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quimolhado 's review for:
The Museum of Second Chances
by A. E. Warren
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A.E. Warren starts with an interesting premise of a world post-(generic)-pandemic, in which genetic engineering has all guardrails removed in order to safeguard the survival of the human race. This leads to the creation of the next-generation of humanity, the Medius, who have traits more advanced than homo sapiens. From there, an even further advanced generation, the Potiors, eclipse homo sapiens in physical capability and (supposedly) intelligence. These next-gen humans make it their goal to correct the errors and failings of homo sapiens by reviving extinct species, and managing the remaining homo sapiens.
With such an interesting premise, I expected a lot of philosophy on the consequences of the gulf that divides these new varieties of humans. As caretakers, how do the Medius and Potior really feel about homo sapiens? How do we treat those that came before us, who sincerely messed up? Is there forgiveness for our ancestors and a new opportunity for those that bear the "mark of Cain," as it were?
The book makes it clear that when the protagonist interacts with a neanderthal at the museum, they are to respect the 30,000 year rule - that is, not to share anything that would not have been commonplace to the neanderthal when they were alive. But then this "non-interference" rule is seemingly broken constantly, leading the reader (at least me) to feel this interaction to be closer to a free person interacting with another human being on the other side of a cage, rather than a significantly different relation of ours.
Perhaps that is the point, that despite the undeniable differences between homo sapiens, neanderthals, Medius, and Potiors, we are all just... beings? Except that isn't how the narrative is presented - the Potiors are just superior, genetically speaking. They plot and, apparently, make mistakes, but the premise is that there are meaningful differences. I would have liked the book to focus more on those differences and how they force each group to interact differently.
Instead, it becomes another Hunger Games-esque situation in which a young girl (with the help of her slightly old companions) has to outsmart the system. If that's what you're looking for, you'll find it here. If you're looking for significant world building and how those forces interact with each other on a level beyond a few individuals, looks elsewhere.
With such an interesting premise, I expected a lot of philosophy on the consequences of the gulf that divides these new varieties of humans. As caretakers, how do the Medius and Potior really feel about homo sapiens? How do we treat those that came before us, who sincerely messed up? Is there forgiveness for our ancestors and a new opportunity for those that bear the "mark of Cain," as it were?
The book makes it clear that when the protagonist interacts with a neanderthal at the museum, they are to respect the 30,000 year rule - that is, not to share anything that would not have been commonplace to the neanderthal when they were alive. But then this "non-interference" rule is seemingly broken constantly, leading the reader (at least me) to feel this interaction to be closer to a free person interacting with another human being on the other side of a cage, rather than a significantly different relation of ours.
Perhaps that is the point, that despite the undeniable differences between homo sapiens, neanderthals, Medius, and Potiors, we are all just... beings? Except that isn't how the narrative is presented - the Potiors are just superior, genetically speaking. They plot and, apparently, make mistakes, but the premise is that there are meaningful differences. I would have liked the book to focus more on those differences and how they force each group to interact differently.
Instead, it becomes another Hunger Games-esque situation in which a young girl (with the help of her slightly old companions) has to outsmart the system. If that's what you're looking for, you'll find it here. If you're looking for significant world building and how those forces interact with each other on a level beyond a few individuals, looks elsewhere.