Hominids, by Robert J. Sawyer (blog), was one of the first book I read in eBook format. I read it many years ago but only got the last two books in the serie last year at Christmass. The first book has been written in such a way that is stands pretty well on its own. Most of the major plot lines are tied by the end of the book and, even if there was material for sequels, I was pleased with the ending of Hominids. Nonetheless, I only had to read a few pages of Humans to get sucked into the story. Some secondary characters from the first book were blurry in my memories but quickly solidified as I read through the first few chapters.

Hominids had quite a few uncomplete plot lines and Humans do a very good job at continuing the story and closing some of those plot lines. As one might expect, the portal between Ponter’s world and ours is re-opened and the main characters get to work together on seting up the bases for cultural, technological and economical exchanges between the two worlds. The characters, aside from dealing with the problems rising from the situation, also deal with personal and emotional issues of their own. All the main characters are pretty well defined, with convincing goals, motivations and stories.

We learn more about the way Neanderthals live in this parallel version of Earth. Chapters happening on this other world are the ones that I liked the best. They are new, fresh, intelligent, and the characters we get to know are… well, Humans, if you allow me to play on words.

Humans is a very canadian book. Cultural contrast between Canada, the US and the Neanderthal world are brought forward and it’s fun to read. (It’s fun because it’s true… well, the part about Canada and the US.) Events from recent (real) history are nicely inserted in the book, adding to the cohesion and realism of the story.

The science in Humans seems to be well grounded (Hey! I’m not an expert in any of those fields.) The ending ties many plot lines but leave enough material for the reader to want to read the 3rd book: Hybrids. Since it was sitting in my bookshelf, I have to admint I started reading it right away.

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Lectures by Alexandre Lemieux