Invasive Procedures was written by Orson Scott Card & Aaron Johnston. Johnston is a screenwriter and Orson Scott Card is the author of “Ender’s Game.” The prevailing opinion seems to be that it’s a stinker. I was surprised but in spite of so many abysmal reviews on the internet I decided to read it anyway. Maybe readers were expecting something more like Card’s bestselling series. Having never read “Ender’s Game” I didn’t start this book with preconceived expectations and I thought it was a decent if not great read.
It’s a futuristic medical thriller based on Johnston’s screenplay for a short story by Card titled “Malpractice.” I generally enjoy this genre and the plot sounded promising so I picked it up.
A brilliant geneticist, George Galen, disappears in disgrace after being shunned by his peers. He invents a way to alter human DNA. His virus can heal disease, but it also makes people stronger – and compliant to his will. Galen is insane and thinks he’s the immortal messiah. His followers are called “Healers” and they feed and medicate the homeless. These people are unaware that he plans to use them as hosts for his own organs so he will live on forever.
Working for the federal government, virologist Lt. Col. Frank Hartman and his team try to find Galen and create an antidote. They discover the hideaway, an abandoned nursing home that has been set up with a lab and they attempt to rescue those who have been given the virus and a female doctor who was coerced into treating them because Galen kidnapped her son. The plot thickens and there are some action scenes with Galen’s goons and a bit of romance thrown in.
Many unhappy readers have called the plot boring, predictable and farfetched with flat, generic characters. Yes, it’s short on characterization. The characters are caricatures and do some stupid stuff to keep the story rolling. But the premise is provocative and the timely ethical dilemmas do offer some food for thought. Otherwise it’s an easy read, fun and fast paced. Great for a beach read or to while away the time on a flight. As for being implausible, well it is sci-fi. Accept it as an amusing diversion and you won’t be disappointed.
Despite the flaws I was entertained. But if medical thrillers are your thing and you’re looking for something a little more thrilling check out Michael Crichton, Robin Cook, Peter Clement and Bill Clem.
Publisher: Tor (July 2008)
ISBN: 978-0765352828
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Price: $7.99
Invasive Procedures - A Sci-Fi Medical Thriller
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