The novel “Malignant” by Anthony J. Melchiorri was published for the first time in 2015. It’s the second book in the Black Market DNA series and follows “Enhancement“.
Chris Morgan and his partner Jordan Thompson are trying to build a legitimate business selling genetic therapies for animals. They want to leave behind their lawless past and the recent consequences it brought. But when a man with obvious genetic enhancements confronts Chris Morgan and practically dies in his arms, accusing him of being responsible for his condition, it seems his past haunts him.
The enhanced man turns out to have died of a form of cancer, and Chris discovers a sort of epidemic among people who have purchased illegal genetic treatments. Fearing he too has been infected, Chris teams up with Dr. Robin Hayes, an oncologist who typically works on pediatric tumors. Chris is unaware that his ex-girlfriend Veronica is being blackmailed and was forced to spy on his work.
“Malignant” continues Chris Morgan’s story after the events of “Enhancement,” to which it’s a direct sequel. It’s set shortly after the mid-21st century and focuses on the consequences of biotechnology developments, which allow various genetic modifications, even in humans. These are available for sale in a strictly regulated market, but there are people willing to sell illegal modifications. These complex topics are explained with minimal technical and scientific jargon, so even readers with little knowledge in the field can appreciate this series.
Chris Morgan thought he was finally done with the troubles of developing illegal genetic enhancements, but his past brings new consequences. Anthony J. Melchiorri includes many references to the first novel in the series to try to make this sequel as self-contained as possible, but they can’t completely replace reading it.
Even when Chris Morgan was producing illegal genetic enhancements, he tried to test them to prevent them from harming his customers. Discovering that a form of cancer affects enhanced individuals and being accused of being responsible for it hits him hard.
Chris Morgan’s problems aren’t just ethical and moral, as the police are trying to determine whether the deaths are actually the result of illegal enhancements, and he becomes a suspect. It’s the perfect case of someone who isn’t looking for trouble, but trouble seems to be looking for him.
If you have read the first book in the series, you already have an idea of what to expect from this medical thriller with science fiction elements, primarily in the form of advanced genetic engineering techniques. Chris Morgan’s problems are tied to the mystery of the cancer that affects enhanced individuals, which unfolds in a plot full of discoveries and twists that gradually reveal its various aspects.
Chris Morgan’s encounter with an enhanced individual on the verge of death stresses all the ethical and moral issues connected to the illegal market. Working with Dr. Robin Hayes on a therapy that will “defuse” the development of a rapidly growing and lethal form of cancer adds tension to the story, along with the presence of criminals whose motives are gradually revealed.
In the first book, Anthony J. Melchiorri proved his skills at developing a complex plot that presents a plausible future, encompassing significant opportunities for people’s health and ethical and moral issues, sometimes connected to economic interests. In my opinion, “Malignant” is another engaging medical thriller with sci-fi elements. I recommend this series to anyone who appreciates engaging stories that also offer food for thought. It’s available on Amazon USA, UK, and Canada (French edition available as well).
