Eden

Eden #1

by Colin Barrett

With interstellar space travel now a reality, humanity had been combing the stars for planets where life had developed. When one was at last discovered, it was found to harbor not only life but intelligent life. But when a small crew landed they were viciously attacked by the primitive natives, and all but two were killed.
After many years humans returned, this time prepared for hostility. To their astonishment they were this time greeted cordially, and the two species tentatively began learning to communicate with each other and to cooperate peacefully. Until, without warning, the aliens once again attacked, this time with even more disturbing intentions.
Because there was something unique about these aliens, something beyond all human experience that had made them complete sociopaths as a species. On Earth sociopathy is deemed a mental illness. But for the denizens of the planet Eden their way was the right one, the only one, and it was humans who were mentally impaired.
Gradually, slowly, and with nearly devastating reverses, the two species began to bridge the vast gap. And in the process both learned to question their own basic assumptions about they way life should be lived by intelligent beings.
Eden is a novel meant to make the reader think twice about things that he or she has always taken for granted.

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2012

About the author

Colin Barrett, born 1939, was an American journalist, consultant, author of fiction and non-fiction books, and educator.