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Homecoming

by Sue Ann Bowling (Goodreads Author)

4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 · rating details · 9 ratings · 8 reviews

During the last Interglacial, more than 125,000 years ago, humans hybridized with the R'il'nai and spread across the galaxy to colonize other planets. Although they formed The Confederation, they still depended on the R'il'nai for guidance and protectionnot only from the Maungs but from each other. But only one of the pureblood R'il'nai still livesLai, an embittered surviv...more

Hardcover, 324 pages

Published March 16th 2010 by iUniverse

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Jan 08, 2011 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-reviews, science-fiction

Article first published as Book Review:Homecoming by Sue Ann Bowling on Blogcritics.

As humans explored the worlds, often new and different races were discovered. During one of those explorations they discovered the Maungs, who have the ability to wipe out the entire human race. It is here that they also meet the R’il’nai, a race of beings with powers and abilities that help to save them from extinction. As the years move on humans have hybridized with the R’il’nai and have continued their spread...more Article first published as Book Review:Homecoming by Sue Ann Bowling on Blogcritics.

As humans explored the worlds, often new and different races were discovered. During one of those explorations they discovered the Maungs, who have the ability to wipe out the entire human race. It is here that they also meet the R’il’nai, a race of beings with powers and abilities that help to save them from extinction. As the years move on humans have hybridized with the R’il’nai and have continued their spread across the galaxy.

Here we meet the product of this hybridization, and one of the last full R’il’nai alive, one of the few not wiped out by a disease that was deadly to their kind. Slavery is still the way of the world and while the council does not necessarily condone it, many members themselves have slaves as well.

Snowy is a child born into slavery but he has learned the value of what is wanted. While some of his masters were cruel and callus, he has perfected a form of dance that makes him much more valuable. He has also collected a small group of friends and they dance together. This has made them popular and when they are sold, it is as a group because their beauty comes as a group in the form of the dance. But that is only a part of what is expected of them, they lead a hard and gritty life, abused and tormented by many of their masters. It is during one of the dances that they attract the attention of one of Derik, one of the R’il’noid, one of the hybrid of the two races that carry the characteristics and abilities of the R’il’nai side of the match. Derik is long lived and very lonely, he is entranced by Snowy and his group, and quite attracted to Snowy himself. When he purchases them, little does he realize that life as he knows it is about to change.

Snowy has been hiding something of his own for so long that it was no longer a thought. He could heal himself and others with his mind. He could block probes of his own, but he was beginning to show even more traits. His mother, before she was sold away warned him to keep his abilities secret, or he would be killed as a rogue. He had never seen her again, but he kept to her warning always. How would he get by in world where secrets were easily discernable? When he comes down with a severe form of Kharfun syndrome, he is immediately put in the spotlight. This anomaly only strikes those of R’ilnai or R’il’noid ancenstry, so now the immediate concern is, who is he?

Sue Ann Bowling has put together an amazing world, well written and believable. She has come up with a group of characters, each unique and either eminently likable, or on the other end of the spectrum, rather hateful. In Homecoming she highlights the frailties’ and strengths of a race that has no equal, and yet with all their intelligence and abilities they are near extinction. Set as protectors of humans, they themselves are almost annihilated by a disease that has very little impact on the human population.

Because of their abilities some of the hybrids have allowed slavery, and as in most other cultures it becomes a brutal and unending process of life for those that are owned. The master is all and the slave is considered a lower life form. While many are trying to change the process and outlaw slavery, there are those that resist. Many, like Snowy have found ways to make themselves worth more, in order to protect themselves and their friends.

Homecoming is a wonderful blend of both old and new, putting together humans and an alien race, melding them together in ways that form a new hybrid, with characteristics of both. And yet the slavery and some of the attitudes reflect a time of years past and seem to go against the basic reason for their connection, that of protecting the race, building an interesting conflict. The characters are both unique and quite interesting. The storyline within the school system is spot on and very reminiscent of what really happens in schools the world over. This is a quick paced and very interesting story, the characters are quite memorable.

If you like science fiction this is an amazing read. The story twists and turns, with action and adventure, and the characters step right off the page. I would think a book club or reading group would find this and interesting and attractive reading addition for their members.

This book was received as a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and based off my reading and understanding of the material. (less)

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Jan 06, 2011 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: scifi-fantasy, paranormal, suspense, relationships, coming-of-age

What if human and alien DNA were mixed long ago, and human-alien hybrids spread out to conquer the galaxy? What if those aliens had extra-sensory perception and super-human powers perfectly complementing human ingenuity? And what if their symbiotic relationships were thrown into chaos by a virus that almost wiped out the whole of the R’il’nai? This the background to Sue Ann Bowling’s Homecoming, a fascinating coming-of-age sci-fi novel where a human slave lives a dream-come-true and discovers hi...more What if human and alien DNA were mixed long ago, and human-alien hybrids spread out to conquer the galaxy? What if those aliens had extra-sensory perception and super-human powers perfectly complementing human ingenuity? And what if their symbiotic relationships were thrown into chaos by a virus that almost wiped out the whole of the R’il’nai? This the background to Sue Ann Bowling’s Homecoming, a fascinating coming-of-age sci-fi novel where a human slave lives a dream-come-true and discovers his long-lost birthright, just as his father despairs of ever healing his heritage.

Homecoming starts within the slave-holding human and alien communities of the Confederated Planets. The time coincides with George Washington’s birth—hence slaves I suppose—though that’s not relevant to the tale. The novel’s background is detailed and complex, but soon the slave Snowy has his name changed yet again, and heads to boarding school as a free son under the name of Roi. An exciting mix of Tom Brown’s schooldays and Hogwarts ensues, with student bullies, arrogant teachers, and a few select friends helping Roi survive in spite of his physical problems. The science of ESP, the rules of conservation applied to telekinesis, the energy required for the impossible—it all begins to make the sort of sense that delights and keeps the reader intrigued.

Meanwhile there’s a DNA testing program taking place that analyzes percentages of R’il’nain to human genes without noting which sequences are which, and a good father wonders how he can produce a bad son, while the child who doesn’t know him grows up so well.

This novel’s characters may have complex backgrounds, but by the end of the tale they’ve all become dear to the reader. The questions they face are as relevant here and now as to their distant lives—duty, love, freedom, honor, security, fatherhood—and the detailed world they inhabit is almost real.

What if human-alien hybrids return to earth one day? Will Sue Ann Bowling address that possibility too? If she does, I’d like to read the book. Though I took a while to get into this novel, that was probably my fault and my timing more than the author’s; I found it a really rewarding and intriguing read.

Disclosure: I received a print copy of Homecoming from Jason Gloye of Bohlson PR in exchange for an honest review.
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Feb 06, 2011 B.C. Young rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Homecoming follows the story of several characters of different origins. Some of these characters are slaves, some prominent leaders. The book follows the stories of these characters, the choices they make, and the fears they face. All of this takes place many thousands of years after our current time, when an alien race, the R’il’nians, the R’il’noids, and Humans coexist. Intelligent life has spread throughout the galaxy, spanning many planets. The fate of the Confederation, a coalition of many...more Homecoming follows the story of several characters of different origins. Some of these characters are slaves, some prominent leaders. The book follows the stories of these characters, the choices they make, and the fears they face. All of this takes place many thousands of years after our current time, when an alien race, the R’il’nians, the R’il’noids, and Humans coexist. Intelligent life has spread throughout the galaxy, spanning many planets. The fate of the Confederation, a coalition of many of the planets, is uncertain, as it needs a proper heir for leadership. The current heir is corrupt, unloving, and unkind, and Lai, the father of this heir comes to understand this and the need for a better solution. The R'il'nians and the R'il'noids also have a few special powers that I won't spoil here, but they add a good element to the story.

The Good: One thing about the universe of Homecoming that I really enjoyed was the universe. The author thought it out well and made it very real. The R’il’nians were an alien race who were overcome by a plague called Kharfun. This almost completely obliterated the race. Through crossbreeding with humans, they were able to sustain their race. However, the relationships formed with the two races also led to the acceptance by many of slavery. As I read the book and understood the well-realized universe envisioned by the author, I was impressed. This aspect of the book is what captured my interest the most.

The Bad: The author clearly defines the characters within the book. There is no doubt as to their personality traits, as described by the narrative. So what makes this bad? Despite the good descriptions of the characters, the dialogue between them lacked the same differentiating impact. When every character speaks, I couldn’t help but feel like they all spoke in the same manner. Yes, they are different characters, but the demeanor and personality shown in the dialogue made it feel like everyone was the same. If not for the narrative explaining the characters so well, I would have had a very hard time reading this book, because everyone would have seemed like the same person.

The Ugly: All fictional books need a good story. While Homecoming’s story has a lot of potential, it fails to deliver. The whole time I read the book, I kept trying to figure out its focus. What was the story the author was trying to tell? Throughout the book, the focus seems to shift. And just when I felt that I understood where it was going, the focus changes. I didn’t even understand who the main character in the story was until the very end. And even then, the ending leaves nothing conclusive to help you feel as if this was where everything was leading. It’s unfortunate, because with such a well-realized universe, the potential for a very interesting story is there. Instead, a bunch of things happen, and you walk away from the book not completely sure why they mattered.

Overall, I did like reading the book and understanding the universe. Was it a page-turner? No. Was I motivated to finish the book? Yes. But not for the reason I should have been motivated. My interest in the story didn’t move me to complete it, but rather my wanting to move on to a new story did.
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Oct 10, 2011 Beverly Diehl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The only reason I am not giving this book five stars is because the opening is a bit muddy. The MC is dreaming/experiencing the torture of a friend by another person whose sadistic glee is clearly visible on his face in the mirror. I didn't know whose head I was in, and even on a second, slower read of the book, still found this confusing.

Many people would give up at that point and not read on. *Don't.* While there *are* multiple POV's, once past the first chapter, chapter-and-a-half or so, afte...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook

This is one of the best books I've read all year. I'm a little surprised at that, because it's not perfect. A tad too much "telling," especially in descriptions of the world. Character voices that sometimes are too forced or long-winded. The odd moment of confusion at the beginning, when trying to figure out what the world is like and who the people are.

Yet when I reached the last page of "Homecoming," I closed my Kindle with that undeniable sense of satisfaction I only feel when a story has bro...more

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Oct 10, 2011 L. Gibbs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anybody interested in Science Fiction centered around society and character.

Recommended to L. by: no one

A bit disconnected in spots when there are events or details that don't seem to add to the overall story. Character details are well formed and the world is well designed. I am still reading it and assuming these threads will come together. I have not quite figured out who the central figure is or what it is the three main players are suppose to save. But I continue on. Unfortunately, it is hard for me to round up time to read.

But I did find the time and have finished the book. Those threads did...more

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Aug 07, 2010 Sue Bowling rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: my-own, science-fiction

More information at http://www.sueannbowling.com. It's available as a hardcover and an e-book, as well. To copy an external review:
"This book is an excellent read, from start to finish. I did find the first couple of pages a struggle, as characters are introduced rapidfire, but once one has got one's head around them the story is a pleasure. Sue Ann has created a very believable civilisation, and characters who are fantastically wrought. Any sane person reading this book will land on the side of...more

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Jan 06, 2011 Monisa Ahmed rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

very nice....!

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About Sue Ann Bowling

Born in Connecticut, raised in Kansas, BA in Physics at Harvard, MS and PhD on geophysics at University of Alaska Fairbanks. On faculty at UAF (Geophysical Institute) until retirement, now writing science fiction. My SF is very much about people (human or not) and their interactions in societies that comment subtly on our own.

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