AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION

A philosopher with extraterrestrial connections struggles to get humans to think about the big picture before they destroy the world over petty differences in this third installment of an SF series.

In Anthony’s novel, Tobias Sinclair, the founder of Earth’s New Science movement, finds himself doubting his choice to jump on a spaceship headed for the planet Jevmmuns. He did so after Stokes, a human from Jevmmuns, warned him he was in grave danger. After arriving on the planet, Tobias discovers that Jevmmuns’ ruling council and its allies, the alien race Naku, have chosen him to help them make first contact with Earth. He sours on this prospect after learning that he has been telepathically coerced to overlook his legal practice and family to become Jevmmuns’ point person. But after finding out that the radical group Children of the Light is seeking to abduct Tobias, the council rushes him back to Earth. His first broadcast features Goren, one of the Naku, but it fizzles with a hoax-weary public. Then Phillip Celdy, a COL agent, attempts to shoot Tobias. Tobias’ son, David, and Phillip himself are shot in the process. When the council’s rescue starship arrives to teleport Tobias, David, and Phillip, humans worldwide start to believe the aliens are real. Still, it takes a crash landing at the United Nations to really cement first contact. In this engaging and thought-provoking volume, things start to turn around for Tobias, who is almost too idealistic to be believable. He realizes that the concepts that are popping into his head are based on Jevmmuns society. In addition, people start to accept his message after they get to see a flying saucer a time or two. He even falls in love with a Jevmmuns human, Beatrice. But before all that happens, he and his family and friends get shot at quite a few times in this action-packed tale. Anthony’s book title is a timely nod to a phrase that’s been heard all too often in recent months. Unfortunately, the problem referenced here is humanity’s arbitrary divisions, which result in unnecessary conflicts and eventually infect Jevmmuns. The author’s skillfully woven story will make readers question why small things cause large wars.

This stimulating tale emphasizes that a change of perspective will be necessary to save Earth.