I liked the alternate timeline concept applied in a believable way--no attempt to revise the cultures at war with one another, but simply take them to their logical conclusions. I especially identified with the Smiths as parents--thinking they had protected their family, yet finding they were really losing their children to the culture that had consumed their souls. It was especially poignant that Mrs. Smith was willing to protect the alt-Thomas and his timeline from being contaminated by her husband.