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Species Imperative #1-3
Species Imperative
A threat to entire worlds. Where on that scale does one woman fall?
Dr. Mackenzie "Mac" Connor’s goal in life is to be left in peace to study her salmon and their migration. She has no interest in the Interspecies Union, space travel, or the mysterious Chasm, an expanse of dead worlds filled with the ruins of alien civilizations. The only cloud on Mac’s horizon is having to meet with the Oversight Committee to defend any research intrusions into the protected zones on shore.
But what Mac wants no longer matters. There’s another, darker, migration underway, this time across space. What created the Chasm has awakened once more, to follow its imperative to feed on living worlds. How can it be stopped?
Aliens have asked Mac to find that answer. She knows it may mean sacrificing all she loves, including Earth itself. She’s determined to find another way.
But, first, she must survive.
The Chasm of the past was only a trial run, for this species intent on replacing all life with its own. And they’ve learned her name.
Dr. Mackenzie "Mac" Connor’s goal in life is to be left in peace to study her salmon and their migration. She has no interest in the Interspecies Union, space travel, or the mysterious Chasm, an expanse of dead worlds filled with the ruins of alien civilizations. The only cloud on Mac’s horizon is having to meet with the Oversight Committee to defend any research intrusions into the protected zones on shore.
But what Mac wants no longer matters. There’s another, darker, migration underway, this time across space. What created the Chasm has awakened once more, to follow its imperative to feed on living worlds. How can it be stopped?
Aliens have asked Mac to find that answer. She knows it may mean sacrificing all she loves, including Earth itself. She’s determined to find another way.
But, first, she must survive.
The Chasm of the past was only a trial run, for this species intent on replacing all life with its own. And they’ve learned her name.
1024 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
5 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Julie E. Czerneda
101 books754 followersHaving written 25 novels (and counting) published by DAW Books, as well as numerous short stories, and editing several anthologies, in 2022, Julie E. Czerneda was inducted in the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. Her science fiction and fantasy combines her training and love of biology with a boundless curiosity and optimism, winning multiple awards. Julie's recent releases include the standalone novel To Each This World, her first collection Imaginings, and A Shift of Time, part of her Night's Edge fantasy series. For more visit czerneda.com Julie is represented by Sara Megibow of Megibow Literary Agency LLC.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 28, 2015
I am glad to have met Mac. Truly a rich book and an incredible read.
January 1, 2019
i'm a doctor Jim not a ......
March 7, 2015
"Species Imperative" is an omnibus that celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the main character’s story. It is a weighty tome that combines three separate stories, "Survival", "Migration", and "Regeneration".
"Survival" by Julie Czerneda is the first story in the ‘Species Imperative’ trilogy, and follows biologist and researcher Dr. Mackenzie (Winifred Elizabeth Wright) Connor, known as Mac, as she is thrust into a research project far beyond her wildest imagination, involving multiple alien races and innumerable planets and a mystery that has stumped multitudes over the years. Not quite a xenophobe, Mac has a crash course in inter-species and diplomatic relations, when she suddenly acquires the attention of both a Dhryn named Brymn and a government representative named Nikolai Trojanowski (Nik) and discovers that everything she has believed is about to be forcefully changed, and she will have to adapt to new circumstances quickly...if the worlds as she knows them are to survive.
"Migration"
Mac’s life has been forever changed, but it seems she is destined to become more than a respected salmon researcher as she ends up in a think-tank that includes not only an amazing spectrum of aliens, but also the man she has spent so many years arguing with over her research parameters and its impact on her little corner of the world. The discovery that her knowledge of biology has direct relevance to the question of what is happening with the Dhryn leads to even more discoveries about other aliens, and the dangers mount, until it is not only Mac who is at risk, but perhaps the entire Earth and beyond. The difficult of identifying who are allies and who are enemies intensifies, and betrayal may sabotage the chance for any defense against the enemies who apparently can infiltrate at will.
"Regeneration"
Mac continues to learn how little she knows about the capabilities of her allies even as she rallies those around her to continue to fight and learn as much as they can about their enemy. The discovery of the layered implications of promises and the importance of congruence is reflected both in her personal world and in the systems that have to work together to defeat the threat that may wipe out all of the allies. Unexpected developments reflect the persistence of the rules of biology, no matter the type of being, but betrayal and misdirection may undermine any progress made unless everyone can work together. The demands made on everyone will winnow out the faint of heart and allow those with the capability to show what heroes are made of, the question is, will it be enough to overcome the enemy?
These stories are an amazing melding of biology, science fiction, action, and romance. The gradual build-up from a sometimes hilarious view of the antics of grad students and obsessed researchers, to the connection between research techniques and the concept of a precariously balanced system of worlds in which very disparate beings interact, is a remarkable reflection of the author’s artistry and dexterity at creating very believable scenarios that showcase so many different elements. There is a fascinating analogy between the technique used to recreate the sounds of the intruder in Mac’s room and the entire first story, as patience and experimentation gradually exposes information needed to get an accurate picture. The vivid counterpoint between the horrific descriptions of widespread destruction and the joy of studying life while respecting fragile ecosystems drives home the message delivered in the story and its unexpected ending makes one even more anxious to read the next one.
The second book expounds on the remarkable beings introduced in the first, even as it introduces even more fantastical situations that are so adroitly portrayed that they seem perfectly possible and probable. Unexpected shifts in the roles of characters previously introduced provide both illumination and more confusion, as more details are uncovered, yet the parallels to the microcosm of salmon research are still perpetuated and help provide insight into the overall mystery.
The third book provides a delicious resolution to many of the issues that have been plaguing the investigation, even as it uncovers a dizzying array of interconnections and hidden agendas. There is a very satisfying sense of congruence and fulfillment, even as some tendrils are left to possibly take root and grow into another enthralling set of tales.
Overall, this is an intense set of novels that has engendered a set of fans who describe themselves as ‘bio-geeks’, with good cause. Fortunately, I don’t think that one HAS to be a lover of science and logic to appreciate these stories, although I daresay, it definitely enhances one’s appreciation for the facility with which Ms. Czerneda has blended fact and fiction. I am in awe of the amount of detail that has gone into creating such a mesmerizing story and one can spend hours dissecting such things as a race that uses ‘ne’ as a pronoun, the importance of having an additional name which can be ‘taken into one’s keeping’ as each major accomplishment in life is achieved, a joke about differences between beings that can only be appreciated when one knows how each deals with stress, and the myriad of other creative hints that comprise this story. I can only say that, each time I pick up one of these books, I am caught by the spell and have no problem spending hours revisiting exotic and fantastical situations that are so clearly described that I have no problem understanding when something is happening that isn’t ‘logical’ within the framework of the story. I can’t deny that these are very weighty books and it will require a considerable commitment of time to read them, but wow, one can only be enhanced by this glimpse of other cultures and the interactions between them…and it will probably make you think about how these issues that encompass solar systems and a multiplicity of aliens actually are pertinent to how we humans treat each other within our own spheres of influence. These stories deserve much higher than a 5 star rating and are definitely part of my ‘keeper’ collection!
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
"Survival" by Julie Czerneda is the first story in the ‘Species Imperative’ trilogy, and follows biologist and researcher Dr. Mackenzie (Winifred Elizabeth Wright) Connor, known as Mac, as she is thrust into a research project far beyond her wildest imagination, involving multiple alien races and innumerable planets and a mystery that has stumped multitudes over the years. Not quite a xenophobe, Mac has a crash course in inter-species and diplomatic relations, when she suddenly acquires the attention of both a Dhryn named Brymn and a government representative named Nikolai Trojanowski (Nik) and discovers that everything she has believed is about to be forcefully changed, and she will have to adapt to new circumstances quickly...if the worlds as she knows them are to survive.
"Migration"
Mac’s life has been forever changed, but it seems she is destined to become more than a respected salmon researcher as she ends up in a think-tank that includes not only an amazing spectrum of aliens, but also the man she has spent so many years arguing with over her research parameters and its impact on her little corner of the world. The discovery that her knowledge of biology has direct relevance to the question of what is happening with the Dhryn leads to even more discoveries about other aliens, and the dangers mount, until it is not only Mac who is at risk, but perhaps the entire Earth and beyond. The difficult of identifying who are allies and who are enemies intensifies, and betrayal may sabotage the chance for any defense against the enemies who apparently can infiltrate at will.
"Regeneration"
Mac continues to learn how little she knows about the capabilities of her allies even as she rallies those around her to continue to fight and learn as much as they can about their enemy. The discovery of the layered implications of promises and the importance of congruence is reflected both in her personal world and in the systems that have to work together to defeat the threat that may wipe out all of the allies. Unexpected developments reflect the persistence of the rules of biology, no matter the type of being, but betrayal and misdirection may undermine any progress made unless everyone can work together. The demands made on everyone will winnow out the faint of heart and allow those with the capability to show what heroes are made of, the question is, will it be enough to overcome the enemy?
These stories are an amazing melding of biology, science fiction, action, and romance. The gradual build-up from a sometimes hilarious view of the antics of grad students and obsessed researchers, to the connection between research techniques and the concept of a precariously balanced system of worlds in which very disparate beings interact, is a remarkable reflection of the author’s artistry and dexterity at creating very believable scenarios that showcase so many different elements. There is a fascinating analogy between the technique used to recreate the sounds of the intruder in Mac’s room and the entire first story, as patience and experimentation gradually exposes information needed to get an accurate picture. The vivid counterpoint between the horrific descriptions of widespread destruction and the joy of studying life while respecting fragile ecosystems drives home the message delivered in the story and its unexpected ending makes one even more anxious to read the next one.
The second book expounds on the remarkable beings introduced in the first, even as it introduces even more fantastical situations that are so adroitly portrayed that they seem perfectly possible and probable. Unexpected shifts in the roles of characters previously introduced provide both illumination and more confusion, as more details are uncovered, yet the parallels to the microcosm of salmon research are still perpetuated and help provide insight into the overall mystery.
The third book provides a delicious resolution to many of the issues that have been plaguing the investigation, even as it uncovers a dizzying array of interconnections and hidden agendas. There is a very satisfying sense of congruence and fulfillment, even as some tendrils are left to possibly take root and grow into another enthralling set of tales.
Overall, this is an intense set of novels that has engendered a set of fans who describe themselves as ‘bio-geeks’, with good cause. Fortunately, I don’t think that one HAS to be a lover of science and logic to appreciate these stories, although I daresay, it definitely enhances one’s appreciation for the facility with which Ms. Czerneda has blended fact and fiction. I am in awe of the amount of detail that has gone into creating such a mesmerizing story and one can spend hours dissecting such things as a race that uses ‘ne’ as a pronoun, the importance of having an additional name which can be ‘taken into one’s keeping’ as each major accomplishment in life is achieved, a joke about differences between beings that can only be appreciated when one knows how each deals with stress, and the myriad of other creative hints that comprise this story. I can only say that, each time I pick up one of these books, I am caught by the spell and have no problem spending hours revisiting exotic and fantastical situations that are so clearly described that I have no problem understanding when something is happening that isn’t ‘logical’ within the framework of the story. I can’t deny that these are very weighty books and it will require a considerable commitment of time to read them, but wow, one can only be enhanced by this glimpse of other cultures and the interactions between them…and it will probably make you think about how these issues that encompass solar systems and a multiplicity of aliens actually are pertinent to how we humans treat each other within our own spheres of influence. These stories deserve much higher than a 5 star rating and are definitely part of my ‘keeper’ collection!
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2019
Have to say I gave up halfway through book two of the trilogy...
While there were a number of interesting and engaging strands in the story (well-drawn alien races, a fascinating central proposition linking the behaviour of migratory species on Earth with the ravaging menace spreading through the galaxy) there were other issues which just clogged up the development of the story and eventually (for me) made it impossible to continue. For instance the fanfic-ish relationship of Mac with the mysterious Nikolai Trojanowski (!) felt not only largely unnecessary but was actually embarrassingly mawkish to read. Then there was the grindingly slow procession of events in 'Survival' leading to Mac's actually getting into space and (Spoiler Alert!) having the benevolent nature of the ostensibly benign Dryn exposed to her. When the structure of 'Migration' seemed to be making equally glacial progress and Trojanowski's re-appearance turned Mac into a dribbling mess (again!), I couldn't face it anymore...
While there were a number of interesting and engaging strands in the story (well-drawn alien races, a fascinating central proposition linking the behaviour of migratory species on Earth with the ravaging menace spreading through the galaxy) there were other issues which just clogged up the development of the story and eventually (for me) made it impossible to continue. For instance the fanfic-ish relationship of Mac with the mysterious Nikolai Trojanowski (!) felt not only largely unnecessary but was actually embarrassingly mawkish to read. Then there was the grindingly slow procession of events in 'Survival' leading to Mac's actually getting into space and (Spoiler Alert!) having the benevolent nature of the ostensibly benign Dryn exposed to her. When the structure of 'Migration' seemed to be making equally glacial progress and Trojanowski's re-appearance turned Mac into a dribbling mess (again!), I couldn't face it anymore...
April 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this sci-fi adventure, the world building felt very well thought through. Especially the alien species and characteristics, likely given the fact that the author is also a biologist, similar to the protagonist in the story. That was actually one of the things that interested me when I found the book at a thrift store. I was truly not disappointed! Mac, the main character, is a salmon biologist on future Earth who despite her best efforts becomes involved in researching alien species and saving not just Earth but the entire Inter-Species Union. She’s strong willed, opinionated, and begrudgingly willing to do what it takes…even if it has taken her from her salmon for far too long. I think I really appreciated the quality of the writing when there was a lot of locations, conversations, and varying alien species to describe but it never felt too bogged down in the details. A hard balance to do well!
March 21, 2021
Absolutely amazing. One of the best sci-fi books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Loved all the characters, particularly Fourteen who was hilarious! Wonderful to read about familiar places and lots of great aliens, drama etc. Fan-freaking-tastic. I will be searching for other books by Ms. Czerneda. Best book I've read this year so far!
November 13, 2022
Loved the characters, lots of different alien races, with lots of details about their biology that seem credible. Also loved the sense of humor of some of those aliens. The ending was confusing, it seems to have been written in a rush and left many questions unanswered for me. The characters are really the best of this 3 volumes series.
December 1, 2017
Wow. A long read but a page turner! Great Sci-fi
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December 29, 2019I keep starting this thinking it couldn't be as frustrating as I remember it being, and it's just as bad every time. Loved the other series by this author, so I don't know what's up here.
January 1, 2020
Amazing, at least if you are a bio-nerd. Sat on my shelf a loong time
February 13, 2024
Had a lot of fun with this series. I would have enjoyed more time with more of the aliens. Most of the decisions and conflicts were understandable. The characters had depth, charm, and flaws.
February 16, 2022
I don't remember who must have recommended this to me--it's not my usual fare, and since it's such a brick of a book, it's sat unread on my shelves for years--but I'm glad they did. This was a sprawling, immersive space opera perfectly suited to occupy my time during the holidays and COVID isolation. Much funnier than I was expecting--I'm in the social sciences, not the physical sciences, but I guess academics are academics regardless. I also loved the variety of alien physiology, mentality, and cultures on display, and all the cross-species communication issues that came along with it. Portions of the story infiltrated my dreams, and all in all I'm sad it's over. I'll definitely have to check out more of Czerneda's work.
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May 2, 2015I'M FINISHING UP THE SPECIES IMPERATIVE BOOKS. THEY'RE RLY GOOD!
TELL IT TO ME STRAIGHT, MEMER WHO READ THIS BOOK, DOES SHE FUCK THE ALIEN?
LOL NOT AT ALL. ACTUALLY IDT THERE'S ANY INTERSPECIES ROMANCE IN THE BOOKS. WHICH IS PROBABLY A GOOD THING BECAUSE JULIE CZERNEDA IS TERRIBLE AT WRITING ROMANCE.
TELL IT TO ME STRAIGHT, MEMER WHO READ THIS BOOK, DOES SHE FUCK THE ALIEN?
LOL NOT AT ALL. ACTUALLY IDT THERE'S ANY INTERSPECIES ROMANCE IN THE BOOKS. WHICH IS PROBABLY A GOOD THING BECAUSE JULIE CZERNEDA IS TERRIBLE AT WRITING ROMANCE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2016
Not necessarily a bad book, but I don't think I can give a review to a series that took me nearly 1.5 years to finish... I mean, it's biology and sci-fi! Each beginning was kind of slow, with good endings, though the payoff of the end of the last book was kind of low. Maybe if I reread this in the future with better focus I might like it better.
January 5, 2015
Even Better the second time through!
September 30, 2015
3.5 stars
January 17, 2017
first book is an enjoyable hard sf puzzle marred by execrable romance subplot and passable action sequences. didn't bother with the rest.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews