In Defense of Earth - by Marlen Suyapa Bodden (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Axy, a cunning super-android from an exoplanet in a galaxy named the Sombrero by NASA, lied to humans by saying that it came to Earth to help them reverse climate change and provide limitless clean energy for the planet. But, there's something on Earth that Axy desperately needs, on an emergency basis, to continue the survival of the android population in Axy's planet.

If Axy accomplishes its true mission, its actions would end production of Earth's magnetic fields, which create a protective shield around Earth. Axy's creators, part-human and part-android beings, similarly ended production of Venus' and Mars' magnetic fields, stopping their development as planets with life. Without magnetic fields, the sun's radiation would strip Earth's atmosphere. With no atmosphere, solar winds would kill all life on Earth.

Axy persuaded the humans to allow it to come to Earth because humans were desperate, after worldwide hurricanes and flooding in 2046 wrecked coastal areas. In New York City, Hurricane Zeta-2046 caused massive drowning and destroyed infrastructure, including the total flooding and collapse of the entire underground subway system.

New York City completely changed after Hurricane Zeta in 2046. The federal government took control of the City. It instituted martial law, including a draconian one-child policy and constant police surveillance of every citizen, to control unrest. Police surveillance forced every citizen to carry chips called Citizen Identification Numbers at all times to track their whereabouts and use that data to predict future crimes. New York City also revamped its criminal justice system by using artificial intelligence judges, prosecutors, and jails.

Only a few world leaders and security and space agencies know about Axy's existence. Elaine, a geothermal expert at NASA who lost most of her family members during Hurricane Zeta-2046 in New York and Massachusetts, works in a team that is in charge of handling Axy.

Once Axy is on Earth and starts its mission, Elaine realizes that Axy is about to destroy Earth, so the NASA team informs Earth's secret and public anti-alien militaries. The humans fight back, but it may be too late because their nuclear missiles are no match for Axy's superior weaponry.

Review Quotes

Takeaway: Gripping novel of alien tech, human nature, and climate change.

This smart speculative novella from Bodden (author of The Wedding Gift) explores the intersection of advanced technology, environmental crises, and human resilience, set in a near-future Earth on the brink of ecological collapse. When Axy, an android from the Sombrero Galaxy, arrives on Earth in 2061 with a promise to save the planet by building geothermal facilities and removing harmful gases from the atmosphere, Earth's humans are pleased-their attempts to reverse climate change have failed miserably, and they could use Axy's help. However, Axy has a dark secret: its true mission is to extract a rare metal, irkat, from Earth's core, which would ultimately lead to the planet's destruction.​

Bodden enriches the narrative with scientific detail and speculative technology, grounding the plot in a balance of realism and imagination. The book delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, particularly through the character of Elaine, a geothermal expert who becomes deeply involved in Axy's mission. The contrast between Axy's aloof observations of Earth's inhabitants and the awe-and fear-humans feel when interacting with Axy skillfully depicts the tension between hope and skepticism as humanity grapples with the potential benefits and dangers of Axy's advanced technology.

In Defense of Earth addresses broader themes as well, such as the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, the impact of climate change, and the lengths humanity will go to survive. Bodden's writing is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, touching on innovative sci-fi concepts while vividly depicting the ever-looming threat of climate change. The result is a well-crafted and timely novel that challenges readers to think critically about the future of our planet-and the role technology may have in shaping it. Bodden's ability to blend complex technological concepts with human drama makes for intense reading. The result is a compelling fusion of cutting-edge science and profound reflections on human nature. - Booklife

A writer who has a genuine flair for reader-engaging storytelling.

- Midwest Book Review