The Stone Weta

Each narrative stretch in this book is preceded by a biological description of the attributes, habitat, and behavior of an exotic lifeform. While these biological and botanical descriptions are a bit dry, a close reading reveals how they tie into the narrative.

This is the story of a globe-spanning network of scientists very quietly and carefully working to save and hide away information about the ecological effects of the worsening climate change -- information which is being suppressed, altered, and destroyed by those with a vested interest in continued profit-making (which might be hindered, should the true extent of ongoing climate devastation be revealed to the general public).

While the worldbuilding and characterization are on the sparse side, the author nevertheless manages to successfully construct a harrowing narrative of people who risk their very lives to ensure the survival of the truth. Especially notable are all of the details of the non-Anglo, non-American scientists' home countries and cultures.

This is a powerful and painful story about where the Earth is headed, if we continue our heedless exploitation of natural resources and our callous disregard of the damage caused by our capitalist, consumer-driven society.