked by all of the Science in the book, but even more at how relevant the main character's stand for his faith is like ours today. This is a book that explores a fictional future through the eyes of one who believes in a non-fictional God.

As I expected, this book will not disappoint the reader. Talk about sensational. Talk about a page turner from page one. Talk about intense characters. Talk about the beginnings of plot line twists and turns. Talk about the Christian being scorned and ridiculed. Talk about subjective villains. Talk about the triumph of faith over fear. Talk about peace and contentment in a relationship with Him. Once again Karen Hancock has delivered a knockout.