We're Not From Here

We're Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey  256 pages

Really good story about life on Earth ceasing as we know it sending a select number of colonizers first to Mars, then when life can no longer be sustained there to the planet Choom which took 20 years to reach.   Unfortunately in the 20 years it took for the colonizers to reach Choom a new political administration is in power and they do NOT want the humans coming to their planet.   With no place to go the humans are forced to try to prove to the inhabitants of Choom they are worthy of being allowed to live there.  Up against violent attacks from the mosquito like inhabitants, the small werewolf-like creatures and the large marshmallow like creatures already inhabiting the planet it is a hard sell to prove to them that the Earthlings aren't there to bring war and try to take over and destroy their planet as destruction is in the Humans history.   Nearly out of food and fuel the Earthlings really are stranded and their lives depend on demonstrating they mean no harm to other beings fearful of what humans are capable of.   They don't let the humans forget their generosity is temporary and at the first sign of violence the Jheri will vaporize every human from their home planet.   What will become of these strangers in a strange land (a slight steal from Robert A. Heinlein)?     Very well told story and while it is geared to Juveniles I think adults who enjoy a good science fiction tale will be satiated by this one, too.   I recommend it to young and old alike.   It really makes you think what would we do in that situation?   It is told so realistically one really could see themselves in such a spot.   Bravo, Geoff Rodkey.