Synthesized humans from another galaxy set out for Earth. Battle marauding 'nymphs'.

[NKSharpIII]

Twenty or thirty years ago I read a book which I think was the first in a series. I cannot recall the title or author. Here is a brief synopsis of the story as I remember it.

Aliens in a distant galaxy intercept radio messages originating from Earth thousands of years earlier containing information on the human genome which they use to synthesize and domesticate a race of humans. Even though these humans are well treated and perhaps even loved by their creators, some are discontent and wish to be free of subjugation as pets of this alien species. They either escape or are allowed to leave by their masters and set out across the universe in hopes of finding the descendents of earthborn humans or to at least find another world where they can establish their own culture.

I seem to recall that after their departure, some calamity (perhaps a supernova) destroys the world on which they were born, effectively burning their bridges behind them.

During their journey, they encounter a species of large, insect-like 'nymphs' who are technologically advanced and able to live in the vacuum of space. These nymphs murder, pillage, pollute and destroy whomever or whatever they encounter and have become a major evil force in the universe.

I also seem to recall that when the humans finally find Earth it is controlled by the nymphs and so polluted that only they and other insect-like life can survive on the planet or in its atmosphere.

Ring any bells?

 

[chrispenycate]

Re: Synthesized humans from another galaxy set out for Earth. Battle marauding 'nymp

My battered memory threw up "Second Genesis", which I Googled up to get Donald Moffit, but it looks as if that might be the second of the trilogy. Um, space going trees (Earth trees) generated from the same DNA data that culminated in humans, right? Black hole in the centre of our galaxy sweeping out rays of something that produce extinction events (ninety percent of species eliminated) every few tens of millions of years, hence trilobites and dinosaurs (and humans) Race who regenerated humans the Nar? (I cheated, that's from The Genesis Quest (Genesis, book 1) by Donald Moffitt )

Twenty or thirty years ago I read a book which I think was the first in a series. I cannot recall the title or author. Here is a brief synopsis of the story as I remember it.

Aliens in a distant galaxy intercept radio messages originating from Earth thousands of years earlier containing information on the human genome which they use to synthesize and domesticate a race of humans. Even though these humans are well treated and perhaps even loved by their creators, some are discontent and wish to be free of subjugation as pets of this alien species. They either escape or are allowed to leave by their masters and set out across the universe in hopes of finding the descendents of earthborn humans or to at least find another world where they can establish their own culture.

I seem to recall that after their departure, some calamity (perhaps a supernova) destroys the world on which they were born, effectively burning their bridges behind them.

During their journey, they encounter a species of large, insect-like 'nymphs' who are technologically advanced and able to live in the vacuum of space. These nymphs murder, pillage, pollute and destroy whomever or whatever they encounter and have become a major evil force in the universe.

I also seem to recall that when the humans finally find Earth it is controlled by the nymphs and so polluted that only they and other insect-like life can survive on the planet or in its atmosphere.

Ring any bells?

 

[NKSharpIII]

Re: Synthesized humans from another galaxy set out for Earth. Battle marauding 'nymp

That's it!!!

Apparently there were just the two books Genesis Quest and Second Genesis. I just downloaded both for rereading.

You also solved another forgotten story line for me. I have long remembered reading a book about a giant spacefaring tree that carried people through the universe but couldn't recall the title. It turns out that was also part of Second Genesis.

Thanks!

 

[chrispenycate]

Re: Synthesized humans from another galaxy set out for Earth. Battle marauding 'nymp

That's fine. But we are useful for other things than tracking down obscure books, you know. (Well, a little bit useful, at least)

Drop in and introduce yourself or (my present crusade) go to:-
http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/528012-july-writing-challenge-read-first-post.html and get ready to vote (or contribute something of your own, evidently, but for the time being just being involved is great) No, I don't mean vote for me; vote for whomsoever you think best. Or try:- http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/528061-july-2010-photo-challenge.html that's only a question of looking at pictures.

But you can just wait until you think of another book you want found; no pressure. (Carnivorous grin, much like the big grin but pointy teeth, indicating I'm not to be taken too seriously)