Friday, July 10, 2015

REVIEW: MOONKIND: SURVIVORS OF EBOLA by Bruce Merchant





Description
In another century and a half, the world, as we know it, will be greatly changed. This book foresees changes that most of us could scarcely dream of. But several earthly problems have not been resolved. One of these is the periodic emergence of infectious diseases that have evaded all efforts to prevent or control them. Enter Q-strain, an astoundingly pernicious mutation of Ebola virus which totally wipes out all humans on the Earth. There is time, however, to transport the very earliest stage of clones to the robotic station on the Moon. When the "all clear" for absence of the Ebola Q-strain mutant on the Earth has been biologically verified, these clones are given birth on the Moon and raised to adulthood by robotic guides and caretakers. The story then centers on the development of fourteen clones who must return a human presence to our now Ebola-free blue planet. This sounds like quite a challenge, and in fact, that's just what it is.

REVIEW: MOONKIND by Bruce Merchant

In the Golden Age of Science Fiction, authors evinced a glorious commitment to future industry, technology, and advancement. As humanity would evolve, so would Earth [and space exploration]. The future was rosy and bright.

Then, of course, came the Cuban Missile Crisis, the advent of the Cold War, Vietnam [and in some quarters, the terror of expected alien invasion and/or abduction]. No longer was the future the component of dreams: instead, considering the future brought only nightmares. 

Here, in Bruce Merchant's MOONKIND, US something evolved, a theme completely new. Firstly, a healed planet hosting healed humanity. Then, apocalyptic crisis: a planet-wide Ebola rampage. Next, hope again, and an eventual planetary cleansing, followed by a return to Earth with the view of replenishing the human population. The author states that MOONKIND  "develops an alternative that bursts with optimism and enthusiasm." Witness the return of the glorious future which shone through science fiction' s Golden Age.



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