Sunday, September 13, 2026

Kirkus Reviews Gives ‘GET IT’ Verdict as John H. Thomas’ Echoes of the Gene Wins Two Medals at 2026 Global Book Awards

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Blending science, technology, and suspense, Thomas delivers a provocative story about discovery, power, and the forces determined to control both

What occurs when the future of human genetics is seized by the wrong people? Author John H. Thomas examines that unsettling scenario in Echoes of the Gene. His action-packed novel earned Gold at the 2026 Global Book Awards in the Thrillers – Techno-Thriller category and Silver in the Thrillers – Medical category, marking a double achievement for a narrative that delves into the perilous convergence of science, technology, medicine, and human ambition.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to receive both a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal from the Global Book Awards for Echoes of the Gene,” says Thomas. “As an author, there is nothing quite like knowing that a story you poured your imagination, time, and passion into has connected with readers and industry professionals.”

The second book in Thomas’ Chronos Files series, Echoes of the Gene, centers on Dr. Emily Harper, a scientist who possesses the rare ability to feel the emotions of others as if they were her own. When Emily becomes caught up in a perilous realm involving artificial intelligence, genetic science, and manipulation, the novel explores the increasingly indistinct line between technology and human emotion.

“I wrote Echoes of the Gene because I wanted to explore the themes of humanity and mortality. At its core, it’s a story about human connection—and the weight of carrying the emotional burden of someone else’s final days. Emily’s empathic ability is both her greatest gift and her greatest vulnerability, and I wanted to explore what happens when that kind of intimacy becomes a weapon in the wrong hands,” explains Thomas.

The growing momentum behind Echoes of the Gene continues, with Kirkus Reviews giving the novel a “GET IT” verdict — Kirkus’ editorial recommendation that highlights titles of exceptional quality — praising Thomas’ combination of state-of-the-art technology, genetic science, and emotional tension, and calling it a “Byzantine and brooding cyber-thriller” where “extreme emotions merge with technical intrigue.”

“I’m thrilled to see Echoes of the Gene receive a “GET IT” from Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus has a reputation for taking a close look at books and recognizing stories that stand out, so having the novel described as a “Byzantine and brooding cyber-thriller” is incredibly gratifying. I set out to create a story that would keep readers turning pages while also making them think about where technology, genetics, and artificial intelligence could take us—and this recognition tells me that the story is hitting the mark.”

Thomas’ novels send science, technology, and human ambition on a crash course. His earlier works include The Terminal Gene, the first installment in The Chronos Files, and the Maxx King thriller series, which features Thunderbird Rising, Masters of War, and Falling Angels. Across his body of work, Thomas transforms provocative scientific possibilities into high-stakes suspense, investigating what occurs when breakthrough discoveries become instruments of power, control, and deceit.

“Echoes of the Gene is about more than technology or science; it’s about what happens when human ambition pushes those things beyond their intended limits,” concludes Thomas. “I want readers to be entertained, but I also want them to close the book and wonder just how close we might be to a future where the unimaginable becomes possible. If the story stays with them after the final page, then I’ve done my job.”

The audio edition of Echoes of the Gene is now available, giving readers a new way to experience Thomas’ gripping techno-conspiracy thriller.

Thomas is currently at work on the third installment in The Chronos Files series and is actively seeking literary representation.

About John H. Thomas

John H. Thomas is an author of techno-conspiracy thrillers whose work explores the intersection of science, technology, ethics, and human nature. His novels combine suspense, science fiction, espionage, alternative history, and complex human relationships to examine questions about fate, free will, mortality, and the consequences of technological advancement.

For more information about John H. Thomas and his books, visit: https://realjohnthomas.com/

John H. Thomas is available for interviews.

Amanda Kent
Boundless Media USA
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David Hall

David Hall

David is the senior editor at FintechNewsWatch. He has a background in journalism and has worked with various media outlets, covering topics ranging from digital banking and blockchain technology to startup funding and regulatory developments. When he is not writing, David enjoys reading, hiking, photography, and exploring new coffee shops.