The Life Lottery

Summary

The world is devastated by catastrophic climate change. You have one hundred days to save it …

Half a billion climate refugees are flooding into the West, the global depression is getting worse, and democracies are being crushed by the neo-fascist Yellow Armbands. In a desperate attempt to avert catastrophe, the Great Powers embark on the most monumental gamble of all time.

But climate scientist Irith Hardey is sure they've got it wrong – the US President's pet scheme isn't going to save the planet, but ruin it. Searching for the awful truth behind the Hundred Days project, she is hunted from blizzard-struck London to the Scottish Highlands and across the wild North Sea.

In a USA terrorised by gun-toting militias trying to bring down the President, Irith must confront the worst nightmare any 21st century woman can face, as she struggles to uncover the ghastly secret of the Life Lottery before the hundred days are up.

You won’t want to miss this terrifyingly prophetic eco-thriller by million-selling author Ian Irvine.

What reviewers say about the Human Rites series

“The action-packed plot of doomsday cults and planetary collapse isn’t far from the truth.” – The Times

“A chilling suspense story. Portrays a frighteningly plausible future.” – US Library Journal

“A well-crafted near-future eco-thriller.” – Roland Green, US Booklist.

“Ian Irvine is a great storyteller. Your heart pounds with the violence and adventure of the racing plot.” – Australian Bookseller and Publisher 

“Irvine surpasses himself ... impossible to put down.” Sydney Morning Herald.

“The most important work of Australian science fiction yet published in this country.” Rob Jan, Sci-Fi Radio Zero-G.

“Frantic action and SF terror … in a world where corruption and technology are hell-bent on social destruction.” Murray Waldren, The Australian.

“One of the best genre writers around – Irvine's considerable narrative powers are brought to bear in a grim near-future vision of plot and counter plot.” Hobart Mercury.

“A book for right now, that everybody should be reading.” Keith Stephenson, Aurealis.

Honours and Listings

The Last Albatross listed in The Australian’s Best of Summer Reading.

Terminator Gene shortlisted for the Aurealis Award.