Rewind

by Terry England

In the early years of the third millennium, an alien ship lands in the New Mexico desert. Its occupants are a mysterious, yet peaceful, life form known as the Holn. After a six-year stay, during which thousands of curious humans flock from all over the world to visit the spacecraft- turned- museum, the Holn depart suddenly, leaving behind 17 teens who had, until that morning when they entered the alien craft, been adults. Now, with complete memories of their former adult lives, they struggle to come to terms with this unasked-for "gift".

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Aliens, Science Fiction Fantasy

341 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Deven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars. Listen, I don’t give out many five star ratings at all. Reading over forty books a year, and I maybe give one five star a year. A book has to blow me away, or change my view on things somehow to rate that high.

This novel started out well on track for that fifth star. It has a solid premise, and was very intense through most of the book’s length. We’re talking greatness here. But then, the end just sort of Hollywood endings things. Not a bad way to go, but it was like an Olympic level dive that just didn’t quite stick the landing. Still a wonderful and highly recommended book, and I can’t exactly say what could have been better, I just know as it was wrapping up, I said, “ah. Okay, nice,” instead of, “holy smokes!”

[Mark Gannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting novel. Well written and easy to read. The first book I have read about age regression and it has left a good impression. The main characters are intirguing, and the author handeled their reaction to being turned into children very well. A book I would share with friends, or read again.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one I picked up on a whim in a used bookstore because the concept sounded interesting, and because I'm a sucker for stories with aliens that are similar enough to communicate with humans, but different enough to baffle us. It wasn't bad -- it's the sort of book I could imagine picking up in an airport, reading on the plane, and being more or less entertained the whole time, but...

My criticism of this book isn't really the plot, or the writing style, or the characterization. Those were all relatively okay. It's that it could have used a bit more of everything. A bit more characterization, a bit more conflict, a bit more delving into the motives of the the people in the story. A bit more science, a bit more description, a bit more action. Everything was just engaging enough to pique my interest, to keep me reading, but in the end I had the feeling that I was peering through a dirty window at something really fascinating; I knew it was out there, but I couldn't quite make it out clearly from the vantage point I was provided with. I was given villains with potentially interesting motives...who sort of slid into the shadows to be interesting off-screen. I was given sets of relationships that clicked in an interesting way (Aaron, Marian, and Earl being the most obvious example)...and then the author stepped back from it and ran off in another direction. I was given a set of ethical questions that could have given the book a lot of philosophical weight...but then they were treated only in a superficial way.

In the hands of an author with just a little bit more imagination, this could have been a brilliant novel, but it stops short of that on every count. It's not that I dislike the book; it's that it leaves me vaguely dissatisfied with its failure to reach the potential it initially seems to have.

This is a good book for traveling, or for a book discussion group looking for ethical issues in sci-fi. It might even be a good book for people who like this kind of theme, but who find Octavia Butler's work difficult to get through. It's worth picking up used for a couple of bucks if you stumble across it, but it's not a book I'd recommend you run right out and buy.

[Keith B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out pretty good but after a while it got tedious. Great premise that could use a good editor. One part of the story line bothered me and may have coloured my judgement. If they identify the "children" as having the adult memories and personalities, why continue to treat them like children? Just because of their size? And why force them to have to guardian/custodians? Maybe this book will get further editing down the line.... one can hope.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite sci-fi books. I'd love to see it made into a movie! A bunch of adults are turned back into children, and the exploration of what rights these people should or should not have is really interesting.

[Will G · Rating 3 out of 5]

AN interesting concept in this scifi tale. A visit from aliens turns from a peaceful exchange of information when 17 people who enter their ship are released a few days later as children as the ship abruptly leaves. Are they truly the same people who entered the ship earlier? Are they disguised aliens planted as 'seeds'? How will humanity react to them? The story starts after the kids have been released and takes you through the result. The concept is better than the story though as the tale gets spread out too thin with too many names and too much disconnection to get to the end.

[Lihtox · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read this book. I love the concept and I liked the main characters (the "children"), but the reactions to the children were ridiculous. Regardless of their physical stature, the "children" used to be adults and clearly think like adults (as any psychologist would be able to attest), so the decision to strip them of their legal rights as adults is over-the-top: stupidity for the sake of plot. I also remember religious groups being treated as strawmen, kneejerk "we don't understand it so it's evil!" types.
One of those books I am tempted to try rewriting myself, or wanting somebody else to rewrite.

[John Tallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really down-to-earth sci-fi story which forces you to question who you are as a human, who your neighbour is and what it means to be an adult or child. If you can see past the evolution and anti-faith bias, it's greatly entertaining.

[Marcus Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars easily earned. The writing is a bit clunky is places, but the pacing and the interesting storyline makes up for it.

[James]

&quotWe do this for you.&quotThe alien Holn came in peace. . . and stayed for six years. Never leaving their ship, they remained a mystery--communicating only occasionally, and only with scientists. Then, as abruptly as they arrived, they departed--leaving behind a wealth of knowledge. . .and something more.Seventeen human adults had entered the Holn vessel. And now they have reemerged as nine-year-old children--their emotions, maturity and memories intact--returning to adult lives irreparably shattered by the aliens' incomprehensible &quotgift." Devils or angels, prophets or infiltrators, who are they really and what is their purpose?Soon the whole world will know. . .

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the age regression featured in the book - it's an unusual approach and quite thought provoking as I internalized the regressed 'children' as well as their family, friends, loved ones and society in general. There was a moderate amount of science but easy enough to follow. Well written, quite plausible (my criteria for sci-fi and fantasy!), a bit twisty and overall a good reading experience.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book that I did not find myself caring too much for, I did burn through it pretty quickly. For the most part, I was main put off by the short blips of chapters and insights into all of the various characters tracked throughout. I never got quite the in depth look at each I hoped for. The idea was interesting but fell short for me on the execution.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting sci-fi story, not to mention author is friend of my brother's.