| Title | : | The Trial of Extinction (Bridgers #5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 234 |
| Publication | : | Published July 28, 2019 |
Infinity and Desmond are bridgers, sworn to protect travelers to alternate versions of Earth. But now their own Earth has been destroyed, and they have a new task—protecting a small community of fellow refugees who managed to escape to a world teeming with giant arthropods. Stranded there, they’ve gradually managed to etch out a fulfilling existence. But it seems nothing good can ever last.
Infinity and Desmond’s hopes of living out their lives in peace are shattered when their old friend Armando inexplicably bridges to their world. Armando’s arrival triggers a devastating series of events and forces the bridgers and their fellow refugees to leave their new home. After narrowly escaping, they find themselves entangled in a cruel game, a trial to decide humankind’s worth. The rules of the game are unclear, but the stakes are high—the annihilation of billions of people.
Caught up in an impossible dilemma, on a world populated by extraordinary sentient creatures, Infinity and Desmond discover the limits of what they are willing to do for their species—and for each other.
Don't miss this fifth book in the thrilling science fiction Bridgers series!
The Trial of Extinction (Bridgers #5) Reviews
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Captivating and terrific books that are scintillating! Stan C. Smith has once again totally snagged me! An explosive and visceral premise with the most terrifying and original scenarios. The shocking and exhilarating new installment had me turning the pages late into the night. Mr. Smith has cleverly surrounded his protagonist withbelievable characters, providing a powerful continuity to each paragraph, extraordinary detail, and a tension that grows until the climactic end. A tour-de-force...one of the scariest and bleakest tales I can remember. I already want to read book #6!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary. -
At the end of the last book, the human colony that had bridged to the arthropod world seemed to have settled in, made peace and accommodations with the planet’s original intelligent species – the hive minds – and were on their way to creating a new human civilisation – all-be-it at a very low technological level. The colonists were so settled, that when Armando offered them the opportunity to bridge out to a human-run and technologically advanced Earth II similar to their original Earth, most of the colonist decide to stay. Infinity, Desmond and Gideon agree to go with Armando when he returns, to help him locate and, if necessary, rescue any of the other groups of colonists bridged out from the collapsing Earth.
But, in the hours that Armando has left them to make up their minds – all hell breaks loose. The seismic activity on the old Earth was nothing compared to what Infinity and the colonists were experiencing now. Waves and waves of earth sweeping across the landscape, earthquakes of increasing intensity throwing bedrock into the air and smashing the framework mounds – including the colonists’ new home. This Earth too, was in its death throes. The only solution is to all head to the bridging site, and hope that Armando arrives to save them, before it is too late.
They think at first that Armando’s bridging to the arthropod Earth has brought about its destruction, but then notice a large artificial green cone next to the bridging site. Three aliens (nicknamed Kitty, Tigger and Teddy), who miraculously appear in the bridging facility of Earth II, confirm that the destruction was intentional. The humans (from both Earths) are to be put on trial for not following the ‘rules’ and ‘protocols’ for using bridging technology. Ignorance is no defence. Any and all worlds bridged to (or from!) by groups flouting the rules will be destroyed. In case anyone is in doubt, there are already large green cones appearing on Earth II. To prove that they are worthy to live, the humans must show that they understand the rules (which are not fully explained) and that, by their actions, will live up to the spirit of those same rules. To do this, Infinity, Desmond, Gideon and a squad of Earth II marines are transported to a new world with multiple sentient species, where Kitty will observe their actions and interactions with the inhabitants: “You will show us that we should give you consequences. Or you will show us that we should not give you consequences”.
The group (and with them humanity) is on trial, but they have no idea what they are expected to do to avoid the ‘consequences’ of oblivion. Should they make friends with the inhabitants of the new planet? If so, which ones? Can they (should they) defend themselves? Does the survival of humanity trump the survival of any (every?) other species? WHAT DOES KITTY WANT?
I remember long ago reading a SciFi book (can’t remember the name), where there were aliens watching human evolution. If we had developed interstellar travel BEFORE maturing sufficiently to control our nuclear weapons and aggressive tendencies, then Earth would be annihilated – to protect the rest of the universe. This book seems to be running along similar lines.
For several centuries now, our technological advance has outstripped our environmental and sociological planning. Our planet is polluted, over-crowded, frequently violent, very possibly dying. Should we be allowed to import this destructive culture to other planets? Or to other Earths in the multiverse? The problem in this book, though, is not pollution nor climate change, but the spreading of bridging technology. How will Infinity and Desmond deal with this dilemma?
As always, there is so much to think about with this book. But, aside from the philosophy, this is also an enthrallingly fast-paced adventure story, with death and destruction, friendship and sacrifice. Infinity and Desmond are such brilliant characters – ones that you never want to see fail. The different sentient species in the book all have their own cultures, fears, desires and needs. What would you do and who would you save if in Infinity’s shoes?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review -
The series continues to deliver. Review here -
https://www.alwroteabook.com/2020/01/... -
I received this book as part of the Bridgers 4-6 boxed set. I'm reviewing the boxed set books individually instead of reviewing the two box sets so I can get proper credit toward my Goodreads book challenge and also maybe help more readers discover this amazing series. This has been one of my favorite book series ever and book 5 "The Trial of Extinction" did not disappoint! This book made me more nervous than the other books in the series so far. Its funny how that happens with some books and I don't usually know why. Infinity has encountered cruel beings in other books but those beings didn't seem quite as intelligent as the lemurs in this book. Perhaps its because the city lemurs reminded me of humans with their sport hunting of other intelligent species. Or, maybe its because the city lemurs had great wealth and technology but still tolerated great poverty just like humans in our world. I guess its the sign of a good suspense writer when they can ramp up your emotions like that. I'm glad the nervousness is over now but can't say I'm glad to be done with the book because I truly don't want this series to end. Also, I really enjoy the author's notes at the end of these books. The notes give you a glimpse into the creative process and what's coming in the future. I hope everyone enjoys this series as much as I have!
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Great story with very good character's. Desmond and Infinity are about to return to the new earth.
But things don't go as planned. There are new aliens to meet and a very exciting adventure awaiting them. Definitely would recommend this story -
As much as I enjoyed the first 4 stories, this 5th story I was just plain disappointed. I'm not sure why but the writing became mechanical and the main characters dialog just a bit to cheesy. I'm still enjoying the premise of the series, but this 5th plot was just a dud.
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Penultimate Alt World Adventure Brings 'em Back Alive
This is really an excellent series for fans of older, classic style science fiction. Recurring characters struggle through survival stints on planets both destructive and relatively benign, searching for safe harbors for the human remnants of planet 🌎. Well written and imaginatively conceived aliens and planet scapes. Escapism in the best sense of the word. -
Back in the swing
After being disappointed with the previous two books in the series, I am glad I pressed on. Smith has got back in stride with this one. It's fast paced, full of action and twists. We've also got personal and moral dilemmas to conflict us as a reader. I raced through this instalment eager to see how the events unfolded, and whether or not they could be brought to a satisfying conclusion. I am now looking forward to the next book -
The style of writing was weird and different. The chapters were much longer than the previous books.
The story was a bit far fetched as far as how complicated the technology is versus the “people” protecting it or species on other planets. Tension and love interest was still there, but it left a lot wanting -
This was a good series. The author has a great imagination for developing characters.
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What more to say but as with rest of the series absolutely brilliant and totally recommended.
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See my review for the first book in the Bridges series--"The Lure of Infinity."
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Continues with consequences
The story continues but as in real life there are consequences for all we do.will our heroes do the right thing? -
Another page gripper I couldn't put the book down. On to the last book. Sigh not ready for it to be the last.
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I loved this book. Very interesting ideas, and I loved the ending. I can't wait to read the next book to see how it all turns out.
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Stan Smith has gone it again! The Bridgers series has been one of my favorites, it’s so unique and full of adventure. The concept of multiple universal timelines and their potential for diverse life forms is the basis for the Bridgers adventures. Many are mutations or the advanced evolution of creatures found today. You never know what creatures and cultures the Bridgers will face when bridging to a new timeline. The characters are so rich and well developed, you easily get sucked into their world and enjoy following them on their adventures. The bonds and relationships between the Bridgers and other team members is what makes the stories so endearing but without being shallow and sappy, just true human emotions based on their seemingly never ending attempts at survival. This book in particular had some great surprises and unexpected twists. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book but will be disappointed to have the series end.
