Yesterday's Kin

June 30, 2014
America turns its back on the world in the name of economic protectionism, but is forced to acknowledge the greater universe when the extraterrestrial Denebs—revealed to be lost descendants of humans mysteriously banished from Earth 150,000 years ago—settle in New York Harbor. Geneticist Marianne Jenner is recruited by the Denebs for unspecified assistance, and she faces a fast-approaching deadline: an interstellar spore cloud that has already swept two Deneb worlds clean of human life will reach Earth in 10 months’ time. There’s plenty of modern science in the story, but the plot’s twists and moral quality feel oddly reminiscent of golden-age stories. Kress has received numerous accolades and awards for her previous works, but this perfunctory novel does little to demonstrate her talents.

October 1, 2014
In a dystopian future, aliens have parked their spaceship in New York Harbor, America is rabidly isolationist, and geneticist Marianne Jenner's three adult children can't stop squabbling. In the middle of receiving accolades for her work discovering that all humans are descended from a common female ancestor, Marianne is yanked away by the government. She's one of a handful of scientists who have been issued a special invitation to venture inside the alien spaceship. While turmoil rages around the globe about how to deal with the aliens, inside the spaceship, the visitors bring news of a far greater threat to human existence. Their intentions are unclear, but one thing is certain: They have a disturbing interest in Marianne's work. Kress (After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall, 2012, etc.) spins an eminently readable tale revolving around Marianne and her children: Elizabeth, the suspicious border patrol agent; Ryan, the charming botanist who studies invasive species; and Noah, the lovable drug addict who can't figure out who he is. Each of them has a very different idea about what it will take to save humanity, but while the family and the rest of the world are embroiled in arguments, the clock keeps ticking. Kress keeps her science understandable and her plot complex, rounding everything out with a healthy dose of practical philosophy delivered in clear, precise language. While the story zooms along at breakneck speed, Kress skimps on character development and buildup. As a result, events seem to explode out of nowhere rather than unfolding organically, and eventually they stop packing an emotional punch. Even though the book would benefit from another hundred pages, more is at stake than an entertaining read. The political turmoil created by Kress' aliens is a warning for the reader to pay more attention to how modern-day conflicts are handled. Science-fiction fans will luxuriate in the dystopian madness, while even nonfans will find an artful critique of humanity's ability to cooperate in the face of a greater threat.

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August 1, 2014

Aliens arrive and set up a research station in New York, offering their friendship and aid. There's a cloud of spores heading for Earth, and the aliens (dubbed Denebs despite coming from another star entirely) have firsthand experience dealing with it. In exchange for the technology that made their interstellar travel possible, the aliens want human help in curing the plague caused by the spores that have already destroyed two of their own colony worlds. Geneticist Marianne Jenner is one of the scientists who have been asked aboard the alien station, but even among her own family there is a difference of opinion about whether these extraterrestrials can be trusted. VERDICT Kress has proven that she can pack a huge amount of story into a small container (as with 2013's title After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall), and here the author expertly explores one family's experience of an alien visitation.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2015

Aliens make first contact to warn Earth of an approaching disaster, offering to collaborate with human scientists on a cure before the spore cloud arrives. Suspicion and xenophobia war with desperation to avert the plague. Geneticist Marianne Jenner's family takes opposing sides, and she must confront the factions' hold on her children. VERDICT This quick read examines humans' less noble tendencies, incorporating hard science and believably flawed characters. (LJ 8/14)

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.