HUGO AWARD FINALIST • “WOW! What a splendid (scary) notion: a human upgrade! What a superb plot! Darwin’s Radio is bloody damned good.”—Anne McCaffrey“Virus hunter” Christopher Dicken is a man on a mission, following a trail of rumors, government cover-ups, and dead bodies around the globe in search of a mysterious disease that strikes only pregnant women and invariably results in … invariably results in miscarriage. But when Dicken finds what he’s looking for, the answer proves to be stranger—and far deadlier—than he ever could have imagined. Something that has slept in human DNA for millions of years is waking up.
Molecular biologist Kaye Lang has spent her career tracing ancient retroviruses in the human genome. She believes these microscopic fossils can come to life again. But when Dicken’s discovery becomes public, Lang’s theory suddenly turns to chilling fact. As the outbreak of this terrifying disease threatens to become a deadly epidemic, Dicken and Lang must race against time to assemble the pieces of a puzzle only they are equipped to solve—an evolutionary puzzle that will determine the future of the human race . . . if a future exists at all.
Praise for Darwin’s Radio
“Bear is one of our very best, and most innovative, speculative writers.”—New York Daily News
“Superb . . . Bear’s novel is frighteningly believable with a lot of clearly explained hard science, but the personal struggles of the well-realized characters keep everything on a human level.”—Focus
“Bear is a writer of passionate vision.”—Locus
“Darwin’s Radio scores a high rating on the thrill monitor.”—Birmingham Post (England)
“Absorbing and ingenious.”—Kirkus Reviews
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Definitely “hard” science fiction, but all based on Earth. It challenges the assumptions of “science” with regard to evolution in an interesting way. It reminds us of how little real evidence we have to substantiate many of the “consensus” that has developed over the years.
Way too much biological science for me.
It’s a bit wordy but good.
I loved it:Radio was heavy on science, and this is heavy with wonder and possibilities.
Good reading.
This is a book with lots of scientific information, but for me this added to the intrigue. Amazing how it parallels with our current times and advancements. I will be re reading this again soon, for there is much to absorb.
Excellent and original take on the story. Thought provoking and too close to possible for me.
I have read this book several times since it was first released. It is a classic which exhibits Greg Bears great writing style. Always leaves you wanting more
A good application of trends in post-Darwinian theory.
Very interesting, Sci-Fi type read
None of the standard buttons says exactly what I like about Mr. Bear’s work. His book has a “solid” feel, realistic but (of course) much more interesting than reality.
I really enjoyed this hook. I found the science terms fascinating and informative. They helped me to understand what was happening, how and why.
Took forever to get to what was an obvious ending.
Opens ones eyes to the possibility of genetics
good book. I have been reading Mr.Bears books since .01 He must be 100. producing the same great books.
Great combination of story and science. Educational and enjoyable.
Great possible future .
Very interesting ideas for a rewarding story.
Great inventive story well told except the graduate level bio science. Too much detail on the science for most readers.
great book