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The Janus Legacy
Jeremy Magnusson's life changes forever when his estranged father, the renowned physician Ivan Magnusson, is unexpectedly killed in a plane crash. Recently dumped by his girlfriend and suffering from a serious, likely fatal disease, Jeremy faces a choice: Take over SomaGene, Ivan's highly successful custom organ cultivation and transplant operation, and inherit all his wealth. Or turn the job down and inherit nothing.
Only later, once he's assumed the position, does Jeremy realize his father left him more than the company. He's left Jeremy a special gift. A gift with the power to bring him everything he wants in life, but one that comes at a horrible cost, with repercussions and consequences he could never imagine, and that could very well change not only his life, but the lives and deaths of millions across the globe.
THE JANUS LEGACY—is it a gift or a curse? Does it bring life or death? Is it a miraculous new beginning for the human race or a step closer to the end of everything?
Some doors should never be opened…
Only later, once he's assumed the position, does Jeremy realize his father left him more than the company. He's left Jeremy a special gift. A gift with the power to bring him everything he wants in life, but one that comes at a horrible cost, with repercussions and consequences he could never imagine, and that could very well change not only his life, but the lives and deaths of millions across the globe.
THE JANUS LEGACY—is it a gift or a curse? Does it bring life or death? Is it a miraculous new beginning for the human race or a step closer to the end of everything?
Some doors should never be opened…
- GenresHorrorScience Fiction
347 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Lisa von Biela
16 books45 followersLisa started writing dark fiction just after the turn of the century. Her very first short story appeared in Greg F. Gifune’s small press ’zine The Edge in 2002. After working in Information Technology for 25 years, Lisa dropped out of everything—including writing—to attend the University of Minnesota Law School. She graduated magna cum laude in 2009, relocated to Washington State, and began her second career as a legal aid attorney helping homeowners during the Great Recession/first foreclosure crisis. Retired now, she spends her time writing, painting, scratch baking, and honing her photographic skills.
Lisa’s novel-length works are best described as near-future dystopian thrillers that explore the dark side of a particular technology or development. Targets of her fiction include: implantable brain chips (THE GENESIS CODE), human cloning (THE JANUS LEGACY), manufactured pathogens (BLOCKBUSTER), food chain mutations (BROKEN CHAIN), for-profit prison systems (DOWN THE BRINK), pathogenic cell phone technology (INCIDENTAL FINDINGS), and climate change (SCORCHED EARTH). On the other hand, her novella-length works take a different tack. They range from a straight present-time thriller, no dystopia (MOON OVER RUIN) to downright supernatural (ASH AND BONE, SKINSHIFT).
Lisa’s novel-length works are best described as near-future dystopian thrillers that explore the dark side of a particular technology or development. Targets of her fiction include: implantable brain chips (THE GENESIS CODE), human cloning (THE JANUS LEGACY), manufactured pathogens (BLOCKBUSTER), food chain mutations (BROKEN CHAIN), for-profit prison systems (DOWN THE BRINK), pathogenic cell phone technology (INCIDENTAL FINDINGS), and climate change (SCORCHED EARTH). On the other hand, her novella-length works take a different tack. They range from a straight present-time thriller, no dystopia (MOON OVER RUIN) to downright supernatural (ASH AND BONE, SKINSHIFT).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 4, 2014
The book started in a simple manner with a direct plot but began to quickly become more complex. Although there were not a ton of characters, the ones that were here were interesting. They were a bit stock and predictable, but the story was strong enough to carry the book. There are books that work simply due to the characters in them that I find interesting and begin to care about. This is one of those books that work because the ideas are interesting and the writing solid and reliable.
This novel reads more like sci-fi than horror and is interesting from a moral dilemma perspective. It explores various current themes in scientific ethics and presents the reader with a somewhat brutal version of cloning, almost from a victim perspective which I have not read before. It’s easy to understand each character’s motivation and while the ending seems anti-climactic, it is probably realistic.
I found this to be a good read that I definitely had to finish once I started.
This novel reads more like sci-fi than horror and is interesting from a moral dilemma perspective. It explores various current themes in scientific ethics and presents the reader with a somewhat brutal version of cloning, almost from a victim perspective which I have not read before. It’s easy to understand each character’s motivation and while the ending seems anti-climactic, it is probably realistic.
I found this to be a good read that I definitely had to finish once I started.
February 7, 2014
4.5 *
Can’t remember ever reading a book so quickly and being immersed so totally in something that when I look back, I wouldn’t normally even consider reading. Testament to an extremely well written and superbly paced story that opens all sorts of questions about morality and integrity.
Jeremy has Crohn’s disease, it killed his mother and was behind the reason he was estranged from his father since her death. Tragedy strikes again when his father is killed in a plane crash and Jeremy inherits his father’s company SomaGene, discovering along the way that his father has left him a somewhat poisoned chalice of a gift that could save his life.
The Janus Legacy is a pretty radical medical thriller exploring concepts that are I guess not too far away in the future and the very pertinent question asked is, how far would you go to save yourself, would it be worth another life?
Recommended.
Can’t remember ever reading a book so quickly and being immersed so totally in something that when I look back, I wouldn’t normally even consider reading. Testament to an extremely well written and superbly paced story that opens all sorts of questions about morality and integrity.
Jeremy has Crohn’s disease, it killed his mother and was behind the reason he was estranged from his father since her death. Tragedy strikes again when his father is killed in a plane crash and Jeremy inherits his father’s company SomaGene, discovering along the way that his father has left him a somewhat poisoned chalice of a gift that could save his life.
The Janus Legacy is a pretty radical medical thriller exploring concepts that are I guess not too far away in the future and the very pertinent question asked is, how far would you go to save yourself, would it be worth another life?
Recommended.
February 3, 2014
Lisa von Biela has written a fast-moving story that absolutely consumed my attention from the very beginning! The concept of "genetic engineering" that she brings up is controversial, to say the least.
When Jeremy suddenly finds himself left with his father's cutting-edge company (after the father's untimely death), he gets much more than he expected to. While Jeremy's conscience and deteriorating body rage their own wars against him, he finds himself in a position that nobody would envy. How far is "too far" in medical advancement. What would you do, if you were forced into his position?
This story brings up many issues that will have readers discussing for a long time to come. Another extraordinary novel from the mind of Lisa von Biela!
Recommended!
When Jeremy suddenly finds himself left with his father's cutting-edge company (after the father's untimely death), he gets much more than he expected to. While Jeremy's conscience and deteriorating body rage their own wars against him, he finds himself in a position that nobody would envy. How far is "too far" in medical advancement. What would you do, if you were forced into his position?
This story brings up many issues that will have readers discussing for a long time to come. Another extraordinary novel from the mind of Lisa von Biela!
Recommended!
May 12, 2014
This is the story of Jeremy. He has inherited his fathers custom organ regeneration and transplant company after he is killed in a tragic air accident. Recently split from his girlfriend and suffering a debilitating and possible fatal disease he has nothing to lose. SomaGene is not all it seems though. Behind the scenes, Jeremy's father has been pushing the boundaries of ethics and creating a much darker project. One that will have lifelong repercussions for Jeremy.
I was glued to the page from the beginning of this book. I read Lisa's debut novel and this was a fantastic follow up. I am quite a fan of medical thrillers, and I like the idea that sometime in the future, the main focus of SomaGene could become the norm. The story itself started one way and then careened off another way and its conclusion was heart stopping. The pace was relentless and the characters well rounded although one or two of them needed a slap! The ethical questions raised were treated and answered in a sensitive way, and Lisa was brave to confront them. If this is the standard that Lisa is putting out, long may there be more!
I was glued to the page from the beginning of this book. I read Lisa's debut novel and this was a fantastic follow up. I am quite a fan of medical thrillers, and I like the idea that sometime in the future, the main focus of SomaGene could become the norm. The story itself started one way and then careened off another way and its conclusion was heart stopping. The pace was relentless and the characters well rounded although one or two of them needed a slap! The ethical questions raised were treated and answered in a sensitive way, and Lisa was brave to confront them. If this is the standard that Lisa is putting out, long may there be more!
August 20, 2014
Jeremy Magnusson inherits the cutting edge company SomaGene after his estranged father does in an accident. Although he takes control of the company with some trepidation, it isn't until his Crohn's disease flares up that he finds out about a secret cure that his father was working on for him. Unfortunately for Jeremy, it comes with a slew of moral dilemmas for him. I don't want to give away too much of the plot so you'll need to read the book for yourself. :)
I love medical thrillers so I was extremely excited to read this one and it didn't disappoint! Before reading this novel, I had never gave much thought to the subject of cloning, animals or people. As I read through it, I found myself connecting more and more with The Subject and felt for him. I loved how Lisa introduced feelings into a clone and subtly pointed out that they can extremely similar to their natural counterparts. It certainly made me think twice about the ethics of cloning no matter what the goal is. It doesn't matter if you're for against on the issue, you need to read this just the same. It certainly made me stop and think and I bet it will you too. Highly recommended!
I love medical thrillers so I was extremely excited to read this one and it didn't disappoint! Before reading this novel, I had never gave much thought to the subject of cloning, animals or people. As I read through it, I found myself connecting more and more with The Subject and felt for him. I loved how Lisa introduced feelings into a clone and subtly pointed out that they can extremely similar to their natural counterparts. It certainly made me think twice about the ethics of cloning no matter what the goal is. It doesn't matter if you're for against on the issue, you need to read this just the same. It certainly made me stop and think and I bet it will you too. Highly recommended!
April 1, 2014
I'm not a big fan of medical thrillers, but I did enjoy reading The Janus Legacy. The story was well written and had a good flow to it. This was the first book by Lisa I have read and will be reading her other book(The Genesis Code) soon. The story is centered around Jeremy Magnusson and him taking over SomaGene after his father dies in a plane crash. Soon after taking over the company he finds out that his father was working on a way to try and fix his Crohn’s disease. Then one day his Crohn's get so bad that they have to use the experimental procedure that his father was working on. This is where the ethical and moral problem comes into play for Jeremy. He wants to live so he and Amanda can have the life he always wanted. But he knows what he is doing isn't right and he struggles with it. I gave The Janus Legacy 4 stars.
September 4, 2014
I am generally a fan of both science fiction and medical fiction and have spent time reading up on the ethics and science of cloning, so the idea behind this book is something I was into. While the angle von Biela takes is interesting the execution of this book falls short. Taking the idea of human cloning, which has been explored by authors before, and giving the main character a motive to push for it yet a personality that fights against it was an interesting angle. This dichotomy in Jeremy’s motivation allowed for a lot of potential with real possibilities for both external conflicts with the other scientists as well as more interesting internal conflicts.
The book is generally well written and concise. While there are a few moments where the story slows down overall the pacing is even enough that the book doesn’t feel like a slog. The technical information behind how the cloning and transplants are done is clear enough to not be confusing, which is not always the case when dealing with medical based fiction.
The real problem with The Janus Legacy is the characters. They are all wooden, unlikable, not very believable or some combination of the three. While you start off feeling sympathy to Jeremy he is generally pretty unlikable. While that in of itself isn’t a deal breaker, this doesn’t come off in an anti-hero kind of unlikability but rather as a combination of whiney and boring. It’s not that I dislike the character and more that I really just don’t care what happens to Jeremy. The two surgeons working with him are both wooden and completely cookie cutter. Worst of the lot is Amanda who felt really unbelievable and pretty unlikable. She makes the jump from annoyed and wanted to cut ties too fully on board way to fast and feels more like some kind of unused plot device then a real character.
http://homeofreading.com/the-janus-legacy/
The book is generally well written and concise. While there are a few moments where the story slows down overall the pacing is even enough that the book doesn’t feel like a slog. The technical information behind how the cloning and transplants are done is clear enough to not be confusing, which is not always the case when dealing with medical based fiction.
The real problem with The Janus Legacy is the characters. They are all wooden, unlikable, not very believable or some combination of the three. While you start off feeling sympathy to Jeremy he is generally pretty unlikable. While that in of itself isn’t a deal breaker, this doesn’t come off in an anti-hero kind of unlikability but rather as a combination of whiney and boring. It’s not that I dislike the character and more that I really just don’t care what happens to Jeremy. The two surgeons working with him are both wooden and completely cookie cutter. Worst of the lot is Amanda who felt really unbelievable and pretty unlikable. She makes the jump from annoyed and wanted to cut ties too fully on board way to fast and feels more like some kind of unused plot device then a real character.
http://homeofreading.com/the-janus-legacy/
February 6, 2016
This book surprised me, having read The Genesis Code and thoroughly enjoyed I expected to find similar satisfaction in this latest offering from Lisa von Biela. It's not a bad book but the subject matter ( the illegal harvesting/use of human parts) has been done much better in the past. Two good examples being the somewhat dated Coma by Robin Cook and the more recent Harvest by Tess Gerritsen. The storyline in The Janus Legacy is different from these two predecessors but the central issue of transplant and the associated ethics remains. The story revolves around Jeremy Magnusson, crohn's disease sufferer, and the vast wealth he inherits from his father Ivan on his unexpected death. However as part of his inheritance Jeremy must endeavor to continue with his father's experiments into this dreaded disease even though he may dispute the methods used, and perhaps by continuing his fathers work he may find a cure. Although Jeremy has my sympathy most of the supporting characters were bland and tedious in the extreme: his ex partner Amanda decides to leave the pompous Rick and return to Jeremy, Tim ( very dim!) and Glen ( self absorbed egotist) two supporting surgeons at the SomaGene institute and the rather pathetic figure of "The Subject" who drifted somewhere between a human existence and the great beyond....This book would probably have worked much better as a novella as I found myself wishing for the end to happen and Jeremy's fate, whatever that may be to please happen soon....before I drifted off to sleep zzzzzz....
June 10, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
The Janus Legacy is an interesting story focusing on Jeremy Magnusson. He faces an impossible choice, after his estranged father, a renowned and wealthy physician, is killed in a plane crash. He can take over SomaGene, his deceased father’s successful custom organ cultivation and transplant operation, and inherit all his wealth. Or he can turn the job, and get nothing. But a shaky inheritance isn’t the only thing bothering Jeremy. He suffers from a serious, likely fatal disease, and his girlfriend just dumped him.
As if life couldn’t get any bleaker, Jeremy begins to realize his father left him more than just the company. He’s received a special gift, with the power to bring him everything he wants in life, but at an enormous cost.
At the heart of this book, it centers on an ethical question: the good of the patient vs the suffering of the donor. The story reads like science-fiction, but the issue at hand is very contemporary. Doctors wonder about ethical questions every day, and Jeremy’s ethics problem has probably haunted several doctors over the years, albeit not in such extremes.
Although I liked the story, it took a while before I got into it. The first few chapters were slow. Nevertheless, I’d recommend this book to fans of medical thrillers and sci-fi thrillers.
The Janus Legacy is an interesting story focusing on Jeremy Magnusson. He faces an impossible choice, after his estranged father, a renowned and wealthy physician, is killed in a plane crash. He can take over SomaGene, his deceased father’s successful custom organ cultivation and transplant operation, and inherit all his wealth. Or he can turn the job, and get nothing. But a shaky inheritance isn’t the only thing bothering Jeremy. He suffers from a serious, likely fatal disease, and his girlfriend just dumped him.
As if life couldn’t get any bleaker, Jeremy begins to realize his father left him more than just the company. He’s received a special gift, with the power to bring him everything he wants in life, but at an enormous cost.
At the heart of this book, it centers on an ethical question: the good of the patient vs the suffering of the donor. The story reads like science-fiction, but the issue at hand is very contemporary. Doctors wonder about ethical questions every day, and Jeremy’s ethics problem has probably haunted several doctors over the years, albeit not in such extremes.
Although I liked the story, it took a while before I got into it. The first few chapters were slow. Nevertheless, I’d recommend this book to fans of medical thrillers and sci-fi thrillers.
March 28, 2014
I’m not one to go for the medical thriller types, but found myself pulled in just the same. The story takes on some pretty heavy subject matter and ethical questions regarding human organ cloning and how far one may go if given the opportunity, but with the sparse number of characters and minimalist setting it may have been more effective as a novella. Reading this gave me the feeling of watching one of those old Twilight Zone episodes. In a good way.
And I have to give a nod to how well the author brought in and developed one of those characters that was given very little time in the book but packed a pretty good emotional punch.
And I have to give a nod to how well the author brought in and developed one of those characters that was given very little time in the book but packed a pretty good emotional punch.
January 12, 2014
A strong and scary thriller
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/the-ja... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/the-ja... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
March 4, 2014
Really enjoyed this Crones and clones medical romance. Highly recommend it.
January 19, 2026
Told im a way that makes you believe it..does not turn out the way you think it does
February 6, 2014
This was an interesting story centered around Jeremy Magnusson, MD a research surgeon. Jeremy suffers from a Crohn's Disease which is already making problems for his career and love live. Now that his parents have passed away, he must carry on the upscale organ growing facility. Yet there is more going on
The story is one of ethics. When does the good of the patient out-weigh the suffering of the donor. Jeremy is certainly torn and begins to believe the health and comfort of the patient is the most important issue. He continues to be haunted by this ethical question. There are some unexpected twists and turns that make the protagonist question his slow acceptance of what he knows is wrong in his own heart. There is only one other at the facility a doctor believing the suffering of the donors is important. What will happen to Jeremy when this doctor suddenly has to leave the facility. Will his ethical dilemma become easier or more difficult.
I liked this story a lot. I believe this story of ethical judgment is important for our day. What will happen when our scientific community does begin to provides organ replacement in this way...I think it is coming. I found myself wondering a lot about this ethical issue.
I would recommend this book to anyone in the medical research field who face several ethical issues on a daily basis. I did not feel the characters had the depth that I like to see in a 5 star book...at least for my taste. I may change my mind in a few days, but I always like to write a review asap after reading a book so I don't forget this and that!
The story is one of ethics. When does the good of the patient out-weigh the suffering of the donor. Jeremy is certainly torn and begins to believe the health and comfort of the patient is the most important issue. He continues to be haunted by this ethical question. There are some unexpected twists and turns that make the protagonist question his slow acceptance of what he knows is wrong in his own heart. There is only one other at the facility a doctor believing the suffering of the donors is important. What will happen to Jeremy when this doctor suddenly has to leave the facility. Will his ethical dilemma become easier or more difficult.
I liked this story a lot. I believe this story of ethical judgment is important for our day. What will happen when our scientific community does begin to provides organ replacement in this way...I think it is coming. I found myself wondering a lot about this ethical issue.
I would recommend this book to anyone in the medical research field who face several ethical issues on a daily basis. I did not feel the characters had the depth that I like to see in a 5 star book...at least for my taste. I may change my mind in a few days, but I always like to write a review asap after reading a book so I don't forget this and that!
August 28, 2016
The Janus Legacy is a pretty darn good sci-fi-ish medical thriller in the vein of the older works of Robin Cook (that is a compliment, btw).
Jeremy has inherited a large chunk of land, a mansion, a garage full of luxury vehicles. It’s all his…under one condition. He has to take over and run the innovative and experimental, bio-genetics company that his estranged father founded that produces organs for transplant purposes. Now Jeremy must run the very company that had caused a great rift in their relationship and work thru his ethical and moral dilemmas while struggling to cure himself of a terrible disease. How far will he go to save himself? How far would you go?
A fast paced thriller with good characterization and several points of view explored regarding the work at Soma-Gene and the ethical/moral questions that arise. The ending was perfect and made me laugh a bit, even though if you really think about it, it was pretty horrific. (Hey, what goes around, comes around sometimes) 3.5+ Stars
Jeremy has inherited a large chunk of land, a mansion, a garage full of luxury vehicles. It’s all his…under one condition. He has to take over and run the innovative and experimental, bio-genetics company that his estranged father founded that produces organs for transplant purposes. Now Jeremy must run the very company that had caused a great rift in their relationship and work thru his ethical and moral dilemmas while struggling to cure himself of a terrible disease. How far will he go to save himself? How far would you go?
A fast paced thriller with good characterization and several points of view explored regarding the work at Soma-Gene and the ethical/moral questions that arise. The ending was perfect and made me laugh a bit, even though if you really think about it, it was pretty horrific. (Hey, what goes around, comes around sometimes) 3.5+ Stars
August 26, 2016
Full disclosure: I am not really a fan of the medical thriller genre. Those who are will probably enjoy this novel more than I did.
The Janus Legacy poses an intriguing ethical question: where does medical research stop and inhumanity begin? The protagonist Jeremy has to face this dilemna, but with the added weight of his own failing health pressuring his decision. When the chips are down, would you sacrifice your high-minded ideas to save your own skin?
Through the first half of the book I felt like the characters were two-dimensional and I didn't connect with any feelings about them aside from being plot devices. As the novel progressed they fleshed out more, but I didn't sympathize with them as much as I felt I was expected to. Still, the story and ideas are very engaging and thought-provoking. 3.5 stars.
The Janus Legacy poses an intriguing ethical question: where does medical research stop and inhumanity begin? The protagonist Jeremy has to face this dilemna, but with the added weight of his own failing health pressuring his decision. When the chips are down, would you sacrifice your high-minded ideas to save your own skin?
Through the first half of the book I felt like the characters were two-dimensional and I didn't connect with any feelings about them aside from being plot devices. As the novel progressed they fleshed out more, but I didn't sympathize with them as much as I felt I was expected to. Still, the story and ideas are very engaging and thought-provoking. 3.5 stars.
May 13, 2015
This is a really interesting novel that presents an important and difficult moral subject.Is it all valid to achieve what is wanted, what is
desired? No matter what must be done, no matter the cost?
The author used a very accurate pace, very realistic and it gets the effect that, though fiction, this story could happen anywhere
and any time.I liked the characters too, fantastic job here.At the end of the novel the reader knows well how they're and what kind
of persons they're.
A terrible story that makes the reader think and wonder.What would you do?
desired? No matter what must be done, no matter the cost?
The author used a very accurate pace, very realistic and it gets the effect that, though fiction, this story could happen anywhere
and any time.I liked the characters too, fantastic job here.At the end of the novel the reader knows well how they're and what kind
of persons they're.
A terrible story that makes the reader think and wonder.What would you do?
August 5, 2014
When Jeremy Magnusson inherits SomaGene after his father Ivan dies, he discovers that his father was secretly trying to find a cure for Crohns disease that Jeremy suffers from. This make Jeremy really dig down to make some moral decisions.
This was one of the few medical thrillers that I truly enjoyed reading. It has a believable storyline and realistic characters.
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***
This was one of the few medical thrillers that I truly enjoyed reading. It has a believable storyline and realistic characters.
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews