In this fictional 2013, all children are tested at the age of eight for abnormal aptitudes and intellectual gifts. Since 1980, statistics have shown that 1% of the country's population has been born with these unusual abilities. Those who test positive are labeled "brilliants" and referred to as "abnorms." Abnorm children are removed from their families, given new identities and sent to strict academies to be molded into what the DAR (Department of Analysis and Response) wants them to be, without their consent. Apparently, DAR sounds better than the Bureau of Abnorm Control, which is its true description.

Nick Cooper is one of these abnorms and as an adult, he has become a federal agent for Equitable Services of the DAR, which means he uses his gift to hunt down rogue abnorms. Even though being one of "them" makes Cooper feel like a traitor at times, he is convinced what he is doing is the best policy for the country. Lately, some brilliants are rebelling and forming abnorm-rights groups, which has become a major problem for the powers-that-be.

The radical leader of one of these groups is Cooper's newest target, but eliminating the man proves harder than anyone realized. The plan devised to bring him down will place Cooper in extreme jeopardy and soon have him questioning all his long-held beliefs. What if all Cooper has been told is a lie? Is he being manipulated for a sinister reason? Will he, and his family, live to determine the truth?

In BRILLIANCE, Marcus Sakey skillfully writes with precision about an alternate world that is terrifyingly believable. Crisp narrative, realistic characterization and profound plot development elevate this mesmerizing novel to new heights in the thriller genre. At 500 pages, it may seem long, but you will never notice once you start reading. The pages quickly fly by until you read, End of Book One on the last page, promising more to this gripping saga. I cannot wait for the follow-up to BRILLIANCE!