Based on 41 Goodreads ratings
58% TOO FAR
by the dark side of the Anunnaki, which includes a loss of individuality, minimal emotion, “a policy of compulsory euthanasia at 840 years,” and a pernicious slow dementia known as “Quantum Psychosis.” Zadie finds herself abandoned by her dementia\u002Dstricken hosts in one of the prehistoric zoos. Noordermeer’s impressive debut is mind\u002Dexpanding anthropological SF that conveys wisdom and persuasive arguments via an Alice\u002Din\u002DAwe\u002Dand\u002DWonder\u002DLand setup and such dubious conceits as talking abominable snowmen. The science (more genetics and sociobiology than physics) is not too intimidating, the issues carry weight without relying on cackling techno\u002Dtyrants or villainous robots, and the characters are appealing, even those whose personalities have all but thinned to biological\u002Dcomputer level. While a long stretch of the narrative involves a series of lab\u002Dbound experiments (but what experiments!), the author manages to keep things moving forward. The conceit of a modern researcher set amid primordial beings should appeal to fans of Michael Bishop’s No Enemy but Time (1982)."
Book Details
Reading Info
About This Book
This mind-expanding anthropological science fiction debut plunges a modern researcher into a prehistoric zoo managed by the Anunnaki, ancient beings whose advanced society is plagued by compulsory eu...
Our Review
This mind-expanding anthropological science fiction debut plunges a modern researcher into a prehistoric zoo managed by the Anunnaki, ancient beings whose advanced society is plagued by compulsory euthanasia and a slow dementia called "Quantum Psychosis." Abandoned by her dementia-stricken hosts, Zadie navigates a world of talking abominable snowmen and lab-bound experiments that explore profound themes of genetics and sociobiology without relying on typical villainous archetypes. The novel's strength lies in its unique Alice-in-Wonderland setup, where scientific concepts feel accessible rather than intimidating, and the philosophical arguments carry genuine weight through compelling character interactions.
What distinguishes this narrative is how it maintains forward momentum despite extensive experimental sequences, creating an appealing cast that ranges from nearly emotionless biological-computers to primordial beings. The absence of cackling techno-tyrants allows for more nuanced exploration of societal structures and individuality, making the anthropological speculation particularly resonant. Readers who appreciated Michael Bishop's time-displacement themes will find similar satisfaction in this sophisticated treatment of a contemporary mind confronting primordial reality, where the science fiction elements serve deeper questions about consciousness and civilization.
Looking for more books?
Visit our sister site BooksbyOrder.com