First published 1977
Jason Whitney discovers that mysterious alien visitors have delivered an ultimatum to Earth's leaders. Humanity must abandon its technological civilization within a generation or face destruction. The aliens offer an alternative: humans can embrace a simpler, pastoral existence guided by spiritual rather than material progress. Whitney finds himself caught between those who want to fight the alien decree and others who see it as salvation from humanity's self-destructive path. As society begins to fracture, some communities retreat to agrarian communes while others plot resistance. Whitney must choose whether to accept this forced transformation or join the struggle to preserve human independence. The decision will determine not just his own fate, but whether humanity retains the right to chart its own course among the stars.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, speculative-fiction
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, forced-proximity
160 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Magnum Books