The Six

"Alpert's exploration of neuromorphic electronics raises interesting questions about ethics, technology, and human nature...a haunting ending scene will leave readers pondering the line between progress and loss. A thought-provoking clash between humanity and machinery." - Kirkus "The "Six" are introduced as terminally-ill teens, but there's plenty of high-speed action in which they engage. Their physical disabilities and limitations through disease are forgotten as the teens' hearts, minds, and personalities shine through, even though their bodies are now steel data containers...questions of principle, power, and possibility keep this look at our modern, hardwired existence fresh and fascinating. STARRED." - Booklist "A well-researched, hardcore science-fiction joyride, great for fans of first-person shooter video games like Halo and Destiny. Highly recommended." - School Library Journal "Alpert's innovative science fiction novel explores questions such as what makes people "human," when life ends, and what people owe each other. Alpert pays Crichton-esque attention to the power of technology in human existence, but he does not demonize the A.I. Sigma, which perceives betrayal because its scientist creator, Tom Armstrong, considers his son Adam's life more important than Sigma's existence. Sigma seeks to learn from humanity while in the process of destroying it. Adam develops friendships even after his consciousness exists only as circuitry within metal. Philosophical issues about the nature of existence arise in the course of vividly described action that will keep the attention of readers who enjoy science fiction or dystopias. Do not just read The "Six"; make your friends read it too." - VOYA Magazine "The "Six" is Mark Alpert's first young adult novel, and after excellent books like Extinction and The Furies, I'm definitely excited for this one!" - SF Signal "This novel will be hard for anyone to put down...the promising start of a more promising series, The "Six" is a worthy read for anyone." - The San Francisco Book Review "[If] you are ready for the most exciting young adult book you have ever read, I would highly suggest THE SIX by Mark Alpert." - TeenReads "The "Six" is thrilling, packed with science and enough heart to touch this literary adult...The pace is as fast as you could want - the psychology involves action: chunks of The "Six," like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the new Pixar movie Inside Out, take us into the psyche as a physical space." - Los Angeles Review of Books " Mark Alpert mixes cutting-edge scientific concepts, themes exploring the role of technology and what it is that makes us human, video-game-style battle action, and touches of teen angst into this roller-coaster read." - School Library Journal