Tchaikovsky creates a sentient species. He gives them a unique means of communicating, a particular social hierarchy and a biological technology that makes complete sense. Then sets them against the last of humankind. In doing so, he shines a light on many of our foibles and idiosyncrasies. The result has to be one of the best science fiction books of the last decade. Serious sci fi fans must read.

Ugh. Can I have the hours I spent reading this one back? My complaints, in no particular order:

1. It‘s unoriginal. The first half is a rehash of Rendezvous with Rama, and later concepts reminded me of The Expanse S01.
2. Wellington has put minimal effort into understanding the physics, and no effort into the biology/medicine involved. Several passages make no sense as a result.
3. Where are the Chinese & Europeans? No way NASA keeps this quiet.

A masterpiece. Reading Electric State was an experience unlike reading any other work of science fiction. Not because it‘s well written and immaculately illustrated. But because of the balance between these two elements. At times the narrative stops and absorbing Electric State is an aesthetic experience. Taking it in, with glass of wine in hand, was absolute pleasure. Any child of the 80s who enjoys dystopian science fiction must read this.

Science fiction, for the most part, does not age well. Instead, with time it becomes a series of observations on what the author didn‘t foresee, or on predictions that did not come to pass. Canticle for Leibowitz, in contrast, is readable 50 years after it was written. It remains an entertaining (though somewhat overlong) story of science, religion and the political overlay that inevitably ignores them both, leading to war and destruction.

Though poorer fare than either The Martian or Project Hail Mary, Artemis is still a notable addition to the field of modern science fiction. Artemis works best as a vehicle that permits exploration of Weir‘s vision of lunar colonisation. This vision is detailed. It is well researched. And it provides sufficient insight into how we might eventually colonise the moon, that several character and plot flaws can be forgiven.

An easy read that mashes war and time dilation well.

If you like science fiction with an emphasis on the science, you‘ll struggle to do better than Andy Weir.

Simple and elegant science fiction. It‘s only significant drawback is it‘s association with a series of second rate coauthored sequels.

Solid, entertaining science fiction

Undoubtedly one of the best sci fi books ever written.

Best of modern sci fi, doesnt require a war with aliens to deliver on extra-terrestrial life and how we would interact with any.