Unfortunately Kress’s answers, while beautifully written, aren’t particularly optimistic. Marianne takes an idealistic approach, but even she, the brightest light in the cast, doesn’t seem particularly optimistic about our future, or the future of our alien brethren.

So naturally a grouchy misanthrope like myself loved it.

Dreams of Elvex (Poor translated from Spanish by Google Translate):

The novella before us today, Yesterday’s kin, is much less ambitious than the saga of the Sleepless, but Kress is a reputable author, and without much fuss, gets a very entertaining story, agile reading and some ideas biologically sociological and quite interesting.

This Space Intentionally Left Blank:

Indeed, I wish it had been a full-length novel so certain sections could have been fleshed out, especially Noah’s perspective in the second half. But that’s pretty much my only complaint, and I suppose “I wish it had been longer” isn’t really much of a complaint! A recommended quick read for fans of first contact tales and biology-focused hard sci-fi.

West Coast Book Reviews:

Though a short novel, Yesterday’s Kin immersed me. Mainly because the human reactions to the Deneb’s arrival are all too plausible. I can all too easily see the paths of isolationism and mob mentality as reactions because there are so much of those things already. Existing solationism fuels xenophobia, particularly in the New Yorkers who live with the Deneb ship overhead. This theme also serves to divide Marianne’s family as they come to terms with the Deneb’s arrival and what it means for them and humanity.

For more info on Yesterday’s Kin, visit the Tachyon page.

Cover by Thomas Canty.