Gemini Rising - Louann Carroll

A fascinating take on one possible future, and past, for Earth and her inhabitants. This story explains the reason(s) for the repeated demise of cultures that seemed to be at the pinnacle, only to suddenly be snuffed out, for no known reason. Some were explained by the different Ice Ages, but couldn't explain what caused such radical atmospheric shifts as to create an Ice Age.

The story follows three main characters. A mother, Kate, and her 13 year old son Ryan, and finally Noah. Initially they meet Noah as a semi colleague of Kate's husband, Jason. Unbeknownst to one another, Kate & Noah experience overwhelmingly intense physical attraction to the other each time they so much as brush up against the other. A simple hand shake is mind-altering - and while Noah is confused he appreciates it. Kate feels intense guilt, seeing as she is a married woman. Kate's reaction gives the reader some insight into her character, as most adults don't experience overwhelming guilt over even strong sexual attraction to someone other than their spouse - unless they intend to act on it. And Kate has no such intentions. However her response demonstrates just how poorly her marriage to Jason is doing.

To avoid spoiling the book for others this will be a very vague review in many ways. Something happens that impacts the entire world, and it just so happens that Kate, Ryan, and Noah are in the thick of the action. Each responds differently to the experiences they undergo, and learn from those experiences and the responses of those closest to them. Even the character with the most knowledge of what is to come, what does come, and what is supposed to happen after 'the event' has much to learn. And surprisingly to them, they learn a great deal of it from those they came to assist.

Rules are broken, factions formed, plans altered without going through necessary channels, and much hardship is endured by all. Yet it almost seems that the breaking of the rules was part of a higher plan.

The ending of the book is disappointing if this is not the first in a series. Too many questions go unanswered and are just left dangling, which would be tolerable if a sequel is planned - but if there is no sequel then the book ends to abruptly, almost like the author had an assignment to write a story of a specific length and upon reaching that magical number they simply stopped writing and called it the end. ( )