Hybrids (Neanderthal Parallax #3) by Robert J. Sawyer, 2003

Hybrids (Neanderthal Parallax #3)

by Robert J. Sawyer, 2003

Hybrids is the third book in The Neanderthal Parallax series and  returns to science fiction theme of two cultures from Parallel universes.

In Hybrids, Ponter Boddit and his Homo sapiens lover, Mary Vaughan, are torn between two worlds, struggling to find a way to make their relationship work. Aided by banned Neanderthal technology, they plan to conceive the first hybrid child, a symbol of hope for the joining of their two versions of reality. Meanwhile, the books single antagonist, a racist bigot wants to take the unexploited and unpolluted Neanderthal world for Homo sapiens.

Not quite what I expected. The novel was fraught with plots that it wasn't very clear to me what was important and was minutia. If there was an overall message intended to be delivered, it was lost on me. At best, the combination of love story, social commentary, and ecothriller felt like multiple stories weaved with naive preaching to me.

If the sub-plots were to be thought of as episodes in a series, then I think it would more enjoyable as the plotlines can be compartmentalized yet run through.  The entirety of the book was marred with uneven pacing between action and exposition towards the end.

My rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)