The Human Son by Adrian J Walker
A startling, emotional, beautiful (and at times funny) book - one that feels like the best sort of science fiction, a book that should be enjoyed widely, a book that speaks of what it is to be human, a parent, and a child.
500 YEARS IN THE FUTURE, EARTH IS A PARADISE... WITHOUT US.
The Earth was dying, and only the Erta could save it. Created to be genetically superior, hyper-intelligent and unburdened by the full range of human emotions, they succeeded by removing the cause: humans.
Now the Erta are faced with a dilemma-if they reintroduce the rebellious and violent Homo sapiens, all of their work could be undone.
They decide to raise one child: a sole human to decide if we should again inherit the Earth.
But the quiet and clinical Ima finds that there is more to raising a human than she had expected; and there is more to humanity's history than she has been told.
"This impressive, surprisingly hopeful take is as rigorous as a thought experiment as it is delightful as pure entertainment." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Adrian Walker breaks your heart in unexpected ways" - Anne Corlett, author of The Space Between the Stars
"The Human Son delivers a story that fosters a curious mind and an open heart, questioning and inspiring both without judgement." - SciFiNow 4 Star Review
"Adrian Walker's books always have big ideas that make me think, I wish I'd thought of that! But like any great writer it's the more intimate aspects to his writing, the humour and humanity, that really makes his work shine. The Human Son is another winner." -- Tim Lebbon, author of Eden
"A prevailing mood of ironic charm." - The Times
500 YEARS IN THE FUTURE, EARTH IS A PARADISE... WITHOUT US.
The Earth was dying, and only the Erta could save it. Created to be genetically superior, hyper-intelligent and unburdened by the full range of human emotions, they succeeded by removing the cause: humans.
Now the Erta are faced with a dilemma-if they reintroduce the rebellious and violent Homo sapiens, all of their work could be undone.
They decide to raise one child: a sole human to decide if we should again inherit the Earth.
But the quiet and clinical Ima finds that there is more to raising a human than she had expected; and there is more to humanity's history than she has been told.
"This impressive, surprisingly hopeful take is as rigorous as a thought experiment as it is delightful as pure entertainment." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Adrian Walker breaks your heart in unexpected ways" - Anne Corlett, author of The Space Between the Stars
"The Human Son delivers a story that fosters a curious mind and an open heart, questioning and inspiring both without judgement." - SciFiNow 4 Star Review
"Adrian Walker's books always have big ideas that make me think, I wish I'd thought of that! But like any great writer it's the more intimate aspects to his writing, the humour and humanity, that really makes his work shine. The Human Son is another winner." -- Tim Lebbon, author of Eden
"A prevailing mood of ironic charm." - The Times