Paul Collins The Skyborn

The Skyborn

Paul Collins

Starscape (Tor), Nov 2005, $17.95, 272 pp.

ISBN 076531273

The genetically enhanced humans aboard the starship the Colony look down upon those they perceive as genetically inferior humans. The elders refuse to let anyone leave the ship because the nuclear ravaged planet is filled with mutants, feral humans, plagues and viruses that kill most people before they reach their mid-twenties. Welkin used to be afraid of the Earthborn, until he was sent on a suicide mission and adopted into a civilized group of humans headed by Sarah.

When the Family catches a scout from the colony, they learn that the elders are planning an attack on the Earthborn that would leave the planet in the hands of the Skyborn. Welkin, Sarah and a few others infiltrate the ship and learn that there are divisions in the ship, and the elders no longer are in total control as they once were. The infiltrators plan to find out just how the colony plans to exterminate the Earthborn and stop them if they can, but they will soon find that humanity has an enemy more dangerous than anything on earth.

Australian author Paul Collins has written an exciting and entertaining work that takes place two years after the events in THE EARTHBORN. During that time Welkin and his family have found a place to live in a civilized and self sustaining manner, despite periodic attacks from the ferals, mutants and members of the colony. There is plenty of action in this science fiction thriller that is coined for young adults but will also be enjoyed by older readers.

Harriet Klausner