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In a future where the world is roughly divided into two factions, the Pacific League of Nations and the Atlantic Division of Nations, tensions are high as each side waits for the other to make a move. But neither side is prepared for a powerful third party that has apparently been an influential presence on Earth for thousands of years—and just might be making a reappearance very soon.
With the realization that a highly intelligent alien race has been trying to send them messages, three rising scientists within the Pacific League of Nations form an uneasy alliance. Fueled by a curiosity to have their questions answered and a fear that other factions within their rival Atlantic Division of Nations would opt for a more aggressive and potentially disastrous military response, the three race to secure first contact with this extraterrestrial life they aren't quite convinced is a threat.
Bolstered by recent evidence of alien visitations in the distant past, the three scientific minds must solve puzzles rooted within human antiquity, face off with their personal demons, and discover truths of the universe.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
March 12, 2024 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781797108360
- File size: 435372 KB
- Duration: 15:07:01
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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January 22, 2024
Hugo winner Hao (Vagabonds) impresses with this sci-fi thriller series kickoff set in 2080. Archaeologist Yun Fan has devoted her career to proving that the Mayan and Egyptian pyramids and other historical feats are evidence of benign extraterrestrial intervention in human affairs. Her study of major inflection points in Chinese history has led her to conclude that aliens visit Earth every 800 years or so, causing a “sudden burst of innovation and advancement, pushing civilization into a new age.” If that pattern holds, another such visit is imminent, and Yun has been analyzing signals from space that could indicate attempts at communication. Those signals attract the attention of military leaders in the Pacific League of Nations, which rules the planet alongside the Atlantic Alliance. After the Pacific League learns that Yun has made likely alien contact, and that all evidence indicates the aliens are peaceful, several of their scientists attempt to communicate with the life-forms before word gets to the more reactive Atlantic Alliance, who could unwittingly send Earth into interplanetary conflict. Hao’s patient worldbuilding and character-driven approach lends fresh life to the familiar first contact trope. Contact fans will be thrilled. Agent: Katelyn Hales, Robin Straus Agency. -
Catherine Ho is an excellent storyteller for this first installment in the Folding Universe series. Set in 2080, this space thriller is steeped in Chinese philosophy. Archaeologist Yun Fan, military researcher Qi Fei, and astronomer Jiang Liu realize an alien race is returning to Earth. The trio join forces to meet the aliens in space before the organized governments of Earth can complicate matters. Ho creates complex personas for the three young people, especially Yun, who dismisses the men's competition for her attention and focuses them on the mission. Ho conveys the tension in their relationships with each other and their families. She is skilled at making philosophical debates seem a normal part of everyday conversation. Many listeners will enjoy her facility with language. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
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