Marcus Sakey (Get this book) Brilliance posits that, in 1980, 1 in every 100 children born in the U.S. proved to be a savant. Three decades later, these unique geniuses have changed the U.S.; the abnormals are titans, and ordinary Americans are irrelevant. Sakey's premise is utterly compelling; no committed thriller aficionado will be able to set the book down. His complex characters are deeply engaging, and his writing is propulsive. Best, however, is his insightful evocation of government and popular reaction to the brilliants. We've already seen it: in doctrines of preemptive war, enhanced interrogation techniques, the Patriot Act, the civil rights struggle, and the ginned-up, gnawing fear that sets Americans against Americans. Brilliance is disturbing and brilliant.--Booklist
