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Forever Human
Does the past really matter when you hold humanity's future in your hands?
With just days of its thousand year journey remaining, the starship Renaissance 3 is on course to deliver its precious cargo - the last living humans - to its new planetary home. But a message from beyond the grave challenges everything that pilot Maya has been taught about her kind, and threatens the future of the entire mission.
As life aboard the Renaissance descends into chaos, Maya soon finds herself facing the decision of a lifetime.
With just days of its thousand year journey remaining, the starship Renaissance 3 is on course to deliver its precious cargo - the last living humans - to its new planetary home. But a message from beyond the grave challenges everything that pilot Maya has been taught about her kind, and threatens the future of the entire mission.
As life aboard the Renaissance descends into chaos, Maya soon finds herself facing the decision of a lifetime.
- GenresScience Fiction
150 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
Ian E. Slatter
2 books37 followersIan has been a fan of science fiction from the moment he was born. OK, maybe not quite, but he has been enjoying it since he was really pretty young. Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr Who, Buck Rogers, Battlestar Galactica - the list goes on and on.
Although he's been writing for some time now he didn't start penning (keyboarding?) science fiction until he published his novella Forever Human in 2023, and his short story The Deal was then shortlisted for the HG Wells Short Story Competition in 2024.
Ian lives in Somerset in the UK with his wife, two children and two crazy black cats.
Although he's been writing for some time now he didn't start penning (keyboarding?) science fiction until he published his novella Forever Human in 2023, and his short story The Deal was then shortlisted for the HG Wells Short Story Competition in 2024.
Ian lives in Somerset in the UK with his wife, two children and two crazy black cats.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 1, 2024
Reviewing a book like this is difficult. When reviewers disagree with a skilled author’s premise, many trash the book without giving credit to the author’s writing skill. Let’s see if we can sort out what author Slatter has done in this novella. The underlying premise is that humans have destroyed planet Earth—much in the fashion that today’s Anthropomorphic Climate Change people are predicting. In a last-ditch effort to save humanity, the über wealthy send three starships toward destination stars each with 200 frozen embryos, accompanied by robotic nannies who will quicken the embryos about twenty years out from their destination planets. The first ship explodes on launch; the second disappears between the stars, leaving only the Renaissance to ensure human survival. As the robotically quickened young humans grow to maturity, their education consists of all the things you might imagine would be necessary, but also includes a false narrative of human history, that life on Earth was destroyed by an aging sun that heated up and destroyed the planet.
A dissident Earth faction inserts videos of Earth’s true history—WW I, WW II, the Holocaust, Humans thoughtlessly driving Climate Change, etc.—into an individual robotic nanny servicing the female embryo that will become Maya. The videos will activate on Maya’s eighteenth birthday. She and Ash are the two colonists training to be pilots—they will land the ship on the planet Destine, humanity’s future home. The horror of actual human history greatly distresses Maya. In particular, she learns that Earth’s population consisted of people of many races and capabilities. All her fellow colonists are classic Caucasians with virtually no diversity. She shows the videos to the other colonists, and the 200 sole remaining humans split into two factions—one believes the videos, the other, led by Ash, thinks they are a hoax, reacting with rage at the believers who, they say, are destroying the Mission. The escalating conflict between these two groups threatens the success of the Mission and even the survival of the human race.
Please understand that Slatter’s writing is good. In the first part, he tells about the dissidents inserting the videos in normal past tense, but then he tells the rest of the story in the present tense. I found this jarring and unnecessary. Nevertheless, it was well written otherwise, so I score him 5-stars docking one for using present tense.
Now, on to his premise. Despite everything you read and hear about Anthropomorphic Climate Change, as a scientist who spent thirteen months at the Geographic South Pole in charge of National Science Foundation atmospheric studies, I can tell you unequivocally that humans are NOT driving climate change, the sun is. Science is not consensus, it is facts and deductions from those facts to create models. If a model doesn’t work, you change it until it does, but you leave the facts, the data, alone. None of today’s IPCC climate models produce accurate predictions. The only model that does is one based on solar activity. So, Slatter’s premise is completely wrong. If I were scoring him on his premise, I would have to give him 1-star. But as I said earier, this is good writing (except for the present tense). Before the terrible premise, I scored him 4-stars. The premise drops him to 3.5-stars that I round up to 4-stars, but I remind you that Slatter is a good writer, nonetheless.
If you like dark science fiction, check out Forever Human, by Ian E. Slatter.
A dissident Earth faction inserts videos of Earth’s true history—WW I, WW II, the Holocaust, Humans thoughtlessly driving Climate Change, etc.—into an individual robotic nanny servicing the female embryo that will become Maya. The videos will activate on Maya’s eighteenth birthday. She and Ash are the two colonists training to be pilots—they will land the ship on the planet Destine, humanity’s future home. The horror of actual human history greatly distresses Maya. In particular, she learns that Earth’s population consisted of people of many races and capabilities. All her fellow colonists are classic Caucasians with virtually no diversity. She shows the videos to the other colonists, and the 200 sole remaining humans split into two factions—one believes the videos, the other, led by Ash, thinks they are a hoax, reacting with rage at the believers who, they say, are destroying the Mission. The escalating conflict between these two groups threatens the success of the Mission and even the survival of the human race.
Please understand that Slatter’s writing is good. In the first part, he tells about the dissidents inserting the videos in normal past tense, but then he tells the rest of the story in the present tense. I found this jarring and unnecessary. Nevertheless, it was well written otherwise, so I score him 5-stars docking one for using present tense.
Now, on to his premise. Despite everything you read and hear about Anthropomorphic Climate Change, as a scientist who spent thirteen months at the Geographic South Pole in charge of National Science Foundation atmospheric studies, I can tell you unequivocally that humans are NOT driving climate change, the sun is. Science is not consensus, it is facts and deductions from those facts to create models. If a model doesn’t work, you change it until it does, but you leave the facts, the data, alone. None of today’s IPCC climate models produce accurate predictions. The only model that does is one based on solar activity. So, Slatter’s premise is completely wrong. If I were scoring him on his premise, I would have to give him 1-star. But as I said earier, this is good writing (except for the present tense). Before the terrible premise, I scored him 4-stars. The premise drops him to 3.5-stars that I round up to 4-stars, but I remind you that Slatter is a good writer, nonetheless.
If you like dark science fiction, check out Forever Human, by Ian E. Slatter.
November 21, 2023
I found this title on a book tour. It sounded interesting, was only 0.99 cents , and a short read so decided to give it a try. All I can say is, my brain was in shock after I hit the end.
I almost didn’t finish the book as it’s written from the left, communistic point of view, and facts, as always with them, were wrong. But, once I reached the part about the “Truth”, I had to keep reading to see how Maya and the rest of her crew would handle the change to their world views.
And this is where the story really took off. Everything that transpired on the ship is exactly what’s happening in our society today. One side who are open to change and truth, against the other who are closed minded and it’s their way or no way. It’s all black and white to them. And because their ideas are threatened, they label anyone who disagrees as traitors and turn everyone else against them. I guess it’s human nature to follow the ones shouting the loudest. Even if they know that person is wrong. It’s all about fear and domination. sigh. We have so few free thinkers in our world.
In Maya and Ash’s case, growing up in a controlled environment didn’t leave them much room to become free thinkers. To question the narrative. Until Maya’s 18th birthday. At the shocking end of the story, I wondered how the dynamics of the crew would’ve changed if she’d received the “Truth” when she was supposed to, and not just before the cumulation of their journey.
I read the book in two days. The last day was most of it because I jut couldn’t stop reading and put it down. I needed to know what was next. So kudos for keeping me entrenched in the story.
However, I could definitely tell this was a self-published book. The lack of editing and some plot holes gave it away. At one point, Maya’s name was changed. smh.
If you like space colonization books and shock content, you might like the story. I recommend it and give it 4 stars.
I almost didn’t finish the book as it’s written from the left, communistic point of view, and facts, as always with them, were wrong. But, once I reached the part about the “Truth”, I had to keep reading to see how Maya and the rest of her crew would handle the change to their world views.
And this is where the story really took off. Everything that transpired on the ship is exactly what’s happening in our society today. One side who are open to change and truth, against the other who are closed minded and it’s their way or no way. It’s all black and white to them. And because their ideas are threatened, they label anyone who disagrees as traitors and turn everyone else against them. I guess it’s human nature to follow the ones shouting the loudest. Even if they know that person is wrong. It’s all about fear and domination. sigh. We have so few free thinkers in our world.
In Maya and Ash’s case, growing up in a controlled environment didn’t leave them much room to become free thinkers. To question the narrative. Until Maya’s 18th birthday. At the shocking end of the story, I wondered how the dynamics of the crew would’ve changed if she’d received the “Truth” when she was supposed to, and not just before the cumulation of their journey.
I read the book in two days. The last day was most of it because I jut couldn’t stop reading and put it down. I needed to know what was next. So kudos for keeping me entrenched in the story.
However, I could definitely tell this was a self-published book. The lack of editing and some plot holes gave it away. At one point, Maya’s name was changed. smh.
If you like space colonization books and shock content, you might like the story. I recommend it and give it 4 stars.
April 25, 2024
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Forever Human
Author: Ian E. Slatter
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Excellent sci-fi novel. Yes, it’s short, but it packs a punch! Admittedly, it’s all a bit depressing, and the ending was – well, I’ll let you read it, but it’s not ‘jolly’. Strong characterization and good, solid pacing.” Male reader, aged 34
“I suspect reader will love this book or hate it – a bit like Marmite! It is thought-provoking and it is dark and rather gritty. But that works for me. The protagonist is interesting and I was rooting for her all the way till the end.” Female reader, aged 23
“Oddly, the title ‘Forever Human’ is very much at odds with the plot. Often, the characters didn’t act with humanity at all. I must admit, I got into this book. I just wish it had been longer, to flesh out the characters. But never a dull moment.” Male reader, aged 69
“If the author wished to be controversial, he did an excellent job. Got me thinking!” Male reader, aged 21
To Sum It Up:
‘A dark, gritty sci-fi with a cast of memorable characters.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Forever Human
Author: Ian E. Slatter
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Excellent sci-fi novel. Yes, it’s short, but it packs a punch! Admittedly, it’s all a bit depressing, and the ending was – well, I’ll let you read it, but it’s not ‘jolly’. Strong characterization and good, solid pacing.” Male reader, aged 34
“I suspect reader will love this book or hate it – a bit like Marmite! It is thought-provoking and it is dark and rather gritty. But that works for me. The protagonist is interesting and I was rooting for her all the way till the end.” Female reader, aged 23
“Oddly, the title ‘Forever Human’ is very much at odds with the plot. Often, the characters didn’t act with humanity at all. I must admit, I got into this book. I just wish it had been longer, to flesh out the characters. But never a dull moment.” Male reader, aged 69
“If the author wished to be controversial, he did an excellent job. Got me thinking!” Male reader, aged 21
To Sum It Up:
‘A dark, gritty sci-fi with a cast of memorable characters.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
November 19, 2023
Wow... Crazy
What an intense read. Powerful and emotional, even if flawed. It does a great job showing one of the harsh realities of humanity, for sure.
I don't agree with the ideology. I think it's as narrow-minded as Ash, but the message is the important part. The message is that we need to do and be better, or we don't deserve the blessings we're given. That is true.
Just as the "truth" was polarized between the Mission (Ash) and the Truth (Maya), the author made this black and white. There was a murmur of the colors between, but they were a fleeting consideration. I understood why, but it's not true to life or human nature. And, in the end, the final decision was based on this closed view of reality.
Some of this story shocked me because, as it unveiled, my image of things was reconstructed. What I naturally saw in my mind as diversity became homogeneous. That felt wrong for so many reasons, the least being that stale genetics leads to almost instant death. The best chance for survival IS genetic diversity, but again, not the point the author wanted to make.
This story didn't surprise me, but it did sadden me. I think mostly because it felt like the author missed what it really means to be "human" as he only focused on our cruelty. He missed how we learn, grow, and progress beyond.
I do think you should read this. This crazy emotional ride will illustrate some important things even as it misses its mark on other vital opportunities to show what humanity is and can be. At any rate, it will leave you thinking about the kind of person you want to be and the imprint you want to make. THAT makes it really special.
What an intense read. Powerful and emotional, even if flawed. It does a great job showing one of the harsh realities of humanity, for sure.
I don't agree with the ideology. I think it's as narrow-minded as Ash, but the message is the important part. The message is that we need to do and be better, or we don't deserve the blessings we're given. That is true.
Just as the "truth" was polarized between the Mission (Ash) and the Truth (Maya), the author made this black and white. There was a murmur of the colors between, but they were a fleeting consideration. I understood why, but it's not true to life or human nature. And, in the end, the final decision was based on this closed view of reality.
Some of this story shocked me because, as it unveiled, my image of things was reconstructed. What I naturally saw in my mind as diversity became homogeneous. That felt wrong for so many reasons, the least being that stale genetics leads to almost instant death. The best chance for survival IS genetic diversity, but again, not the point the author wanted to make.
This story didn't surprise me, but it did sadden me. I think mostly because it felt like the author missed what it really means to be "human" as he only focused on our cruelty. He missed how we learn, grow, and progress beyond.
I do think you should read this. This crazy emotional ride will illustrate some important things even as it misses its mark on other vital opportunities to show what humanity is and can be. At any rate, it will leave you thinking about the kind of person you want to be and the imprint you want to make. THAT makes it really special.
November 21, 2023
Forever Human is not a long story at under 200 pages, and the premise is a great one. It’s about how humans are flawed, and after years of climate change, war, and greed, mankind finally crumbles and the earth dies. It’s a painful truth for us all.
The last humans are sent to another planet, a long way away, to begin life again. I loved the idea of that. Two hundred young men and women spent the first eighteen years of their life on a space craft, travelling to their destination.
Each of them had a ‘bot’ as a parent who brought them up and cared for them. During this time they are educated and given all the knowledge they required to begin life on a new planet. I wanted to know more about the bots, how did they care for the babies and toddlers for instance? What did they look like?
The story really kicked in when the truth was revealed, which not everyone believed. That caused a great deal of conflict within the ship.
Some things were mentioned but never expanded on. It left me looking for answers. At one point, the main character, Maya, whose story this was is called by another name. I had to reread the paragraph thinking I’d misunderstood.
Overall, it’s a topical idea for a story, one that is relatable. It was a fast read because I couldn’t put it down. There were so many possibilities, and I was eager to see how it turned out. It would even have made a terrific series, but the ending was unexpected.
Readers will see the harsh truths, and enjoy Maya’s story with the challenges she has to face.
The last humans are sent to another planet, a long way away, to begin life again. I loved the idea of that. Two hundred young men and women spent the first eighteen years of their life on a space craft, travelling to their destination.
Each of them had a ‘bot’ as a parent who brought them up and cared for them. During this time they are educated and given all the knowledge they required to begin life on a new planet. I wanted to know more about the bots, how did they care for the babies and toddlers for instance? What did they look like?
The story really kicked in when the truth was revealed, which not everyone believed. That caused a great deal of conflict within the ship.
Some things were mentioned but never expanded on. It left me looking for answers. At one point, the main character, Maya, whose story this was is called by another name. I had to reread the paragraph thinking I’d misunderstood.
Overall, it’s a topical idea for a story, one that is relatable. It was a fast read because I couldn’t put it down. There were so many possibilities, and I was eager to see how it turned out. It would even have made a terrific series, but the ending was unexpected.
Readers will see the harsh truths, and enjoy Maya’s story with the challenges she has to face.
January 18, 2024
In 'Forever Human: Humanity's Last Chance,' Ian Slatter presents a compelling narrative that challenges readers to reflect on their values and the lasting impact they wish to leave on the world. The book serves as a reminder that humanity must strive for better, lest we forfeit the gifts of our planet and, ultimately, ourselves.
Slatter explores the herd mentality and the bystander effect, propelling the story forward in a manner that keeps the pages turning. The novel may be brief, but it is well-paced and attention-grabbing.
The author does not shy away from shining a light on humanity's darker aspects, including racism, homophobia, and a variety of stereotypes, while also touching on animal cruelty and the pervasive nature of greed. His descriptive writing brings these themes to life, painting a very unsettling picture at times.
It's a dark journey leading to a surprise ending that leaves me conflicted and wanting more.
There were some things that the author introduced and then never wrote more about, which left me hanging. (i.e., why she received the message at 18 instead of when she was supposed to at 16). This was only a tiny issue and did not impact my opinion of the book.
In summary, 'Forever Human' is not just a book—it's a mirror held up to society. We need to reflect on our actions toward others, as well as the planet and the other creatures living on it. I would definitely read more by this author, so I am leaving a five-star review. Great job!
Slatter explores the herd mentality and the bystander effect, propelling the story forward in a manner that keeps the pages turning. The novel may be brief, but it is well-paced and attention-grabbing.
The author does not shy away from shining a light on humanity's darker aspects, including racism, homophobia, and a variety of stereotypes, while also touching on animal cruelty and the pervasive nature of greed. His descriptive writing brings these themes to life, painting a very unsettling picture at times.
It's a dark journey leading to a surprise ending that leaves me conflicted and wanting more.
There were some things that the author introduced and then never wrote more about, which left me hanging. (i.e., why she received the message at 18 instead of when she was supposed to at 16). This was only a tiny issue and did not impact my opinion of the book.
In summary, 'Forever Human' is not just a book—it's a mirror held up to society. We need to reflect on our actions toward others, as well as the planet and the other creatures living on it. I would definitely read more by this author, so I am leaving a five-star review. Great job!
November 30, 2023
4 stars, Maya's Life
Forever Human: Humanity's Last Chance
by Ian E Slatter
As beginnings go, the Renaissance 3 Starship sounded like a good way to populate another planet, to give humanity another chance. The ship started with 200 frozen embryos along with 200 Carebots that took care of each Child that was born and as they grew up.
Maya and her friends did what was expected of them, to learn about what living on a planet would be like, to be paired with another member of the ship, to go forth and multiply. The Directives were smart people who set up the Renaissance 3 and thought of everything each of the colonists would need. But, they didn't tell them everything.
The book is a little shorter than what I usually like to read, however, you understand the gist of what the author is trying to convey. It was interesting how the book delved into race, social justice, environmental, and mental health issues. Normally, that's not a book that I would pick to read.
I received a complimentary copy of #ForeverHuman from #IanESlatter #LibraryThing I was not obligated to post a review.
#Race #SocialJustice #EnvironmentalIssues #MentalHealth #Futuristic #Wars #PlanetAnnihilation
Forever Human: Humanity's Last Chance
by Ian E Slatter
As beginnings go, the Renaissance 3 Starship sounded like a good way to populate another planet, to give humanity another chance. The ship started with 200 frozen embryos along with 200 Carebots that took care of each Child that was born and as they grew up.
Maya and her friends did what was expected of them, to learn about what living on a planet would be like, to be paired with another member of the ship, to go forth and multiply. The Directives were smart people who set up the Renaissance 3 and thought of everything each of the colonists would need. But, they didn't tell them everything.
The book is a little shorter than what I usually like to read, however, you understand the gist of what the author is trying to convey. It was interesting how the book delved into race, social justice, environmental, and mental health issues. Normally, that's not a book that I would pick to read.
I received a complimentary copy of #ForeverHuman from #IanESlatter #LibraryThing I was not obligated to post a review.
#Race #SocialJustice #EnvironmentalIssues #MentalHealth #Futuristic #Wars #PlanetAnnihilation
December 4, 2023
Greed, pollution, and war has destroyed the earth, so in a last ditch effort to save humanity, scientists put 200 embryos onboard a spaceship to colonize a distant planet. These embryos, once born, are cared for and educated by Carebots to prepare them for their future life on their new planet. Maya, the story’s eighteen-year-old heroine, is the first to learn the awful truth about the human race, and she undertakes the momentous, perilous task in convincing the others that they’ve been lied to all their young lives.
This was a pretty interesting book. Even though it felt like a YA novel at times, the darker themes and subject matters made it feel much more adult. I liked the overall plot and the story’s message, but I couldn’t lose myself in the story. Unfortunately, there were some typos and the characters all spoke and acted like real kids of today’s world. I thought they would be more mature, but at heart, I suppose, teenagers will always be teenagers despite their situation or education.
Anyway, readers who enjoy YA fiction, drama, angst, and dark themes should enjoy this book.
3.5 Stars
This was a pretty interesting book. Even though it felt like a YA novel at times, the darker themes and subject matters made it feel much more adult. I liked the overall plot and the story’s message, but I couldn’t lose myself in the story. Unfortunately, there were some typos and the characters all spoke and acted like real kids of today’s world. I thought they would be more mature, but at heart, I suppose, teenagers will always be teenagers despite their situation or education.
Anyway, readers who enjoy YA fiction, drama, angst, and dark themes should enjoy this book.
3.5 Stars
January 5, 2024
Humanity's plan to save itself was riddled with the same mistakes that destroyed it in the first place. This story is poignant, salient, and drives its point home brutally. This is a short read, 3 hours or so, and is paced well. The present tense and heavy handed characterization that would have been unbearable in a full length novel works in a short story, though a bit less in the light hearted beginning. It becomes more palatable as the story darkens, and is at its best in the turmoil of the finale. The overall experience for me was of starting a cliche YA Dystopian novel a la Mazerunner, Divergent, etc, and finding myself in a mix of Heinlein's Orphans of the Sky and Lord of the Flies. In a good way.
My most negative note is, the attempt at portraying kids raised alone together felt a little flat. They would be the most close knit tribe you could imagine, knowing each other intimately. It felt more like freshmen at college.
My most positive note is, I felt the same gut reaction the deniers felt, but thought the same way the truth seekers did. The difficulty of reconciling the two plagues humanity in and out of fiction.
My most negative note is, the attempt at portraying kids raised alone together felt a little flat. They would be the most close knit tribe you could imagine, knowing each other intimately. It felt more like freshmen at college.
My most positive note is, I felt the same gut reaction the deniers felt, but thought the same way the truth seekers did. The difficulty of reconciling the two plagues humanity in and out of fiction.
February 25, 2024
Lord of the Flies in space. Eighteen years before reaching its interstellar destination, a spaceship run by robots thaws and incubates 200 frozen embryos. The 200 children are raised by carebots and trained in preparation for establishing a colony on the Earth-like exoplanet they are approaching. This novel is environmentally conscious and pessimistic about humanity's capability to exercise restraint in order to become caring stewards of our environment. It's a quick read.
April 24, 2024
Very Dark and overly pessimistic.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews