The Forge of God
and
Anvil of Stars

by

Greg Bear

In 1996 (written 1987), geologists exploring the desert near Death Valley come upon an anomaly, a cinder cone that can not exist. The cinder cone, similar to a volcanic cone, rises from the desert where previous mapping had found none. There is no evidence that there was any volcanic activity to account for its appearance.

The next day, the geologists discover something even more amazing, an alien creature, lying outside the cone. The creature is in obvious distress. The scientists realize they are out of their depth and contact the Air Force.

At almost the same time, in Australia, another anomaly is discovered, an almost perfect replica of the large granite landmark, Ayers Rock. Again, only months before, the new structure was not there.

From the alien found near the cinder cone, the American authorities receive a dire prediction. Alien "planet eaters" have launched an attack against Earth. The alien had hidden in the enemies' space craft and come to Earth to warn us of the attack. From the Ayers Rock anomaly, a different story is heard. The aliens have come, not to harm Earth, but to lead us into the galactic community.

Which one of these is telling the truth? And, if we are under attack, what can we do about it?

Greg Bear writes with a style that leads you through the conflicts that arise as the truth unfolds. These books are oriented more to the Science side of the genre than the fantasy side. While the science he proposes is beyond where we are, there is a foundation in reality, the science is an extrapolation rather than a creation. He develops a plausible story, one that is believable and engaging. The characters range from the hapless geologists who first discover the American site to the military involved and to the politicians, the president and his cabinet.

The first book, The Forge of God deals with the story as it unfolds on Earth. The second book, Anvil of Stars continues the tale as it progresses past that point, out to the stars.

If you are interested in finding more information on Greg Bear, take a look at his web site.