Neil Scott

Review of eBook

The planet Earth lies in ruin. Rogue Artificial Intelligences have finished what global war and climate change began. Now the evacuation of human survivors is almost complete; Commander Anna is overseeing the final departures of the shuttles carrying the last humans away from the dying planet.

But when she discovers a living bird, and lands her scramjet to investigate, she soon finds Professor Dale and his android assistant Humbro. Dale explains that bird were great survivors as evidenced by their survival when the dinosaurs died. He’s certain they will survive this catastrophe.

Anna departs, but her scramjet, caught in a cruise ship explosion, crashes on an island where she meets Charlie, a runner ignoring the order to leave the planet.

Is Anna destined to die with the planet or will she find a way to leave? And what of the birds?

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This science fiction novella takes a harsh look at the results of global warming and climate change as the planet responds to human activity. As with most current science fiction, it is not a pretty picture. However, if the purpose in the telling of the tale is for the reader to carefully consider the warning that is the story and take steps to change the outcome, then it has served a vital purpose.

The novella is a quick-read tale without a great deal of character development. But the plot takes a couple of unexpected twists, leaving the reader wishing to know more about what happens to Anna and the birds.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program… (més)