Life would be so much easier for Wolfgang if he could play his musical pieces with the perfection expected of a clone of a famous musician. It does not help that several other similar clones share his living space and the same determination to be perfect. It gets so bad that he leaves the busy city of Drusolet for the relative peace of Sterntar, with its promise of a fresh start. He finds a new home, new friends, and adventure in this exotic location, but as his eighteenth birthday approaches, Wolfgang discovers a terrible secret from his past. One that, if not managed discreetly, might unravel everything he has worked so hard for. Only time will tell how far he will go to prevent this perceived travesty of justice in Shanti Hershenson's Wolfgang One.

Shanti Hershenson maintains a high degree of realism in the world-building, with each political faction's origins tracing back to entities most readers are familiar with. She combines comedic banter among Wolfgang and his colleagues at his new hive with deep, introspective moments that highlight the delicate science behind their greater purpose, as Wolfgang recalls the consequences of imperfection in a perfect world. She complements the dialogue with a complex romantic subplot between Wolfgang and one of his friends, and a series of tasks he must overcome to reach safety. Hershenson weaves these elements together at a gradual pace, strategically placing clues and intimate scenes that are guaranteed to intrigue and entertain purists of science fiction, adventure, and romance. The descriptive storytelling style, extensive world-building, and entertaining delivery in Wolfgang One hint at a fascinating series in the offing. I look forward to its sequel.

It is 2339. The world is now under the governance of Andssenton, formerly the USA, the winner of the War of Decimation—the war that ended all wars. The world’s population is also now composed of clones of renowned figures, a system introduced after the war to purge threats. Eight-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of ten clones of Mozart, living together in a center called a Hive in Drusolet, the capital of Andssenton. Tired of the strenuous lifestyle of musical practices at the Hive, Mozart attempts to flee. However, he is caught and transferred to Sterntar, a different city. A decade later, as he looks forward to graduating from the Sterntar Hive, he learns a shocking truth about his DNA. Mozart is the clone of the most evil human who ever lived. Andssenton authorities take him back, but only to condemn him to a harrowing fate. To save his life, Mozart must make a tough decision, one that will land him in the Underworld, where only outcasts abound. Find out how it all goes down in Wolfgang One by Shanti Hershenson.

If you are looking for a young adult coming-of-age dystopian novel laced with drama, suspense, plot twists, adventure, and a touch of romance, Wolfgang One by Shanti Hershenson is a worthy pick. Hershenson wastes no time picking up the pace after an introduction that acquaints readers with the cast’s world. I was instantly drawn into Mozart’s dilemma, which ironically mirrors real-life conflicts ranging from ethical to social and political problems. Mozart’s persecution for being imperfect is a reflection of how some races or communities persecute others for their differences. The persecutors ignore the fact that one’s descent does not determine one's character, and that no one has power over what community or circumstances they’re born into. Despite his feared and loathed heritage, Mozart has incredible musical talent and a golden heart. He wishes people would appreciate his character rather than focusing on his heritage. The story sends a strong message to teenagers: they should embrace their differences because they are what make us human. The vivid depictions distinctively captured the scenes, bringing the futuristic setting to life. This is an enthralling debut in The Enigma Trilogy.

Wolfgang One by Shanti Hershenson is set in 2349, where Wolfgang Mozart Number One is raised on Sterntar, an engineered island where clones of historical figures are trained for defined roles, and he earns placement in a global arts program through a formal music evaluation. That future collapses when a required genetic test flags his DNA as restricted and links it to Jacques Grail, a figure tied to a past global catastrophe, prompting authorities to remove him from Sterntar and transport him to a facility in Drusolet for examination. When officials reject his identity and classify him as a threat, Wolfgang breaks free and descends into the Underworld beneath the city, a hidden settlement of unregulated clones where survival depends on deception. He assumes a false identity while authorities search for the individual they believe should not exist.

Shanti Hershenson’s Wolfgang One has such a unique premise on an engineered island where artists are trained for placement in the wider world, and where genetic engineering and artificial intelligence shape daily life. The world-building is wonderful and loaded with recognizable talents in a Hive of clones. The author molds an antagonist force through the Obtainer, an absolutely terrifying interrogator in Drusolet, who insists Wolfgang is a clone of Jacques Grail and will resort to anything for an admission. I think where Hershenson shines brightest is in her visual landscaping, the standout being the Underworld beneath Drusolet, where Wolfgang meets Edmund, a Shakespeare clone, in a dim network of tunnels that opens into a hidden settlement. Well written and immersive, readers who enjoy classic science fiction with a rich contemporary twist will adore this. Very highly recommended.

Wolfgang One by Shanti Hershenson is a science fiction novel set several hundred years after humanity’s greatest war, in a world where people are no longer born naturally but created as perfected clones of famous historical figures. In the Sterntar Hive of Assorted Arts, clones of Shakespeare, Marilyn Monroe, Mary Cassatt, Mozart, Kafka, and Whitney Houston live, learn, and prepare for their release into the professional world. Wolfgang Mozart, the Hive’s first Mozart clone, is ready to begin his future with the girl he loves and the friends he has always known. However, everything changes when a blood test reveals something alarming in his DNA. Before he knows it, Wolfgang Mozart needs to discover who he truly is and prove he is not evil or dangerous.

Author Shanti Hershenson has written a story that is imaginative, emotional, and much more thoughtful than it first appears. I enjoyed how Wolfgang was not your typical protagonist. He was not simply trying to solve a mystery but also trying to find himself. He knew he wasn’t evil and that there was goodness inside him; he just wanted to show the world that he was different. I was fascinated by the idea of clones. I can easily imagine a future where celebrities and historical figures are cloned. It broke my heart when these clones were treated as symbols more than humans. I loved how descriptive the story was. I could feel Wolfgang’s fear, confusion, and determination as he tried his absolute best to change other people’s perception of him. He was a believable character, someone I connected with instantly and enjoyed immensely. Wolfgang One was a joy to read, and I cannot wait to read what happens next!