Book Review: Evolution

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Evolution     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Stephen Baxter
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Del Rey, Feb 2003, $25.95, 595 pp.

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

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner