Book Review: Earthrise

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Earthrise     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
William C. Dietz
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Ace, Sept 03, 2002, $23.95, 432 pp.

The planet Earth is in ruins following the Sauron invasion on Feb 28 2020. Whole cities are destroyed and most of the humans that survived are slaves to do the conqueror’s bidding. The Saurons have installed Alex Franklin as their puppet president of the USA not knowing that he has joined with the resistance movement to find a way to destroy the invaders and rebuild the planet.

The Saurons, a race divided into three castes, are pushing the human and Ra’Na slaves to rapidly build the citadels. The entire race will die giving birth to their hatchlings. Ra’Na and human resistance groups form to find a way of destroying the "master" race during the few days when the hatchlings are very vulnerable. Aliens and humans alike are willing to give their lives so that others may throw off the yoke of oppression.

EARTHRISE, the sequel to DEATHDAY, is a fascinating invasion thriller. The tale enables readers to gain an intriguing look at the psychological and sociological essences of two alien races as well as the human reaction to a first encounter. William Dietz also profiles humanity and shows us as a race worth surviving for many of us are willing to die in the name of freedom. Though an insightful character and race study, the plot remains an action packed novel even as the charcaters feel as though they are part of our lives.

Harriet Klausner

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