Escape From Genopolis

Notes:

This is a fairly conventional story of a near future where society is divided after a natural apocalypse. The Citizens of Genopolis are the result of genetic manipulation to remove fear and pain, the better to cope with the hazards life brings. The Gemini are clones, either for slavery or as spare body parts for the elderly rich. The Naturals live outside the city in the wilderness Regions and are despised by the Citizens. They have a tribal lifestyle and give birth naturally. They retain the emotions which the Citizens have either genetically removed or otherwise suppressed. Arlo is an experiment: a Natural raised as a Citizen. Usha is a Gemini who runs away when she realises that she's merely to be used as spare parts. (Literally cannibalised).

The story is engaging enough in its development, although it follows conventional lines. The children are going to make allies and enemies along the way before they meet by chance and decide to travel to the Regions. Although the genetically manipulated Citizens are clearly on the wrong side of both our main characters, the Naturals we meet are little better in their tribal brutality. The Citizens who rebel against the system and try to help Arlo to escape are those who are trying to return to the emotions which they've lost.