The Forge of God

by Greg Bear

I must admit that over the years, Greg Bear has emerged as one of my favorite writers. He just has an incredible ability to wrap an incredibly hard to believe story in the commonplace and make it intensely personal to the reader. The Forge of God is an excellent example of  that ability.

   Just suppose that civilizations outside of human comprehension and experience were EXACTLY like us. Would they be benefactors or destroyers -- or some of both? In The Forge of God, this hypothetical question is answered in an unexpected and incredibly exciting way. Darwin's theories hold true in a galactic sense, and some civilizations set out to destroy the competition - including Earth. Here's the kicker: they succeed. This is the best "end of the world" novel that I have ever read, seen or heard of. There is the inevitable element pf hope, and that, truly, just makes it more melancholy.

   The science is impeccable and in language that is easily understood by a laymen. Its a great story. Read this one!