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Eight-year-old Daniel McAlister is the first successful specimen—a test soldier—born of artificial and genetically modified DNA. Created by the military for future use on soldiers, Daniel is designed for combat and intelligence warfare. Wanted by those who plan to sell him on the Burmese human trafficking circuit, as well as use him in further lab experiments, Daniel's life is constantly in jeopardy. After one near fatal attempt, he is rescued and taken to live with a loving and caring family who provide him with a new identity. Although he is highly intelligent, his emotional long-term results are uncertain, and any hope of finding true love because of his genetic make up looks dismal, especially when he and "adopted" sister, Angelina, fall in love.
Delaney's debut novel is a mix of espionage, romance, and a bit of comedy set within three different customs. Keeping her narrative moving by alternating a variety of scenes, Delaney takes readers on a strange science fiction journey between the military; Daniel's adopted family who has roots in the Native American, Norwegian, and Irish cultures; and Daniel and Angelina's romance. Delaney includes a plethora of characters who, much of the time, play supportive roles for her two dynamic characters, Daniel and Angelina. Tension builds as their relationship evolves from sibling rivalry to intense love over a fourteen-year period. There are a number of grammatical errors throughout and awkwardness at times in the dialogue that deter the flow of the narrative. Nonetheless, sci-fi readers will be intrigued with Delaney's well-developed cast and her unique and un-clichéd plot that is laced with thought-provoking concepts on genetic engineering and human trafficking.