Stem cell research, cloning, test tube babies, and frozen embryos are controversial issues we all hear about. Matt Browne has woven these issues into a cleverly crafted science fiction novel that will grab anyone’s interest. Starting with scientific and medical concepts we all understand today, Browne carries the reader through more concepts that are speculative, but still widely discussed, and then takes the reader on a journey the reader will never forget.

"The Future Happens Twice" is Brown’s first novel. One wouldn’t think so. His choice of words is polished, and his characters are well rounded. Much of the characterization is done through dialogue, which, in Browne’s hands, is very effective. Browne adds depth to one character, a superbly qualified scientist, simply by having another character, already characterized as having good taste in clothes, notice that the scientist has different colored shoelaces in his shoes.

This is the kind of book that should be read as the plot flows. Peeking ahead to see what happens later will spoil the reader’s enjoyment because Browne’s story line takes many surprising twists and turns, some very unexpected, as the characters try to come to terms with what they find themselves immersed in. Also Browne’s impressive understanding of cutting-edge science keeps you wondering “Could this really happen?”

Ronyo Greffin discovers that he looks like exactly like a much older man once looked when the older man was Ronyo’s age. Debyra Handsen accepts employment at a top-secret military research center and later wonders what she got herself into. So begins this fascinating novel, more mystery thriller than science fiction. “The Future Happens Twice” will intrigue everyone, even those who don’t normally read science fiction. Things widely discussed today: cloning, frozen embryos, astronomy, space exploration, crimes committed by governments, private investigation to identify those responsible: all of these are cleverly woven into this story.

"The Future Happens Twice" has a solid plot. It touches on controversial topics everyone is aware of, and it will keep you guessing all the way to the end of the novel.