Helpful Score: 1
This wasn't bad. In fact it was pretty good.
Aliens have come to Earth! And they're human! But they didn't come from outer space, instead other Earths. And its not the usual SF alternate universe trope of "What if Hitler won? Or the Confederates won the US Civil War?" No, the 'what ifs' of the piece come from biology and deeper historical differences. Some of the humans are close to australopithicines, gigantopithicus, neanderthals and stranger things still. Folks who have read Stephen Baxter's Manifold: Origin might see some familiar elements, but this is predates it and is notably different. They're not here to conquer us, but they're just passing through on their way to find the makers of the trans-universal conduit called the Bright. Because of this, they have a light footprint and won't stay long. It also explains they're name - Wanderers
The gist of the plot is that a human from an Earth not unlike ours manages to impersonate a Wanderer to get a girl. This impersonation leads him on an adventure that places his life and many others at stake. Why? A plot is afoot to destroy the Bright...
The writing is full of details, but even with all that, its still spare. There are tons of ideas there, but Reed tosses them off quickly to get on with the story.
All in all, its a worthwhile read and I strongly recommend it.
Aliens have come to Earth! And they're human! But they didn't come from outer space, instead other Earths. And its not the usual SF alternate universe trope of "What if Hitler won? Or the Confederates won the US Civil War?" No, the 'what ifs' of the piece come from biology and deeper historical differences. Some of the humans are close to australopithicines, gigantopithicus, neanderthals and stranger things still. Folks who have read Stephen Baxter's Manifold: Origin might see some familiar elements, but this is predates it and is notably different. They're not here to conquer us, but they're just passing through on their way to find the makers of the trans-universal conduit called the Bright. Because of this, they have a light footprint and won't stay long. It also explains they're name - Wanderers
The gist of the plot is that a human from an Earth not unlike ours manages to impersonate a Wanderer to get a girl. This impersonation leads him on an adventure that places his life and many others at stake. Why? A plot is afoot to destroy the Bright...
The writing is full of details, but even with all that, its still spare. There are tons of ideas there, but Reed tosses them off quickly to get on with the story.
All in all, its a worthwhile read and I strongly recommend it.
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