The Breeds of Man

by F.M. Busby

The Mark Twos were a breed apart, similar to other humans in every way but one: a survival adaptation different from any seen before. When it was discovered how remarkable that adaptation was, the implications were staggering...Because in a world where fear and suspicion reigned, where disease limited population growth, and where survival of the human race depended on a cure for that disease, the Mark Twos were the answer: not a cure, but a new kind of humanity.

Here is the extraordinary story of Humanity Mark Two's struggle for survival in the fearful, suspicious world. With vivid, fast-moving prose, F.M. Busby unfolds the adventure of Humanity's confrontation with its own startling future.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

294 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1988

About the author

Francis Marion Busby

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._M._B...

Reviews

[M.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago, but was captivated by the ideas about sexuality within it.

[Ronke Olabisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If science fiction themes can be distinguished as "science fiction as character" (Star Trek), "science fiction as background" (Star Wars), "science fiction as trigger" (ET), "science fiction as story" (The Matrix), then The Breeds of Man definitely falls into the "science fiction as story" theme. It falls squarely between hard and soft sci-fi. The science isn't as plausible as say, "Deep Impact," but far more believable than say "Starship Troopers."

The story plunges you into a world where the AIDS virus still plagues us, but has started mutating rapidly. When an airborne variation surfaces, scientists kick it into overdrive to find a vaccine or a cure. The resulting solution triggers another problem that scientists must solve. And this ultimate solution results in the breeds of man.

It is difficult to fully review the book without giving away spoilers, but the pacing was good, if you are not in the virology or immunology fields, then the science was plausible enough not to be irritating or distracting and the tension and suspense kept you reading. It is a fun quick read, a bubble gum for the eyes, and just as enjoyable.

[Natalie Mendiola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was young. I know that it was before I was 15. I cannot remember the year but it was before my dad died. This was his book and he never censored what I read. This book made me think. It was the first book I ever read that made me think about gender identity and what it means to be a boy or a girl. If you pick up the book, remember that it was written when there was no medicine to help control AIDS.

[Joshua Hair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a pretty zany ride. The first half the book was easily a four star read, but at some point it became more of a thriller with way too many subplots rather than the soft science fiction I enjoyed at the beginning. It was a tough decision but in the end I still give it three and a half stars.

There is a lot going on in these short three hundred pages, folks. In fact, as I stated above, I think Mister Busby suffered from too many ideas and no one to tell him to keep the focus on just a few of them. He starts out strong: the AIDS epidemic has spiraled out of control, infecting half the population. A solution is found by Phoenix Foundation, but comes with its own side effects. The story ends up dealing with heavy themes of sexuality and gender identity in a very refreshing way. I loved the exploration and experimentation.

What I did not like was the thriller aspect that eventually became the entire story. I wanted a science fiction novel, and in those last hundred pages it didn’t feel like one at all, hence the lower rating. In the end, I recommend this to those who want something a bit different from their sci-fi, doesn’t mind a soft science kind of novel, and is interested in the exploration of sexuality and gender identity.

[Conan Tigard · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fast-paced tale of a near possible future, The Breeds of Man is not the book for you. But, if you are looking for a story with good character development and an interesting storyline, this may be right up your alley. This story just kind of rolls along and there is not a lot of action. But what you will find is a story that makes you think about what is in store for us in the near future.

I was interested in the characters and what was going to happen to them, but I wasn't enthralled. The Breeds of Man not a "can't put this thing down" book, but it is an interesting depiction of a possible future not too far away from today.

I rated this book a 7 out of 10.

[Kathy Sebesta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book off my to-be-read shelf. I doubt it's available anywhere, and it's definitely dated, but the premise - the cure for an AIDS pandemic creates an interesting form of sterility, and how the "new" homo sapiens lives and eventually interacts with the "old" - is interesting and well done. A quick read with some food for thought.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read any of Busby's other books, although I am familiar with his name. This book was published in 1988, but wears well. The premise of society's problem of women being unable to have more than one child with the same man was an interesting one, and the solution was even more so.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason this book took me about 4 months to read. I kept reading other books in the middle of it. Despite of that, I really enjoyed the book. I love science fiction, but much of it is bad. This book is good.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An odd mix of 50's and 80's style sci-fi, with a dated background, and the occasional "sex sells right?" moment. The basic premise is interesting, (I won't give it away here) but almost wasn't enough to save the book. Barely a three.

[Parmacendar · Rating 1 out of 5]

MAD SCIENCE creates a new subspecies of human who change sex every month starting at puberty! Yet nothing very interesting comes of this. They have to keep their existence a secret from the outside world, blah blah same old thing. Most of the plot is ludicrously implausible. Do not recommend.

[Raella · Rating 1 out of 5]

MAD SCIENCE creates a new subspecies of human who change sex every month starting at puberty! Yet nothing very interesting comes of this. They have to keep their existence a secret from the outside world, blah blah same old thing. Most of the plot is ludicrously implausible. Do not recommend.