Humans, Gods, and Hybrids by Mark L. Marinaccio

Mark L. Marinaccio launches a powerful new science fiction saga with Humans, Gods, and Hybrids: Child 19, an unpredictable thriller based in a not-so-distant future.

After two decades journeying through the stars, the Travelers have arrived on Earth’s doorstep to mixed emotions – humanity’s fear of invading conquerors, suspicion of the aliens’ motives, and eagerness to take advantage of their futuristic technology. Having no memory of life before their travels began, Kellan and Tendra are excited to experience the new planet – from the lights of Broadway to the wilds of Alaska – but they must also deal with prejudice and isolationist attitudes from their distant Earthbound relatives. The grim history of human society, and its penchant for cruelty and destruction, means that the transition is anything but smooth.

This novel is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, holding up a mirror to humanity’s worst impulses, but also highlighting the potential for good that can be found on the planet. Looking at Earth through the eyes of alien protagonists makes for a fascinating analysis, while the estranged romance at the core of this story keeps the emotional investment high.

The writing is often choppy, blunt and unadorned, resulting in some of the narration being flat and exposition-heavy. The action sequences are intense, but the physicality and setting of certain scenes isn’t always clear, which can leaving readers feeling lost. As a whole, the language could be polished with an editing sweep, but the originality of the story wins out, making this an exciting start to Marinaccio’s sci-fi series.