NAIMERA

In Ganzberger’s SF thriller sequel, the truth is out there—and it’s dangerous.

The idea that unidentified aerial phenomena exist has long been a nuisance for governments worldwide. U.S. Marine Col. Scott Jennings hires an illusionist, the Amazing Adriano, to come up with a holographic trick that will “prove” to the public that UAPs (commonly known as UFOs) are an elaborate hoax. Jennings’ real plan, code-named Sapient Quest, is more complicated; he and others in the government believe that UAPs are real, and they’re planning to use the illusion to help them uncover an actual alien object. Added to this secret team are famed astrophysicist Miles Pierce and Kim Harrod, creator of drones called Naturally and Artificially Intelligent Chimeras, or NAIMERAs. These bioengineered beings are described as “living, versatile, high-tech ‘brain[s].’” It turns out that a synthetic alien species, the Ocets, plan to leave their dying planet and resettle on Earth after their advance party eradicates all life there. The extraterrestrials whom the task force seeks have been studying humanity for decades. As Miles is dying of cancer, Kim uses his recorded memories to create his NAIMERA heir, Niles, who discovers the Ocet scouts and the threat they pose to Earth. Using Miles’ scientific knowledge, he determines the best way to fight them, although suspicion and misunderstanding among nations could stop the plan in its tracks. Ganzberger deserves credit for developing a new twist on the alien invasion plot. The most intriguing character is easily Niles, since the NAIMERA-human hybrid gets the best of both species. The rest of the characters, though, be they human, Ocet, or NAIMERA, are less memorable and never quite come to life. When the obnoxious Ocet leader opines that the “bipeds” (humans) are destroying their planet, many readers may nod their heads in agreement, even as they hope for the aliens’ defeat. The narrative speeds along nicely, even though only Niles is aware that he’s racing against the clock. Overall, it’s an engaging adventure, although readers may be able to predict where it’s all headed.

An often-gripping alien invasion tale starring an extraordinary creation.