Press Release: New Novel Explores Complexity, Wonder of Living Systems
'The Alien Effect' paints a vision of the future—near and far—for life on Earth
November 6, 2014
Life in some form seems likely to go on—regardless of 21st Century humanity's outlook on ecological questions. How might things evolve on Earth? A mixed family of humans and aliens play an unwitting role in Cary Neeper's newly released science fiction novel The Alien Effect.
"This story evolved over several decades," Neeper said, "reflecting our changing world, its unresolved conflicts, and its increasing environmental dilemmas. It moves far into a future made ever more plausible as we learn more about genetics and complex systems."
The third book in Neeper's series The Archives of Varok, this young-adult/crossover title follows the multispecies cast from Nautilus silver medalist The Webs of Varok as they explore a troubled 21st Century Earth. Continuing the series' exploration of tough issues through storytelling and world building, Neeper delves deeper into her vision of an alternate 21st Century Solar System.
. . . by turns wondrous, wise, witty, tense and gripping—all in service of a heartfelt environmental polemic. The Alien Effect is an auspicious new entry in this daring series that refuses to stick with easy answers or safe issues related to humankind's ecological crisis. . . . a tale appropriate for both adult and young-adult readers.
—Frank Kaminski, book reviewer for resilience.org
Contact
Shawne Workman
shawne(at)
penscript-publishing(dot)com
PDF version (202KB)
The Alien Effect is now available for sale from major book retailers, together with an updated edition of the first title in the series, re-released as The View Beyond Earth. Readers can begin the books today; free preview chapters are available online at ArchivesofVarok.com.
Dr. Cary Neeper is an avid student of sustainability, steady-state economics and the impact of cosmology and complexity on issues of science and religion. Her writing includes the Archives of Varok novels, two musical science fiction comedies, and articles on exobiology for Astronaut.com. She studied zoology/chemistry and religion at Pomona College and earned her doctorate in medical microbiology at U. Wisconsin–Madison. The Neepers raised their family in northern New Mexico with a friendly menagerie of dogs, fish and fowl. Dr. Neeper also paints landscapes in acrylics, including the cover art for the most recent Archives of Varok editions.
Online Press Kit
Find press-ready photos, cover images and more in the online press kit for The Alien Effect.