Publishers Weekly
★ 02/24/2020
This frank, deeply philosophical work of science fiction expertly tackles the idea that the solution to the climate crisis is to remove humans from the equation altogether. Five hundred years after the final human’s death, humanity’s replacements—logical, unflappable humanoids called erta, who were artificially bred to save the planet by one of the last human scientists—are almost done stabilizing Earth’s environment. Ima, an erta atmosphere engineer, is chosen to foster one human child as a test case for the possible restoration of the species as a whole, but the experiment is not without critics and saboteurs who seek to complicate Ima’s “simple” task of becoming a parent. Walker (The End of the World Survivor’s Club) depicts the tasks of child rearing (and the attendant sleep deprivation) with understated comedic glee as Ima morphs from dispassionate clinician to caring mother, learning to love her son and, through him, to understand the beauty in humanity. Walker’s argument is decidedly stacked in favor of human nature, but the novel does not shy away from depicting the greed, cruelty, and lack of forethought that led to the devastated Earth. This impressive, surprisingly hopeful take is as rigorous as a thought experiment as it is delightful as pure entertainment. Agent: Sam Copeland, Rogers, Coleridge & White Ltd. Literary (UK).(May)
Anne Corlett
Adrian Walker breaks your heart in unexpected ways.” — Anne Corlett, author of The Space Between the Stars
Storgy Magazine
The Human Son is a novel of emotional depth and maturity, handled by a writer at the top of his game, tackling philosophical topics with page turning effortlessness.” — Storgy Magazine
Aurealis
Enthralling from the opening line, The Human Son is grounded and heart-rending, a human and hopeful entry to the library of post-apocalyptic literature.” — Aurealis
From the Publisher
"Adrian Walker's books always have big ideas that make me think, I wish I'd thought of that! But like any great writer it's the more intimate aspects to his writing, the humour and humanity, that really makes his work shine. The Human Son is another winner." — Tim Lebbon, author of Eden
“A real find.” —Stephen King on The End of the World Running Club
SciFiNow
The Human Son delivers a story that fosters a curious mind and an open heart, questioning and inspiring both without judgement.” — SciFiNow
SFX Magazine
There's a dark note of comedy... but things soon take a turn for the profound." — SFX
The Times
"A prevailing mood of ironic charm." — The Times
Stephen King
"A real find." — Stephen King
Tim Lebbon
"Adrian Walker's books always have big ideas that make me think, I wish I'd thought of that! But like any great writer it's the more intimate aspects to his writing, the humour and humanity, that really makes his work shine. The Human Son is another winner."
SciFiNow 4 Star Review
The Human Son delivers a story that fosters a curious mind and an open heart, questioning and inspiring both without judgement.
SFX
There's a dark note of comedy...but things soon take a turn for the profound."
