Among science fiction that takes place on Earth, all things Egyptian seem to be a reoccurring theme. It is where Vampires supposedly originate, or Aliens come to teach us civilization, or something from so long ago happens there that shapes us even today. There are far older and more fascinating places all over the world. But Egypt seems to hold a special place in our mythological western hearts. It is different enough to be exotic, but familiar enough to be comfortable. It is in this place, this space of thought, that this story takes place.

Twelve thousand years ago, there was an unholy assassination, alien space invaders, and jewelry. Jewelry? Now it is 2204, fully modern times, and there is nothing to do with the past except to study it. Cathy, a simple college student, finds herself late for class, again. She decides rather than face Professor Anderson she'll simply get a cup of coffee and use the time to study in peace. While the rain drips down, the hot coffee helps to warm and dry her. A friend stops by, and soon after, all normalcy ends. Subtle but persistent change and tragedy dog her steps. People are after her for no real reason, and a romance develops that she cannot forget even though it is forbidden. She is not told of any of this; she finds clues that have been deliberately left for her. Not liking where things are leading, Cathy does everything she can to deny what she has seen, what she vaguely remembers, and stubbornly lives her own life. But destiny is a patient being.

This story of Alien Genes 1: Daughter of Atuk is an engrossing story that takes place over a period of years. The years do not drag this book down, but give it a substance of living the experience between the pages. It gives plausible reasons why Aliens or non-Earth beings would even have an interest in us, some taste of what past life visions might really mean, what another world could be like that can support an alien human in their environment.

This book carries the thought through that, while there might be destiny for some people, choices are still available for all. We are more in control than we think, and less in control of what we want to be. Many of the philosophies and arguments over the years among academics are played out in this story. Daughter of Atuk provides thoughtful ideas, intriguing action that moves the pages at a quick pace. You find yourself rooting for Cathy, some for the aliens who declare their own right to live as they choose, and for interstellar romance to spice things along the way.

Daughter of Atuk is the second in a series, the first of which is Alien Genes 1. I look forward to reading the rest and reviewing them as well. Like the jewel in the beginning of the book, this story too is a jewel all its own. It is always a refreshing and pleasing thing to find new friends among the pages and imaginations of a well-crafted story.

Reviewed By Nancy Louise
© March 2007