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Cover of Portent by James Herbert

Portent

James Herbert

A climatologist is swept into a worldwide disaster pattern that may signal Earth’s fightback — or something stranger.

First published 1994

Review Score: 77%

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The Story

Near the end of the 20th century, a climatologist named James Rivers survives a catastrophic flight and is pulled into a widening mystery as earthquakes, floods, fires, volcanoes, and storms erupt around the world. Repeated sightings of strange lights seem to precede the disasters, suggesting the events may be connected.

As Rivers investigates, he is drawn toward an eccentric scientist and his family, including psychic twin children who appear linked to the planet’s changing energies. Their lives intersect with a powerful opposing force and a spiritual struggle over whether Earth is healing itself, rejecting humanity, or being manipulated by something darker.

The story moves through global disaster vignettes and a central confrontation that brings the various strands together. As the scale of destruction grows, Rivers must decide what the signs mean and whether there is any way to prevent the coming collapse.

Story Profile

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