"Fantastic futuristic science fiction"
Millenniums since the music died of American Pie, humanity
has split into two distinct species. The Unevolved retain
the same DNA that mankind has had for millenniums while
the Forged have been customized by splicing and pasting
animal genes with mechanical devices to adapt them to
whatever job their creators the Unevolved want them to
perform. The Forged thirst for freedom from these "chimp"
makers, but their dream seems impossible as the Unevolved
feel it is their lot to protect these lesser beings. The symbiotic relationship between maker and offspring
changes when Voyager Lonestar Isol seeks a shortcut
through debris near Barnard's Star. Instead the
microscopic remains of an explosion caused by an alien
presence earth time equivalent 246 BC punch holes into her
turning her into Swiss cheese. The Forged ponder whether
this third sentient species still survive and how could
they have thrived without the leadership of the Unevolved.
Hope amongst the suppressed Forged rises that they can
form their own world without their keepers, but the
Unevolved will never allow them to go because they depend
on the Forged to survive. NATURAL HISTORY is a fantastic futuristic science fiction
that provides an exciting tale yet also furbishes a deep
thought provoking look at group interrelationships. The
Unevolved seem like a future version of Colonialism with
the "White Man's Burden" while the Forged come across as
victims unable to break the dependency chains though irate
towards those who keep them enslaved. The discovery of a
third intelligent species shakes the so called natural
order, but will the Forged be willing to give up their
comfortable yoke to follow this vanished race in a quest
for freedom. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 18, 2004
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 25, 2007
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