Something Coming Through

Something Coming Through presents a near-future Earth transformed by climate change, nuclear terrorism, and the arrival of mysterious aliens called the Jackaroo. These aliens grant humanity access to fifteen habitable planets through wormhole technology, allowing controlled emigration to worlds filled with artifacts from vanished civilizations. The story alternates between Earth and Mangala, a desert colony planet with 15-day periods of constant light and darkness. The colonial settlements reflect the geographic origins of their inhabitants, as emigrants typically depart from launch points nearest to their homes on Earth. The narrative tracks two parallel storylines, one following Chloe Millar, a British woman who authenticates alien artifacts and carries the personal trauma of losing her mother during Earth's period of nuclear terrorism. McAuley's novel explores themes of colonization, cultural exchange, and the price of technological advancement through the lens of humanity's complex relationship with its extraterrestrial benefactors.

Readers describe this as a unique take on first contact and alien influence, blending police procedural elements with science fiction concepts. Readers appreciated: - The creative interpretation of alien technology and artifacts - Detailed worldbuilding of post-contact Earth - The mix of crime investigation and alien mysteries - Realistic portrayal of human reactions to alien presence Common criticisms: - Multiple storylines can be hard to follow - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - Character development felt limited for secondary characters - The ending left some plot threads unresolved Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (50+ reviews) Notable reader comments: "Fresh approach to alien contact that focuses on everyday implications rather than invasion scenarios" - Goodreads review "The police procedural aspects ground the sci-fi elements in reality" - Amazon review "Complex plot requires attention but rewards careful reading" - LibraryThing review

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🌟 The novel's setting on Mangala draws from real astronomical research - Mangala is the Sanskrit name for Mars, and like the red planet, features a distinct day-night cycle affecting colonist life. 🌟 Paul J. McAuley holds a PhD in Botany and worked as a research biologist before becoming a full-time writer, bringing scientific authenticity to his world-building. 🌟 The book's concept of "wormhole technology" connects to actual theoretical physics - wormholes were first mathematically predicted by Einstein's Theory of General Relativity in 1935. 🌟 The archaeological elements in the story reflect a growing real-world field called "space archaeology," which uses satellite technology to discover ancient sites on Earth. 🌟 The novel spawned a sequel titled "Into Everywhere" (2016), further expanding the universe and mysteries of the Jackaroo's gifts to humanity.