Homo Cosmicus is a work of science fiction penned by author Todor Bombov. Telling a sweeping narrative of the life of a single Earth man who goes on an incredible voyage, we meet student Paulo Roberto back in 1989. His abduction by aliens is not the cliché that many humans have come to expect; rather the civilization that takes him is already far, far advanced beyond our own. Paulo learns about energy and telepathic power, educated by a series of tutors who show him the evolution of the human race far beyond the stars. Upon his eventual return to Earth, Paulo makes incredible progress there and beyond the planet.

Author Todor Bombov has produced a hard science fiction story with plenty of consideration given to the development of the people of Omeron, and their incredible abilities. The narration is intriguing as Paulo discovers this new world, very unlike his native Brazil, and the description is delivered with an eerie atmosphere as these silent, angel-like beings go about their day. This is more of a concept-led novel than character-based, but Paulo is suitably developed for the discovery experience. The plot allows him to progress with his newfound knowledge and go through important life events of his own once he returns to something more like normality. Overall, Homo Cosmicus is sure to please hard-boiled science fiction fans looking for a new concept of the future to immerse themselves in, and alien abduction story fans who want a new twist on the genre.

When Paulo Roberto first opens his eyes, he is disoriented, but the fact that he can still think reassures him that he is normal and alive. Then he begins to recollect about how it happened, the saucer, the mushroom-shaped device, the “knobby balloon shining with inky luminescent brilliance surrounded at the middle by a dark-red rim that didn’t seem to be connected in any way to the sphere.” He has been adopted. It is 1989, and he finds himself living far away from home amidst a rare breed and in a civilization that is stranger than that of humans, one in which people have advanced to a point where they speak without words and where they can fly. It is here that he will learn the secrets of the universe from four tutors. In 2023 he finally comes back home to Earth, gets married to Dolly and they set out on an adventure that takes them to the moon. What comes after that is thrilling.

Homo Cosmicus: A Science Fiction Novel by Todor Bombov begins with a vivid description of the setting in Chile and sets the pace for the author’s gift for imagery; one that illuminates the writing. My attention was immediately drawn by the description of the night in the northern region of Chile beneath the fathomless vault of heaven, the new moon and the crystal stars. The writing is filled with colorful images, even when the author writes about the star which the alien inhabitants occupy. Todor Bombov writes very well and his handling of character is impeccably good. The protagonist experiences conflict at different levels. Being kidnapped from one’s world is already a strong premise, but navigating a universe with unique laws and strange, intelligent beings makes it a phenomenal one, and the protagonist experiences this intimately. This is powerful science fiction storytelling with strong hints of the visionary.

Ever wonder what the future would look like thirty years ahead? Paulo Roberto finds out the answers to that very question after being abducted by a highly advanced alien race and being returned thirty-four years later. The aliens that abducted him are so intelligent that they can fly and even use telepathy to speak to one another. When Paulo is returned, he looks much older than his actual age because time on Earth moves much faster than it does on Omeron, as star humans call Cygni 61. He soon discovers that not only is he very different, but so is Earth which is now resonating with technological advancements that make a person’s daily life much easier, healthier and safer. Even the Biosphere plans for the Moon had gone ahead in his absence and Paulo still dreams of going there. What will become of Paulo after being returned? Will he reach the Biosphere on the Moon as he always wanted? How will his life be affected by all he learned from the alien species now that he has been returned to a familiar yet different Earth?

Homo Cosmicus: A Science Fiction Novel written by Todor Bombov has a very interesting and unique plot that keeps the reader interested. I loved the characters and how they are defined with their own backgrounds that mold smoothly into the plot. I recommend Homo Cosmicus to anyone who loves a great science fiction story that takes alien abduction and earthly returns to a new level. Bombov has done a brilliant job at answering the timeless question of what Earth would look like thirty years in the future and I truly hope that Homo Cosmicus is not the end of Paulo and Dolly’s story.