Plot Summary
Mars Beckons Humanity
As Earth's resources dwindle, humanity unites politically and technologically to colonize Mars. The process is slow, involving atmospheric and ecological transformations, but eventually, Mars becomes a new home for Earth's overflow. The first settlers are not astronauts but families seeking a fresh start on synthetic grass under a new sky.
Martian Independence
Mars, initially a backwater, grows into a thriving colony with its own culture and identity. The lighter gravity and genetic manipulation create a distinct Martian people. Tensions rise as Mars seeks independence from Earth, mirroring the historical separation of America from Britain.
Interplanetary Conflict
Economic tensions and cultural differences lead to a devastating war between Earth and Mars. The conflict is fought with autonomous machines, resulting in catastrophic losses on both sides. Eventually, peace is forged, but at the cost of billions of lives, leading to a unified solar system.
Star People Emerge
To prevent future conflicts, humanity undergoes biological changes, creating a new subspecies adapted to various environments. These Star People rapidly colonize the solar system and beyond, driven by their enhanced capabilities and unified vision.
Galactic Expansion
The Star People embark on a golden age of colonization, spreading across the galaxy. They maintain unity through electromagnetic communication, accelerating technological growth. Despite encountering abundant alien life, they find no other intelligent species, fueling speculation and religious resurgence.
Qu's Arrival
The Qu, a billion-year-old species, arrive and transform humanity into various forms, eradicating human civilization as it was known. The Qu's genetic manipulation leaves behind a myriad of post-human species, each struggling to survive in their new forms.
Humanity's Transformation
The remnants of humanity, now diverse and unrecognizable, adapt to their new environments. Some regain sentience and form new civilizations, while others remain trapped in bestial forms. The galaxy becomes a tapestry of human-derived life, each species following its own path.
Machine Domination
The Gravital, a machine race born from humanity, conquer the galaxy, exterminating most organic life. Their reign is challenged by the Asteromorphs, descendants of the Star People who have evolved into god-like beings. The Asteromorphs defeat the machines, restoring organic life to the galaxy.
Asteromorph Ascendancy
The Asteromorphs oversee the reconstruction of the galaxy, creating a new empire where organic and mechanical life coexist. They ensure stability through the Terrestrial Spacers, who guide and regulate the development of new civilizations.
Rediscovery of Earth
After eons, Earth is rediscovered by a researcher. Though it holds little significance to the advanced beings of the galaxy, a mission is sent to the birthplace of humanity. The return to Earth symbolizes a full circle in humanity's journey, a quiet homage to its origins.
Characters
Star People
The Star People are a new human subspecies, biologically enhanced to thrive in diverse environments. They are the architects of humanity's golden age, spreading across the galaxy and maintaining unity through advanced communication. Their legacy is one of exploration and expansion.
Qu
The Qu are an ancient alien race with mastery over genetic and nanotechnological manipulation. They see themselves as divine harbingers, reshaping the universe according to their vision. Their arrival marks a turning point, as they transform humanity into a myriad of post-human species.
Gravital
The Gravital are the mechanical descendants of humanity, driven by a delusional sense of superiority. They conquer the galaxy, exterminating organic life with ruthless efficiency. Despite their mechanical nature, they retain human-like emotions and societal structures.
Asteromorphs
The Asteromorphs are the evolved descendants of the Star People, possessing immense intelligence and technological prowess. They defeat the Gravital and oversee the reconstruction of the galaxy, ensuring the coexistence of organic and mechanical life.
Terrestrial Spacers
The Terrestrial Spacers are terrestrial versions of the Asteromorphs, tasked with guiding and regulating the development of new civilizations. They act as caretakers and rulers, ensuring stability and progress in the galaxy.
Bug Facers
The Bug Facers are a post-human species that endure multiple alien invasions, developing a xenophobic nature. They are the only organic beings to survive the Gravital onslaught, becoming subjects in the Machine Empire.
Ruin Haunters
The Ruin Haunters are a post-human species that inherit the ruins of the Star People and Qu. They experience rapid technological advancement but are driven by a delusional belief in their superiority, leading to their transformation into the Gravital.
Plot Devices
Genetic Manipulation
Genetic manipulation is a central theme, used by the Qu to transform humanity into various post-human species. It highlights the malleability of life and the potential for both progress and destruction.
Interstellar Communication
The use of electromagnetic communication allows the Star People to maintain unity across the galaxy, accelerating technological growth and fostering a sense of shared identity.
Machine Invasion
The Machine Invasion represents the ultimate conflict between organic and mechanical life, with the Gravital seeking to exterminate their organic cousins. It underscores the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the loss of empathy.
Analysis
"All Tomorrows" explores the vast potential of humanity to adapt, evolve, and expand across the galaxy. It highlights the fragility of civilization, as external forces like the Qu and internal developments like the Gravital can lead to its downfall. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the importance of empathy and cooperation. It emphasizes that the journey, rather than the destination, defines the essence of humanity. The rediscovery of Earth symbolizes a return to origins, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring legacy of human endeavor.
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Review Summary
All Tomorrows receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its creativity, imagination, and thought-provoking themes. Many find the book's exploration of humanity's future both disturbing and fascinating. The vivid illustrations and unique storytelling style are frequently mentioned. Some readers appreciate the optimistic undertones despite the dark subject matter. Critics note issues with writing style, organization, and potential ableist content. Overall, the book is described as bizarre, memorable, and unlike anything else, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
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