Review of "Origin"

"You are far too important to throw yourself away for anyone."

     Jessica Khoury's Origin is a young adult novel that deals with mankind's greatest desire: immortality. Pia is immortal. Her skin is impenetrable, her immune system so advanced she'll never even catch a cold. The scientists who raised her have taken to calling her "perfect Pia." Deep in the jungle, hidden from prying eyes, Pia trains relentlessly to become a scientist herself. Once she has passed her tests, she'll help engineer another immortal--a boy who will stand by her side as they establish their race as the leaders of Earth. That is, until she crawls through a hole in the fence and finds herself exploring the world outside Little Cambridge for the first time in her life. There she meets Eio, a half-native who is like no one she's ever encountered. As the scientists are forced to increase the frequency of their tests and the native tribe grows wary of their presence, Pia must decide which future to save: her Mr. Perfect or the human race.

     One of the most overused tropes in science fiction is the evil scientist. This is a man or woman who values power, fame, or the advancement of science above all else, and will commit terrible atrocities to obtain it. While Origin toys with this trope, it's fairly well-done and is balanced out by the beautiful worldbuilding, intriguing premise, and strong plot. The villains in Khoury's novel are truly evil, yet occasionally show hidden depths of compassion that make them a little sympathetic. However, there is no doubt as to who they are and what they are doing, as the tests they put Pia through are nothing short of monstrous.

     Although there isn't a whole lot of action in Pia's tale, the tension is deliciously high. The stakes rise with every chapter, sending our protagonist on a soul-shattering journey to discover what is most important in this world. As she slowly falls for a local boy, she struggles to reconcile her inner yearning for freedom, which she dubs Wild Pia, with the rational, controlled Pia she used to be. Even though the right decision may seem obvious to readers, her internal struggle is grounded in her history and is surprisingly realistic.

     This story deals with a great deal of emotional drama, and it follows that there are some things to watch out for when reading it--or prereading it, as the case may be. Readers who empathize strongly with animals may have a difficult time with Origin, as the tests Pia goes through to join the science team often include some form of animal abuse. However, there are relatively few tests throughout the book, and most of the wonderful creatures in her life remain untouched by violence or cruelty. The romance is almost insta-love in its quick start, but the love interest is very sweet and suits Pia nicely.

     I would recommend this book to teens interested in a world of unethical science that tests the boundaries of the protagonist's morality. Pia is a complex, soft-edged heroine who struggles to maintain her inner innocence while still pursuing the goal of immortal companionship. Readers especially sensitive to mild animal cruelty will not like some of Pia's tests, but those who can stomach it will find themselves facing a beautiful world full of diverse characters and a great plot. Jessica Khoury did a good job with Origin, which deserves four stars out of five.