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Staying Human
It's the year 2047, and a virus is turning anyone it infects into rabid animals. The human race is on the brink of extinction. This is Eve's story, a woman struggling to hold onto her humanity while the virus wreaks havoc on her body. Living in a human tribe that needs her only a little more than they fear her, Eve's only friend is the spear she hunts with. When she meets a wolf-hybrid named Bastian in the wild, the mysterious young man takes it upon himself to show Eve that she still has a reason to live, even if it isn't as a human.
80 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 7, 2014
By the year 2047, people have changed. A virus is turning us all into animals, and there’s no cure, only a drug that slows the effects and allows the taker to “stay human.” But humans have never been good at accepting those who are different, so the question arises, at what point is it no longer worth trying to fit in where you’re not welcome.
Adam Bolander’s novella creates a very convincing, almost-human protagonist, describing the balance of tail and claw with evocative conviction. Eve hunts for her tribe and feeds them well. But the tribe doesn’t care for Eve. And surely, there must be more to life.
When pantherish Eve meets wolfish Bastion, all her human assumptions begin to fall apart. It is essential, or even right, to resist change? Or could there be something more than human underlying her wounded nature?
A fascinating exploration of human nature, identity, and the power of love, Staying Human is a beautifully written and very appealing novella for middle grade and up.
Disclosure: I found a free ecopy and enjoyed it.
Adam Bolander’s novella creates a very convincing, almost-human protagonist, describing the balance of tail and claw with evocative conviction. Eve hunts for her tribe and feeds them well. But the tribe doesn’t care for Eve. And surely, there must be more to life.
When pantherish Eve meets wolfish Bastion, all her human assumptions begin to fall apart. It is essential, or even right, to resist change? Or could there be something more than human underlying her wounded nature?
A fascinating exploration of human nature, identity, and the power of love, Staying Human is a beautifully written and very appealing novella for middle grade and up.
Disclosure: I found a free ecopy and enjoyed it.
January 10, 2016
It’s the year 2047, and things have definitely changed for the weird.
Because of a rampant and uncurable virus that began in 2021, humans are now dramatically lower on the food chain than they used to be. Ferals—humans infected by the virus—rule the world, while men and women exist as best they can.
There is a stopgap cure, called Mercy, but it can only do so much. Eve is the result of this cure – a Hybrid, part Feral and part human. No one in her tribe trusts her—not Orville, the leader, and certainly not the elder, Edward.
When a pack of Feral wolves attack, Eve is sent to kill them. Imagine her surprise when she finds that there is a Hybrid leading them!
And even stranger still – she falls in love with him.
So—what to do? Kill the pack and return to the tribe, where she will be able to remain somewhat human, even though she is ostracized? Or stay with Bastion and his pack while she turns completely into the panther shape that has halfway overtaken her?
All I can say is – sometimes life has a way of making up your mind for you…
I have read the author’s work before, and I can tell you that this story is in keeping with his excellent story-telling skills. It’s one of his shorter works – only 100 pages – but it is packed with all of the emotion and adventure of any of his other books. Such a microcosm, this story, but it is a compact and fast-moving tale that does not disappoint.
Adam Bolander is a storyteller of the highest degree, and I would not hesitate to recommend his books to all who enjoy a fantasy or dystopian adventure.
Because of a rampant and uncurable virus that began in 2021, humans are now dramatically lower on the food chain than they used to be. Ferals—humans infected by the virus—rule the world, while men and women exist as best they can.
There is a stopgap cure, called Mercy, but it can only do so much. Eve is the result of this cure – a Hybrid, part Feral and part human. No one in her tribe trusts her—not Orville, the leader, and certainly not the elder, Edward.
When a pack of Feral wolves attack, Eve is sent to kill them. Imagine her surprise when she finds that there is a Hybrid leading them!
And even stranger still – she falls in love with him.
So—what to do? Kill the pack and return to the tribe, where she will be able to remain somewhat human, even though she is ostracized? Or stay with Bastion and his pack while she turns completely into the panther shape that has halfway overtaken her?
All I can say is – sometimes life has a way of making up your mind for you…
I have read the author’s work before, and I can tell you that this story is in keeping with his excellent story-telling skills. It’s one of his shorter works – only 100 pages – but it is packed with all of the emotion and adventure of any of his other books. Such a microcosm, this story, but it is a compact and fast-moving tale that does not disappoint.
Adam Bolander is a storyteller of the highest degree, and I would not hesitate to recommend his books to all who enjoy a fantasy or dystopian adventure.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews