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Tomorrow's Wilderness #1
Tree-octopuses, Squirrels, and Puppysaurs
Gengineers extraordinaire! The intrepid duo of Joy (Prof. Williams) and George (Prof. Martinez) tackle challenges ranging from invasive pyromaniac knapweed to pretty poisonous pet Puppysaurs. A lighthearted romp through the future of genetic engineering.
These stories are set in a future roughly 60 years from now (approximately 2080). All of the stories feature organisms with unusual genetics. These organisms were either created intentionally for various reasons (“Sofia’s Seed Weevils”, “The Great Knapweed Round-up”, “Grandma’s Kittens”, and “Please Don’t Feed the Wildlife”) or were discovered in the wild (“Terroctopus Paxarbolis”, “The Squirrels of Snohomish County”, and “Gigantanthropus Canadensis”).
In each story, George and Joy face a genetic or environmental challenge. The challenge may be invasive plants (“Sofia’s Seed Weevils” and “The Great Knapweed Round-up”), identification or protection of rare or challenged species (“Terroctopus Paxarbolis”, “The Squirrels of Snohomish County”, and “Gigantanthropus Canadensis”), or dealing with the consequence of poorly managed genetic constructs which have escaped into the wilderness (“Grandma’s Kittens”, and “Please Don’t Feed the Wildlife”).
In each story, Joy and George are successful in resolving the issues, typically through some combination of cleverness, scientific acumen, and more than their fair share of good luck.
The stories are lighthearted and optimistic, George and Joy (and their students) have a lot of fun along the way, but nonetheless each story is grounded in real and factual challenges facing the wilderness of the future.
For the reader interested in the underlying scientific details, an Appendix is provided which clarifies the science versus the fiction in each story.
These stories are set in a future roughly 60 years from now (approximately 2080). All of the stories feature organisms with unusual genetics. These organisms were either created intentionally for various reasons (“Sofia’s Seed Weevils”, “The Great Knapweed Round-up”, “Grandma’s Kittens”, and “Please Don’t Feed the Wildlife”) or were discovered in the wild (“Terroctopus Paxarbolis”, “The Squirrels of Snohomish County”, and “Gigantanthropus Canadensis”).
In each story, George and Joy face a genetic or environmental challenge. The challenge may be invasive plants (“Sofia’s Seed Weevils” and “The Great Knapweed Round-up”), identification or protection of rare or challenged species (“Terroctopus Paxarbolis”, “The Squirrels of Snohomish County”, and “Gigantanthropus Canadensis”), or dealing with the consequence of poorly managed genetic constructs which have escaped into the wilderness (“Grandma’s Kittens”, and “Please Don’t Feed the Wildlife”).
In each story, Joy and George are successful in resolving the issues, typically through some combination of cleverness, scientific acumen, and more than their fair share of good luck.
The stories are lighthearted and optimistic, George and Joy (and their students) have a lot of fun along the way, but nonetheless each story is grounded in real and factual challenges facing the wilderness of the future.
For the reader interested in the underlying scientific details, an Appendix is provided which clarifies the science versus the fiction in each story.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2019
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 3, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The concept for this book is incredibly clever and entertaining!
It is a series of short stories, featuring the same small group of scientists and researchers – particularly Joy and George – as they deal with different issues relating to gene manipulation and genetic modification in animal and plant-life. It sounds technical and dry when put like that, but what you actually get is the congenial banter of any long-term work colleagues – recognisable from any office environment – mixed with witty little stories about teleporting squirrels, pyromaniac plants and trained, working cougar cross-breeds.
Jack Kuhn has managed to blend the sci-fi perfectly with the office anecdotes to turn the fantastic into something mundane and yet still infinitely interesting. Especially when you consider that maybe some of these fictional ideas are not really that far from modern scientific reach!
Honestly, this whole book is an absolute delight, like a John Wyndham classic but with humour and warmth genetically spliced in with the warnings about invasive plant species and not feeding the puppysaurs.
Then, as an extra, added bonus, there is a whole section at the end of the book where the author painstakingly takes you through the real science and where it converges/diverges from his science fiction. I was completely transfixed, and I’ve always been one for humanities rather than STEM generally. Kuhn just makes the topic seem so accessible!
So, if you are looking for short science fiction stories with a grounding in realistic characters, settings and science, that also manage to be light-hearted entertainment, this is the one. And even better… it is only Volume 1!
'“Accessories?” Joy questioned. “You mean like Dino-Barbie or something?”
“Yes, pretty much,” George agreed cheerfully. “They have this new construct under development, which is basically a miniature dinosaur. It is built on an ornithopod base, likely just taken from their regular theme-park ornithopod line. However, they’ve added a marketing plan to attract the kids by making these things incredibly cute and in these just astonishing colour schemes. They’ve also added some behavioural modifications to attract parents, trying to imitate the protectiveness and affection of a good guard dog. They are naming the things ‘Puppysaurs’.”'
– Jack Kuhn, Tomorrow’s Wilderness Volume 1: Tree-Octopuses, Squirrels and Puppysaurs
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The concept for this book is incredibly clever and entertaining!
It is a series of short stories, featuring the same small group of scientists and researchers – particularly Joy and George – as they deal with different issues relating to gene manipulation and genetic modification in animal and plant-life. It sounds technical and dry when put like that, but what you actually get is the congenial banter of any long-term work colleagues – recognisable from any office environment – mixed with witty little stories about teleporting squirrels, pyromaniac plants and trained, working cougar cross-breeds.
Jack Kuhn has managed to blend the sci-fi perfectly with the office anecdotes to turn the fantastic into something mundane and yet still infinitely interesting. Especially when you consider that maybe some of these fictional ideas are not really that far from modern scientific reach!
Honestly, this whole book is an absolute delight, like a John Wyndham classic but with humour and warmth genetically spliced in with the warnings about invasive plant species and not feeding the puppysaurs.
Then, as an extra, added bonus, there is a whole section at the end of the book where the author painstakingly takes you through the real science and where it converges/diverges from his science fiction. I was completely transfixed, and I’ve always been one for humanities rather than STEM generally. Kuhn just makes the topic seem so accessible!
So, if you are looking for short science fiction stories with a grounding in realistic characters, settings and science, that also manage to be light-hearted entertainment, this is the one. And even better… it is only Volume 1!
'“Accessories?” Joy questioned. “You mean like Dino-Barbie or something?”
“Yes, pretty much,” George agreed cheerfully. “They have this new construct under development, which is basically a miniature dinosaur. It is built on an ornithopod base, likely just taken from their regular theme-park ornithopod line. However, they’ve added a marketing plan to attract the kids by making these things incredibly cute and in these just astonishing colour schemes. They’ve also added some behavioural modifications to attract parents, trying to imitate the protectiveness and affection of a good guard dog. They are naming the things ‘Puppysaurs’.”'
– Jack Kuhn, Tomorrow’s Wilderness Volume 1: Tree-Octopuses, Squirrels and Puppysaurs
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
April 4, 2020
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I won't lie, I was sucked in when I heard the word "puppysaurs" and was instantly intrigued by this collection. Through the stories in this collection we follow two scientists (Joy and George) as they face different genetic dilemmas. They are often called on to identify mysterious animals or flora. The banter an friendship between the two of them is one of the best things in the collection, and really carries over from story to story.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot of scientific language and sometimes the explanations are very technical, so if do not enjoy that type of writing this may not appeal to you. I absolutely ate it up since it is something I enjoy, and I loved the talk about genetic splicing as well as examination of what some of the consequences of messing with genes may be.
I really enjoyed this collection and it was wonderful to follow Joy and George through their adventures.
I won't lie, I was sucked in when I heard the word "puppysaurs" and was instantly intrigued by this collection. Through the stories in this collection we follow two scientists (Joy and George) as they face different genetic dilemmas. They are often called on to identify mysterious animals or flora. The banter an friendship between the two of them is one of the best things in the collection, and really carries over from story to story.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot of scientific language and sometimes the explanations are very technical, so if do not enjoy that type of writing this may not appeal to you. I absolutely ate it up since it is something I enjoy, and I loved the talk about genetic splicing as well as examination of what some of the consequences of messing with genes may be.
I really enjoyed this collection and it was wonderful to follow Joy and George through their adventures.
March 8, 2020
Tomorrow’s Wilderness (Vol 1): Tree-octopuses, Squirrels, and Puppysaurs by Jack Kuhn This book is written in a series of seven stories, in all of them the genetics Joy Williams and George Martinez with their students are facing different types of creatures, from giant plants to puppysaurs created by genetic engineering, the stories are set 60 years from now, and the doctors are facing a different challenge or dealing with a bad genetic engineering construction that has a lot of possibilities to destroy the humankind and that is lost in the wilderness, in each story something different. The book is well written, it has a lot of imagination, but more than that is like they mixed the imagination with the truth, so at the end, they have an Appendix where you can see which things are just their minds and which ones are real scientific work, with this in mind you may be fearful about those days that may come in the future with the genetically modified plants and animals.
Food for thoughts.
Food for thoughts.
March 10, 2020
Through seven stories, we are introduced and become familiar with the dynamic duo of Prof Joy Williams and Prof George Martinez. These two are top scientist that genetically engineer new species in order to solve some of the world’s most persistent problems. Set in the near future (roughly 2080), the problems that they encounter are reminiscent of what some areas are facing today or are well on their way if no corrective actions are taken now. Through wit, humor, and luck, along with their students, Joy and George approach each problem with optimism which bleeds through in the writing.
Although, you might think this book will be a dry, science rehash of genetic engineering facts, it is hardly that. This book, has humor, and witty dialogue. There are plenty of mishaps that are laugh out loud funny and the stories are all connected, even though they are broken into separate chapters. Well written, this is certainly a book for those who like SciFi and Science. And even if you don’t, the title alone is enough to draw plenty of creature lovers in.
Although, you might think this book will be a dry, science rehash of genetic engineering facts, it is hardly that. This book, has humor, and witty dialogue. There are plenty of mishaps that are laugh out loud funny and the stories are all connected, even though they are broken into separate chapters. Well written, this is certainly a book for those who like SciFi and Science. And even if you don’t, the title alone is enough to draw plenty of creature lovers in.
March 16, 2020
Tomorrow's Wilderness (Vol. 1): Tree-octopuses, Squirrels, and Puppysaurs is a book written by Jack Kuhn tells us the story of mutated animals. The story introduces the main characters of the book--Prof. Joy Williams and Prof. George Martinez, two scientists responsible in genetically engineering new and rare species. Though you may be overwhelmed by the complicated science conversations(hello english please!) and terms, the author was able to compensate by mixing in some humor and wit in the book as well. This is greatly well written, given how difficult it is to create the character of a scientist and how to prove it to its readers, but Jack was able to portray them well on this book. He was also able to make interesting descriptions with the mutated species making me think whether we'll have it in the future as well. Perhaps, in a few years?
March 10, 2020
The world of genetics and wildlife explored
This is a series of seven short stories that explore the world of wild life and genetic mutations that can occur. Set in the future, these stories will take a look at the possibilities when genetic changes can cause a wide variety of changes with drastic effects on the animals and people that live on this planet. The stories are fiction but could easily be possible with all of the advances in the genetic field. I found the characters to be well developed and relatable on many levels. This series of stories are very compelling and grab my attention and kept me interested in the journey, following the path laid out by the author. The story is fun and easy to follow. It is a great read with plenty of action and well worth the read. Check this one out folks it is worth it.
This is a series of seven short stories that explore the world of wild life and genetic mutations that can occur. Set in the future, these stories will take a look at the possibilities when genetic changes can cause a wide variety of changes with drastic effects on the animals and people that live on this planet. The stories are fiction but could easily be possible with all of the advances in the genetic field. I found the characters to be well developed and relatable on many levels. This series of stories are very compelling and grab my attention and kept me interested in the journey, following the path laid out by the author. The story is fun and easy to follow. It is a great read with plenty of action and well worth the read. Check this one out folks it is worth it.
March 24, 2020
What an interesting and entertaining series of short stories. Set in the future, George Martinez and Joy Williams along with their students face creatures that have been created by genetic engineering. Can they keep the creatures from harming mankind? The characters are well developed and the story had many mishaps that were funny. I really enjoyed the read.
March 7, 2020
‘The risks of feeding the wildlife’
Author Jack Kuhn offers no biographical information to hint at where his depth of scientific knowledge and his impressive writing skills originate. The fact that TOMORROW’S WILDERNESS looks to be a promised series, of which this is Book 1, suffices to establish his imminent literary significance! For example, in his Appendix to his stories, Jack writes, ‘From a fictional perspective, it is certainly possible that Dinosaur Empire fell into some form of a collective corporate mindset (“group-think”) where they were so committed to aposematic coloration schemes from poisonous reptiles and amphibians that they simply ignored other non-poisonous options (that is, they ignored them until they had an incident and nearly lost the company).’ That quality of writing deserves attention!
Jack opens his series of seven stories by introducing his genetic engineers in a manner that secures attention – and credibility – to the ideas they encounter: ‘Professor Jocelyn Williams and her graduate students were gathered for a celebratory dinner at The Gourmet Mathematician, a popular student restaurant near the University…Joy was about sixty years old…her present position as the McClintock Distinguished Chair of Biology ad Genetics at the University was just one the many titles and recognitions she had achieved in a long and distinguished career. Her old friend and colleague, George Martinez, had come to the celebration as well…dressed in his usual style (somewhere between gardener and trash collector)…former Francis Collins Professor of Computational Genetics at the University…’ The identity of the guides of the stories assures us of a fascinating venture.
The stories are both innovative in thought and at times hilariously entertaining. Jack attempts to gel the content: ‘Joy (Prof. Williams) and George (Prof. Martinez) tackle challenges ranging from invasive pyromaniac knapweed to pretty poisonous pet Puppysaurs. Set in a future roughly 60 years from now (approximately 2080), all of the stories feature organisms with unusual genetics. These organisms were either created intentionally for various reasons or were discovered in the wild. In each story, George and Joy face a genetic or environmental challenge. The challenge may be invasive plants, identification or protection of rare or challenged species, or dealing with the consequence of poorly managed genetic constructs which have escaped into the wilderness. In each story, Joy and George are successful in resolving the issues, typically through some combination of cleverness, scientific acumen, and more than their fair share of good luck.’
This is a fine invitation to learning while strolling through the author’s prodigious examination of genetic engineering, pausing along the way for some fine insights and humor. Recommended.
Author Jack Kuhn offers no biographical information to hint at where his depth of scientific knowledge and his impressive writing skills originate. The fact that TOMORROW’S WILDERNESS looks to be a promised series, of which this is Book 1, suffices to establish his imminent literary significance! For example, in his Appendix to his stories, Jack writes, ‘From a fictional perspective, it is certainly possible that Dinosaur Empire fell into some form of a collective corporate mindset (“group-think”) where they were so committed to aposematic coloration schemes from poisonous reptiles and amphibians that they simply ignored other non-poisonous options (that is, they ignored them until they had an incident and nearly lost the company).’ That quality of writing deserves attention!
Jack opens his series of seven stories by introducing his genetic engineers in a manner that secures attention – and credibility – to the ideas they encounter: ‘Professor Jocelyn Williams and her graduate students were gathered for a celebratory dinner at The Gourmet Mathematician, a popular student restaurant near the University…Joy was about sixty years old…her present position as the McClintock Distinguished Chair of Biology ad Genetics at the University was just one the many titles and recognitions she had achieved in a long and distinguished career. Her old friend and colleague, George Martinez, had come to the celebration as well…dressed in his usual style (somewhere between gardener and trash collector)…former Francis Collins Professor of Computational Genetics at the University…’ The identity of the guides of the stories assures us of a fascinating venture.
The stories are both innovative in thought and at times hilariously entertaining. Jack attempts to gel the content: ‘Joy (Prof. Williams) and George (Prof. Martinez) tackle challenges ranging from invasive pyromaniac knapweed to pretty poisonous pet Puppysaurs. Set in a future roughly 60 years from now (approximately 2080), all of the stories feature organisms with unusual genetics. These organisms were either created intentionally for various reasons or were discovered in the wild. In each story, George and Joy face a genetic or environmental challenge. The challenge may be invasive plants, identification or protection of rare or challenged species, or dealing with the consequence of poorly managed genetic constructs which have escaped into the wilderness. In each story, Joy and George are successful in resolving the issues, typically through some combination of cleverness, scientific acumen, and more than their fair share of good luck.’
This is a fine invitation to learning while strolling through the author’s prodigious examination of genetic engineering, pausing along the way for some fine insights and humor. Recommended.
December 3, 2020
To the proponents of global warming, the stories in this collection will strike a chord with them; it is about wilderness going wild owing to several environmental issues we are creating today.
Set in 2080, the stories address the scientific and ethical problems tomorrow’s wilderness may face due to human lackadaisical attitudes to the environment in this dispensation. A lot of scientific propositions are critically weighed, and two main characters, in persons of Joy (Prof. Williams) and George (Prof. Martinez) are up to the task.
Other stories in this collection look into the challenges inherent in building a unicorn business, undertaking an impactful research, genetic engineering, discovery and identification of new, rare species, and so on
It is a riveting bunch of interesting stories.
Set in 2080, the stories address the scientific and ethical problems tomorrow’s wilderness may face due to human lackadaisical attitudes to the environment in this dispensation. A lot of scientific propositions are critically weighed, and two main characters, in persons of Joy (Prof. Williams) and George (Prof. Martinez) are up to the task.
Other stories in this collection look into the challenges inherent in building a unicorn business, undertaking an impactful research, genetic engineering, discovery and identification of new, rare species, and so on
It is a riveting bunch of interesting stories.
December 5, 2020
Tomorrow's Wilderness (Vol. 2): Sea-monsters, Firebirds and Unicorns by Jack Kuhn is a well-written mix of science and mythology. Professor Joy Williams and Professor George Martinez are a humorous, unlikely due of researchers who exist around 2080. They traipse around the world looking for strange new ecological sightings. In this book, they track down an Ogopogo, learning of its existence by taking scientific sampling. The author seems to have a good grasp of biology and ecology, bringing the reader into the evidence behind the “proof” of these mythical creatures’ existence without putting everything way over our heads. A firebird and a unicorn show up in this book, where genetic engineering turns biology into a world we can only imagine possible.
November 24, 2020
“Tomorrow's Wilderness (Vol. 2): Sea-monsters, Firebirds, and Unicorns,” by Jack Kuhn is volume 2 in the series, and it really hits the mark yet again. “Tomorrow's Wilderness (Vol. 2): Sea-monsters, Firebirds, and Unicorns,” is an intriguing read that really converges science and fantasy in a manner that is both fun and highly engaging. You are taken on various journeys of myth and fantasy and are woven into the world that we all know so very well. I love just how exciting these stories are, each one is entirely unique and captivating. This one is great for anyone seeking to escape reality and also take in a bit of factual info as well!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews