Resurrection Earth by Edward M. Burrows

A haunting near-future thriller that hits powerfully close to home, Resurrection Earth by Edward M. Burrows is a near-future cocktail of contemporary anxiety and sci-fi salvation.

In this dystopian prophecy, America and China are tenuous allies and global overlords, while non-human intelligence has been entrusted with rejuvenating the ecosystem and saving the planet. Achieving that existential goal means reshuffling the hierarchy of power to create a new world, even at the expense of the old one. The Supreme Council is tasked with managing global intelligence, but when they lose control of the machine designed to protect the human race, the only way to resist annihilation may be a rebellion from within.

Tapping into today’s rampant fears surrounding AI, population control, climate collapse, and the rising threat of authoritarianism around the world, this speculative novel is an astute and cautionary mirror to the future our society may be approaching. The story also explores nuanced subjects of toxic patriotism, government corruption, the radical ethics of rebellion, and humanity’s responsibility as stewards of the planet: “But it isn’t just politics, is it? It’s much bigger than that…it’s about our lives and the future of our world.”

While the premise is gripping and relatable, the execution of the story stumbles in places, from an excess of expository dialogue and rushed action sequences to overly procedural narration in place of character interaction. However, the entangled and prescient plot of espionage, family loyalty, and species survival makes for a nerve-rattling and compelling ride.