David BRIN introduced the Uplift series with his
first novel, Sundiver (1980). The Uplift universe is
an interstellar society where various intelligent
species manipulate the evolution of lower animals
so that they are also sentient, a progression
stretching back into the ancient past. Humans are
the only species that seem to have reached a level
supporting interstellar travel without having been
the clients of another species, a mystery that may
be resolved when an expedition from Mercury investigates anomalies in the corona of the sun. Humans have themselves begun to uplift other forms
of life by the time of Startide Rising (1983). The
Progenitors, who were the first intelligent species
in the galaxy, may have left clues to their existence
and fate on a remote planet, which, unfortunately,
is the focus of an imminent interstellar war. A ship
from Earth with a mixed crew of humans, chimps,
and dolphins has crashed on that world and is
caught between rival forces, but still manages to
make some startling discoveries. The Uplift War
(1987) is also set on a planet with artifacts left
over by the Progenitors, but this planet has been
colonized by humans and their client species.
The next two novels in the series make up a
single sequence within the greater one. Brightness
Reef (1996) and Infinity’s Shore (1996) are both set
on the planet Jixxo. A mixed bag of refugees and
prisoners from various alien and uplifted species
live in general harmony on this obscure world,
concealing their presence from a galactic civilization they feel would not tolerate their independence. Unfortunately, they cannot remain undiscovered indefinitely, and the arrival of a ship from
outside threatens their security. Even if the outsiders refrain from intervening directly, renewed
contact with offworlders will almost certainly introduce new pressures into a fragile society and
bring their refuge to an end. Heaven’s Reach (1998)
is the most recent novel in the series, which remains sufficiently open-ended to allow for further
volumes. The various individuals who have opted
out of the galactic civilization continue to remain
independent, and to conceal the fact that they are
hiding a discovery that could shake the galaxy. The
Uplift series remains popular with readers, but it
appears that Brin may have tired of the concept, as
he has chosen other venues for his last two novels.