The Six - by Mark Alpert (Paperback)

About the Book

Adam, crippled by muscular dystrophy, and five other terminally ill teenagers sacrifice their bodies and upload their minds into weaponized robots to battle a dangerously advanced artificial intelligence program bent on destroying humanity.

Book Synopsis

Exchanging their bodies for machines, these teens will defy expectations, brave danger, and defend civilization. They are The Six.

Adam's muscular dystrophy has stolen his mobility, his friends, and in less than a year it will take his life. Virtual reality games are Adam's only escape from his wheelchair. In his alternate world, he can defeat anyone. Running, jumping, scoring touchdowns: Adam is always the hero.

Then an artificial intelligence program hacks into Adam's game. Created by Adam's computer-genius father, Sigma has gone rogue, threatening to kill Adam--and the entire human race. Their one chance to stop Sigma is using the technology Adam's dad developed to digitally preserve the mind of his dying son.

Along with a select group of other terminally ill teens, Adam becomes one of the Six who have forfeited their failing bodies to inhabit weaponized robots. But with time running short, the Six must learn to manipulate their new mechanical forms and work together to train for epic combat...before Sigma destroys humanity.

"Adam is an unusual hero--and he faces a frightening question: Computers can't kill--CAN they? I'm still shaken by the answer. Will the near-future really be this terrifying?"--R.L. Stine, bestselling author of the Fear Street series.

Visit Mark at markalpert.com.

Review Quotes

" Mark Alpert mixes cutting-edge scientific concepts, themes exploring the role of technology and what it is that makes us human, video-game-style battle action, and touches of teen angst into this roller-coaster read." - School Library Journal

"The "Six" is thrilling, packed with science and enough heart to touch this literary adult...The pace is as fast as you could want - the psychology involves action: chunks of The "Six," like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the new Pixar movie Inside Out, take us into the psyche as a physical space." - Los Angeles Review of Books

"[If] you are ready for the most exciting young adult book you have ever read, I would highly suggest THE SIX by Mark Alpert." - TeenReads

"This novel will be hard for anyone to put down...the promising start of a more promising series, The "Six" is a worthy read for anyone." - The San Francisco Book Review

"The "Six" is Mark Alpert's first young adult novel, and after excellent books like Extinction and The Furies, I'm definitely excited for this one!" - SF Signal

"Alpert's innovative science fiction novel explores questions such as what makes people "human," when life ends, and what people owe each other. Alpert pays Crichton-esque attention to the power of technology in human existence, but he does not demonize the A.I. Sigma, which perceives betrayal because its scientist creator, Tom Armstrong, considers his son Adam's life more important than Sigma's existence. Sigma seeks to learn from humanity while in the process of destroying it. Adam develops friendships even after his consciousness exists only as circuitry within metal. Philosophical issues about the nature of existence arise in the course of vividly described action that will keep the attention of readers who enjoy science fiction or dystopias. Do not just read The "Six"; make your friends read it too." - VOYA Magazine

"A well-researched, hardcore science-fiction joyride, great for fans of first-person shooter video games like Halo and Destiny. Highly recommended." - School Library Journal

"The "Six" are introduced as terminally-ill teens, but there's plenty of high-speed action in which they engage. Their physical disabilities and limitations through disease are forgotten as the teens' hearts, minds, and personalities shine through, even though their bodies are now steel data containers...questions of principle, power, and possibility keep this look at our modern, hardwired existence fresh and fascinating. STARRED." - Booklist

"Alpert's exploration of neuromorphic electronics raises interesting questions about ethics, technology, and human nature...a haunting ending scene will leave readers pondering the line between progress and loss. A thought-provoking clash between humanity and machinery." - Kirkus