Coalescent

About “Coalescent”

Stephen Baxter's 2003 novel follows George Poole, a 45-year-old man who feels his life has reached a dead end. After his father's sudden death, he discovers a long-lost twin sister, Rosa, who reveals a family secret: their ancestor, Regina, founded a secret cult in ancient Rome. The cult has survived underground for nearly 2,000 years. George travels to Rome and joins Rosa in the hidden underground city of the Order. There, he meets women who are eerily young and identical. With the help of his friend Peter McLachlan, George uncovers that the women have evolved into a genetically superior species. He and Peter realize the Order may be preparing to leave their underground home, posing a threat to humanity.