JUMPNAUTS

Catherine Ho is an excellent storyteller for this first installment in the Folding Universe series. Set in 2080, this space thriller is steeped in Chinese philosophy. Archaeologist Yun Fan, military researcher Qi Fei, and astronomer Jiang Liu realize an alien race is returning to Earth. The trio join forces to meet the aliens in space before the organized governments of Earth can complicate matters. Ho creates complex personas for the three young people, especially Yun, who dismisses the men's competition for her attention and focuses them on the mission. Ho conveys the tension in their relationships with each other and their families. She is skilled at making philosophical debates seem a normal part of everyday conversation. Many listeners will enjoy her facility with language. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]