Book Review: The Quiet Invasion

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Quiet Invasion     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sarah Zettel
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction   First Contact
Warner, Mar 2001, $6.99, 478 pp.

Dr. Helen Failia refuses to accept that her dream of a permanent colony on Venus seems doomed especially after the difficult but successful establishment of Venera. Though human descendants now have been born in the orbiting city, most earthlings believe humanizing the greenhouse planet is futile because it is too costly to conquer the ultra-hostile environment. Helen's few allies have their own "Outer Space" agendas that do not necessarily support Venera, but desperation causes an unsteady alliance. All this group needs is a miracle.

The impossible occurs when a planetary probe finds evidence that life once existed on Venus. Not long afterward, aliens make first contact with the earthlings. These aviarian people sees Venus as "Eden" in light of their home planet nearing death. However, now the majority of Planet Earth refuses to cede Venus to these foreigners even if the planet cannot sustain the human life form. With no other option for the People and with the sudden obstinate decisions of the humans, war seems eminent.

THE QUIET INVASION is a powerful science fiction tale that breathes fresh life into the first contact story line. The plot is engrossing because the key human players seem real with their personal agendas. Their reactions to the realistic plight of the People make for a fabulous novel and in turn the aliens cannot grasp human need to possess something that is so unnecessary for survival. Sarah Zettel has written a must read for science fiction fans who like this author will scramble to obtain her previous books like RECLAMATION and PLAYING GOD.

Harriet Klausner

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