World Enough, and Time

James Kahn

This novel takes genetic engineering to its limits. It's about 250 years in the future. Humans started working with genetic engineering by the end of the 20th century. As they improved their techniques, they started recreating mythological creatures like centaurs, vampires and unicorns. They created intelligent animals. There were also the Accidents. Humans turned on each other, then their creations turned on them.

Joshua the Scribe and his friend Beauty, the centaur, are looking for their kidnapped wives. Humans are being kidnapped and taken South. They leave the destruction of their homes with vengeance in their hearts. Joshua's uncle was able to describe the kidnappers/murderers just before he died from his wounds. They know they need to trail a Vampire, an Accident, and a Gryphon with a broken beak.

This is an interesting book that (I understand) is the beginning of a trilogy. The novel is almost 20 years old, but addresses issues that can still happen. There were times I was fascinated by the book, other times I felt it dragged.