Cover mortals as they walk by Markus McDowell

Mortals As They Walk is a riveting sci-fi thriller that delves into the ethical quagmire of genetic engineering. 

Pate Williamson, a once-promising tech innovator now living on the streets, is recruited for a secretive project promising riches—but at a cost. Eris, a woman grappling with the loss of her family and child, joins the same experiment, seeking answers to her past. Meanwhile, Salim, a teenager raised in a carefully curated lie, discovers his true identity as a product of this very project, making him a target in a dangerous game. 

Spanning from 2006 to 2038, their stories intertwine across continents, from the cobblestone streets of Heidelberg, Germany to the windswept cliffs of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. As they uncover a conspiracy involving nanobiots, in vitro modifications, and corporate greed, they’re hunted by black market forces desperate to exploit their unique DNA. With the fate of humanity’s future in their hands, Pate, Eris, and Salim must decide whether to end the experiment that created them or risk its misuse. 

Blending high-stakes suspense with profound ethical questions, McDowell crafts a narrative that echoes Gattaca and The Island. This thought-provoking tale explores free will, identity, and the cost of perfection in a world where science can rewrite destiny.

Available from select retailers in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.


A timely novel! Not heavy on the science, but McDowell’s understanding of genetic engineering and DNA editing lies underneath the narrative…it’s a great story with a human element that propels the reader through it.
Jonathon, reviewer
Austin
Great characters, and a great story with some mystery and revelations that I did not see coming.
I won’t give the ending away but you’ll want more!
Suzanne Powell, reviewer
San Diego
McDowell excels in creating complex, multi-dimensional personas that evoke empathy and introspection. The protagonists are not heroes in the traditional sense; they are ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Their flaws, fears, and aspirations are laid bare, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives.
Jerald Henson, writer and editor
New York

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