Enhanced
The Hybrid Series, Book 1
By Candace Kade
Lee Urban is living a lie.
In a society where everyone’s DNA determines their destiny, being a Natural means automatic relegation to the gritty and dangerous Outskirts. With the harnessed power of gene-editing, the ability to create a super-human race has transformed the world and offered the opportunity of a genetically enhanced life. But only to those who can afford it.
Born a Natural, Lee Urban was adopted into the Enhanced high society of the Asian Federation and forced to conceal her genetic roots. When her dream of attending Peking University becomes a reality, she is determined to go despite a warning from a mysterious source.
Targeted by a hacker bent on exposing her true DNA, Urban faces off with an Artificial Intelligence Game that puts her—and her lies—to the test. What was supposed to be a dream come true turns into a lethal gamble of hide-and-seek with her genetics. Can Urban continue the act, or will the cracks in her story expose her and endanger her family?
- 79-8-88605-034-9
- March 2023
Enhanced Awards
- The National Indie Excellence Awards (Finalist)
- Eric Hoffer Award (Finalist)
- First Horizon Award (Finalist)
- Realm Maker Awards
- Best Young Adult (Semi-finalist)
- Best Sci-fi (Semi-finalist)
- Best Cover Design (Runner Up)
- Reader’s Choice (Semi- finalist)
What others are saying about Enhanced…
Intricately constructed and incredibly layered, ENHANCED by Candace Kade will suck readers in, taking them on a thrilling ride through a terrifying future that looks far too familiar for comfort.
Urban’s story flourishes in twists and turns that intrigue and engage.
– Kirkus
Gattaca meets The Hunger Games—in China… vividly compelling, sometimes humorous, and frequently terrifying examination of transhumanism.
A fun and quick-paced read, filled with inventiveness and sharp detail.
Full of action and high stakes, debut author Candace Kade spins an imaginative and futuristic tale of mystery, DNA and danger—don’t miss out!
– Nova McBee, award-winning author of the Calculated series
New and innovative. Candace Kade’s impressive debut expertly tackles the theme of identity while immersing readers in a futuristic world unlike any other. In this action-packed mystery where the genetically Enhanced are pitted against Naturals, everyone is suspect and no one is safe. Can’t wait for what happens next!
– S.F. Rhoads
Enhanced is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Candace Kade’s debut novel will draw readers into the wonderfully inventive urban sci-fi setting of New Beijing, filled with bot professors, social scores, and genetic enhancements. The story is a fast-paced blend of action, adventure, and mystery that kept me reading chapter after chapter. I loved Urban’s story and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
– Jill Williamson, Christy Award-winning author of By Darkness Hid and Thirst
Enhanced thrusts you into an impossible world that somehow feels all too familiar. Peppered with resonating truths about the direction of our society, this fascinating and imaginative story makes you rethink what could be feasible in the not so-distant-future. A must read for fans of young adult literature and science fiction!
– Lorie Langdon, author of the Disney Happily Never After Series
Pulse-pounding and unique, Enhanced is a stunning urban sci-fi debut.
– Kara Swanson, award-winning author of Dust and Shadow and co-founder of the Author Conservatory