Tankborn (Tankborn #1)

A Tankborn Novel
By Karen Sandler
Paperback: $18.95

Kayla and Mishalla, two genetically engineered enslaved non-human (GENs), fall in love with higher-status boys, discover deep secrets about the creation of GENs, and in the process find out what it means to be human.

Description

Enslaved by their genetics.

Oppressed by their creators.

Fighting for their humanity.

On rugged planet Loka, life for best friends Kayla and Mishalla is arduous at best. They are GENs, Genetically Engineered Non-humans, and in their strict caste system, GENs are at the bottom rung of society. GENs are gestated in a tank and sent to work as slaves as soon as they reach age fifteen.

When Kayla is Assigned to care for Zul Manel, the patriarch of a trueborn family, she finds secrets and surprises–not least of which is her budding friendship with Zul’s handsome great-grandson. Meanwhile, the children that Mishalla is Assigned to care for are being stolen in the middle of the night, and a strange lowborn boy is hanging around nearby.

After weeks of toiling in their Assignments, mystifying circumstances enable Kayla and Mishalla to reunite. Together with the boys, they hatch a plan to save the disappearing children. Yet can GENs really trust humans? Both girls must put their lives and hearts at risk to crack open a sinister conspiracy, revealing secrets no one is ready to face.

The first in a trilogy, Tankborn is a page-turning sci-fi thriller that will leave readers scrambling for the sequel!

About the Creators

Karen Sandler

Karen Sandler is the author of the Tankborn trilogy as well as seventeen novels for adults and several short stories and screenplays. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a software engineer, including work on the Space Shuttle program and communications satellites. She lives in northern California with her husband, Gary, and their three cats, and can often be found riding her Andalusian/Morgan mare, Belle. Find out more at karensandler.net.

Reviews

  • "Advanced genetic engineering and upsettingly plausible caste oppression keep pages turning in this futuristic science fiction tale. . . A good option for science-fiction fans interested in genetic engineering, rebellion and class issues."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "The author's speculative vision of the darker side of future possibilities in genetic engineering and mind control is both chilling and thought-provoking. This is a dark novel that will appeal to those who enjoyed M.T. Anderson's Feed (Candlewick, 2002), and it would make a good stepping-stone to Anthony Burgess's classic, A Clockwork Orange (W.W. Norton, 1963)."

    - School Library Journal
  • "A riveting, romantic, sci fi mystery that explores the blurry lines between castes and what it means to be human. As suspenseful as thought-provoking–I loved it!"

    - Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Tantalize
  • "Read this book and be changed."

    - Mette Ivie Harrison, author of The Princess and the Hound
  • "This is the kind of social commentary science fiction I always want more of."

    - The Parenthetical

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620142967
  • Price $18.95
  • Publication Date Sep 15, 2011
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 0.9375 lbs
  • Page Count 384
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600606625
  • Price $17.95
  • Publication Date Sep 15, 2011
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 1.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 384
  • Word Count 96495
  • Interests

  • Imprint Tu Books
  • Audience Young Adult
  • BISAC Category 1 YAF / Science Fiction / General
  • BISAC Category 2 YAF / Dystopian
  • BISAC Category 3 YAF / Romance / General
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Animal / Biodiversity / Plant Adaptations, Animals, Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Biracial / Multiracial, Breaking Gender Barriers, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Conflict resolution, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Dystopia, Earth / Sun / Moon System, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fantasy, Fiction, Friendship, Heroism, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Integrity / Honesty, Leadership, Middle Grade, Mothers, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Nature / Science, Occupations, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Poverty, Religion / Spiritual, Respect / Citizenship, Responsibility, Science Fiction / Fantasy, Self Control / Self Regulation, Slavery, YA interest
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 12 - 17
  • Grade Range Grades 7 - 12
  • Guided Reading Z
  • ATOS Book Level 5.6
  • DRA 80
  • Interest Level Grades 7 - 12
  • Lexile Level 790
  • Lexile Measurement 790L
  • Reading Level Grades 6 - 12
  • SRC 5.2
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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