The science fiction world is abuzz with the return of Cameron Reed, author of the cult classic “The Fortunate Fall.” Reed’s new novel, “What We Are Seeking,” delves into complex themes of social change, family dynamics, queerness, and faith, all set against the backdrop of an alien world.

The Disappearance and Re-emergence

Some science fiction writers enjoy sustained success, while others step away from the public eye. Reed’s case is unique: after publishing her critically acclaimed debut novel and a Tiptree Award-winning short story, she vanished for twenty-seven years. Attempts by critics and fans to contact her were unsuccessful, leaving many to wonder if she was still alive.

In 2024, Reed re-emerged online, posting under the handle @LateOnsetGirl on platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon. This online presence led Tor Books to reissue “The Fortunate Fall” as part of a series of modern sci-fi classics, and now, to the release of her highly anticipated new novel.

“The Fortunate Fall”: A Queer Cyberpunk Classic

“The Fortunate Fall” is a queer cyberpunk story set in an authoritarian near-future Russia. The novel portrays a society where individuals, known as Cameras, transmit their experiences directly to the internet, monitored by Screeners. The protagonist, Maya, uncovers a hidden history of her nation and her own life, grappling with themes of surveillance, memory, and identity.

The novel explores the potential consequences of replacing lived experience with immersive virtual realities, questioning what we might lose in the process.

“What We Are Seeking”: A New World, New Questions

“What We Are Seeking” is a longer, more ambitious work than “The Fortunate Fall.” The story follows John Maraintha, who travels from Essius, a planet without traditional concepts of marriage or monogamy, to the newly colonized planet Scythia.

Clash of Cultures on Scythia

On Scythia, John and his friend Sudharma find themselves in a settlement populated by two contrasting societies: the Ischnurans, with values similar to contemporary America, and the Zandaheans, who adhere to conservative Catholic principles. The novel explores the challenges of coexistence and the complexities of building a new society.

The narrative highlights the unequal distribution of labor and the struggles faced by women in the settlement, as well as the emergence of a third gender, the jesses, who embrace celibacy.

Beyond Human Society

The novel’s scope extends beyond human interactions to include the indigenous lifeforms of Scythia, including the basket-men, a species resembling apes and praying mantises. Sudharma is tasked with understanding and communicating with these alien beings, a crucial task for the colony’s survival.

Adding another layer of complexity, Earth is monitoring the colony through a powerful artificial intelligence called aiyi, whose moral code will determine the fate of the Scythian settlers.

Themes of Colonization and Justice

Through both novels, Reed explores themes of cosmic and interpersonal justice, questioning the ethics of colonization and the pursuit of control. “What We Are Seeking” challenges readers to consider the consequences of imposing one’s values on others and the importance of respecting diverse ways of life.

Ultimately, the novel suggests that true progress lies in embracing difference, acknowledging our flaws, and making choices with limited options, much like the characters navigating the complexities of Scythia.