A History of What Comes Next

A History of What Comes Next combines alternate history and science fiction in a narrative spanning 1945-1961. The story follows the Kibsu, a secretive lineage of women who have guided human progress for thousands of years with the ultimate goal of advancing space exploration. The novel centers on Sarah and her daughter Mia, the 98th and 99th generations of their line, as they work to influence key figures in the space race. Their mission involves interactions with historical figures like Wernher von Braun and Sergei Korolev during Operation Paperclip and Operation Osoaviakhim. Each chapter takes its title from a period-appropriate song, reflecting the book's deep integration with its post-WWII and Cold War setting. The story moves between Germany, the United States, and the Soviet Union as mother and daughter pursue their centuries-old mission. The novel examines themes of generational duty, the ethical complexities of scientific progress, and humanity's relationship with space exploration. Through its alternate history lens, it raises questions about the true drivers behind humanity's greatest technological achievements.

Readers note this sci-fi alternate history moves at a fast pace and follows the space race through an intriguing mother-daughter perspective. Many appreciate the blend of real historical events with speculative fiction elements. Liked: - Short chapters create momentum - Integration of actual historical figures and events - Fresh take on familiar Cold War/space race narrative - Strong female protagonists - Audio version's multiple narrators Disliked: - Character development feels limited - Plot threads left unresolved - Some confusion about the core premise - Narrative style can feel choppy - Many wanted more backstory explained "The format keeps you turning pages but doesn't let you connect deeply with characters," noted one Amazon reviewer. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) Most readers recommend it for fans of quick-paced historical sci-fi who don't mind some unanswered questions.

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🚀 The book's chapter titles, taken from 1940s-50s songs like "Fly Me to the Moon," create a unique historical soundtrack that mirrors the space race era. ⭐ Sylvain Neuvel wrote his Ph.D. thesis on linguistics, and this expertise shows in how the Kibsu women use language across different historical periods. 🔬 The novel incorporates real historical figures like Wernher von Braun and Sergei Korolev, key scientists who shaped both Nazi Germany's V-2 program and later space exploration. 👥 The Kibsu women always come in pairs - a mother and daughter - and their mysterious genetic lineage spans over 3,000 years of human history. 🎓 This book is part of Neuvel's "Take Them to the Stars" series, which follows the Kibsu through different historical periods, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern times.