E on is a complex novel of wide scope, in which Bear explores a multiplicity of social issues, some painted with a broad brush, others dealt with subtly as background. The first social concern presented is that of rivalry and distrust among nations on Earth, primarily the Soviet Union with its Eastern Bloc versus the United States and its allies. In Eon the Cold War is still going on in the year 2000.

When a huge asteroid from space drifts into an orbit around Earth, the United States takes the lead in putting an international team of scientists aboard.

After several years of being denied full access, the Soviet government seeks militarily to seize the asteroid, by now dubbed "the Stone." On Earth, the heated situation erupts in sudden, allout nuclear war, and within hours the advanced nations on both sides lie in ruins.

This situation is...