"Deep look at evolution and devolution"
In 2031, the latest save the earth ecology conference is
ironically being held in Darwin, Australia. The global
climatic destruction threatens Homo Sapiens' domination of
the planet and the nearby orbs. While forests burn out of
control and pollution holds sway, the enormous Rabaul
Volcano erupts. Mankind's reign seems nearly through while
the Martian robots have now replicated themselves. Terrorists attack the conference as attendees discuss the
battles for supremacy through the ages with the victors
goes the spoils until primates evolve during the Tertiary
Period. Ultimately apes leave the trees for life on the
ground until they build high rises. Now in the year 2031,
Earth is on the brink with the volcano being the final
straw to end humanity's dominion. Mars appears as the next
evolutionary step as machines that replicate establish
colonies throughout the galaxy. This book reads more like short story vignettes than a
novel, but fans of Stephen Baxter and anyone who relishes a
deep look at evolution and devolution will want to read
this epic. Mr. Baxter is at his best when he describes
prehistorical winners and losers and speculates on the
future devolution of the primate on earth. Though another
form of evolutionary supremacy, the robot revolution seems
to belong in a more science fiction realm than the
speculative fiction employed throughout EVOLUTION. Another
triumph for Mr. Baxter who has evolved into best-selling
specie that Darwin would have enjoyed reading the author's
works. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 10, 2003
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