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Demain les ombres
C’est un clan d’humains. Ils chassent et cueillent, ils naissent et meurent, ils habitent des tentes de peau, ils peignent sur la paroi des grottes, ils perpétuent les légendes de leurs déesses et dansent autour du feu les soirs de fête. Leur univers est une forêt nourricière et, hormis les grands froids ou la maladie, ils n’ont à redouter que la Bête, qui rôde aux abords d’infranchissables Confins. Ils ignorent qu’un tout autre monde existe au-delà. Cet autre monde, c’est le nôtre ou presque, situé dans un futur proche. L’espèce Neanderthal a été recréée à partir de bribes d’ADN et réintroduite dans une réserve où elle est observée et étudiée depuis plusieurs générations. Bientôt, des Sapiens vont franchir les Confins…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2023
About the author
Noëlle Michel
20 books10 followersNée à Dijon, Noëlle Michel vit à Gand, en Belgique. Ingénieure de formation, elle traduit désormais du néerlandais des romans, des essais et des ouvrages pour la jeunesse. Elle a notamment signé la traduction du roman d’Hanna Bervoets Les choses que nous avons vues (Le bruit du monde, 2022). Écrivaine, elle a publié en 2020 son premier roman : Viande (Lilys Editions).
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May 2, 2026I received this book through NetGalley.
The Shadows Tomorrow was such an amazing read. It was fast-paced, immersive, unsettling, and really easy to get into. At least for me, the concept felt fresh, the characters were relatable enough to keep me invested, and the writing was sharp that made me stay locked in the whole time.
What I really loved was the bigger idea underneath it. It’s a story about humans trying to control a civilization they created, and of course that backfires. As it should. That concept worked so well for me, but the book also had enough momentum and character focus that it never felt like it was just relying on the idea.
I would recommend it to readers who like fast-paced speculative fiction with fresh concepts, relatable characters, unsettling atmosphere, and stories about control, creation, and what happens when people think they should be playing god.
The Shadows Tomorrow was such an amazing read. It was fast-paced, immersive, unsettling, and really easy to get into. At least for me, the concept felt fresh, the characters were relatable enough to keep me invested, and the writing was sharp that made me stay locked in the whole time.
What I really loved was the bigger idea underneath it. It’s a story about humans trying to control a civilization they created, and of course that backfires. As it should. That concept worked so well for me, but the book also had enough momentum and character focus that it never felt like it was just relying on the idea.
I would recommend it to readers who like fast-paced speculative fiction with fresh concepts, relatable characters, unsettling atmosphere, and stories about control, creation, and what happens when people think they should be playing god.
February 17, 2026
I expected really big things from this book, and somehow it was better than I ever could’ve imagined? I mean that was a really good time.
Thanks Simon and Schuster for the ARC!!
Thanks Simon and Schuster for the ARC!!
April 14, 2026
When describing the book to a friend we came up with Jurassic Park but with humans. The story takes us to the future with gene coding and development of Neanderthal embryos. The world will see where you fit in as we see Sapiens and Neanderthals alive together.
This is a great book for the sci-fi dystopia lovers. It was a 3 for me since I struggling getting into the beginning of the story. There are multiple POVs so I took time to catch on with the timelines and story.
I did really like the names for the characters, the development, and the thoughts on what Sapien would you be. Unfortunately, I was not a huge fan of the ending nor feeling like other storylines were missed/under developed.
Thank you NetGalley and “Simon & Schuster“ for this Advanced Readers Copy (ARC). All opinions are my own in this review. BOOK is expected to release August, 2026.
This is a great book for the sci-fi dystopia lovers. It was a 3 for me since I struggling getting into the beginning of the story. There are multiple POVs so I took time to catch on with the timelines and story.
I did really like the names for the characters, the development, and the thoughts on what Sapien would you be. Unfortunately, I was not a huge fan of the ending nor feeling like other storylines were missed/under developed.
Thank you NetGalley and “Simon & Schuster“ for this Advanced Readers Copy (ARC). All opinions are my own in this review. BOOK is expected to release August, 2026.
February 23, 2023
Une belle expérience.
J'ai trouvé l'idée originale et intéressante et j'ai particulièrement apprécié la plume de l'autrice. J'avais besoin de me concentrer un peu lors de ma lecture mais j'y ai vraiment pris plaisir!
Les différents points de vue et chronologies étaient intéressants, quoique parfois difficiles à suivre pour ma part.
Les thèmes abordés m'ont beaucoup plu. Pour citer ceux que j'ai préférés : l'écologie, notre rapport à la nature et à la technologie, le libre arbitre, la peur de l'autre.
Je regrette toutefois la fin qui m'a paru un peu abrupte alors que le reste du livre prenait son temps.
J'ai trouvé l'idée originale et intéressante et j'ai particulièrement apprécié la plume de l'autrice. J'avais besoin de me concentrer un peu lors de ma lecture mais j'y ai vraiment pris plaisir!
Les différents points de vue et chronologies étaient intéressants, quoique parfois difficiles à suivre pour ma part.
Les thèmes abordés m'ont beaucoup plu. Pour citer ceux que j'ai préférés : l'écologie, notre rapport à la nature et à la technologie, le libre arbitre, la peur de l'autre.
Je regrette toutefois la fin qui m'a paru un peu abrupte alors que le reste du livre prenait son temps.
November 26, 2024
(Ik las ‘m in het Nederlands, maar die staat nog niet op goodreads)
September 11, 2023
Une histoire captivante, bien écrite. En tant que biologiste (généticienne) de formation, j'étais légèrement sceptique au début: que pourrait donc nous apporter le clonage des Néans, puisque nous en savons si peu sur leur culture? Mais dès que l'objectif du simple divertissement s'est annoncé, je me suis laisser emporter par l'histoire.
Le livre fait réfléchir à notre façon de vivre, aux choix que fait notre société, aux possibilités et opportunités que nous avons - et surtout le choix de les utiliser ou non.
J'aime bien quand un livre m'apporte une nouvelle façon de voir les choses, une autre vision.
Le livre fait réfléchir à notre façon de vivre, aux choix que fait notre société, aux possibilités et opportunités que nous avons - et surtout le choix de les utiliser ou non.
J'aime bien quand un livre m'apporte une nouvelle façon de voir les choses, une autre vision.
February 25, 2025
Wauw, ik ben erg onder de indruk van 'Schaduwen van morgen'! Als eerste gebruikt ze een fenomenale opbouw in haar roman. Aanvankelijk is het verhaal mysterieus, weet je niet wat er aan de hand is, en gooit Noëlle Michel kruimeltjes van informatie in de richting van de lezer. Stukje bij beetje kan je op die manier het verhaal ontrafelen, waar bij ik heel vele aha-momenten beleefde. Aan het einde was het boek ontzettend spannend, ik heb het echt heel snel uitgelezen!
In het boek komen heel wat ethische kwesties aan bod. 'Schaduwen van morgen' zette me erg aan het denken, en ook voor een boekenclub lijkt het me een heel fijn boek. Er is heel veel stof om te bespreken en te overdenken! Dat alles (die geweldige opbouw en inhoudelijk sterke verhaallijn) is dan ook nog eens gebracht in een geweldig mooie taal, wat voor mij echt de kers op de taart is. Ik vond het een prachtig boek en raad het iedereen aan!
In het boek komen heel wat ethische kwesties aan bod. 'Schaduwen van morgen' zette me erg aan het denken, en ook voor een boekenclub lijkt het me een heel fijn boek. Er is heel veel stof om te bespreken en te overdenken! Dat alles (die geweldige opbouw en inhoudelijk sterke verhaallijn) is dan ook nog eens gebracht in een geweldig mooie taal, wat voor mij echt de kers op de taart is. Ik vond het een prachtig boek en raad het iedereen aan!
December 1, 2024
J’ai mis un peu de temps à rentrer dans l’histoire mais une fois fait, j’ai été captivée jusqu’au bout ! Ce livre fait partie de mes lectures préférées de l’année.
Cette dystopie m’a un peu fait penser à The Maze (un peu) et je me suis dit tout du long « on n’est pas si loin de ce qui pourrait se passer demain »
Cette dystopie m’a un peu fait penser à The Maze (un peu) et je me suis dit tout du long « on n’est pas si loin de ce qui pourrait se passer demain »
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What if humanity could bring Neanderthals back from extinction, not just fossils or fragments of DNA, but as living, thinking beings?
The Shadows of Tomorrow is a speculative novel that leans hard into this question, not to showcase cutting-edge research, but to explore the ethical consequences of creation itself. While current science lacks the full epigenetic and regulatory data needed to truly resurrect Neanderthals (meaning any attempt would be an approximation, not a revival), Michel asks readers to imagine that this hurdle has been crossed, and then forces us to sit with the fallout.
The story is told through multiple points of view across generations, with non-linear timelines that can feel disorienting at first. Once settled, however, the structure becomes a strength, reflecting the layered moral complexity of the story.
One of the central characters is Eva, a biologist with a specialty in paleoanthropology, who is part of the research team tasked to recreate the “Neand” species. As the project progresses, her scientific role becomes deeply personal when she helps raise the children, teaching them invented histories and myths meant to simulate ancestral social structures. The line between researcher and mentor quickly blurs leaving her concerned for how the children are being treated.
Equally compelling is Blood Moon, the leader of a Neand community living in a French reservation called New Eden . Over time, the Neands have developed their own religion, stories, and traditions. They believe they were created by goddesses and placed in a sanctuary for protection—yet that sanctuary is imperfect. A mysterious “Beast” periodically abducts members of the clan, and Blood Moon is still grieving the disappearance of her mate and subsequent loss of their child to illness. Her story is one of leadership shaped by trauma.
Other perspectives, including Azure, a young Neand consumed by anger rather than grief, and Adam, a human actor sent into New Eden as part of a reality TV experiment. Their perspectives, along with those of Noah and Standing Stone, underscore the novel’s sharp critique of exploitation, commodification, and spectacle.
What I appreciated most is how directly this book engages with ethical questions:
That said, readers looking for hard science fiction may find the scientific details light. The novel prioritizes moral and emotional exploration over deep dives into biotechnology. For some readers, that choice may be preferable—but mileage may vary.
Overall, The Shadows of Tomorrow is a thoughtful novel that asks uncomfortable questions and doesn’t offer easy answers. It’s less about how far science can go, and more about whether it should.
Recommended for readers who enjoy ethically driven speculative fiction and character‑centered sci‑fi.
==========================
Thank you to Simon & Schuster, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Shadows of Tomorrow is a speculative novel that leans hard into this question, not to showcase cutting-edge research, but to explore the ethical consequences of creation itself. While current science lacks the full epigenetic and regulatory data needed to truly resurrect Neanderthals (meaning any attempt would be an approximation, not a revival), Michel asks readers to imagine that this hurdle has been crossed, and then forces us to sit with the fallout.
The story is told through multiple points of view across generations, with non-linear timelines that can feel disorienting at first. Once settled, however, the structure becomes a strength, reflecting the layered moral complexity of the story.
One of the central characters is Eva, a biologist with a specialty in paleoanthropology, who is part of the research team tasked to recreate the “Neand” species. As the project progresses, her scientific role becomes deeply personal when she helps raise the children, teaching them invented histories and myths meant to simulate ancestral social structures. The line between researcher and mentor quickly blurs leaving her concerned for how the children are being treated.
Equally compelling is Blood Moon, the leader of a Neand community living in a French reservation called New Eden . Over time, the Neands have developed their own religion, stories, and traditions. They believe they were created by goddesses and placed in a sanctuary for protection—yet that sanctuary is imperfect. A mysterious “Beast” periodically abducts members of the clan, and Blood Moon is still grieving the disappearance of her mate and subsequent loss of their child to illness. Her story is one of leadership shaped by trauma.
Other perspectives, including Azure, a young Neand consumed by anger rather than grief, and Adam, a human actor sent into New Eden as part of a reality TV experiment. Their perspectives, along with those of Noah and Standing Stone, underscore the novel’s sharp critique of exploitation, commodification, and spectacle.
What I appreciated most is how directly this book engages with ethical questions:
If a Corporation creates a sentient species, does it own them?
Who gets to decide their rights?
And what happens when science, corporate greed, and entertainment collide?
That said, readers looking for hard science fiction may find the scientific details light. The novel prioritizes moral and emotional exploration over deep dives into biotechnology. For some readers, that choice may be preferable—but mileage may vary.
Overall, The Shadows of Tomorrow is a thoughtful novel that asks uncomfortable questions and doesn’t offer easy answers. It’s less about how far science can go, and more about whether it should.
Recommended for readers who enjoy ethically driven speculative fiction and character‑centered sci‑fi.
==========================
Thank you to Simon & Schuster, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Imagine a film that fuses the isolated paranoia of The Village with the scientific arrogance and escalating survival horror of Jurassic Park except instead of resurrecting dinosaurs, humanity brings back Neanderthals. The result would be haunting, tragic, and psychologically volatile, especially once a reality television element is introduced.
In The Shadows Tomorrow, Michel constructs the story around an unforgettable premise: Neanderthals secretly recreated through biotechnology and placed inside a carefully controlled wilderness reserve, believing they are completely alone in the world. Watching that illusion gradually unravel becomes the emotional core of the novel. The more the modern world intrudes upon their existence, the more disturbing and emotionally charged the story becomes.
The satire is equally effective. At first, the NeanderTales reality-show premise seems absurd, almost laughably over-the-top, but as the story progresses, it becomes disturbingly plausible. The novel demonstrates a keen awareness of modern voyeurism and society’s hunger for spectacle, posing unsettling questions about exploitation, media obsession, and the ease with which suffering can be repackaged as entertainment. Readers looking for meticulously grounded hard science fiction may find the biotech elements difficult to fully accept, as the premise demands a fair amount of suspension of disbelief. Even so, the novel ultimately succeeds because of the power of its central question. What if humanity encountered another human species, would empathy prevail, or would curiosity, profit, and the desire for control take over instead?
That said, the pacing is uneven, especially in the middle, and the constant perspective shifts make it difficult to fully connect with several characters. Some storylines feel underdeveloped, while others seem included mainly to support the themes rather than the emotional narrative.
Overall, I admired The Shadows Tomorrow. It’s ambitious, thoughtful, and packed with great ideas, but it felt like a book reaching for something bigger than it could fully deliver. Still, readers who enjoy speculative fiction built around ethical dilemmas and unsettling concepts will probably find a lot to appreciate here.
In The Shadows Tomorrow, Michel constructs the story around an unforgettable premise: Neanderthals secretly recreated through biotechnology and placed inside a carefully controlled wilderness reserve, believing they are completely alone in the world. Watching that illusion gradually unravel becomes the emotional core of the novel. The more the modern world intrudes upon their existence, the more disturbing and emotionally charged the story becomes.
The satire is equally effective. At first, the NeanderTales reality-show premise seems absurd, almost laughably over-the-top, but as the story progresses, it becomes disturbingly plausible. The novel demonstrates a keen awareness of modern voyeurism and society’s hunger for spectacle, posing unsettling questions about exploitation, media obsession, and the ease with which suffering can be repackaged as entertainment. Readers looking for meticulously grounded hard science fiction may find the biotech elements difficult to fully accept, as the premise demands a fair amount of suspension of disbelief. Even so, the novel ultimately succeeds because of the power of its central question. What if humanity encountered another human species, would empathy prevail, or would curiosity, profit, and the desire for control take over instead?
That said, the pacing is uneven, especially in the middle, and the constant perspective shifts make it difficult to fully connect with several characters. Some storylines feel underdeveloped, while others seem included mainly to support the themes rather than the emotional narrative.
Overall, I admired The Shadows Tomorrow. It’s ambitious, thoughtful, and packed with great ideas, but it felt like a book reaching for something bigger than it could fully deliver. Still, readers who enjoy speculative fiction built around ethical dilemmas and unsettling concepts will probably find a lot to appreciate here.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadows Tomorrow gives a heartbreaking, and all too real, near-future scenario--what would humans do if they could recreate Neanderthals? The answer is a mix between the Truman Show and the inhumane "human zoos" that lasted well into the twentieth century. It really gives the reader a lot to ponder on the predictable nature of human behavior, but leaves you with some hope as well. The Institute that made the Neanderthals gets just a tad cartoonish at the end with their evil plans, but it's still a good read.
In a few dozen years, a scientific breakthrough becomes possible--scientists can replicate Neanderthal DNA. Eva is one of the researchers taking care of the babies. The plan is to raise them, then release them into what's basically a guarded nature preserve so they can live as they were meant to--which raises a host of ethical problems in itself. Eva and another researcher, Noah, realize how precious these children are and have a bad feeling that the Institute that made them won't be protecting them as much as exploiting them, and they're right.
It switches back and forth from the near future to the 2100's, where the Neanderthals have been the unknowing stars of a widely loved reality show as they live out their lives in peace, except for The Beast that occasionally kidnaps of a tribe member or two. Adam is a young man with no future who is selected to be introduced into the preserve as a different tribe, to spice up the show. Adam soon falls in love with Blood Moon, a Neanderthal woman who's suffered incalculable loss, and butts heads with Azure, who is slowly letting his anger of the others overwhelm him. Adam and his sister, Victoire, concoct a plan to get them out, which is where the Institute's real plans are revealed.
The plot switches between at least five different characters, maybe more, and switches quite a bit between the near and far future, but it's handled well. The prose feels a little stiff and "purple" sometimes, perhaps because it's a translation, but I never felt like there was slack in the narrative.
In a few dozen years, a scientific breakthrough becomes possible--scientists can replicate Neanderthal DNA. Eva is one of the researchers taking care of the babies. The plan is to raise them, then release them into what's basically a guarded nature preserve so they can live as they were meant to--which raises a host of ethical problems in itself. Eva and another researcher, Noah, realize how precious these children are and have a bad feeling that the Institute that made them won't be protecting them as much as exploiting them, and they're right.
It switches back and forth from the near future to the 2100's, where the Neanderthals have been the unknowing stars of a widely loved reality show as they live out their lives in peace, except for The Beast that occasionally kidnaps of a tribe member or two. Adam is a young man with no future who is selected to be introduced into the preserve as a different tribe, to spice up the show. Adam soon falls in love with Blood Moon, a Neanderthal woman who's suffered incalculable loss, and butts heads with Azure, who is slowly letting his anger of the others overwhelm him. Adam and his sister, Victoire, concoct a plan to get them out, which is where the Institute's real plans are revealed.
The plot switches between at least five different characters, maybe more, and switches quite a bit between the near and far future, but it's handled well. The prose feels a little stiff and "purple" sometimes, perhaps because it's a translation, but I never felt like there was slack in the narrative.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Paleo Park: Return of the Ancestors
Remember Dolly the English Sheep clone who made headlines in 1996?
A lot of has developed in the world of bioengineering and DNA 30 years since then. And apparently on the verge of an unexpected breakthrough when paleontology and in vitro fertilizations successfully combine with surrogate human mothers to produce prehistoric offspring.
Originally published 2023 in Europe, Noelle Michel’s imaginative science fiction novel, “The Shadows Tomorrow”, scheduled for a 2026 US release, explores the possibilities of recovered Neanderthal DNA being used to create new offsprings with the help of human Sapiens mothers.
The offspring live in a large geographic park area of Europe, the Confines, electronically cordoned off from the outside world but monitored by various disguised mini-drones. In an ironic twist, unbeknown to them, the lives of the “Neands” are main characters in a reality TV show, “Another Eden", broadcast to the rest of the world beyond the Confines.
Periodically, something called the “Beast” by the Neands randomly show up and carries off one of their members, never to be seen again. Kind of like the Minotaur of Greek mythology. So, the question arises: is there more to this production than is being broadcast?
Using a saga format, the story unfolds through different perspectives, both inside and outside the Confines, as well as some timeline shifts, current and forward looking.
The continuity is comfortable to follow and the narratives ultimately dovetail to reveal an interesting and unexpected resolution challenging perspectives about current issues and how they might unfold. Could there be a sequel?
Part Jurassic Park, though during the later Paleolithic Period; part-Survivor reality TV; maybe a little throwback to Mary Shelley’s novel and Nathaniel Hawthorner’s short stories reflecting on the impact of science on human behavior and interaction. And not some ridiculous make up version for a forgotten TV commercial.
Take a trip on the wild side!
Remember Dolly the English Sheep clone who made headlines in 1996?
A lot of has developed in the world of bioengineering and DNA 30 years since then. And apparently on the verge of an unexpected breakthrough when paleontology and in vitro fertilizations successfully combine with surrogate human mothers to produce prehistoric offspring.
Originally published 2023 in Europe, Noelle Michel’s imaginative science fiction novel, “The Shadows Tomorrow”, scheduled for a 2026 US release, explores the possibilities of recovered Neanderthal DNA being used to create new offsprings with the help of human Sapiens mothers.
The offspring live in a large geographic park area of Europe, the Confines, electronically cordoned off from the outside world but monitored by various disguised mini-drones. In an ironic twist, unbeknown to them, the lives of the “Neands” are main characters in a reality TV show, “Another Eden", broadcast to the rest of the world beyond the Confines.
Periodically, something called the “Beast” by the Neands randomly show up and carries off one of their members, never to be seen again. Kind of like the Minotaur of Greek mythology. So, the question arises: is there more to this production than is being broadcast?
Using a saga format, the story unfolds through different perspectives, both inside and outside the Confines, as well as some timeline shifts, current and forward looking.
The continuity is comfortable to follow and the narratives ultimately dovetail to reveal an interesting and unexpected resolution challenging perspectives about current issues and how they might unfold. Could there be a sequel?
Part Jurassic Park, though during the later Paleolithic Period; part-Survivor reality TV; maybe a little throwback to Mary Shelley’s novel and Nathaniel Hawthorner’s short stories reflecting on the impact of science on human behavior and interaction. And not some ridiculous make up version for a forgotten TV commercial.
Take a trip on the wild side!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At its core, The Shadows Tomorrow by Noëlle Michel (translated by Frank Wynne) wrestles with a familiar but unsettling question: just because we can, should we? The book is a speculative thriller that flirts with the boundaries of science, ethics, and identity. In the novel, Neanderthals are created in a lab and then reintroduced into a controlled environment for scientific study and entertainment. Though the premise is intriguing, it ultimately left me feeling a bit distanced from the characters (as others have noted as well). The multiple perspectives, including both the Neanderthal clan’s inner world and the human scientists observing them, kept me engaged, but the constant shifts in narrative felt jarring at times and as soon as I became invested in one story line it felt like it switched. I wish there had been more time and space on each storyline to explore more of each narrative and allow readers to build an emotional connection to the characters. I would have loved to have read more from Noah and "Jules"!!
Despite these pacing issues, Noelle Michel’s writing is undeniably compelling, especially when exploring the ethical implications of creating life for observation and consumption. The tension between the Neanderthals’ primitive existence and some of the scientists + TV producers cold detachment made for some thought-provoking moments. That said, the ending didn’t quite land for me. Though I appreciate the attempt to tie the narrative together in a twist, it felt rushed and there were too many moving parts for my preference. Still, The Shadows Tomorrow is a creative and ambitious exploration of humanity’s darker impulses, and I’d recommend it for readers intrigued by philosophical questions about the future of genetic science and the consequences of playing God.
Thank you to Noëlle Michel, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for a free e-ARC.
Despite these pacing issues, Noelle Michel’s writing is undeniably compelling, especially when exploring the ethical implications of creating life for observation and consumption. The tension between the Neanderthals’ primitive existence and some of the scientists + TV producers cold detachment made for some thought-provoking moments. That said, the ending didn’t quite land for me. Though I appreciate the attempt to tie the narrative together in a twist, it felt rushed and there were too many moving parts for my preference. Still, The Shadows Tomorrow is a creative and ambitious exploration of humanity’s darker impulses, and I’d recommend it for readers intrigued by philosophical questions about the future of genetic science and the consequences of playing God.
Thank you to Noëlle Michel, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for a free e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
sooo okay, The Shadows Tomorrow takes a hard look at humanity and how we utilize science to a disgusting degree, and not always for the best. in this story, the "great" homo sapiens find a way to bring back neanderthals. they raise them from babies and end up "releasing" them into a designated land, where a tv show called Another Eden eventually starts. it's essentially a more feral version of love island, without all the love drama and a bit more subtle day-to-day experiences as the public follows generations of neanderthals (usually) peacefully living their lives.
first, the premise was suuuuper interesting. we follow multiple timelines, starting out at the beginning of the neanderthal project and ranging to over a hundred years in the future, where they put 'sapien' actors into Another Eden as a method of stirring up the "plot lines" for the viewers. also, the twist at the end? idk why i didn't see that coming, but it was a bit '!!!' inducing once i realized what was actually happening. crazy stuff!!
buuuut... i felt like i was reading a high level version of a story. the writing, while lovely, felt a bit fluffed at times and i found myself skimming some sentences to bypass the same flowery descriptions that resembled the exact paragraph i read before it. this might be due to the fact this is a french to english translation, and i know translations aren't always a perfect 1:1. i also feel like a chunk of plotlines were left behind - i would've loved to know what happened to Standing Stone after he discovered his own truth, what happens with Azure, and do the neands get their deserved ending?? i am left with some wants here :(
either way, this was a different, quick read and while i didn't necessarily eat it up, i thought it was a fun ride. 3.5/5 stars.
sooo okay, The Shadows Tomorrow takes a hard look at humanity and how we utilize science to a disgusting degree, and not always for the best. in this story, the "great" homo sapiens find a way to bring back neanderthals. they raise them from babies and end up "releasing" them into a designated land, where a tv show called Another Eden eventually starts. it's essentially a more feral version of love island, without all the love drama and a bit more subtle day-to-day experiences as the public follows generations of neanderthals (usually) peacefully living their lives.
first, the premise was suuuuper interesting. we follow multiple timelines, starting out at the beginning of the neanderthal project and ranging to over a hundred years in the future, where they put 'sapien' actors into Another Eden as a method of stirring up the "plot lines" for the viewers. also, the twist at the end? idk why i didn't see that coming, but it was a bit '!!!' inducing once i realized what was actually happening. crazy stuff!!
buuuut... i felt like i was reading a high level version of a story. the writing, while lovely, felt a bit fluffed at times and i found myself skimming some sentences to bypass the same flowery descriptions that resembled the exact paragraph i read before it. this might be due to the fact this is a french to english translation, and i know translations aren't always a perfect 1:1. i also feel like a chunk of plotlines were left behind - i would've loved to know what happened to Standing Stone after he discovered his own truth, what happens with Azure, and do the neands get their deserved ending?? i am left with some wants here :(
either way, this was a different, quick read and while i didn't necessarily eat it up, i thought it was a fun ride. 3.5/5 stars.
July 2, 2025
꧁༒ Demain les ombres - Noëlle Michel ༒꧂
Seriez-vous prêt·es à regarder une télé-réalité avec le concept suivant :
De nos jours, les Néandertaliens ont été recréés génétiquement et vivent reclus dans une région naturelle. Leurs moindres faits et gestes sont observés par le centre qui les a clonés et leur vie est retranscrite à des milliers de téléspectateurs.
C’est ce que cette dystopie explore.
Lorsqu’Eva accepte de cloner de l’ADN de Néandertaliens, elle n’a aucune idée de ce que prépare le Centre. Ces expériences qui visent à comprendre comment vivaient les Néandertaliens, cachent des intentions plus sombres que le public et elle-même ignore. Elle et Noah décident de s’enfuir avec les enfants clonés pour les protéger.
Quelques années plus tard, le clan de Néandertaliens existe bel et bien, le public l’observe et un certain Adam, humain, s’apprête à y faire son entrée en tant qu’acteur. Les choses vont alors prendre une tout autre tournure…
J’ai été totalement happée par ce roman à l’idée originale. Le suspense est efficace et l’alternance de points de vue des différents personnages à des époques différentes créent un puzzle à reconstruire au fil du récit. L’autrice questionne des thématiques de moralité, d’humanité. Le tout dans un décor de montagnes immersif.
Sur 300 pages c’est assez efficace, la fin peut être un peu expéditive. J’aurais voulu en savoir plus sur les actes militants des activistes qui ne cautionnent pas l’enfermement des Néandertaliens.
Au final, c’est un peu comme The Truman Show, mais avec une rencontre entre Néandertaliens et Sapiens.
C’était un coup de coeur !
Flavie
Seriez-vous prêt·es à regarder une télé-réalité avec le concept suivant :
De nos jours, les Néandertaliens ont été recréés génétiquement et vivent reclus dans une région naturelle. Leurs moindres faits et gestes sont observés par le centre qui les a clonés et leur vie est retranscrite à des milliers de téléspectateurs.
C’est ce que cette dystopie explore.
Lorsqu’Eva accepte de cloner de l’ADN de Néandertaliens, elle n’a aucune idée de ce que prépare le Centre. Ces expériences qui visent à comprendre comment vivaient les Néandertaliens, cachent des intentions plus sombres que le public et elle-même ignore. Elle et Noah décident de s’enfuir avec les enfants clonés pour les protéger.
Quelques années plus tard, le clan de Néandertaliens existe bel et bien, le public l’observe et un certain Adam, humain, s’apprête à y faire son entrée en tant qu’acteur. Les choses vont alors prendre une tout autre tournure…
J’ai été totalement happée par ce roman à l’idée originale. Le suspense est efficace et l’alternance de points de vue des différents personnages à des époques différentes créent un puzzle à reconstruire au fil du récit. L’autrice questionne des thématiques de moralité, d’humanité. Le tout dans un décor de montagnes immersif.
Sur 300 pages c’est assez efficace, la fin peut être un peu expéditive. J’aurais voulu en savoir plus sur les actes militants des activistes qui ne cautionnent pas l’enfermement des Néandertaliens.
Au final, c’est un peu comme The Truman Show, mais avec une rencontre entre Néandertaliens et Sapiens.
C’était un coup de coeur !
Flavie
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It stands to mention that I'm very partial to stories about Neanderthals. It's what drew me to this book to begin with. But then, it was also such a good and - crucially - original story.
The first part didn't do much for me, mainly because it read like so much of the ubiquitous "mommy fiction" out there, with the protagonist contemplating having a baby, despite her wildly unstable relationship situation with a married man. In other words, kind of tedious.
But then, as the timeline sped up, and Eva more of less left the picture, it got really good. The author focused on the important things. i.e. Neanderthals. That, and the people who recreated them from DNA traces and the reasons behind the experiment.
There's also a love story underscoring the proceedings, between two very unlikely partners from both sides of the fence.
The production jumps rather enthusiastically from POV to POV and timeline to timeline, which can be trying. But overall, the characters are compelling, and the narrative is dynamic, emotionally engaging, and clever.
Plus, it's Belgian, so checkmark for international reading.
In other words, a very good read. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
The first part didn't do much for me, mainly because it read like so much of the ubiquitous "mommy fiction" out there, with the protagonist contemplating having a baby, despite her wildly unstable relationship situation with a married man. In other words, kind of tedious.
But then, as the timeline sped up, and Eva more of less left the picture, it got really good. The author focused on the important things. i.e. Neanderthals. That, and the people who recreated them from DNA traces and the reasons behind the experiment.
There's also a love story underscoring the proceedings, between two very unlikely partners from both sides of the fence.
The production jumps rather enthusiastically from POV to POV and timeline to timeline, which can be trying. But overall, the characters are compelling, and the narrative is dynamic, emotionally engaging, and clever.
Plus, it's Belgian, so checkmark for international reading.
In other words, a very good read. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Shadows Tomorrow has some fascinating ideas and ethical quandaries but is let down by the execution. If you could recreate neanderthals with modern gene techniques, how would you present them to the world? With a reality tv show, of course. Then you would have to spice up the tv show by sending in actors to manipulate the previously isolated neands.
There is a lot more going on here than just the reality show. The first generation of neands must be taught to live in the off the grid conditions, myths and storytelling have to be generated, and whether these new beings have any agency has to be determined. It’s really these questions that are the heart of the novel and what kept me going with it.
On the other hand, the writing felt forced in many places (due to translation, perhaps) and I felt at quite a distance from the characters. This was not helped by pacing that was uneven and changing points of view and timelines. The middle third was the strongest; the story was moving at a good pace prior to the events of the end which were a bit off.
With that said, I find myself thinking about the ethical questions after completing the story, so I think it is worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the free eARC.
There is a lot more going on here than just the reality show. The first generation of neands must be taught to live in the off the grid conditions, myths and storytelling have to be generated, and whether these new beings have any agency has to be determined. It’s really these questions that are the heart of the novel and what kept me going with it.
On the other hand, the writing felt forced in many places (due to translation, perhaps) and I felt at quite a distance from the characters. This was not helped by pacing that was uneven and changing points of view and timelines. The middle third was the strongest; the story was moving at a good pace prior to the events of the end which were a bit off.
With that said, I find myself thinking about the ethical questions after completing the story, so I think it is worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the free eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ARC copy.
The Shadows Tomorrow has been translated (very well) into English and what an interesting ride this book was. It is absolutely reminiscent of M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" and is unique in that we have Neanderthals in the near future. it also has strong similarities to the video game "Becoming Human." Where it reminded me, vaguely, of the smash hit Dungeon Crawler Carl is that it is another reality show setting that is also interweaved with true science and anthropology and a near future sci-fi.
Michel explores what it would look like to have other human species alive at the same time. What effects would this have on culture, racism, and offspring? It is also a reflection on the depravity of Homo Sapiens and our need to control our own circumstances and the sacrifice of those we consider less than us.
I genuinely didn't know what I expected going into this, but I came out of reading it staring at the wall. It's a fast read, but I encourage you to take some time and reflect on how, as a society, we find our entertainment in other's pain, joy, and sacrifice.
The Shadows Tomorrow has been translated (very well) into English and what an interesting ride this book was. It is absolutely reminiscent of M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" and is unique in that we have Neanderthals in the near future. it also has strong similarities to the video game "Becoming Human." Where it reminded me, vaguely, of the smash hit Dungeon Crawler Carl is that it is another reality show setting that is also interweaved with true science and anthropology and a near future sci-fi.
Michel explores what it would look like to have other human species alive at the same time. What effects would this have on culture, racism, and offspring? It is also a reflection on the depravity of Homo Sapiens and our need to control our own circumstances and the sacrifice of those we consider less than us.
I genuinely didn't know what I expected going into this, but I came out of reading it staring at the wall. It's a fast read, but I encourage you to take some time and reflect on how, as a society, we find our entertainment in other's pain, joy, and sacrifice.
January 27, 2026
In The Shadows Tomorrow, a research institute is able to clone Neanderthals using DNA they had stored. The Neands are raised by researchers (including one of the main characters, Eva) and then placed in an isolated section of a state park to live on their own. We then learn that this group of Neands are the focus of a reality TV show called New Eden where audience members watch and get to vote on certain interventions made by the institute. As the story progresses and more information is learned, readers see that there may be something more sinister at play.
The Shadows Tomorrow had such an original and engaging plot. I loved the alternating character POVs that switched between time periods - it kept my attention and also allowed readers to piece together things from all of the POVs. It also raised some philosophical questions, especially about the idea of some humans being ‘less than’ and the idea of certain medical experimentation. Overall, I was very impressed by this book and will probably end up buying a copy for my personal collection once it’s published.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!
The Shadows Tomorrow had such an original and engaging plot. I loved the alternating character POVs that switched between time periods - it kept my attention and also allowed readers to piece together things from all of the POVs. It also raised some philosophical questions, especially about the idea of some humans being ‘less than’ and the idea of certain medical experimentation. Overall, I was very impressed by this book and will probably end up buying a copy for my personal collection once it’s published.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. In the near future, recreated Neanderthals live unknowingly in a forest reserve, believing their world ends at the deadly “Bounds.” As they hunt, love, and honor their past, they are secretly observed as the subjects of a popular documentary series. The story follows connected lives across both worlds: Blood Moon, a grieving Neanderthal leader; Eva and Noah, scientists working on the hidden project; Jules, a teenager with mysterious origins; Adam, an actor joining the show; and the creator behind it all.
This was a fantastic idea of a book, and the writing itself was presented in an educated manner. There were a lot of characters to remember, but of course if the character list was lessened, then the book would have lost something. There are a lot of thought-provoking elements to this book, so it will really make readers think about society and intentions within it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fantastic idea of a book, and the writing itself was presented in an educated manner. There were a lot of characters to remember, but of course if the character list was lessened, then the book would have lost something. There are a lot of thought-provoking elements to this book, so it will really make readers think about society and intentions within it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found this to be an excellent premise but confusing execution. The time period covered is sprawling and there are many characters. Each chapter is titled for a specific character as though it is from their point of view, but a third person omniscient narrator is employed throughout the book. No character had a distinct voice either, so this choice did not make very much sense to me. The dialogue was a bit unbelievable for all of the characters- a lot of scientific exposition in casual conversation that interrupted the reality of the exchange and some esoteric diction that was not congruous even from a supposed academic. This could be down to the translation and world building necessary in speculative fiction, but it was consistently infringing upon the atmosphere of the novel. I also found the ending a bit deflating. The impact of the climax depends on your investment in a character we spend very little time with throughout the book. I read this in a few sittings and it was very gripping at times but overall it was not a very cohesive story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is unlike any I’ve read before, which is what excited me to get started! A plot about humans bringing back Neanderthals for “science” and entertainment, this definitely grapples with the issues that we may very well see in the near future with humans gaining the ability to create life in laboratories. In this story, humans are using Neanderthals to study them in a quarantined reserve where disguised drones watch them and record them for a “reality” show for humans outside to enjoy. It’s unliked anything I encountered before, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
It does jump between points of view, Neanderthals and humans, on multiple timelines. The risk there is that it drags the story a bit, which I did feel in the beginning. I finally got into a stride about 25% and it kicks up from there.
The original text was in French and translated, so there was some awkwardness at some points, but rarely noticed.
I recommend it even for just the creativity and the moral questions that are presented. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the early copy!
It does jump between points of view, Neanderthals and humans, on multiple timelines. The risk there is that it drags the story a bit, which I did feel in the beginning. I finally got into a stride about 25% and it kicks up from there.
The original text was in French and translated, so there was some awkwardness at some points, but rarely noticed.
I recommend it even for just the creativity and the moral questions that are presented. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Shadows Tomorrow by Noelle Michel from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley. This book will be published around August 4, 2026.
The Shadows Tomorrow by Noelle Michel was translated into English by Frank Wynne. The story is told across a span of the near future in alternating chapters from different character perspectives. I won't be giving anything away to say that in this near future, scientists have brought Neanderthals back from extinction much like we have already done with dire wolves. For research purposes, they are kept in remote sanctuaries and kept from having contact with Homo Sapiens. They even use the research footage to make a reality TV show called Another Eden so that people can watch them like a virtual zoo. Ethicists would be losing their minds. Disturbing premise aside, it is a great book!
Bonus points for travel bans on meat eaters. At least, I think that was the proposal. I'm sure it had to do with carbon footprint or something, but I am all for it! Would make my travel so much easier!
The Shadows Tomorrow by Noelle Michel was translated into English by Frank Wynne. The story is told across a span of the near future in alternating chapters from different character perspectives. I won't be giving anything away to say that in this near future, scientists have brought Neanderthals back from extinction much like we have already done with dire wolves. For research purposes, they are kept in remote sanctuaries and kept from having contact with Homo Sapiens. They even use the research footage to make a reality TV show called Another Eden so that people can watch them like a virtual zoo. Ethicists would be losing their minds. Disturbing premise aside, it is a great book!
Bonus points for travel bans on meat eaters. At least, I think that was the proposal. I'm sure it had to do with carbon footprint or something, but I am all for it! Would make my travel so much easier!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I wasn't really sure if I would like this book which is kind of like a cross between Jurassic Park and The Truman Show. But thank you to EF of Simon & Schuster for the ARC of the book because it is actually a very interesting read. The story begins with the creation of the Neanderthal race and development of the show, but it is more than just an observation of a parallel community. The morality and ethics are considered, and the personalities of the individuals are developed. Although I very much dislike the idea of this being done and despise the manner in which these lives were used, I like that both sides were considered and that the Neanderthal individuals were the main focus of the story. The meeting of the two races was authentic, and I like where the author took the future. The story is not only entertaining, but is a tale that makes you ponder your compassion towards others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm sorry to not have connected with this book. The premise was so intriguing! My disconnect began when pivotal life events for one of the main characters, Eva, were skipped over, rather than experienced with her. I won't share those, but there were two up front that not only left me feeling disconnected, but confused by the time jumps. And speaking of time jumps, the narrative bounces around between times, and while I have no problem with this, we aren't (at least in the advance copy I was reading) giving reminders of the "when" of the scene. It was very jarring and required work on my part to figure out how to process the story. I kept trying to return to the book, but by just under half, I was done.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Shadows Tomorrow is an intriguing, genre-blending novel that hooked me with its premise but didn’t fully deliver on all its potential. The shifting perspectives, from Neanderthal clan life to modern scientific intrigue, are ambitious and often compelling, especially Blood Moon’s storyline, which felt the most emotionally grounded. However, the pacing can be uneven, and some character arcs (particularly in the contemporary timeline) feel underdeveloped compared to the richer, more immersive prehistoric sections. The ethical questions around science, exploitation, and what it means to be human are thought-provoking, even if they’re sometimes overshadowed by the plot’s twists. Overall, it’s a creative and suspenseful read that’s worth picking up, but it left me wanting a bit more depth and cohesion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a slim but thoughtful book. I don't often read books that are in this vein, but it reminded me in some ways of one of my favorites, The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler. The pace was quite propulsive, owing mostly to the very short chapters and frequent perspective switches. I do wish she had allowed us to spend more time with each character before moving on so quickly, as this would have allowed a better understanding of each. I felt she had some very rich ground to explore with the perspectives she chose to share with us, and I was sad that she didn't go deeper there.
In the end, Michel did tie the threads of the story together. The "gotcha" at the end was a bit much and didn't land well for me, and the ending overall felt rushed.
In the end, Michel did tie the threads of the story together. The "gotcha" at the end was a bit much and didn't land well for me, and the ending overall felt rushed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one frustrated me. I loved the concept, but the first 30% of the book was horrible for me to read. I almost stopped 4 times. I'm surprised I didn't, and the book got better. As a matter of fact, I really enjoyed the next 60% or so -- I was invested, interested, and had begun to care about the characters. I was shocked at how things turned around.
Then, the last part - ughh. Let down, uninspired, and disappointed.
I don't think I can blame the translator.
Well, I can truthfully say the author got me to feel something. That's more than most author's can say.
Will I read more from the author? Probably, yes. I'd like to feel some more.
I received a complimentary e-copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
Then, the last part - ughh. Let down, uninspired, and disappointed.
I don't think I can blame the translator.
Well, I can truthfully say the author got me to feel something. That's more than most author's can say.
Will I read more from the author? Probably, yes. I'd like to feel some more.
I received a complimentary e-copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
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May 11, 2026I really wanted to like The Shadows Tomorrow, especially because the atmosphere in the beginning was genuinely intriguing. Unfortunately, the story became more confusing than compelling as it went on.
The pacing dragged badly in the middle, and the writing often felt overly vague instead of mysterious. I kept waiting for the emotional payoff or some clearer direction, but everything stayed frustratingly distant. The characters also felt underdeveloped, so it was hard to care about their choices or struggles.
There are some beautiful sentences here and there, but overall the book felt cold and exhausting to get through.
The pacing dragged badly in the middle, and the writing often felt overly vague instead of mysterious. I kept waiting for the emotional payoff or some clearer direction, but everything stayed frustratingly distant. The characters also felt underdeveloped, so it was hard to care about their choices or struggles.
There are some beautiful sentences here and there, but overall the book felt cold and exhausting to get through.
March 21, 2024
Une équipe de recherche est parvenue à recréer des hommes de néanderthal. Après 3 générations, on retrouve le clan de Néans dans un parc clos, filmés en permanence à leur insu dans une émissionde télé-réalité, pour divertir les sapiens qui les ont créé. Tout dégénère lorsque, pour regonfler l'audimat, ils envoient des sapiens dans le parc pour faire leur connaissance. Bien que très originale, l'histoire traîne en longueur et est énoncée de façon simpliste. Il y a des lourdeurs.
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