Origin

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the pressure of high expectations or feels like their entire life has been planned out by others. It is a perfect choice for a young person who is starting to question authority and is looking for the courage to define their own identity apart from their family or school environment. The story follows Pia, a girl engineered for immortality, who discovers that the secret lab she calls home is more of a prison than a sanctuary. While the setting is a high stakes science fiction adventure in the Amazon rainforest, the emotional core deals with the heavy burden of being perfect and the loneliness of being different. As Pia escapes into the jungle and meets a boy from a local village, she must navigate complex ethical dilemmas and the realization that the adults she trusted are deeply flawed. It is an ideal read for ages 12 and up, offering a sophisticated exploration of consent, scientific ethics, and the true meaning of freedom.