Starred review from December 12, 2022
What lines, if any, shouldn’t be crossed to save humanity from extinction? That question is at the heart of this stunning postapocalyptic thriller from bestseller Smith (Child 44). Twenty years after an alien invasion has decimated Earth’s human population, those who remain have been struggling to survive in Antarctica, the only region not deemed off-limits by the invaders. While some focus on insuring that people have food and shelter, others have broader objectives; genetic engineers manipulate animal DNA, attempting to create versions of humans better capable of surviving in the intense cold. Some, like Echo, a teenager, appear basically human, despite their modifications, which in her case include scales instead of skin that change color to either retain or expel heat. But there are also monstrous creations, which may either point the way to a future for humanity or pose an existential threat. Echo and her family, along with those governing the remnants of humanity, face tough ethical choices as they try to ascertain the implications of what the genetic engineering has achieved for humanity’s future. The central story line, a clever homage to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, unfolds in a way to ensure readers become attached to Echo and her family. Smith, the author of brilliant historical and psychological suspense novels, shows his range is even broader in this triumph of imagination and empathy. Agent: Mitch Hoffman, Aaron M. Priest Literary.
June 10, 2024
An unknown power has issued humankind a command: They have 30 days to get to Antarctica if they want to survive extinction. Smith's ("Child 44" trilogy) latest follows a colony of survivors in Antarctica at multiple points in time and watches them adapt to their frigid new home. The collective goal of humanity is not only to survive but to evolve and thrive; to this end, they search for food and shelter while genetically adapting DNA to create modified humans. Only time will tell if their mission was a success. Smith's postapocalyptic story, quickly turning into science-fiction with a twist, is a captivating and thought-provoking listen. Narrator Rebecca Lowman brings a note of grim resolve to the story, although she allows moments of hope to peek through, even when things get rough for the survivors. Lowman's storytelling prowess will keep listeners invested from the first paragraph, engrossed in humankind's attempts to survive in this hostile environment. VERDICT An excellent addition to any thriller or science-fiction audio collection. Fans of Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven and Kassandra Montag's After the Flood will find much to love.--Victoria Kiszka
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