In the vast expanse of science fiction literature, few works manage to be as hauntingly imaginative and intellectually provocative as All Tomorrows: The Myriad Species and Mixed Fortunes of Man. This isn't just a book; it's a fossil record of a future that never was, a testament to the boundless creativity of its author, C.M. Kosemen. Blending rigorous speculative evolution with the chilling dread of cosmic horror, it presents a billion-year saga of human evolution that is as beautiful as it is terrifying. This review delves deep into why this cult classic has resonated so powerfully with readers and how it stands as a pillar of modern science fiction thought.
Beyond a Story: The All Tomorrows Experience
What immediately sets All Tomorrows apart is its format. It presents itself not as a traditional narrative but as a future-paleontological textbook. We, the readers, are archaeologists from a distant future, piecing together the fragmented history of humanity from fossil remains and scant records. This ingenious framing device does more than just tell a story; it immerses you in the act of discovery. You're not passively reading about the Star People, the Qu, or the Gravitals; you are reconstructing their existence, which makes their often-tragic fates feel profoundly real and earned. The book's power lies in this sense of uncovering a lost history, a feeling familiar to anyone who has studied paleontology.
The Art of Speculative Biology: Kosemen's Masterstroke
C.M. Kosemen, an artist and researcher with a deep background in natural history, brings a stunning authenticity to the project. Each post-human species in All Tomorrows is not a random monster but a plausible biological entity shaped by specific environmental pressures and genetic engineering. The Tool Breeders, adapted for zero-gravity industry; the Symbiotes, living in harmonious partnership with another species; the terrifyingly modified Modular People—each design is a lesson in evolutionary logic. This commitment to biological plausibility elevates the work from mere fantasy to a serious exercise in speculative evolution. It asks the reader to consider not just "what if," but "how would that work?" and "what would that look like after a million years?"
Cosmic Horror and the Indifference of the Universe
While the biology is grounded, the overarching tone is pure cosmic horror. However, it's not the horror of tentacled monsters under the bed. The true terror in All Tomorrows stems from scale and indifference. The Qu, the enigmatic alien race that genetically engineers humanity into grotesque new forms, are not mustache-twirling villains. They are simply gardeners on a galactic scale, reshaping life according to an aesthetics utterly incomprehensible to us. Humanity is not special; it is clay. This confrontation with a universe that does not care for human dreams or morality is the core of the book's chilling power. It explores themes of agency, identity, and what it means to be "human" when your very form and mind have been remade by an uncaring power.
From Cult Classic to Bestseller: The Legacy of All Tomorrows
Originally self-published and shared online, All Tomorrows achieved something remarkable: it became a word-of-mouth bestseller. Its rise mirrors the journey of its own subjects—adapting and thriving in a new ecosystem, in this case, the digital landscape. Its influence is now visible across YouTube video essays, online art communities, and discussions among sci-fi aficionados. The book proves that a powerful, singular vision can bypass traditional gatekeepers and find its audience directly. It has spawned countless discussions, fan art, and philosophical debates, cementing its status as a foundational text for a new generation interested in the far future of biology and intelligence.
Who Should Read All Tomorrows? A Reader's Guide
This book is not for everyone. It is dense, dark, and devoid of traditional heroic arcs. However, it is a must-read for specific audiences:
- Fans of Hard Sci-Fi & Speculative Evolution: If you love the works of Stephen Baxter, Olaf Stapledon, or Wayne Barlowe's Expedition, this book is your next obsession.
- Artists and Worldbuilders: Kosemen's illustrations are a masterclass in creature design and visual storytelling. Every page offers inspiration.
- Philosophy & Horror Readers: Those who enjoy grappling with big questions about existence, suffering, and humanity's place in the cosmos will find endless material here.
- Readers tired of conventional narratives: If you seek something structurally unique and intellectually challenging, this is a breath of fresh, if somewhat chilling, air.
Final Verdict: An Unforgettable Evolutionary Epic
All Tomorrows is more than a book; it's an experience that lingers. It combines the meticulous detail of a scientific treatise with the narrative sweep of an epic and the existential dread of the best horror. While its subject matter is often bleak, there is a strange beauty and resilience in the myriad forms humanity takes. It is a story about survival in its most radical sense. For those willing to take the journey, All Tomorrows offers a perspective on life, time, and change that is truly unparalleled in modern science fiction. It is a challenging, brilliant, and essential work that redefines what the genre can do.
