Only Human
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4.0 • 356 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Pacific Rim meets The Martian in the explosive follow-up to Sleeping Giants (“One of the most promising series kickoffs in recent memory.”—NPR) and Waking Gods (“Pure, unadulterated literary escapism.”—Kirkus Reviews).
Brilliant scientist Rose Franklin has devoted her adult life to solving the mystery she accidentally stumbled upon as a child: a huge metal hand buried beneath the ground outside Deadwood, South Dakota. The discovery set in motion a cataclysmic chain of events with geopolitical ramifications. Rose and the Earth Defense Corps raced to master the enigmatic technology, as giant robots suddenly descended on Earth’s most populous cities, killing one hundred million people in the process. Though Rose and her team were able to fend off the attack, their victory was short-lived. The mysterious invaders retreated, disappearing from the shattered planet . . . but they took the scientist and her crew with them.
Now, after nearly ten years on another world, Rose returns to find a devastating new war—this time between humans. America and Russia are locked in combat, fighting to fill the power vacuum left behind after the invasion. Families are torn apart, friends become bitter enemies, and countries collapse in the wake of the battling superpowers. It appears the aliens left behind their titanic death machines so humankind will obliterate itself. Rose is determined to find a solution, whatever it takes. But will she become a pawn in a doomsday game no one can win?
Praise for Only Human
“Packing a surprisingly powerful thematic punch, this novel is an addictive blend of science fiction, apocalyptic thriller, and chillingly timely cautionary tale. Two (giant, robotic) thumbs up!”—Kirkus Reviews
“Boasting a winning combination of briskly paced action and futuristic dystopia tempered by cautious optimism, Only Human brings a fitting, satisfying end to the Themis Files series.”—RT Book Reviews
“This action-packed tale with apocalyptic stakes is a fitting finale to this wonderfully cinematic series.”—Publishers Weekly
“Series fans will be eager for Neuvel’s ever-so-satisfying conclusion to his rip-roaring science-fiction adventure tale.”—Booklist
Don’t miss any of The Themis Files by Sylvain Neuvel:
SLEEPING GIANTS | WAKING GODS | ONLY HUMAN
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In the exciting conclusion to Neuvel's Themis Files (after 2017's Waking Gods), scientist Rose Franklin is back home on Earth after she was marooned for nine years on the planet Esat Ekt. Her giant robot, Themis, was summoned home, with Rose, linguist Vincent Couture, his 10-year-old daughter, and Gen. Eugene Govender stuck inside. Rose loved studying alongside the humanoid Ekt and would have been happy to stay, but Vincent was desperate for home. When they return, it's to an entirely too plausible war-torn Earth that's in the grip of racial hatred (especially of Muslims) and violence, and Russia and the U.S. are butting heads. Russian agent Katherine Lebedev wants to use Themis to combat the U.S., but she needs pilots to do it, and she'll stop at nothing to get Rose to do her bidding. The story, entwining past and present, is told in the same style as the first two novels, using interviews, diary entries, mission logs, and covert recordings. Lebedev is cartoonish at times, but that makes it even easier to root for Rose and co. This action-packed tale with apocalyptic stakes is a fitting finale to this wonderfully cinematic series.
Customer Reviews
Amazing
Such an exciting adventure! Was hooked from chapter 1 Book 1. Really enjoyed the unique interview dialogue. 5 Stars!
Not as good
I feel like even though people want trilogies, this one could have ended after the second book. Maybe it is because I am not a fan of politics, but I didn’t like this one as much. Stay true to your world building rules. Some of it ( I don’t want to give it away) could have been exciting but was boring instead. Very few characters were good but even if intentions were not good, it worked out well, which helped. I don’t think the interview or letter style worked as well for this one.
Least compelling book in this series
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, this one wasn’t even compelling enough to finish. Most disappointing. Much longer than the first two books, might have been a winner with 200 fewer pages.