Kill the Messenger: Gemini

by Johanna Nimley

The Arians in "Kill the Messenger: Gemini," are in a rush to build space ships so that they can leave the Earth before the return of Ra or the destruction of the Earth by human ignorance or by their warring ancestors. The Arians deceive the humans by allowing them to think that the machines they help to create are for them when in fact the space shuttles are for Arians only. The decision has already been made by the Heavenly visitors including Gemini whose mission is to save only a few. Humans cannot be allowed to leave the Earth and spread to other planets where there are any life forms. After living among humans as one of them, Gemini knows how to get the final message across in her own way with no regrets. In "Kill the Messenger: Gemini," Gemini is a woman who was born into the world for a purpose and with a mission. She does not remember why because she was hit on the head as a child and suffered amnesia. The struggle comes because with the loss of her memory, she must understand and follow the same signs as other humans who want to be saved before the end of humanity. Adding to the chaos is Lucifer her brother. His desire is to impregnate and mislead Gemini so that she will become one of his followers. He sensed her presence the day she came to Earth. If he cannot discover the reason she is here or bend her to his will, then he will kill her. The story is based on Gemini's experiences in her human body on Earth, as well as what she learns about humanity that will lead to its destruction. In every line she explores racism, human sexuality and other realities about this world. She learns the power of the flesh and the power with which Lucifer controls the world. Whatkeeps her going is the compassion in her heart for humans and the belief that somehow, someway, she can do something for those who hope for a different existence than that which Lucifer has to offer.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

About the author

I am the author of the historical, speculative sci fi, fantasy, thriller "Kill the Messenger: Gemini" and "Gemini and the Black Stone".

Reviews

[Author]

I am the author so I love it. Please visit my website for a synopsis or http://www.amazon.com/kill-messenger-... where you can see inside the book.

http://www.killthemessengergemini.syn...

[Dee Marie]

Kill the Messenger: Gemini, by Johanna Nimley, is an innovative retelling (a reinventing) of the story of earth’s creation, and the constant struggle between good and evil. Although the novel is fiction, it often reads as if it were a journal.
Johanna writes in a very avant-garde style, often pushing the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm. Kill the Messenger: Gemini is very much an “adult” read, as there are many explicit (an often disturbing) sexual encounters that drive the plot through the many centuries of its storyline.

Although modest in page count (168 pages), Kill the Messenger: Gemini, it is still a powerful read, and not a story that can be read in one sitting. Many of Johanna’s theories brought forth in her story are both shocking and thought-provoking. Kill the Messenger: Gemini does not just entertain; it also gives you food for thought.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am not a big fan of sciece fiction, I checked this one out because it sounded interesting. It was.
I especially liked the main character, Gemini.The author treats her as someone confused by her new world, and I think that's exactly right. Even the way Gemini speaks, in short declarative sentences, seems to fit well with an intelligent character trying to make sense of a strange world.

My only disappointment is in the fact that the author doesn't get the chance to go into Gemini's feelingsas much as I would have liked. That's something I think would be very interesting to watch develop as she becomes more acclimatized to her new surroundings.Maybe that's on deck for her newest which I believe is forthcoming.

[S]

The idea behind this book is very intriguing. Nimley's exploration of how all of us came to be on the earth and how humans are often self-destructive is interesting and catches the reader's attention. The book attempts to accomplish much in its 168 pages. The author describes approximately forty years of Gemini's life and at times the plot and characters felt underdeveloped. The book could also be improved with further editing; there were a few typos and misspellings.

Overall, Kill the Messenger: Gemini was thought-provoking and an innovative read.

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johanna is truly passionate when it comes to creating a world she understands. In Kill the messenger Gemini she does just that. You will learn about the people in the story, the world as she sees it, and you will follow every detail she creates. This book was new to me and I learn a lot about science fiction. If you truly want a different sci-fi read this novel, and look out for the pre-quel

Tamika Newhouse
AAMBC Book Reviewer