The Skyborn

Starscape, Tor Books. 271 pp. The Skyborn is a science fiction novel that presents a vision of the future that is startlingly relevant and intriguing sequel to The Earthborn. Set in an Australia (Melbourne) of the future that has been devastated by war and disease, The Skyborn picks up the story of Welkin Quinn, a former Skyborn himself who found a home among the Earthborn after being separated from the colony ship that had carried him back to earth. But his new found family is under threat by the Skyborn who are determined to rid the earth of its inhabitants. This is a book that asks big questions about genocide and colonisation but it is also a vastly entertaining narrative that never flags. Paul Collins makes you care about these characters and it is that caring that makes the issues this book addresses all the more chilling. There are concepts in this story that are not easy to read or to think about but it is such a compelling tale that you will read on anyway and it is a journey well worth making. The Skyborn is an excellent story, above everything else and I would have no hesitation about recommending it to a very large number of people. Because it's always excellent to share stories like these. Olive Rish reviews for Educare.