Children of Alpheios


Fiction - Science Fiction
438 Pages
Reviewed on 01/08/2023
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Author Biography

Diana Fedorak is a novelist from Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in Saigon, South Vietnam, she grew up in a Pan Am Airways family who frequently traveled overseas. Her prior career was as an officer in the United States Air Force. She enjoys writing complex characters in high-stakes science fiction and fantasy worlds.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Children of Alpheios by Diana Fedorak raises thought-provoking questions about genetics. Welcome to Alpheios, a genetically engineered colony. Like most mothers, twenty-one-year-old Alina had her baby, Mandin, at Genodyne, a pristine and heavily protected building impervious to the storms. However, Genodyne’s lab tests found a genetic anomaly in Mandin that draws the interest of the colony’s central corporation. It appears this mutation came from Alina’s father and remained undetected, as Genodyne did not initially search for it. In Mandin, the mutation has moved to a new level. As her protective maternal instinct kicks in, Alina will do anything to protect her baby and, in the process, keep the children of Alpheios safe.

The preciousness of human life and its preservation are overarching themes in Children of Alpheios. It also shows that evolution must be allowed to take its course without artificial intervention, as humans must continue to develop to meet the demands of changing environments. Diana Fedorak’s tale has the potential to pose profound scientific and philosophical questions about medical ethics and humanity’s future. It may be highly speculative, but it is serious storytelling with valid arguments, well-placed in a character-driven plot. Children of Alpheios gives you a compelling reason to read it because you are treating yourself to a well-written story that adequately explores the gift of being human and what we can do to embrace our humanity.

Keith Mbuya

Genodyne, a top medical facility on planet Eamine, promised Alina and Chance, her boyfriend, the best results for their genetically engineered baby. But Mandin, their baby boy, suffers a severe seizure when he is barely two weeks old. Genodyne’s medical tests reveal that Mandin had been born with a unique DNA anomaly; how was this possible? Alina then learns about a story where Genodyne is involved in the tragic demise of a mother and her child, both from the race of the Origins. To Alina’s horror, Genodyne recommends their newly developed experimental program for Mandin’s treatment. To save her son from his imminent fate at the medical facility, Alina flees with Mandin. On their own in a world where few can be trusted, what will happen to Alina and her son? Get Diana Fedorak’s Children of Alpheios to find out.

Diana Fedorak’s Children of Alpheios is a gripping must-read for lovers of evolving tales of survival, deceit, love, betrayal, loyalty, secrets, family, blackmail, and so much more; this page-turner will have you hooked. Fedorak had me on the edge of my seat with action, adventure, suspense, and thrills. She weaves an intriguing plot, lacing it with spell-binding twists. The scenes were described vividly, containing dramatic touches to make the reading experience enjoyable. The characters were wonderfully developed, with their traits boldly portrayed. Fedorak exquisitely crafted their emotions, allowing me to connect and empathize with them. Alina is a smart, daring, caring, big-hearted character you have to love. Children of Alpheios is a magnificent story that I loved.

Astrid Iustulin

Alina is a young mother who lives in a world where Genodyne reigns supreme. When her son, Mandin, is born, he has something unusual that appears to be a genetic anomaly. After hearing about another boy's death, Alina quickly realizes her son is in danger. She leaves her boyfriend, Mandin's father, and takes her son away in search of Syriah, a similar six-year-old girl, and Macy, a midwife who may know their connection. Subsequently, Alina discovers that her father had plans to stop what is referred to as Phase Three. These are just some of the events and twists Diana Fedorak weaves into the magnificent Children of Alpheios.

Children of Alpheios is a page-turner that will fascinate those who love captivating stories set in other worlds. What began as the story of a mother worried about her son gradually becomes an epic tale, growing more complex as Alina makes discoveries. Diana Fedorak writes very well, and there isn’t a single moment in the book that bored me or I found superfluous, including Alina's relationships. I was thrilled with this book and warmly recommend Children of Alpheios to readers who enjoy surprises, where there is a lot to discover. This is one of the best books I have ever read.