Seven of our country’s most gifted teens will become Nobels, hosts for the implantation of brilliant Mentor minds in an effort to accelerate human progress. But as the line between what’s possible and what’s right draws ever blurrier, the teens discover everything has a cost. Scientists have created an evolved form of living known as Merged Consciousness. Sixteen-year-old Lake, the Nobel for Chemistry and Orfyn, the Nobel for Art, are two from the inaugural class of Nobels, and with the best intentions. But when Stryker, the Nobel for Peace, makes them question the motivation of the scientists behind the program, their world begins to unravel. The teens work to uncover the program’s dark secrets, and they realize no one can be trusted, not even the other Nobels. As the Mentors begin to take over their minds, Lake and Orfyn must find a way to regain control before they lose all semblance or memory of their former selves.

Accolades for merged

GRAND PRIZE WINNER – Royal Dragonfly Book Awards

FIRST PLACE – Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Young Adult

FIRST PLACE – Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Science Fiction/Fantasy

WINNER – Eric Hoffer Book Awards – Science Fiction/Fantasy

WINNER – Eric Hoffer Book Awards – First Horizon Award (Debut)

PHOENIX AWARD – BEST NEW VOICE – Kopps-Fetherling International Book Awards, Childrens/MG/YA

BEST FIRST BOOK – Indie Reader Discovery Awards 

FIRST PLACE – Pacific Book Awards, Young Adult

FIRST PLACE – CIPA Evvy’s, Young Adult

WINNER – Colorado Authors League Awards, Childrens/Juvenile

BEST BOOK – Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE – NYC Big Book Awards, Young Adult Fiction

FINALIST – American Bookfest Best Book Awards, Science Fiction

FINALIST – Colorado Book Awards, Young Adult

FINALIST – Best Book Awards, Science Fiction

FINALIST – Feathered Quill Book Awards, Teen Fiction

FINALIST – Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Young New Adult

FINALIST – National Indie Excellence Awards, Young Adult Fiction

SECOND PLACE – Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, Young Adult

BRONZE MEDAL – Elit Awards for Excellence in Digital Publishing, Young Adult Fiction 

       

Check out this great review by Hannah, the Rainy Reader.

Reviews

“This debut by a husband-and-wife team is an enjoyable read that nicely layers science and mystery with teen angst and romance.” Recommended Review – Kirkus Reviews

“This is a YA novel that considers heady questions like “What is the line between one’s consciousness and oneself?” “Where do we go when we die?” “What does it mean to inhabit one’s own body… let alone someone else’s?” Merged manages to ask these and other such questions while building intrigue at every turn until the thrilling final act.” Booktrib

“‘Merged’ is a fascinating, invigorating vision, with fantastic characters and a voice that questions what we assume about science, art, and humanity.” Karen Healey, author of “When We Wake”

“Merged is a complex and intriguing science fiction thriller that will keep teens turning pages as they race along with the characters through the drama, romance and intricate world-building.” Gabrielle S. Prendergast, author of “Zero Repeat Forever”

“This book captivated me from the very beginning and kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter” all the way to the end. Great writing, both in terms of form and content: the plot was intriguing and the characters were well developed. I look forward to reading more from this duo!” Library Thing Early Reviewer

“From the beginning of the book, it captured my interest. After the second chapter I ended up reading the entire book in a day as it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The main characters were sixteen year old’s that decided to merge their minds with those with great minds that were dying. Those that made this process available were called Darwinians. How the story evolves with some being able to connect and some connecting but not being as compatible and how as sixteen year old’s they solved some of the dilemmas placed before them. I don’t want to give too much away as there are a few surprises. I would recommend this read.” Library Thing Early Reviewer