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EVERFREE
by Nick Sagan
NAL, April 2007
256 pages
$13.95
ISBN: 0451220439


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

The Black Ep Plague wiped out the world’s population. Only a small number of the population was cryogenically preserved but these lucky individuals had plans for their future. Before the population was destroyed, scientists created a small group of post humans – people who were genetically altered to withstand the plague – to return and save the world. This story was begun in IDLEWILD and EDENBORN. Now in EVERFREE, Nick Sagan concludes the story.

The post humans are in the process of defrosting the humans in cryogenic sleep and freeing them from the plague. This process is not easy as the ‘reborn’ must deal with a radically different world – more than 40 years have passed since they were frozen and that those they loved might not exist, as well as the fact that while they were once the upper class of society, this new society is primarily class-free.

These threats cause a lot of psychological and emotional problems but most of the ‘reborn’ begin to adjust and accept their new lives. Unfortunately Hal, the post human’s chief of security, believes there is a person attempting to destroy the utopia they have created. Hal is the cynic of the group and does not trust those around him. When several people are killed and political battles begin affecting everyday life, it seems that Hal’s doubts are justifiable. Hal must catch the saboteur and allow society to continue on its path.

It is beneficial to have read IDLEWILD AND EDENBORN before EVERFREE, simply because this book refers to situations that occurred in the past. I have not read EDENBORN so there were a couple of things that were not quite clear regarding personal relationships and other life events. It is possible to read EVERFREE as a standalone, as it does have a conclusion that fits the plot of the book, but this book is more enjoyable when the characters’ histories are understood.

The one element of EVERFREE that I truly enjoyed was the fact that Hal – or Halloween – is the primary narrator. I appreciate his cynicism and his longing for solitude. Most of the other post humans are optimistic about the future and the society they are creating. Hal is the only character that does not see the bright future they have planned, as he is the only person that seems to understand truly the darkness that can exist within people.

This skepticism illustrates Sagan’s commentary on human societies, relationships and the instinct for survival. I will admit that I always have a soft spot for the negative, cynical character so Hal’s darkness and doubt regarding the future makes him an engaging protagonist. Hal’s realism is what makes IDLEWILD and EVERFREE so satisfying.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, May 2007

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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