Divided Earth

McClenning’s unsubtle sequel to Innocent Earth shifts the focus off of alien interpreter Arthus Gint and onto his son, Joe. After Arthus is murdered on live international news, Joe is pulled into the religious war waged against the general public by a fanatic sect called the Puritans who worship the aliens who visited Earth 27 years earlier. Led by pastor Valesco of Thee Way Church of God, the Puritans instigate widespread violence against nonbelievers and churches that Valesco views as competition. Joe’s ability to remain levelheaded and plan for the future in the face of the violence catches the attention of the floundering American president, who recruits him as an adviser. But preventing the Puritans from fomenting civil war may prove impossible. Meanwhile, Worthia, a 16-year-old Puritan refugee, has fled her devout family’s farm. Worthia’s perspective is the highlight of the novel, offering insight into how the average Puritan lives. McClenning’s political and religious commentary will strike many as heavy-handed, and his tendency toward overdescribing the action slows the pace, but patient readers will enjoy the views into all sides of a civilization on the verge of collapse. Those who enjoyed book one will be glad to see the story continue. (Sept.)