Told from the perspective of several generations of teenagers, this science fiction novel involves an Earth ravaged by mankind, high-tech manipulative aliens, and advanced genetics. Early in the 21st century, global warming has caused sickness and death among plants, animals, and humans. Suddenly aliens contact and genetically modify a group of 14-years-olds, inviting them to visit their spacecraft. After several months of living among the aliens and studying genetics, the students discover that the aliens have been manipulating them and rebel. Upon their return to Earth, the girls in the group discover that they are pregnant and can only wonder what form their unborn children will take. Generations later, the offspring of these children seek to use their alien knowledge to change their genetic code, to allow them to live and prosper in an environment that is quickly becoming uninhabitable from the dual scourges of global warming and biowarfare. But after all the generations of change, will the genetically modified creatures resemble their ancestors, or will nothing human remain?

Novel set in the near future, where global warming and bio-warfare threaten humanity.

Nancy Kress writes a monthly fiction column for Writer's Digest. She is the author of 18 books, including the Sleepless trilogy, Beggars in Spain, Beggars and Choosers, and Beggars Ride, and the Probability series. She has won three Nebula Awards and one Hugo Award. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.