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Tomorrow's Ancestors #3
The Fourth Species
To protect the past, they must fight for their future. In the thrilling third book in the Tomorrow's Ancestors series a devastating change is on the horizon.
Elise has now been working for the infiltration department for a year, but is growing frustrated with their lack of progress, their unwillingness to fight back against an unjust world. When it's announced that they're going on the offensive, will she be ready for the consequences?
Twenty-Two finally has her freedom after serving her term of imprisonment. But not everyone believes she deserves to be released. If she is not welcome in Uracil, then where does she belong?
Genevieve's life as a high-ranking Medius is perfectly crafted to hide all weakness, but when she finds out what the Potior's have planned next at the Museum of Evolution, she starts to question her choices, and the cracks begin to show. Can she keep herself from shattering?
When a threat none of these women could have predicted comes to pass, they are all left to fight for their futures. Whether they are ready for it or not, their worlds will collide and nothing will be the same again . . .
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2022
3 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Warren
4 books47 followersAfter spending eight years working as a lawyer, A.E. Warren began to write in the evenings and early mornings as a form of escapism from life in a very small cubicle with lots of files. She self-published her first novels, The Museum of Second Chances and The Base of Reflections, in her spare time. Following this, they were both signed (along with a further two books) by Del Rey UK who are the science fiction/fantasy imprint of Penguin Random House.
She is an avid reader, occasional gamer and fair-weather runner. Subject Twenty-One (originally The Museum of Second Chances) is her debut novel and there will be four books in the Tomorrow’s Ancestors series. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter and hopefully, one day, a wise border terrier named Austen.
She is an avid reader, occasional gamer and fair-weather runner. Subject Twenty-One (originally The Museum of Second Chances) is her debut novel and there will be four books in the Tomorrow’s Ancestors series. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter and hopefully, one day, a wise border terrier named Austen.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 15, 2022
I connected with this book right from the word go and I think it must be my favourite of the series so far. I loved everything about it, from the tight pacing that never let up for a minute, to the character development – especially in Twenty-Two – and the introduction of the new character Genevieve. I had no idea where the author was going with this woman until suddenly I did, and my jaw dropped.
Being the third in the series this book had big boots to fill, and it did not disappoint. The writing is crisp and clean, with just the right mix of brusque practicality to move the plot along, interspersed with hauntingly beautiful moments of character introspection and emotion.
A bittersweet read, it underlines the human condition and how – despite our desire to change – there will always be something inherently violent about our race. It is also a novel about hope. Hope for change, the hope that somehow life will get better, If not for us, then maybe for the ones we love.
A massive five shiny gold stars for me and a message to the author – please publish book four soon.
Being the third in the series this book had big boots to fill, and it did not disappoint. The writing is crisp and clean, with just the right mix of brusque practicality to move the plot along, interspersed with hauntingly beautiful moments of character introspection and emotion.
A bittersweet read, it underlines the human condition and how – despite our desire to change – there will always be something inherently violent about our race. It is also a novel about hope. Hope for change, the hope that somehow life will get better, If not for us, then maybe for the ones we love.
A massive five shiny gold stars for me and a message to the author – please publish book four soon.
March 9, 2022
A disappointing addition to the Tomorrow's Ancestors series. For a story the mention of a fourth species is perfunctory. The Potiors, that ruling class, decide that a more docile form of Sapiens would be a good idea. But apart from mooting the idea, nothing further is done.
Instead the book goes into a rather boring series of episodes of people trying to live discreet lives of survival.
Instead the book goes into a rather boring series of episodes of people trying to live discreet lives of survival.
November 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
May 19, 2022
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Unsupervised in a Bookstore
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I've been waiting to read book three in this intriguing series, and I'm happy to say that I enjoyed coming back to the world created in the first two books.
After a future climate disaster, humans have created a superior species using genetic engineering. Unenhanced Homo Sapiens are held responsible for the historic damage to the planet and forced to make reparations, while the elite use their genetic knowledge to hold onto power and bring back extinct species. The first two books of the series are centred around Elise - a an unenhanced Sapien - and the newly resurrected Neanderthals she works with. Book three is told from the points of view of three different women with vastly different roles and experiences of the world they share, giving the reader a deeper insight into the politics and dangers at every level of society.
Elise, exiled from the official settlements, is working as a spy. Her team gathers information on the activities of the enhanced Potior and Medius classes, risking their lives and freedom to protect Uracil, their secret base. Twenty-Two is one of the Neanderthals rescued from zoo-like conditions and integrated into life in exile. Genevieve is a genetically enhanced Medius in Adenine, working to improve her social standing while she passes secrets to agents from Uracil. Together they shape the story, bringing different perspectives and insights into the events of the book.
It's an effective structure. Elise and her team travel between the official bases, infiltrating the settlements and picking up information vital to the survival of Uracil. Twenty-Two is concerned with earning the trust of the people around her after the events of the second book. Her chapters are centred in Uracil, offering close observation of the personalities and politics of the secret settlement, and a front-row view of the dramatic events of the story. Genevieve's chapters bring the view from the top of society, giving the reader a glimpse behind the scenes of the official settlements, and the cut-throat politics of the ruling Potiors.
There's danger, action, adventure and excitement. There's heartbreak and loss alongside community and determination. There's manipulation, disappointment, and a few plot twists along the way. It's a mid-series book, so there is no resolution to the story, but the ending sets the scene for the final book in the series.
I can't wait to read it!
I've been waiting to read book three in this intriguing series, and I'm happy to say that I enjoyed coming back to the world created in the first two books.
After a future climate disaster, humans have created a superior species using genetic engineering. Unenhanced Homo Sapiens are held responsible for the historic damage to the planet and forced to make reparations, while the elite use their genetic knowledge to hold onto power and bring back extinct species. The first two books of the series are centred around Elise - a an unenhanced Sapien - and the newly resurrected Neanderthals she works with. Book three is told from the points of view of three different women with vastly different roles and experiences of the world they share, giving the reader a deeper insight into the politics and dangers at every level of society.
Elise, exiled from the official settlements, is working as a spy. Her team gathers information on the activities of the enhanced Potior and Medius classes, risking their lives and freedom to protect Uracil, their secret base. Twenty-Two is one of the Neanderthals rescued from zoo-like conditions and integrated into life in exile. Genevieve is a genetically enhanced Medius in Adenine, working to improve her social standing while she passes secrets to agents from Uracil. Together they shape the story, bringing different perspectives and insights into the events of the book.
It's an effective structure. Elise and her team travel between the official bases, infiltrating the settlements and picking up information vital to the survival of Uracil. Twenty-Two is concerned with earning the trust of the people around her after the events of the second book. Her chapters are centred in Uracil, offering close observation of the personalities and politics of the secret settlement, and a front-row view of the dramatic events of the story. Genevieve's chapters bring the view from the top of society, giving the reader a glimpse behind the scenes of the official settlements, and the cut-throat politics of the ruling Potiors.
There's danger, action, adventure and excitement. There's heartbreak and loss alongside community and determination. There's manipulation, disappointment, and a few plot twists along the way. It's a mid-series book, so there is no resolution to the story, but the ending sets the scene for the final book in the series.
I can't wait to read it!
April 8, 2022
3.5 stars
I definitely enjoyed THE FOURTH SPECIES more than THE HIDDEN BASE as it feels like more happens, that the world is changing more due to the events of the book. I would say that it's not really the characters' actions but the villains who are doing the changing.
I think, drilling into it, that this is the reason why neither the second nor third book have grabbed me as much as the first did. The POVs' actions aren't the ones driving the plot - they're reacting to the world around them, or doing (in some ways) unnecessary (to the overall plot) tasks designed to get them in places where they can find out information. This does give a more passive feel to the story overall. That can work for some stories that are much more character focused, but this is a series sold as a more action-based one. This said, it was a more engaging book because it did feel like more was happening, that the characters were facing bigger stakes and threats.
There's a new POV introduced in this book, the third one of the series, Genevieve. The information about her is tightly controlled in the book, with all the reveals coming later. However, not getting those reveals early on left a bit of a gap, I felt, because the character presented didn't have any reasons to make them one you wanted to invest in, wanted to like.
She was very focused and robotic without those reveals. There wasn't really enough time after the reveals (as it's such a short book and the final one is her final chapter) to really get to know her/soften to her.
The ending very much has the feel of "penultimate book, so all change please." I'm not sure how many books there are, but I have quartet in my head for some reason, and this book only reinforces that for me. Compared to the size of the book, the denouement is rather long (about a tenth!) as it sets up the next book, which did add to the feeling of this being another book about getting things in place.
I am going to finish the series, and I hope it manages to live up the first book, which is my favourite so far.
I definitely enjoyed THE FOURTH SPECIES more than THE HIDDEN BASE as it feels like more happens, that the world is changing more due to the events of the book. I would say that it's not really the characters' actions but the villains who are doing the changing.
I think, drilling into it, that this is the reason why neither the second nor third book have grabbed me as much as the first did. The POVs' actions aren't the ones driving the plot - they're reacting to the world around them, or doing (in some ways) unnecessary (to the overall plot) tasks designed to get them in places where they can find out information. This does give a more passive feel to the story overall. That can work for some stories that are much more character focused, but this is a series sold as a more action-based one. This said, it was a more engaging book because it did feel like more was happening, that the characters were facing bigger stakes and threats.
There's a new POV introduced in this book, the third one of the series, Genevieve. The information about her is tightly controlled in the book, with all the reveals coming later. However, not getting those reveals early on left a bit of a gap, I felt, because the character presented didn't have any reasons to make them one you wanted to invest in, wanted to like.
She was very focused and robotic without those reveals. There wasn't really enough time after the reveals (as it's such a short book and the final one is her final chapter) to really get to know her/soften to her.
The ending very much has the feel of "penultimate book, so all change please." I'm not sure how many books there are, but I have quartet in my head for some reason, and this book only reinforces that for me. Compared to the size of the book, the denouement is rather long (about a tenth!) as it sets up the next book, which did add to the feeling of this being another book about getting things in place.
I am going to finish the series, and I hope it manages to live up the first book, which is my favourite so far.
January 30, 2023
A calm before the storm. It’s darkest before the dawn. I remember my grandmother saying both of these and more contemplating phrases. They made me think for a bit; but were quickly put aside and tucked away. The Fourth Species brought them to mind as Elise and others are forced to face their destiny.
Warren has built a facade of acceptance on the part of the Sapiens. It’s up to both Elise and Twenty-Two…the present and the past to decide what is worth fighting for. “To protect the past, they must fight for their future.” A devastating change is on the cusp of the horizon. They can almost see the future; but can they win it?
Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up again and again to find a way out of the darkness. I loved this third book. There were times I laughed and times I wanted to reach in through the pages and shake Elise. The Fourth Species is a reflective story filled with what ifs because “all lives are precious”. I couldn’t put it down.
The Fourth Species is hopeful and beautifully written about the past and the present coming together for a future for all. Warren has woven a tight, thoughtful and action packed story that kept me thinking about it long after closing the book. I’m so looking forward for the final installment.
Warren has built a facade of acceptance on the part of the Sapiens. It’s up to both Elise and Twenty-Two…the present and the past to decide what is worth fighting for. “To protect the past, they must fight for their future.” A devastating change is on the cusp of the horizon. They can almost see the future; but can they win it?
Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up again and again to find a way out of the darkness. I loved this third book. There were times I laughed and times I wanted to reach in through the pages and shake Elise. The Fourth Species is a reflective story filled with what ifs because “all lives are precious”. I couldn’t put it down.
The Fourth Species is hopeful and beautifully written about the past and the present coming together for a future for all. Warren has woven a tight, thoughtful and action packed story that kept me thinking about it long after closing the book. I’m so looking forward for the final installment.
March 2, 2022
Thank you Del Rey for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
*I will avoid spoilers for the other two books where possible but it is highly likely there will be mild spoilers for the previous books (no spoilers for this book).
THE FOURTH SPECIES is the 3rd instalment of the Tomorrow's Ancestors series - a female led dystopian sci-fi set in a world of post-pandemic devastation. Set a year after the end of THE HIDDEN BASE, we follow Elise, Twenty-Two and newcomer Genevieve.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the other two books in the series, I was excited to get back to this story and I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed!
I am absolutely loving the character development we are seeing from Elise. She has gone through a lot of trauma and in this book we really get to see her come to terms with what has happened to her over the past couple of years. I am really enjoying her character arc so far. I liked the addition of Genevieve's chapters and I'm loving how each book adds a new character POV. I did notice the lack of some of the original ensemble of characters but I'm hoping we will see more of them again in the next book.
The plot is fast paced and action packed and I honestly couldn't put it down towards the end. I was really not expecting the story to go in the direction that it did but it has made me even more excited for the next book. I've also come to expect these books to tug on my heartstrings but I was still not fully prepared (I don't want to say too much about that because of spoilers).
If you still haven't picked up this series yet, what are you doing?!
*I will avoid spoilers for the other two books where possible but it is highly likely there will be mild spoilers for the previous books (no spoilers for this book).
THE FOURTH SPECIES is the 3rd instalment of the Tomorrow's Ancestors series - a female led dystopian sci-fi set in a world of post-pandemic devastation. Set a year after the end of THE HIDDEN BASE, we follow Elise, Twenty-Two and newcomer Genevieve.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the other two books in the series, I was excited to get back to this story and I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed!
I am absolutely loving the character development we are seeing from Elise. She has gone through a lot of trauma and in this book we really get to see her come to terms with what has happened to her over the past couple of years. I am really enjoying her character arc so far. I liked the addition of Genevieve's chapters and I'm loving how each book adds a new character POV. I did notice the lack of some of the original ensemble of characters but I'm hoping we will see more of them again in the next book.
The plot is fast paced and action packed and I honestly couldn't put it down towards the end. I was really not expecting the story to go in the direction that it did but it has made me even more excited for the next book. I've also come to expect these books to tug on my heartstrings but I was still not fully prepared (I don't want to say too much about that because of spoilers).
If you still haven't picked up this series yet, what are you doing?!
April 1, 2022
Not as good as the first two instalments. Title is misleading. One of the main characters is missing from the entire book which was really disappointing, especially given their relationship with Elise. Whilst I like the fast paced action, I feel like the scale between the bases has been lost. In the first book you really had this scale of the distance between the bases and the difficulty escaping them. In this book Elise and her team complete 5 week journeys between paragraphs and are in and out of heavily guarded bases with zero effort. It's really distracting. However, I'm still looking forward to seeing how the story eventually wraps up and hopefully the return of main ensemble of characters that made the first book so enjoyable.
November 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I thought that it was more of an intermediary book that the first or the second, both of which had strong plot twists and reveals, character introductions and developments, all of which I felt were missing in this one. It sets up the final of the series very well, with the character development of twenty two being the most interesting for me. I missed having any real samuel-Elise dynamic in the book and hope that this more prevalent in the final instalment. I did appreciate that the three maing characters/POVs were strong female leads, and that there were some big twists in the final act of the book that were satisfying and drew some loose threads together.
June 12, 2022
I love this series! The Fourth Species is the third novel in the series and takes a closer look at life inside Adenine and life for the Infiltration Team.
The TWIST I did not see coming! The only disappointing part is that we only meet the fourth Species very briefly and don't know very much about them. I can see them being a subplot in the next book, but I'm more interested in the fallout of the twist at the end of this book!
Genevieve is my new favourite character! She's awesome! And her backstory is so interesting - I'm excited to see more of her.
The TWIST I did not see coming! The only disappointing part is that we only meet the fourth Species very briefly and don't know very much about them. I can see them being a subplot in the next book, but I'm more interested in the fallout of the twist at the end of this book!
Genevieve is my new favourite character! She's awesome! And her backstory is so interesting - I'm excited to see more of her.
March 1, 2023
Life got in the way while I was reading this, so there were huge gaps. Finally, on a beach in Cape Verde, I got to the end! Despite a slight lull in the middle (possibly caused by my broken up reading of the book) the end pulls it all back together.
Thanks also to the author, who very kindly supplied this signed copy for me!
Thanks also to the author, who very kindly supplied this signed copy for me!
July 15, 2025
I honestly didn't realise this was YA when I bought the first book but it very definitely is. Also I don't find the underlying premiss totally convincing. However the writing is pretty solid even if I find some actions taken that set up certain critical situations to be pretty implausible. I will probably continue with the fourth book which I think might be the last.
May 8, 2022
Another fast paced, gripping read from A.E. Warren. The character developments have been interesting and I enjoyed the introduction of new protagonists. What a complex relationship the characters have and what a cliff hanger! Cannot wait for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews