Another Life - by Sarena Ulibarri (Paperback)

About the Book

When a scientific means to reveal past lives is discovered, the inhabitants of a quasi-utopian city in Death Valley grapple with secrets that could destroy their peaceful community.

Book Synopsis

Finding out who you were in a previous life sounds like fun until you're forced to grapple with the darkness of the past. Galacia Aguirre is Mediator of Otra Vida, a quasi-utopian city on the shores of a human-made lake in Death Valley. She resolves conflicts within their sustainable money-free society, and keeps the outside world from meddling in their affairs. When a scientific method of uncovering past lives emerges, Galacia learns she's the reincarnation of Thomas Ramsey, leader of the Planet B movement, who eschewed fixing climate change in favor of colonizing another planet. Learning her reincarnation result shakes the foundations of Galacia's identity and her position as Mediator, threatening to undermine the good she's done in this lifetime. Fearing a backlash, she keeps the results secret while dealing with her political rival for Mediator, and outsiders who blame Otra Vida for bombings that Galacia is sure they had nothing to do with. But under the unforgiving sun of Death Valley, secrets have a way of coming to light.

Review Quotes

"The sparse but evocative worldbuilding of Ulibarri's brilliant solarpunk debut underpins a guarded optimism about the human condition. ... With an incisive exploration of postcapitalist, back to basics living and characters readers will root for, this perfectly balances big ideas and big emotions." - Publishers Weekly starred review

"It's a fast and entertaining novella-length read with a touch of mystery and a big ethical conundrum. It explores what a sustainable future might look like, the consequences of scientific breakthroughs, the weight of leadership, and the fleeting nature of progress. It's also a good introduction to solarpunk if you're not familiar with the subgenre and are curious." - Rebecca Roanhoarse, author of Black Sun and Tread of Angels

"Sarena Ulibarri's sun-drenched story of reincarnation, resilience, and renewal truly shines, granting us a convincing solarpunk future full of hope that another life could one day be ours." - Lauren C. Teffeau, author of Implanted

About the Author