Keep Her Safe

D. M. Simons

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Why I wrote this book

Keep Her Safe is a thriller/adventure for readers aged 10+, which introduces an extreme possible outcome of genetic engineering. Children, aged 10-13 years, who enjoy stories with plenty of action, a detestable villain and a thought provoking theme will enjoy this story. Animal companions accompany the characters, which adds to the novel’s appeal.

My novel weaves hints of science and romance into an action packed plot with particular appeal to girls since the story unfolds through Nikki’s eyes and it is she who develops a close friendship with the creature, Cheeka. Nikki also develops a crush on Lyle, but fears he’ll find out that she’s a freak like Cheeka.

The reader will wonder why she sees herself this way and will see her, with Cheeka’s help, learn to forgive herself for the past. I hope that readers will find Cheeka to be both intriguing and appealing, and may ponder how such a creature came to be created, and question the morality of such cloning experiments for themselves. The story will make you scared, laugh, cry and finally leave you satisfied. Writing ‘Keep Her Safe’ has been a lot of fun and I hope that others will enjoy it too. Since completion of the novel, I find that I miss the time that I spent with these characters.

For every book sold, D.M. Simon’s is donating 50p to each of two UK registered charities, Macmillan Cancer Support (number 261017) and Saving Sight in Grampian (number SC002938). 



‘I am delighted by D M Simons thoughtfulness to donate royalties to Saving Sight in Grampian,’ said Chairman, Dr Iain Fraser. ‘When sight loss occurs it can prevent a person from working and has devastating effects on the quality of life and an individual’s morale. Saving Sight is working hard at the University of Aberdeen to find treatments for sight-threatening conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory eye disease.’

 

I particularly enjoy medical thrillers such as those written by Tess Gerritson, and these have inspired me to write exciting stories for young teens, which weave hints of science and romance into action packed plots. I have read Steve Cole’s Zed Rex and found some similar themes therein to those of my own story, including a young teenager helping an illegally cloned intelligent creature. Also, readers who enjoyed Sophie Mckenzie’s novels, for example, ‘Girl Missing’, are also likely to enjoy my story since they both hint at a blossoming romance amidst the life-threatening danger.

Synopsis

Thirteen year-olds Nikki, Nathan and Lyle are camping and exploring on the tranquil island of Skye when, in the darkness of a prehistoric underground chamber, Nikki encounters an inhuman screaming face. The teens follow this strange, clothed creature as it flees on two short legs. When cornered it becomes aggressive then fearful. Nikki soon discovers that it can understand, but not talk. Unable to abandon the lost and vulnerable child-like creature, the teens try to find out where it belongs, and what it is. They discover that the creature is named Cheeka who is the result of an illegal cloning experiment, and their decision to help her puts them in grave danger as she is being pursued by a ruthless hit-man, the Inflictor, hired by her evil creators to capture her dead or alive. Cheeka is playful and innocent, yet stubbornly determined and has her own way of doing things. Nikki suspects that she has healing powers and observes her mysterious link with the natural world. Nikki and Cheeka are drawn ever closer, forming a strong bond, as the friends chase survival through fog, fire and even kidnapping. Nikki ponders what kind of people could wish Cheeka harm and just how long could they evade the Inflictor before their luck runs out. Keep Her Safe is an unusual adventure thriller for readers aged 10+, which introduces themes and ethics of genetic engineering to a young teen audience.

Reviews

‘This is an original idea, written with a light and entertaining touch...but, my goodness, it’s gripping!’
 Gabrielle Rollinson, Continuing Education, University of Liverpool.

This wonderfully original debut novel is an engaging read. It is a particularly moving and unusual story of suspense and intrigue with well drawn out characters with whom readers will be able to empathize. The scientific nature of the story and the ethical questions it raises will challenge readers’ opinions and encourage discussion. Caroline Gibson, Principal Teacher and Education Development Officer

 

“Keep Her Safe” is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. The characters are interesting and you can really relate to them. It is an exciting story with action and adventure that kept me gripped to the end. There are also some moving scenes, which contrast well with the rest. I liked that it was set in Scotland as that is where I live. If you are to choose a book just choose this one! Craig Andrew, age 13

I really liked reading 'Keep Her Safe'. It was very engaging to read and the character and setting descriptions were amazing. I loved the way the feelings of the characters were described too. I thought the end of each chapter made you want to read more and I think that it is a good thing. I do not read many fiction books but I really thought this book was overwhelming. When there is a second book I would be sure to get it! Caitlin, age 11

I love it! Its GREAT its one of my favourite books! A stunning story full of excitement and adventure, taking you to places that you would have never dreamed of. This has been my favourite book and I hope that everyone else will enjoy it as much as I did. Isobel, age 10

An odyssey of action-filled adventure and intrigue. This thrilling novel portrays an interesting and thoughtful insight n the world though another's eyes. You can really relate to the characters and the plot. The only thing lacking is a dull page! Whether you are eight or eighty you'll be sure to love this book! I thought it was fantastic. Olivia, age 12

I really enjoyed reading 'Keep Her Safe'. This is a multi-faceted novel that caters for everyone. Animal lovers, Chuman lovers, fast car and science fiction fanatics alike will find it absorbing and thoroughly enjoyable to read. The end result is something akin to ‘Alex Rider meets Famous Five’. As well as dealing with the ‘problems’ of being a teenager, it also raises the (highly topical) question of the morality of stem cell research, and provokes us to ask us what constitutes humanity… William, age 14

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