Step into the pulse-pounding world of Jennifer Rush’s Altered series, where secrets, superhuman abilities, and heart-racing action collide in a young adult sci-fi thriller! This gripping trilogy follows Anna, a homeschooled teen, and four genetically altered boys as they unravel a web of conspiracies orchestrated by a shadowy organization called the Branch. With its blend of genetic manipulation, intense chases, and tangled relationships, Altered hooks readers from the first page and never lets go.
Perfect for fans of The Maze Runner or Divergent, the series delivers a small-town American setting with a high-stakes twist, making it a standout in the YA science fiction landscape. Ready to dive into a world where trust is scarce and every clue unlocks a new mystery? Let’s explore the Altered saga!
How Altered Began
Jennifer Rush, a Michigan-based author with a knack for action-packed storytelling, kicked off the Altered series with her 2013 debut novel. Inspired by her love for vampire fiction and fast-paced YA adventures, Rush crafted a story that blends scientific intrigue with emotional depth. Drawing from her fascination with genetic engineering, she envisioned a tale of teens altered to be stronger, faster, and deadlier—yet haunted by their lost memories. The result was Altered, a novel that launched a trilogy and earned praise for its relentless pacing and compelling characters.
The Heart of Altered
The Altered series spans three main books: Altered (2013), Erased (2014), and Reborn (2014), with additional novellas like Forged and Betrayed adding depth to the saga. In Altered, Anna lives a secretive life helping her father monitor four boys—Sam, Nick, Cas, and Trev—confined in a basement lab. When the Branch tries to relocate them, Sam leads a daring escape, pulling Anna into a cross-country quest to uncover their pasts. Erased ramps up the stakes as the group hides from the Branch, grappling with new revelations, while Reborn shifts focus to Nick, exploring his journey with a new heroine, Elizabeth.
The series shines through its themes of identity, trust, and the ethics of genetic manipulation. Rush weaves a narrative that’s both action-driven and emotionally resonant, set against a backdrop of rural America that feels deceptively ordinary. The boys’ distinct personalities—Sam’s stoic leadership, Cas’s playful charm, Nick’s brooding intensity, and Trev’s loyalty—create a dynamic group dynamic, while Anna’s growth from naive assistant to fierce protector anchors the story. Though the romance between Anna and Sam occasionally lacks spark, the series’ plot twists and scientific intrigue keep readers hooked.
Why Altered Resonates
Despite not reaching the mainstream heights of some YA giants, Altered has carved out a loyal fanbase thanks to its unique blend of sci-fi and thriller elements. Its exploration of genetic engineering taps into real-world ethical debates, making it a thought-provoking read for teens and adults alike. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its addictive pacing and surprising twists, with many calling it a hidden gem in the YA sci-fi genre. Rush’s ability to balance action with character-driven moments ensures the series lingers in readers’ minds long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2013–2014
- Number of Books: 3 main novels, 3 novellas
- Setting: Small-town America
- Target Audience: Ages 12–17, but enjoyed by adults too
Grab Altered and dive into a thrilling world of secrets, superhuman abilities, and relentless adventure! Whether you’re a sci-fi fanatic or just love a good chase, Jennifer Rush’s saga is your next must-read.