BIRTHRIGHT

Three long-separated strands of humanity attend a contentious interplanetary family reunion in this debut SF novel.

When life on Earth was facing near-total extinction following a nuclear winter catastrophe, two groups of colonists sought refuge in space. One ship, the Phoenix, headed for Mars, while the Hadrian embarked on a mission to establish an outpost on Ceres. After three years, the Phoenixshuttle was supposed to retrieve the explorers but was too strapped for resources, leaving them to die. Five hundred years later, the Phoenicians have prospered and believe themselves to be humanity’s last survivors—until they receive a coded message from Earth asking for help. Renwick Hector, a young Phoenician “Earthgeek” fascinated with ancient culture and history, impulsively volunteers for a rescue mission. President Sara Ramone is so impressed that she appoints Renny an ambassador, part of a crew that must train and form bonds on its journey to Earth. Meanwhile, the Hadrians—who survived and formed a fierce conglomerate society—have invaded Earth, determined to find a better home. One Terran faction wants to collaborate with the Hadrians. But another Terran group fights a two-front war against that faction and the invaders. As a diplomatic summit convenes on Earth, shocking secrets are revealed on Mars, throwing the colonists into turmoil. In his series opener, Vaughn offers exciting action scenes for fans of future tech, battles, fighting techniques, and weaponry. Thoughtful character development is equally important, though it can become overblown; for example, after volunteering, Renny is said to be “a man who has a purpose so huge that it holds inside it the fate of humanity.” Intriguing worldbuilding includes specialized Phoenician evolution, but it sometimes lacks imagination. The only far-future entertainment described, for example, is “classic videos and shows from Earth” (including John Wayne Westerns and Star Trek).

A complex and engrossing futuristic war tale.