REVIEW: THE ONE PERCENTERS BY JOHN PODGURSKY

ebook: 185 pages
Published: September 1st 2009 by Damnation Books (first published 2009)

Natural selection has become unnatural. Having dealt with the vicious murder of his wife, Edward Caine takes his rightful place as a One-Percenter, eliminating those not fit for the human race. He must fight his instinct to use his role for revenge; he is after those who live on only because of money and medicine.

The weak-gened are not fit to breed, and it's the job of Edward and his brethren to see that they don't. But can he finish the job before his own mind betrays him? He is an agent of the Earth. He is a One-Percenter.

I am so conflicted with this book because on the one hand, I loved loved loved the concept of this book. But on the other hand, the ending frustrated me so much. Let me explain...

The book revolves around a man named Edward Caine who is insanely in love with his wife - I mean, completely adores and cherishes her. And then, the unthinkable happens - she is raped and murdered by a serial killer. That is when Edward's life spins out of control and he comes to this conclusion: 98% of the human population will just live and die on Earth - never really contributing anything while here. 1% will be the geniuses of the world - scientists, engineers - people who will impact and change society. And it is because of this 1% that "survival of the fittest" no longer exists. Because of vaccines, and money, people who would've typically died, are now outlasting all of us. So in comes the final One Percenters. They're job is to rid the world of the dead weight - of the people who will never contribute anything to this world. To kill those who bring down humanity.

How cool is this idea?! I thought this novel was unique, original and totally believable. I actually found myself wondering whether the One Percenters actually exist, and kinda wishing they did. It's this idea, and the way it is cleverly written by Podgursky that makes me give this book 4 stars. Unfortunately, I had to take off one star for the ending - which I don't want to give away on the blog. But I'd love to know if you think I'm right...did this book deserve 5 stars? Buy it, read it, and let me know what you think!!

4 out of 5 stars