Nick Sagan, Everfree

Everfree

Nick Sagan

Putnam, May 2006, $24.95, 256 pp.

ISBN: 0399152768

The Black Ep pandemic epidemic (see IDLEWILD and EDENBORN) has left few humans still alive. No part of the earth was safe from the ravages of the disease. At the same time in Victory City the few Post-human survivors argue about the future, with most wanting to adhere to the Doctrine of working as a collective to survive, while the recently unfrozen prefer a return to the class power system for instance. What else can a de-iced senator from Texas do but use authority, even as far away as the Green Mountains of Vermont? As the debate rages over how to promulgate the species and organize society, a mutation strain of Black Ep causes new havoc.

Finally science saves Homo sapiens from becoming extinct, with the creation of a new organ that dramatically increases the immune system so that it can fight off the Black Ep and its various strains. However, those still alive realize that the synthetic organ that wards off Black Ep is also a communication device that enables aliens to communicate with earthlings; aliens who brought Black Ep to the planet. Mankind has apparently passed a morbid test, but the price still shakes those breathing; some want nothing to do with this ET superior; others want vengeance; while the remainder believe it is hopeless to do anything but continue to endure.

In his third futuristic thriller, Nick Sagan has written a compelling work that will appeal to fans of speculative fiction and apocalyptic thrillers, though this time society is breaking into factions over the way to remake the future. Readers will admire those trying to live, as they refuse to allow humanity to become extinct, even when the odds are overwhelmingly against them, and they disagree on what kind of society to have. Speculative fiction and apocalyptic thriller fans will enjoy the final fight of the fittest for survival of the species.