Review – Born in Space by Jeremy Clift

Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny by Jeremy Clift is a throwback to the great science fiction of the 1960s and 1970s. The story revolves around seven artificially created infants who were bred as part of an experiment. Their mother (who supplied the eggs) is the captive of a global mining company whose head is hungry for power and resource control. An unethical doctor has genetically tweaked the infants to make them more adaptable to space colonization, but at what cost? Things ramp up with the discovery of an ancient alien artifact that may hold secrets to the greater universe. 

The plot is complex and powerful, with strong female characters and dubious villains that clash on an epic scale. It takes place in a future where the Earth is becoming uninhabitable. Orbiting space stations offer respite from the darkness below, but only for the privileged. The story also takes place over the span of decades, with each chapter jumping months or years into the future. 

As with all good science fiction, the story feel prophetic. The corporations are only interested in money and anything tied to it, like the discovery of new technology or other advancements, is used only for the purpose of profit. 

I particularly enjoyed the characters and how they developed through the story arc. They are three-dimensional and have compelling reasons for their actions. It’s somewhat unusual for science fiction to give female characters depth and power, but Clift does a great job of making the entire cast feel real and relatable. 

The one thing that might take getting used to is the time jumps. Each chapter advances the story a few weeks, months, or even a year or so into the future. I ended up appreciating it, though, because it felt like it eliminated some of the ‘filler’ that authors sometimes use to beef up a novel. Instead, Clift keeps the narration tight and focused, which in turn keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.

For fans of classic science fiction, engaging characters, and original storytelling, “Born in Space” is a must-read. I think you’ll find it satisfying and thought-provoking. 

This review was originally posted at Reader Views. For more book reviews and recommendations, check out my Reading List page.

RB