A NEW virus, SHEVA, sweeps the world, and in its wake comes a generation of 'virus children' - genetically enhanced babies born to infected mothers.

Twelve years on, mankind is beginning to wake up to the fact the virus children could represent the next evolutionary step: a new and superior species of human.

The children are gentle, co-operative and unthreatening. Nevertheless, amidst growing panic, they are rounded up and kept in special camps, where their behaviour is closely monitored.

Stella Nova is one of the virus children, born to two American scientists, Mitch and Kaye Rafelson. Kaye, a biologist, was one of the first to identify the SHEVA virus. The family, desperate to keep Stella out of the clutches of EMAC, the United States' notorious Emergency Action committee, go on the run: but eventually Stella is caught.

Kaye and Mitch battle bigotry, ignorance and fear in their efforts to prove the virus children are not a threat. But as Stella and her friends grow to maturity, will they prove that 'old' mankind was right to be fearful all along?

A gripping storyline, cutting edge science and convincing characterisation combine in a grown-up science fiction thriller that raises profound questions about our capacity for hate and our place in the scheme of things.

Updated: 08:55 Wednesday, May 19, 2004