Review of Chloe The Clone

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 18 May 2025, 02:36

[Following is a volunteer review of "Chloe The Clone" by William E. Mason.]

4 out of 5 stars

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Sam Turner needs a heart transplant, so he paid Clonal Transplants, Inc. to grow a clone who is supposed to be brain dead to supply a healthy heart. Unfortunately for Sam, some errors at the company led to the growth of a sentient girl. When a change in the law leads to the FBI coming to seize all the clones, company CEO Demetri Andropov decides to hide Sam's clone and give her to him while she's heavily sedated. Andropov convinces Sam that he must go to Mexico with the clone using a fake birth certificate for her in which she is named Chloe. Can Sam go through with this plan?

Chloe The Clone by William E. Mason explores the ethical and moral issues connected to human cloning. The author uses various characters to develop different points of view connected to the use of human cloning with the aim of growing organs that will be used for transplants. Cloning single organs, which would solve all ethical and moral issues, is a technology that hasn't been perfected yet. The novel is set at a time when that's legal, but the law changes at the beginning, triggering some crucial events.

The plot is fast-paced, as Sam's attempt to go to Mexico to have a heart transplant quickly takes unexpected turns. Surprising plot developments are another positive element of this novel. There are moments when Sam and other characters reflect on the use of clones for transplants, but most of the time, the author just shows their actions and lets the reader reflect on the characters' choices.

Sam Turner is the character who is forced to make the hardest choices, as he's a man suffering from heart disease, so he wanted to have a clone grown to obtain a new heart. He wasn't told that his clone was sentient, and that made his situation more complicated. It's easy to relate to Sam because he's a normal man who wants to live and paid for a healthy heart.

To avoid spoilers, I'll just say that Sam's choices offer most of the food for thought. Different points of view are expressed at a meeting of a support group that also includes religious people who have strong moral objections to cloning. For the same reason, some religious people might not want to read this novel.

You could say that Demetri Andropov is Sam's antagonist. Andropov is a ruthless businessman who got angry when he discovered that Chloe wasn't properly treated to destroy her brain functions. However, his anger is due only to the fact that he can get in legal trouble and lose money. He's a bit monodimensional, as he has no redeeming qualities. If I have to pick a negative in this novel, it's that some characters are a bit stereotypical.

The book contains more than 10 errors, so I have to deduct a star from its rating. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars because it explores ethical and moral issues connected to human cloning and its possible ramifications. Various animals have already been cloned, so at least in theory, human cloning is already possible.

If you want to explore the possible consequences, especially the ones connected to organ transplants, I recommend reading Chloe The Clone. I urge caution concerning young readers because the novel contains a lot of profanity. There are just mild hints of sex and some violence, far less than your average teenager has seen on TV.

******
Chloe The Clone
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 06 Jun 2025, 20:39

NetMassimo wrote: ↑18 May 2025, 02:36 [Following is a volunteer review of "Chloe The Clone" by William E. Mason.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Sam Turner needs a heart transplant, so he paid Clonal Transplants, Inc. to grow a clone who is supposed to be brain dead to supply a healthy heart. Unfortunately for Sam, some errors at the company led to the growth of a sentient girl. When a change in the law leads to the FBI coming to seize all the clones, company CEO Demetri Andropov decides to hide Sam's clone and give her to him while she's heavily sedated. Andropov convinces Sam that he must go to Mexico with the clone using a fake birth certificate for her in which she is named Chloe. Can Sam go through with this plan?

Chloe The Clone by William E. Mason explores the ethical and moral issues connected to human cloning. The author uses various characters to develop different points of view connected to the use of human cloning with the aim of growing organs that will be used for transplants. Cloning single organs, which would solve all ethical and moral issues, is a technology that hasn't been perfected yet. The novel is set at a time when that's legal, but the law changes at the beginning, triggering some crucial events.

The plot is fast-paced, as Sam's attempt to go to Mexico to have a heart transplant quickly takes unexpected turns. Surprising plot developments are another positive element of this novel. There are moments when Sam and other characters reflect on the use of clones for transplants, but most of the time, the author just shows their actions and lets the reader reflect on the characters' choices.

Sam Turner is the character who is forced to make the hardest choices, as he's a man suffering from heart disease, so he wanted to have a clone grown to obtain a new heart. He wasn't told that his clone was sentient, and that made his situation more complicated. It's easy to relate to Sam because he's a normal man who wants to live and paid for a healthy heart.

To avoid spoilers, I'll just say that Sam's choices offer most of the food for thought. Different points of view are expressed at a meeting of a support group that also includes religious people who have strong moral objections to cloning. For the same reason, some religious people might not want to read this novel.

You could say that Demetri Andropov is Sam's antagonist. Andropov is a ruthless businessman who got angry when he discovered that Chloe wasn't properly treated to destroy her brain functions. However, his anger is due only to the fact that he can get in legal trouble and lose money. He's a bit monodimensional, as he has no redeeming qualities. If I have to pick a negative in this novel, it's that some characters are a bit stereotypical.

The book contains more than 10 errors, so I have to deduct a star from its rating. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars because it explores ethical and moral issues connected to human cloning and its possible ramifications. Various animals have already been cloned, so at least in theory, human cloning is already possible.

If you want to explore the possible consequences, especially the ones connected to organ transplants, I recommend reading Chloe The Clone. I urge caution concerning young readers because the novel contains a lot of profanity. There are just mild hints of sex and some violence, far less than your average teenager has seen on TV.

******
Chloe The Clone
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I am looking for books about cloning and its implications. Most of them skew towards the negative for drama purposes. I wonder if this one can break the mold. Thanks for your review!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 07 Jun 2025, 01:51

Chi Chiu Michael Mak wrote: ↑06 Jun 2025, 20:39
I am looking for books about cloning and its implications. Most of them skew towards the negative for drama purposes. I wonder if this one can break the mold. Thanks for your review!

I know what you mean: too many stories about clones are about clones turning into monsters, trying to replace the original, or some other cheap drama. This one is far more balanced and nuanced, with a setting that feels real. Thank you for commenting!

Post by **Catherine Sweet** » 08 Jun 2025, 09:06

When I heard about this book, I was intrigued to know more, so I found this review interesting. It gives a good overview of the story and clearly explains the strengths and weaknesses.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 08 Jun 2025, 09:38

Catherine Sweet wrote: ↑08 Jun 2025, 09:06 When I heard about this book, I was intrigued to know more, so I found this review interesting. It gives a good overview of the story and clearly explains the strengths and weaknesses.

I got interested in this book when it became the Book of the Month, and I was not disappointed. Thank you for your appreciation!

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 08 Jun 2025, 17:11

The idea of cloning human organs is intriguing. I do not know much about this area of science but am interested. I am curious about this story. Thank you for the review!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 09 Jun 2025, 05:47

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑08 Jun 2025, 17:11 The idea of cloning human organs is intriguing. I do not know much about this area of science but am interested. I am curious about this story. Thank you for the review!

The novel is focused on the social consequences rather than the scientific side, but that's what makes it interesting. Thank you for commenting!

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 19 Jun 2025, 22:47

I saw this when it was the BOTM and it's a fascinating concept. You're absolutely right, this might become a reality in the not too distant future and the moral and ethical issues this book addresses are legitimate. I'm still on the fence, but your review has made me lean further towards reading it.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 20 Jun 2025, 01:32

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑19 Jun 2025, 22:47 I saw this when it was the BOTM and it's a fascinating concept. You're absolutely right, this might become a reality in the not too distant future and the moral and ethical issues this book addresses are legitimate. I'm still on the fence, but your review has made me lean further towards reading it.

A lot depends on how they develop cloning technologies: I mean, cloning single organs would solve the ethical and moral problems; otherwise, it's a can of worms! Thank you for commenting!

Post by **Maggie Johnson 2** » 25 Jun 2025, 23:37

This sounds like a really thought-provoking book. I saw this book when it was the book of the month, but initially passed over it since I assumed it would be more sci-fi, which isn't a genre I particularly enjoy. Knowing that it's a lot more focused on the social consequences definitely piques my interest a bit more. Thanks for your great review!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 26 Jun 2025, 06:56

Maggie Johnson 2 wrote: ↑25 Jun 2025, 23:37 This sounds like a really thought-provoking book. I saw this book when it was the book of the month, but initially passed over it since I assumed it would be more sci-fi, which isn't a genre I particularly enjoy. Knowing that it's a lot more focused on the social consequences definitely piques my interest a bit more. Thanks for your great review!

This seems exactly like the kind of science fiction novel that can easily be enjoyed by people who generally don't read science fiction. Thank you for your appreciation!

Miriam Abril Villa · Post by **Miriam Abril Villa** » 29 Jun 2025, 15:40

I really liked how your review balanced the fast-paced plot with the deeper ethical questions. It’s cool that you pointed out the pros and cons, like the character depth and some editing issues. Makes me think this book could spark some interesting conversations about cloning and what it means to be human.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 29 Jun 2025, 17:05

Miriam Abril Villa wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025, 15:40 I really liked how your review balanced the fast-paced plot with the deeper ethical questions. It’s cool that you pointed out the pros and cons, like the character depth and some editing issues. Makes me think this book could spark some interesting conversations about cloning and what it means to be human.

The different points of view you can find in the novel offer some food for thought that can indeed spart some interesting conversations about these issues. Thank you for your comment!

Elavarasi Charles · Post by **Elavarasi Charles** » 01 Jul 2025, 21:50

We are on the verge of a medical breakthrough in cloning. And it's interesting to see how it might fold out for us if it ever becomes legal. The clone created for a well-functioning organ gaining consciousness accidentally is a chilling premise that provides a huge ground for discovering human behavior in making emotionally devastating choices. Thank you for an interesting review.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 02 Jul 2025, 04:45

Elavarasi Charles wrote: ↑01 Jul 2025, 21:50 We are on the verge of a medical breakthrough in cloning. And it's interesting to see how it might fold out for us if it ever becomes legal. The clone created for a well-functioning organ gaining consciousness accidentally is a chilling premise that provides a huge ground for discovering human behavior in making emotionally devastating choices. Thank you for an interesting review.

The ethical and moral issues connected to human cloning to produce organs are central to this novel, and might become central to any discussion if something like that happens in the future. Thank you for your appreciation!