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In the year 402 AC, the universe is much evolved from the one existing during the age of human beings. Opting to favor intellect and imagination, the HumEM, descendants of Earth's last fifty million humans, live "without the burden of matter or the shackles of Nature." No longer controlled by natural laws, they call Earth's entire solar system their home and are bound only by the laws of the universe and truth. However, the existence of the HumEM is threatened when signals are discovered in the nearby Epsilon star system. A peaceful mission to Epsilon results in the mission's destruction, leaving its advanced technology in the hands of a mysterious foe. The HumEM now face an enemy of whom their only knowledge consists of treachery bolstered by their own intellectual, technological, and creative advances. Because the Life Charter laws forbid the HumEM from harming Epsilon, they must find a way to save themselves without compromising their anti-war philosophy.
Based on contemporary knowledge of quantum physics, Evans has created a world stipulated by that knowledge's boundaries. The themes of the novel are driven by both science and philosophy. For example, one intriguing concept is that HumEM characters don't converse. Instead, they "wave," or communicate through energy. Additionally, time is counted from the Balance Change or After Change (AC) point, when human existence gave way to the HumEM, rendering DNA obsolete. It is a fascinating premise. Once the reader settles into its language and vocabulary, the story unfolds at a good pace. As characters come to terms with their world's existential threat, they engage in plenty of thought-provoking dialogue, keeping the reader's interest in this weighty volume. Those who enjoy fiction that offers a few philosophical musings will find much to like in this strange and captivating futuristic tale of possibility.