Title: Before the Fall After the Fall During the Fall
(Amazon, Goodreads)
Author: Nancy Kress
(Amazon, Goodreads, Website)
Series: None
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought from Bookstore
Synopsis:
The year is 2035. After ecological disasters nearly destroyed the Earth, 26 survivors—the last of humanity—are trapped by an alien race in a sterile enclosure known as the Shell. Fifteen-year-old Pete is one of the Six—children who were born deformed or sterile and raised in the Shell. As, one by one, the survivors grow sick and die, Pete and the Six struggle to put aside their anger at the alien Tesslies in order to find the means to rebuild the earth together. Their only hope lies within brief time-portals into the recent past, where they bring back children to replenish their disappearing gene pool. Meanwhile, in 2013, brilliant mathematician Julie Kahn works with the FBI to solve a series of inexplicable kidnappings. Suddenly her predictive algorithms begin to reveal more than just criminal activity. As she begins to realize her role in the impending catastrophe, simultaneously affecting the Earth and the Shell, Julie closes in on the truth. She and Pete are converging in time upon the future of humanity—a future which might never unfold. Weaving three consecutive time lines to unravel both the mystery of the Earth’s destruction and the key to its salvation, this taut adventure offers a topical message with a satisfying twist.
Review:
Having been a fan of Kress’ work for years, I couldn’t wait to get this book in my hands. This amazing book kept me interested to the very last page. While there are three timelines within the story, Kress’ ability to weave the three together without losing the reader astonishes. Her beautiful storytelling masterfully crafts a tale of mystery and intrigue. Many questions arise and they are answered as the story comes to its impressive climactic end. While this is only one short book, perfect to read in a day, it reminds me of reading the ‘Beggars’ trilogy.
I highly recommend you read this book, especially if you are a fan of Kress’ work and if not, what a wonderful book to start your obsession with her writing.