TIME'S UP

In this debut novel, the warning of an apocalyptic event splits humanity into informed preppers and unwavering skeptics.

A United Nations’ special meeting in New York City takes an astonishing turn. While an apparent spaceship hovers over the U.N. headquarters, a voice speaks softly into thousands of locals’ ears. It warns that the sun’s imminent Coronal Mass Ejections will render Earth vulnerable to cosmic radiation, ultimately killing humans and making the world uninhabitable. On the plus side, the voice (a never-seen or -identified entity) offers to save a group of humans—1,500 people, the number that it will take to colonize a suitable planet. It’s hardly surprising that many world leaders and citizens don’t believe the CMEs will ever hit Earth. But others want to be ready, like U.N. Secretary General Dr. Yasenia “Yaz” Belen-Chavez. After the voice designates her its sole point of contact, Yaz starts the process of drafting and training prospective colonists. With the predicted event mere months away, doubters around the globe write off the whole thing as a hoax and refuse to prepare themselves for a catastrophe. The world can only wait for potential doom to come crashing down. The bulk of Ross’ absorbing story counts the days until the CMEs strike. It’s especially nerve-wracking for Yaz. Even if nothing happens, she’ll likely have no choice but to resign. Yaz is an appealing lead; she helps a friend who opposes the Chinese government sneak his family out of the country and has her own romantic subplot as well. Meanwhile, the largely humorless tale guides readers through dry, routine discussions about colonist selections and the content of the United States president’s speech. Fortunately, the author deftly laces the narrative with a cynical edge, with copious “deniers” of the impending disaster comparable to real-life skeptics of the Covid-19 pandemic. Abundant unanswered questions at the end suggest a sequel is possible.

A measured but engrossing tale about the end of the world.