James P. Hogan, Echoes of an Alien Sky

Echoes of an Alien Sky

James P. Hogan

Baen, Feb 2007, $24.00

ISBN 1416521089

Almost two decades ago, Venus landed a manned spacecraft on Earth to find the ruins of an intelligent society. Scientists, archeologists, and other professionals arrive to study what became of the earthlings. Not long afterward, colonists arrive. Back home the findings have divided the Venusians into traditionalists who welcome what the creator Vizek has provided and the Progressives who believe Venus is in trouble for accepting the status quo; each side sees the ruins of Earth differently.

Kyal joins a Venusian expedition whose goal is to reconstruct the history of the Terran race, especially why it became extinct; the most prevalent theory is an outer space calamity caused climatic destruction. Amidst the ruins, Kyal meets biologist Lorelei, who seeks an explanation as to why life forms on both planets are similar since Venus is considered a much younger planet than Earth yet all evidence proves that life on Earth died before life on Venus emerged. The work performed by Kyal and Lorelei will have major impact on Venusian society on two planets.

This is an interesting, science-fiction thriller, mindful of the movie 5 Million Miles To Earth. The storyline contains two premises; the first (and more fascinating) being the Venusians struggling with the archeological ruins of the great Terran society to learn what happened to destroy it; the second being the major conflict back home between progressives seeking change and traditionalists insisting Vizek set the values which need to remains the same. When the intrusion of the Earth findings occurs, this tale is top-rate as just finding the remains impacts how a race sees itself, but when the plot focuses on the dispute itself it loses its orbit. Still, readers will enjoy this delightful look at the ruins of Earth.

Harriet Klausner