This is a book about science and genetics vs. faith and the human spirit. The focus is a genetically-engineered being, designed for a positive, healing purpose, who is mistaken for causing a catastrophe in the town where she was created. The main characters are her creator's brother; a female Russian spy sent to discover her secrets or destroy them; a militant man bent on the destruction of all genetic research (calling it the "devil's work"); and a Mexican refugee running from the law. They all get caught up in the intrigue surrounding the destroyed town called Enfield.

The story is a good one, about the pros/cons of genetic research and biological creations (like weapons) and the reactions of various entities (individuals, military, religious, etc.). However I felt the story didn't flow smoothly. It was difficult to follow at times because the author seemed to jump back and forth through the timeline, sometimes hours, sometime days.

The subject matter was definitely scientifically-oriented and a little too deep in that area for my taste. I got a little lost when the contents turned towards pathogens, biological weapons, and their creation. But I did appreciate the honest look at how people would react to genetic creations and how it could possibly change the world we live in (for better and worse).

Overall, this is probably not a book I'd read again, but it is a fascinating way to approach this topic and the moral, ethical, and religious questions that may spring up from a subject like this.