Genesis surprised me. I was expecting a teen novel about a future society and what I got instead was a well written philosophical debate about what it is to be alive.

The story unfolds through Anax who is attending an exam for entry into The Academy. The examiners ask her questions and through her answers the history of their world comes to light. The story of Adam and Art, told through Anax is both interesting and enlightening. As is the story's conclusion.

In some ways the novel was predictable, but in others it was completely unexpected. The story is very philosophical, from character names to details of the events. I'm loathe to say it, but it felt almost like you needed some kind of pre-knowledge of philosophy to understand some elements. But that isn't to say it wasn't compelling anyway.

I think if anything the novel makes you think about how history is written and taught (and manipulated). And it encourages you to think and question, even if that thinking doesn't always work to your benefit.