Several years ago we read The Martian by Andy Weir. At the time Weir was an upcoming independent self-published Kindle author, but was quickly picked up by a traditional publisher (Crown, 2014) and his book was transformed into a blockbuster movie.
The most recent novel by Andy Weir is Artemis (Crown, 2017). The setting is earth's moon in the not too distant future. Space exploration has resulted in a permanent colony near the Apollo 11 landing site at the Sea of Tranquility where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first touched down in 1969. Tourism is a large part of the moon's economy. Mining is another.
Jasmine (Jazz) is an entrepreneurial delivery person trying to break into the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Guild to offer high paying tourist trips on the lunar surface to the historic landing site. She fails her test, but has learned the specialized skills needed for surviving outside of the colony's protective structures.Jazz was born on the moon and has transformed her delivery job into a profitable smuggling operation.
Links she has forged with the colony's business and political leaders draws her into a scheme that could either get her deported to earth (a sentence almost worse than death) or the savior of the fragile colony.
It was a fun, thrill packed read, especially on my Kindle with it's built-in light. That's the best way to read at the cabin during long, dark winter nights. Artemis is also available in hardcover, paperback and audible versions.
Do you read science fiction? What are some of your favourite books? -- Margy
Sounds good. I liked The Martian, so maybe on your recommendation, I 'll give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteHe is a good writer, knows how to keep your attention. - Margy
DeleteGreat timing on this review with the super moon so fascinating us all!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think about that. We missed the big moon because of cloud cover. That happens a lot around here in the winter. - Margy
DeleteThis does sound good! I used to read a lot of sci fi, but have somehow moved away from it. I'm not sure why! Anyway, one of my faves: The Gate to Women's Country by Sherri S. Tepper. I think I'll give Artemis a whirl. Thank you for reviewing!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Thanks for giving me a way to share my reviews on "The Book Review Club." I only started reading scifi because Wayne has purchased so many for our Kindle account. I enjoy the space exploration and colonization stories best. - Margy
DeleteDeported to Earth! I love that as a threat. It sounds like an entertaining novel. I grew up reading some sci fi since my brother loved it. I tend to prefer the books with good science so I should read something by this author. Did you prefer Artemis or The Martian?
ReplyDeleteWe had too cold temperatures for moon watching!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, you're such a skilled, practical, living off the land person, it never struck me that you'd like a sci-fi!!!
I loved reading the Martian and this one sounds just as good...:)
ReplyDeleteI like the plot of Martian best, but his writing is excellent in both. - Margy
DeleteThis sounds good. I haven't read much science fiction lately. I like Catherine Asaro's books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion. I looked her up online and I think her saga would fit my reading style. What an interesting educational background and think tank involvement. - Margy
DeleteI have the kindle that is backlit also - love love love it - I have a new kindle fire but it isn't as easy to read from so I go back to my old, old kindle. I haven't gotten much into science fiction - my favorite kind of books are biography and autobiography - the latter my very favorite. Right now I'm reading one of your recently suggested books.
ReplyDeleteThe old Kindle is best for reading outside in the sun. My iPad works somewhat if the light isn't direct sun. I end up reading my books on three platforms. I use my Kindle as the main reader. If I am going to town to the condo I don't usually take it so I switch to my iPad. Then if I'm out and about (such as a doctors appointment) I continue reading on my iPhone. Lots of flexibility. The last book I read was a print book so I had to revert to the "old fashioned" way. - Margy
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