Customer Reviews

Emergence

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Hi, people. I hope the webmaster's rules permit this.

First, thanks for your enduring loyalty. It's been 25 years since my last book.

Some of you will be pleased to learn that "Tracking," the sequel to "Emergence," is being serialized in three parts by Analog SF magazine, commencing with the July/August double issue, due out toward the end of this month. Inchoate talk are also underway with Wormhole Press to bring "Tracking" out as a hardcover and paperback sometime next year.

Secondly, I've also completed "Sp'cial Education" (dunno if that'll show up properly in HTML; it's "special," with a long-vowel diacritical bar over the "e," as in "species"), sequel to "Threshold."

Thirdly, I just finished "Schrödinger's Frisbee," an unrelated SF novel about a boy and his dog, his girlfriend -- and alien abduction.

And finally, a movie option has been sold for "Emergence"; a screenplay now exists. The efforts of anyone who wishes to join me in breath-holding and finger-crossing will be appreciated.

Wormhole Press is equally interested in them, and in rereleasing "Emergence" and "Threshold." Check back here occasionally on amazon.com; coerce your local booksellers. Tell two friends; ask them to tell two friends, etc. Repeat this to a depth of 20 conversations and you've alerted over a million friends.

Thanks again for your enthusiasm and patience -- and for the kind thoughts embodied in the occasional, somewhat premature eulogies I've read here and on other websites.

Very truly,

David R. Palmer

Meet Candidia Maria Smith-Foster, the most compelling female protagonist in modern science fiction since Friday Jones and Podkayne Fries (both Heinlein characters). Candy's unique outlook on life shines through in her journal which chronicles the aftermath of a bionuclear war, a war which has eliminated 99.4 percent of the people on Earth. The remaining .6 percent -- well, let's just say that they have very unique abilities. Candy is one of these, and as she sets off from her hometown in search of other survivors, the meaning of the book's title becomes clear -- Emergence, the emergence of a new species, a new society, and a new world.

Full of engaging characters, compelling scenes and a love-to-hate antagonist, this book rates in my top ten list, any day of the week.

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First published in *Analog*, EMERGENCE is one of the overlooked gems of science fiction. Palmer even had the patience to respond to my letter of comment (LoC) in the magazine, and when it went to paperback publication he modified an element in the plot involving the surgical repair of a femoral arterial laceration.

The story is told from the perpective of a brilliant and resourceful young girl in a ghodawful situation, and I intend to get my mitts on a copy to gift my 11-year-old granddaughter. There aren't too many decent stories SF stories with respectable female central characters in 'em, and EMERGENCE is one of the few.

Only a 9?! I couldn't agree more with the other reader/reviewers. The form of the narrative is not for everyone. I LOVED it (it is so refreshing, creative and unique), but I have read favorite passages to family members and friends, and though they rolled on the floor laughing (take that literally of my high school aged son), most said they couldn't read the entire book in its shorthand style ("it would drive them nuts"). Palmer very cleverly turns the narrative over to one of Candy's companion's in one chapter, or uses other devices to break into normal speech for occasional chapters, but then returns to Candy's special way of recording her story. He keeps the reader aware of the uniqueness of the book in hand. I have recommended this book to several students (I'm a high school librarian), especially girls. Some just can't get into its unique style (Palmer has done something TOTALLY different here), but those who do, LOVE the story, love Candy, and love Palmer's approach to conveying the story. I have one girl who has re-read the book every year because she loves it so much. This is one my all-time favorite reads and I can't recommend it highly enough. Maybe if we push the publisher we can get it printed again. It's one that should never be out of print. Try to get it from your library or through inter-library loan, or go ahead and ask Amazon to try to find you a copy. If you can enjoy the style, you won't regret it.

A book to drive grammarians crazy - and to thrill sci-fi fans. David R. Palmer's book contains almost no personal pronouns, complete sentences or ambiguous meanings. Quite a feat! Of course, he cheated a bit - by eliminating almost everyone to whom personal pronouns could apply before the book starts.

"End of the world" books tend to be depressing. However, this is the exception. "Candy" the 11-year old protagonist in the book is so full of life, and her story so full of both surprises and interesting details, that "Beginning of the World" might be a better characterization.

This book is a real favorite of mine and warrants a frequent re-reading. For those who grew up in the 60's and 70's David Palmer hides references to some cultural gems in the tale (e.g., "Gus" the name of an old auto mechanic referred to in the text is clearly the "Gus Wilson" of the long-running "Model Garage" (1920-1969)series in Popular Science Magazine). If you don't spot them, no harm done - but they are an added treat if you do.

After one additional book "Threshold" (a good book, but Emergence is better), David R. Palmer seems to have disappeared from the writing scene. Rumors of his fate have included both death (he had some dangerous hobbies that add authenticity to some the latter sections of the book) and a "real job" that has kept him away from writing. This leaves me a bit torn - I'd like him to write more - but at the same time, I'm more than grateful for "Emergence"!

I've got over 3000 (really) science fiction and fantasy books in my collection and have been reading these genre for over 30 years.

Emergence is a beautiful piece of work and like others here, I have read through more then one copy - in fact I came here looking for yet another, and felt I had to add my words of praise for this book.

Mr. Palmer, if you ever read these reviews, please write more! We are poorer without your contributions.

Buy it. Read it. You'll understand how we feel.

Most of the book is written as if in a journal - stream of consciousness style. Given that the protagonist of this book is a twelve year old girl, I originally thought the story would be unbelievable or annoying. It was neither. I read the book at one sitting when it first came out and have read it several times since. Each time, I am surprised at how good it is. I just wish Palmer had written a follow-up or two. As far as the story line, the other reviews have done a good job. The only thing I have to add is: This book is a must read!! Enjoy, Jay.

This is a totally great book! I add my voice to asking the author for a sequel. I am recommending this book to anyone who enjoys a well-thought-out post-apocalypse story with an amazing genius girl who doesn't always think ahead as much as we all would like. The heroine is very likeable and easy to follow.
Lots of good reading here.
I can recommend this book wholeheartedly for anyone who likes these sorts of stories. An excellent example of "how it should be done."

This is a great book. I have owned my copy for over a decade and won't get rid of it. I would love to get another copy as this book will remain in my personal library for as long as it lasts.

It's style is different, so bear that in mind when you read it. I think it belongs up there with Heinlein's best or Asimov or Clarke. This book is really good SF.

David R. Palmer mostly confines his writing to technical non-fiction, but his foray into science fiction shows the gleam of multi-faceted talent. Candy Smith-Foster, genius, 6th degree black belt, 11 year-old master of trades and journeyman in post-holocaust survival, gives us a shorthand journal account of her daily life and continuing search for fellow survivors. Palmer creates a main character whose exceptional characteristics highlight her humanity. We empathize with her pain and joy, admire her indomitable will, and clutch the book with sweaty palms as she sweeps us along into a fifty-page climax of unprecedented intensity. If you can find this book, take it home with you, and prepare to fall in love.