By Joshua Calvert
ASIN: B0CRQ9ZLDN
© February 1, 2024
Kindle: File size 892 KB
Print: 380 pages
This was an interesting tale that wove hard science fiction with an individual’s determination and persistence, and the shadows that politics sometimes cast over our greatest endeavors. I loved how the astronauts on the Pangaea, even though they were from different cultures and different social structures, were able to put aside their differences in the pursuit of their goal, even when short-sighted politicians could not. In the end (no spoilers!), it was their drive to succeed, against all odds, that helped to nudge humanity into a better, more enlightened future in this story.
The characters were relatable, if not in their professions, then in their personalities, fears, and weaknesses, as well as strengths. I loved Melody and Hongbo, especially, though I think it is Hongbo who evolves the most in the story. Melody is driven from the very first page, and while she does evolve, her changes are along a predictable spectrum. That doesn’t make her any less lovable. More so, in fact. When she could have turned bitter, instead she doubled down on her conviction and hope. This is a character we can get behind.
The story is a good one, and well told. I had a hard time putting the book down, with the possible exception of one specific part where the storyline got so intense, I needed a little bit of a break. That lasted about 10 minutes, whereupon I picked it up again and finished it that same evening. I began, about 50% of the way through, to suspect where it was going. I was right, but that didn’t make me love the story any less. The way the author twisted the scenes kept me guessing enough that I didn’t get bored. I even went back the next morning, and re-read the last 1.5 chapters, so I could experience them again. Well done!
The only drawback for me was the long passages of hard sci-fi explanations of orbital mechanics, mathematical engineering, and other in-depth explanations and descriptions for why things happened the way they did, or why the characters needed to do a thing in a specific way. I’m no mathematician, nor engineer, nor astronaut. Much of the lengthy explanations were far beyond my understanding, even as clear as they seemed. I ended up skimming/skipping past most of them. Doing so did not decrease my enjoyment or understanding of the story’s premise overall.
Definitely an intriguing story, with a few interesting twists. If you love hard science fiction with clear threads of human-interest, this is a great addition for your TBR list. Highly recommended.