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Alpha Dreams #1
The Eighth Day
What’s the last man on Earth supposed to do with 4 attractive women and a boy? What is so special about them? Why did they survive when everyone else was suddenly and mysteriously destroyed? What caused this catastrophe?
The answers are revealed in a story of survival that spans over 200 years.
From their adopted farm in Washington to inter-species conflicts among the stars, you’ll meet the most unusual family of survivors ever contrived by circumstance and necessity.
The answers are revealed in a story of survival that spans over 200 years.
From their adopted farm in Washington to inter-species conflicts among the stars, you’ll meet the most unusual family of survivors ever contrived by circumstance and necessity.
Nook
First published January 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Al Philipson
10 books218 followersAl Philipson was born somewhere around 1995 or later in the fevered imagination of a nerdish geek and sometimes technical writer who wants to remain anonymous when he writes fiction (including his tax return). Being a private person, he was afraid that his adoring fans (all three of them) would mob him both publicly and privately once his books caught on.
Unlike his nerdy creator, Philipson suffers from none of the weaknesses of “ordinary” humans. His body puts Mr. Universe to shame. He can bench press a Kenworth, he’s more intelligent than Einstein, and knock-down-gorgeous women find him irresistible.
His second and third novels, Children of Destruction and Last Train from Earth have been published by FTL Press, as has his collection of four short stories, SciFi Four Pack.
He is currently writing his fourth novel and snaps viciously at anyone who dares interrupt him when he’s working.
Unlike his nerdy creator, Philipson suffers from none of the weaknesses of “ordinary” humans. His body puts Mr. Universe to shame. He can bench press a Kenworth, he’s more intelligent than Einstein, and knock-down-gorgeous women find him irresistible.
His second and third novels, Children of Destruction and Last Train from Earth have been published by FTL Press, as has his collection of four short stories, SciFi Four Pack.
He is currently writing his fourth novel and snaps viciously at anyone who dares interrupt him when he’s working.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 29, 2012
I'm not a fan of the long, sweeping *epic* sci-fi trilogies in vogue now but oddly enough, that is my major complaint about this book. I think expansion of Part I and Part II into two separate books would have made for better reading.
Lots of things to like about this plot and storyline. It's difficult to find new themes and new science in the apocalyptic genre but this book found several interesting ways to twist the plot.
Ideally, I'd have liked to see the story about the human population survivors told in more detail, with more tension/conflict as there were places it bogged down and read a bit like a history book rather than novel and the same could apply to the storyline about the aliens.
Overall, a very entertaining read and a solid 4-star for me as it's difficult to discount much for not being long enough.
Lots of things to like about this plot and storyline. It's difficult to find new themes and new science in the apocalyptic genre but this book found several interesting ways to twist the plot.
Ideally, I'd have liked to see the story about the human population survivors told in more detail, with more tension/conflict as there were places it bogged down and read a bit like a history book rather than novel and the same could apply to the storyline about the aliens.
Overall, a very entertaining read and a solid 4-star for me as it's difficult to discount much for not being long enough.
October 8, 2012
An engrossing read, that was almost two separate stories. The beginning was the step by step survival of the very few remaining humans after most had been destroyed immediately by an accident. Inbeteeen chapters. telling the tale of an alien race fleeing a planet about to die. These two tales make up almost a complete story in themselves. Then we jump toward 200 years to see the results of the survival of both groups and the clash as they colide with each other. Due to the way the book jumps it was like the first book ended and a second started set 200 years in the future. Thus it took me a little bit of reading to get envolved in the second story but in the end it was worth it.
December 29, 2012
a very fresh approach to apocolypse/sci fi. a fun, fast read
July 7, 2019
When I first started reading Children of Destruction, I thought it was going to be about the Rapture. "Not another Left-Behind book!" I thought...and it wasn't. Because it isn't just the Christians who are disappearing, it's EVERYBODY!
And it ain't Jesus who's coming back, it's...well, maybe it's better you don't know.
This is science fiction in the tradition of Omega Man, I Am Legend, and just a touch of Robinson Crusoe. There's mystery here, and suspense; Phillipson has woven a tale that takes turns you don't expect. Every time you think you know where the story is going, you're wrong. I think someone said this is Phillipson's first book. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
And it ain't Jesus who's coming back, it's...well, maybe it's better you don't know.
This is science fiction in the tradition of Omega Man, I Am Legend, and just a touch of Robinson Crusoe. There's mystery here, and suspense; Phillipson has woven a tale that takes turns you don't expect. Every time you think you know where the story is going, you're wrong. I think someone said this is Phillipson's first book. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
May 21, 2012
We've all probably had this writing assignment in school at one time or another: What would you do if you were the last person on Earth? Children of Destruction by Al Philipson starts us on this familiar SF territory. Something horrible has happened, and now only a few survive to pick up the pieces of shattered civilization. The sudden onset of catastrophe brings to mind John Birmingham's Without Warning, but the struggle for survival that ensues is more like George R. Stewart's Earth Abides. As machines wear out there are worries about food, shelter, and survival, and it takes all of the survivors' wits and skills to persist. The story even recapitulates the meeting of Ish and his multi-ethnic mate Em; here the protagonist is Buck Mathews, and he has his Jean. But this story travels paths that Earth Abides never dared to tread, and leaves almost no current hot-button issue untouched. Passionate Jean finds herself joining wise Anne, practical Gloria, and young, flirtatious Tesse, all vying to be Buck's mate. A spooky boy genius named Harry joins the mix, and soon it becomes clear that Buck's fantasy of having four women may be overwhelmed by the difficult realities. Buck could never make a previous marriage work, let alone manage a relationship with four women at once. Meanwhile, a very different race far from Earth contends with its own ability to preserve its existence, by fleeing from a parent star about to go nova. Sek-ka, member of a combative lizard-like people, must contend with a shrill wife, a rebellious daughter and slaves, and a credit-stealing boss who's only gift is low animal cunning. Sek-ka wrestles with questions of status and privilege while cruelty, tyranny and deceit dominate the arrangements to evacuate. This is also familiar ground, reminiscent of the plight of the ruthless Wyzhnyny armada in John Dalmas's Soldiers. However, the reader becomes aware that this story is a study in contrasts. Both races will struggle to survive, physically and socially. But which characteristics cherished by members of each race will dominate and ultimately win the day? In the second act, we are taken several hundred years into the future, to discover the cause of the destruction on Earth, and the reasons why only certain people survived. This part seems more like Buck Rogers. Humans are repopulating Earth, and the populous Mathews 'family' has developed advanced technology and space travel. The story expands to include many new characters, including some marrying into the Mathews family enterprise. Key among these is young Melinda, with latent psychic abilities. Humans meet the reptilian race, with predictable results. Philipson, however, throws in a final twist. A third race of 'Fuzzies' is also encountered, and this meeting ends up being the pivotal and deciding factor leading to a satisfactory conclusion.
Philipson plays with some potent themes throughout the story. In fairness, most readers will likely find points with which they could take issue. In a very Heinlein-like way, Philipson allows his characters to lecture on a wide variety of moral and political issues. He addresses sexuality and sexual orientation, gun ownership, bureaucracy, immigration and ethnicity, family values and religion with equal gusto. As in Heinlein's works, this is accomplished with an admixture of conservative libertarianism and principled authoritarianism. Liberal and conservative alike find their sacred oxen skewered in this tale, where there is a clear aim to provoke readers into thinking about social norms and conventions. The results of this social commentary are accomplished with varying degrees of success. Philipson's writing style focuses on action and dialogue. The narrative is strongest in the moments where the author's own voice subtly challenges itself, and in the moments of grief, regret, and reflection. More of those kinds of moments would help to elevate this story to the same league as others mentioned in this review. Also needed would be some judicious pruning of unnecessary lectures and analysis in the dialogue, and some 'atmospheric polish' to add depth and flow to the action. There are a few language glitches but they did not rise to the level where most readers would have difficulty. Where the story succeeds best is in sorting out the most important legacy for survival. Duty, Passion, Faith, Love, Strength, Ruthlessness... all pale in significance when compared to the legacy of Reason and Compassion in the humans, and the ability of the alien Fuzzies to recognize and experience it. The story also asks some interesting questions. What if only certain people with certain characteristics survived an Apocalypse? What happens after the initial survivors die? What would be their legacy? What would a human eugenics program actually look like? At the end of the day, the story is a bit rough around the edges, but it's not an easy one to forget, and the possibilities linger in one's imagination. It will appeal to fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction looking for new twists on conventional themes.
Philipson plays with some potent themes throughout the story. In fairness, most readers will likely find points with which they could take issue. In a very Heinlein-like way, Philipson allows his characters to lecture on a wide variety of moral and political issues. He addresses sexuality and sexual orientation, gun ownership, bureaucracy, immigration and ethnicity, family values and religion with equal gusto. As in Heinlein's works, this is accomplished with an admixture of conservative libertarianism and principled authoritarianism. Liberal and conservative alike find their sacred oxen skewered in this tale, where there is a clear aim to provoke readers into thinking about social norms and conventions. The results of this social commentary are accomplished with varying degrees of success. Philipson's writing style focuses on action and dialogue. The narrative is strongest in the moments where the author's own voice subtly challenges itself, and in the moments of grief, regret, and reflection. More of those kinds of moments would help to elevate this story to the same league as others mentioned in this review. Also needed would be some judicious pruning of unnecessary lectures and analysis in the dialogue, and some 'atmospheric polish' to add depth and flow to the action. There are a few language glitches but they did not rise to the level where most readers would have difficulty. Where the story succeeds best is in sorting out the most important legacy for survival. Duty, Passion, Faith, Love, Strength, Ruthlessness... all pale in significance when compared to the legacy of Reason and Compassion in the humans, and the ability of the alien Fuzzies to recognize and experience it. The story also asks some interesting questions. What if only certain people with certain characteristics survived an Apocalypse? What happens after the initial survivors die? What would be their legacy? What would a human eugenics program actually look like? At the end of the day, the story is a bit rough around the edges, but it's not an easy one to forget, and the possibilities linger in one's imagination. It will appeal to fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction looking for new twists on conventional themes.
June 25, 2019
Okay, this is supposed to be a post-apocalyptic struggle for survival of the human race, but Philipson has taken what could have been an X-rated sex romp and turned it into not only a good science fiction saga, but an R-rated romance as well.
And the bad guys (aliens) aren't all that stereotypical either. Like any intelligent race, they have their problems and good points, but they do have a basic trait that makes them something to be avoided unless you're a lot tougher then they are. Their early story is told through the eyes of a bureaucrat with a boss from hell and a shrew for a wife.
The story has two segments: one in the "near future" and the second 200 years after that. I love stories with a "sweep of history" in them and this one doesn't disappoint.
If I had to fault the story anywhere, it would be not enough conflict/suspense for the humans in the first half. There's some, but not really enough for my taste. The alien story line makes up for it as does the second half, so I'll forgive the author and not subtract a star in my rating.
And the bad guys (aliens) aren't all that stereotypical either. Like any intelligent race, they have their problems and good points, but they do have a basic trait that makes them something to be avoided unless you're a lot tougher then they are. Their early story is told through the eyes of a bureaucrat with a boss from hell and a shrew for a wife.
The story has two segments: one in the "near future" and the second 200 years after that. I love stories with a "sweep of history" in them and this one doesn't disappoint.
If I had to fault the story anywhere, it would be not enough conflict/suspense for the humans in the first half. There's some, but not really enough for my taste. The alien story line makes up for it as does the second half, so I'll forgive the author and not subtract a star in my rating.
December 12, 2012
This is a very interesting read. It is two books in one.
The first part is quite entertaining as we watch life on earth attempt to return to a level of normality after an experiment in Russia goes horribly wrong, resulting in the death of over 90% of the worlds population. At the same time we are taken to a race of beings preparing for their sun to super nova. In essence, both sides are preparing for a new start. The question is, will their paths meet or will each race find a way to start over and rebuild.
The second book comes across much too flat. The action scenes are well crafted and yes, the two races meet two hundred years later in the confines of space. It is exciting to visualize the meeting. However, way too much time is devoted to what I considered a minor character, Melinda Mathews. This was disappointing.
Who will like this? Most sci/fi dystopian fans will love this work
The first part is quite entertaining as we watch life on earth attempt to return to a level of normality after an experiment in Russia goes horribly wrong, resulting in the death of over 90% of the worlds population. At the same time we are taken to a race of beings preparing for their sun to super nova. In essence, both sides are preparing for a new start. The question is, will their paths meet or will each race find a way to start over and rebuild.
The second book comes across much too flat. The action scenes are well crafted and yes, the two races meet two hundred years later in the confines of space. It is exciting to visualize the meeting. However, way too much time is devoted to what I considered a minor character, Melinda Mathews. This was disappointing.
Who will like this? Most sci/fi dystopian fans will love this work
January 2, 2014
An engrossing read, that was almost two separate stories. The beginning was the step by step survival of the very few remaining humans after most had been destroyed immediately by an accident. Inbeteeen chapters. telling the tale of an alien race fleeing a planet about to die. These two tales make up almost a complete story in themselves. Then we jump toward 200 years to see the results of the survival of both groups and the clash as they colide with each other. Due to the way the book jumps it was like the first book ended and a second started set 200 years in the future. Thus it took me a little bit of reading to get envolved in the second story but in the end it was worth it.
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May 9, 2019Entertaining, not your average plot
An absorbing, delightful story with thorough development of two (nearly independent) story lines that resolve to great ending. Good recreational SF reading. Main thematic track has some thoughtful, somewhat challenging social issues worthy of significant contemplation.
An absorbing, delightful story with thorough development of two (nearly independent) story lines that resolve to great ending. Good recreational SF reading. Main thematic track has some thoughtful, somewhat challenging social issues worthy of significant contemplation.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews