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Terraforming Mars novels #2
Al borde de la catástrofe (Terraforming Mars)
Una novela del juego de mesa.
En el siglo XXVI, Marte el enorme cráter dejado por la caída de la luna de Deimos es ahora una inmensa ciudad abovedada, rebosante de industria y de una floreciente mano de obra marciana e inmigrante.
Mel Erdan, científica de Ecoline, está a la vanguardia de una investigación que será vital para alimentar y mantener a la creciente población de Marte. Pero, cuando su nuevo potenciador vírico transforma la exuberante vegetación en una franja ennegrecida de cultivos muertos, se desencadena una oleada de disturbios violentos por toda la Ciudad de Deimos. El pánico se extiende por la ciudad, y Mel acaba siendo acusada de sabotear deliberadamente la frágil viabilidad de Marte.
Cuando los recursos empiezan a escasear, las teorías conspiratorias arraigan y las pandillas de delincuentes se amotinan. Entretanto, Mel deberá demostrar su inocencia, descubrir la verdad, y revitalizar la cosecha de Marte antes de que sea demasiado tarde… para todos.
En el siglo XXVI, Marte el enorme cráter dejado por la caída de la luna de Deimos es ahora una inmensa ciudad abovedada, rebosante de industria y de una floreciente mano de obra marciana e inmigrante.
Mel Erdan, científica de Ecoline, está a la vanguardia de una investigación que será vital para alimentar y mantener a la creciente población de Marte. Pero, cuando su nuevo potenciador vírico transforma la exuberante vegetación en una franja ennegrecida de cultivos muertos, se desencadena una oleada de disturbios violentos por toda la Ciudad de Deimos. El pánico se extiende por la ciudad, y Mel acaba siendo acusada de sabotear deliberadamente la frágil viabilidad de Marte.
Cuando los recursos empiezan a escasear, las teorías conspiratorias arraigan y las pandillas de delincuentes se amotinan. Entretanto, Mel deberá demostrar su inocencia, descubrir la verdad, y revitalizar la cosecha de Marte antes de que sea demasiado tarde… para todos.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 25, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot is intriguing and immediately drew me in. Set in the 26th century, the Martian moon of Deimos crashes into the planet. Mel, a main character, is accused of deliberately killing crops in Deimos city - a thriving outpost of humanity within the crater. The rest of the book follows Mel’s journey to prove her innocence and uncover the truth.
The book felt too long. The eBook was 730 pages. It dragged on in some areas around the middle and other parts seemed rushed. The dialogue was also somewhat dry for my taste. I can see why some people might enjoy Edge of Catastrophe. It’s a decent book with a strong plot. However, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Three stars.
The plot is intriguing and immediately drew me in. Set in the 26th century, the Martian moon of Deimos crashes into the planet. Mel, a main character, is accused of deliberately killing crops in Deimos city - a thriving outpost of humanity within the crater. The rest of the book follows Mel’s journey to prove her innocence and uncover the truth.
The book felt too long. The eBook was 730 pages. It dragged on in some areas around the middle and other parts seemed rushed. The dialogue was also somewhat dry for my taste. I can see why some people might enjoy Edge of Catastrophe. It’s a decent book with a strong plot. However, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Three stars.
January 13, 2024
This is the second novel I have read in this series. I have also read other books about Terraforming mars both science fiction and hard science fact books. I absolutely love the Terraforming Mars games, I have played the board game with and without expansion packs with my brother and his wife many times. And we have a mobile version of the game on the go almost continually. What I loved about the game is it reminded me of the science fiction I read as a teen and young adult. This new series of novels brings that full circle, we circle from the game and elements in the game back to novels. And Jane Killick has done an excellent job again with this second offering she has penned. I hope there will be many in the series.
But back to this specific story, the description of this novel is:
“Return to the Red Planet as the saga of Terraforming Mars continues, in a sweeping science fiction thriller of planetary progress, set in the universe of the award-winning boardgame
In the 26th century, Mars is thriving: the huge crater made by the crashed moon of Deimos is now a vast domed city, buzzing with industry and a burgeoning Martian-born and immigrant workforce. Ecoline scientist Mel Erdan is at the forefront of vital research to feed and maintain Mars’ increasing population. But when her viral enhancer transforms lush green plants into a blackened swathe of dead crops, it triggers a wave of violent unrest across Deimos City, and Mel is accused of deliberately sabotaging Mars’ fragile viability. With resources rapidly dwindling, conspiracy theories flying, and criminal gangs rioting, Mel must prove her innocence, uncover the truth, and revitalise Mars’ harvest before it’s too late – for everyone.”
This story was much more a police procedural in space. Mel is blamed for crops failing and putting the entire planet on food rations. As things get worse and worse a group of rebels first steal and give away food, and then try and take hostages at a resort dome. Mel is busy trying to stay out of custody and find a way to prove he innocence. Mel trusts a long time friend, but things on the red planet are not all as they appear. Mel will need to trust some others or she will be captured and her hopes dashed. Will she make good judgements; can he science provide a solution to avert the crisis? To find out you will need to read this excellent novel in a great series!
This was another fascinating to read about the corporations that I have played so many times. Killick brings to life the corporations, and the leaders and personalities behind them in a wonderful way. She captures a spirit of the game and brings it to life. Reading about the process to feed the planet as it food supply being stained by disease. Mars in this volume has a bit less of a wild west feel that book 1 had, and more of a mystery noir. Unlike book one we now have a formal police. This story had some elements of the corporations and their power but it was for more a story about individuals and the decisions they make and the consequences for them and for others. In part it is a story of friendships some that prove worth the trust and others that prove to be false.
It is a great read and continuation in this wonderful series. It would make an excellent movie or TV Series, maybe for Prime. For fans of classic science fiction, it will remind them of authors like Bester, Heinlein, and Herbert. For some it will have a feel of Piers Anthony or Harry Harrison. But no matter what it reminds you of it is an excellent story, and I look forward to more in the series.
Note: The third volume in the series has a new author.
But back to this specific story, the description of this novel is:
“Return to the Red Planet as the saga of Terraforming Mars continues, in a sweeping science fiction thriller of planetary progress, set in the universe of the award-winning boardgame
In the 26th century, Mars is thriving: the huge crater made by the crashed moon of Deimos is now a vast domed city, buzzing with industry and a burgeoning Martian-born and immigrant workforce. Ecoline scientist Mel Erdan is at the forefront of vital research to feed and maintain Mars’ increasing population. But when her viral enhancer transforms lush green plants into a blackened swathe of dead crops, it triggers a wave of violent unrest across Deimos City, and Mel is accused of deliberately sabotaging Mars’ fragile viability. With resources rapidly dwindling, conspiracy theories flying, and criminal gangs rioting, Mel must prove her innocence, uncover the truth, and revitalise Mars’ harvest before it’s too late – for everyone.”
This story was much more a police procedural in space. Mel is blamed for crops failing and putting the entire planet on food rations. As things get worse and worse a group of rebels first steal and give away food, and then try and take hostages at a resort dome. Mel is busy trying to stay out of custody and find a way to prove he innocence. Mel trusts a long time friend, but things on the red planet are not all as they appear. Mel will need to trust some others or she will be captured and her hopes dashed. Will she make good judgements; can he science provide a solution to avert the crisis? To find out you will need to read this excellent novel in a great series!
This was another fascinating to read about the corporations that I have played so many times. Killick brings to life the corporations, and the leaders and personalities behind them in a wonderful way. She captures a spirit of the game and brings it to life. Reading about the process to feed the planet as it food supply being stained by disease. Mars in this volume has a bit less of a wild west feel that book 1 had, and more of a mystery noir. Unlike book one we now have a formal police. This story had some elements of the corporations and their power but it was for more a story about individuals and the decisions they make and the consequences for them and for others. In part it is a story of friendships some that prove worth the trust and others that prove to be false.
It is a great read and continuation in this wonderful series. It would make an excellent movie or TV Series, maybe for Prime. For fans of classic science fiction, it will remind them of authors like Bester, Heinlein, and Herbert. For some it will have a feel of Piers Anthony or Harry Harrison. But no matter what it reminds you of it is an excellent story, and I look forward to more in the series.
Note: The third volume in the series has a new author.
December 10, 2022
As mentioned in the blurb, this book series is based on the popular boardgame Terraforming Mars – a fact that I hadn’t realised until I came to review the first book. And if I hadn’t told you, you wouldn’t know on reading the book, so please don’t give it a thought, unless you’re a particular fan of the game and want to spend more time in the world.
As you might think from a spin-off, the world is well established with a strong backstory and believable history, with a nicely detailed social and political landscape that collide as tensions grow and food supplies dwindle. I really like Mel, whose dedication and sense of duty drives her to try and put right the horrible error that creates the virus. However, this time around there is a sub-plot around a group of young workers who are deeply unhappy with the status quo and want Mars to have more freedom from Earth. In the earlier stages of the story, I found it difficult to fully sympathise with their actions – although I’m well aware that the stunts they pull are all too realistic.
I guessed who the main villain was behind the troubles well before the denouement, although that didn’t particularly impede my enjoyment as by that stage the story is rocketing along at a fair lick. While this story doesn’t have quite the tension and finesse of the previous book, it still provides plenty of excitement and page-turning action that had me sorry when it all came to an end. While I obtained an arc of Edge of Catastrophe from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
As you might think from a spin-off, the world is well established with a strong backstory and believable history, with a nicely detailed social and political landscape that collide as tensions grow and food supplies dwindle. I really like Mel, whose dedication and sense of duty drives her to try and put right the horrible error that creates the virus. However, this time around there is a sub-plot around a group of young workers who are deeply unhappy with the status quo and want Mars to have more freedom from Earth. In the earlier stages of the story, I found it difficult to fully sympathise with their actions – although I’m well aware that the stunts they pull are all too realistic.
I guessed who the main villain was behind the troubles well before the denouement, although that didn’t particularly impede my enjoyment as by that stage the story is rocketing along at a fair lick. While this story doesn’t have quite the tension and finesse of the previous book, it still provides plenty of excitement and page-turning action that had me sorry when it all came to an end. While I obtained an arc of Edge of Catastrophe from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
January 2, 2023
Jane Killick is the author of nine novels. Edge of Catastrophe was published in 2022 and is the second in her Terraforming Mars series. This is the 81st book I completed in 2022.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! I categorize this novel as PG.
It is the 26th century, and the colony on Mars is thriving. Ecoline scientist Mel Erdan is on the cutting edge of research. Her work may go a long way in helping to feed the growing population. But her work is still an experiment in the lab.
When fields of crops turn from lush green to black, it signals a catastrophe for Mars. It becomes a personal tragedy for Erdan when the dead and dying plants are traced back to her research. She is arrested for sabotaging the crops.
The resulting food shortage threatens the entire population of Mars causing violent riots. Erdan feels that she has already been convicted. No one is looking for the truth.
She seizes on an opportunity and escapes from custody. The only way she will avoid a conviction is to find the truth herself.
I enjoyed the 7+ hours I spent reading this 330-page science fiction novel. The basic plot was good, but the conspiracy behind the crop failure seemed weak. This is not an edge-of-your-seat thriller. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! I categorize this novel as PG.
It is the 26th century, and the colony on Mars is thriving. Ecoline scientist Mel Erdan is on the cutting edge of research. Her work may go a long way in helping to feed the growing population. But her work is still an experiment in the lab.
When fields of crops turn from lush green to black, it signals a catastrophe for Mars. It becomes a personal tragedy for Erdan when the dead and dying plants are traced back to her research. She is arrested for sabotaging the crops.
The resulting food shortage threatens the entire population of Mars causing violent riots. Erdan feels that she has already been convicted. No one is looking for the truth.
She seizes on an opportunity and escapes from custody. The only way she will avoid a conviction is to find the truth herself.
I enjoyed the 7+ hours I spent reading this 330-page science fiction novel. The basic plot was good, but the conspiracy behind the crop failure seemed weak. This is not an edge-of-your-seat thriller. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
February 25, 2024
As a seasoned armchair traveler, I almost never turn down a trip to Mars. Besides, I read the first book in this series, so I figured I’d see what’s next.
What’s next is apparently a great potato famine the likes of which not seen since Ireland. Specifically, the fancy, genetically supped up potatoes that are meant to feed the Martian colonists. The scientist behind the crop is accused of sabotage and sets off to prove her good name and uncover the conspiracy of who might be behind such an evil plan.
My favorite thing about this book and the one before it is all the logistics of building and sustaining a colony on Mars. The author goes into many fun, more-or-less plausible details that do a great job of worldbuilding.
It isn’t a great literary novel by any means. This is about efficient logistics of getting from point A to point B. More about worldbuilding and plot than inner lives of the characters. Which seems perfectly reasonable for a series based on a boardgame. Nevertheless, it’s a fun read and a nice trip to the Red Planet. Thanks Netgalley.
What’s next is apparently a great potato famine the likes of which not seen since Ireland. Specifically, the fancy, genetically supped up potatoes that are meant to feed the Martian colonists. The scientist behind the crop is accused of sabotage and sets off to prove her good name and uncover the conspiracy of who might be behind such an evil plan.
My favorite thing about this book and the one before it is all the logistics of building and sustaining a colony on Mars. The author goes into many fun, more-or-less plausible details that do a great job of worldbuilding.
It isn’t a great literary novel by any means. This is about efficient logistics of getting from point A to point B. More about worldbuilding and plot than inner lives of the characters. Which seems perfectly reasonable for a series based on a boardgame. Nevertheless, it’s a fun read and a nice trip to the Red Planet. Thanks Netgalley.
September 26, 2022
[Blurb goes here]
Terraforming Mars: Edge of Catastrophe, is the second installment in the stand alone stories based on the award-winning boardgame. While I didn't read the first book (In the Shadow of Deimos), I came across this one, and the blurb just pulled me in.
Who said that a book about potatoes was not a fun read? Boil em, mash em... you get the gist.
Mel, a scientist working in a modified version of a potato is on the brink of a life changing discovery. Using a viral enhancer, she has given the tubers rich nutrients, and the capacity to grow in the red planet's harsh conditions. Her research could be applied to other plants, thus helping feed the growing population inhabiting the world, since immigration numbers had been steadily on the rise, along with those of natural born martians.
One fateful morning, Mel arrives at her lab. Today is the day that will make her, or brake her. To her dismay, she finds her testing crops all rotten. Maybe she did something wrong? Fortunately her now putrid crops are contained inside the lab, there's no way the infection could spread among other farms. This idea, a needed respite, proves to be wrong. The enhanced virus spreads all across the planet. Fault resting upon her shoulders. She's found guilty, jail awaits. But there's something nagging at Mel's mind. Something that forces her to escape: the certitude of sabotage.
Here's where the action starts. Mel has a few good friends, and she's going to need their help to prove foul play.
Jane Killick writes a great who-done-it, while (truth be told) at times it slows down to a crawl. I liked most of the characters; some are not so fortunate, and feel like jagged paper cut-outs. I loved the science, while intricate, is not too hard on the reader. With an intriguing and intricate plot, the story has its fair share of twists and turns.
At times, IMHO, the dialogs feel a bit empty...nonsensical, even. Let me clarify: that's not the norm, but something to be mindful of. Killick will push the envelope, hitting you with corporate conspiracies, criminal gangs, and dwindling resources, making Edge of Catastrophe a very interesting read.
Even if you're not a fan of the boardgame, or haven't read the first book: if you're up for an entertaining adventure, I recommend you have a go at this story. It wetted my appetite for "In the Shadow of Deimos."
Terraforming Mars: Edge of Catastrophe, is the second installment in the stand alone stories based on the award-winning boardgame. While I didn't read the first book (In the Shadow of Deimos), I came across this one, and the blurb just pulled me in.
Who said that a book about potatoes was not a fun read? Boil em, mash em... you get the gist.
Mel, a scientist working in a modified version of a potato is on the brink of a life changing discovery. Using a viral enhancer, she has given the tubers rich nutrients, and the capacity to grow in the red planet's harsh conditions. Her research could be applied to other plants, thus helping feed the growing population inhabiting the world, since immigration numbers had been steadily on the rise, along with those of natural born martians.
One fateful morning, Mel arrives at her lab. Today is the day that will make her, or brake her. To her dismay, she finds her testing crops all rotten. Maybe she did something wrong? Fortunately her now putrid crops are contained inside the lab, there's no way the infection could spread among other farms. This idea, a needed respite, proves to be wrong. The enhanced virus spreads all across the planet. Fault resting upon her shoulders. She's found guilty, jail awaits. But there's something nagging at Mel's mind. Something that forces her to escape: the certitude of sabotage.
Here's where the action starts. Mel has a few good friends, and she's going to need their help to prove foul play.
Jane Killick writes a great who-done-it, while (truth be told) at times it slows down to a crawl. I liked most of the characters; some are not so fortunate, and feel like jagged paper cut-outs. I loved the science, while intricate, is not too hard on the reader. With an intriguing and intricate plot, the story has its fair share of twists and turns.
At times, IMHO, the dialogs feel a bit empty...nonsensical, even. Let me clarify: that's not the norm, but something to be mindful of. Killick will push the envelope, hitting you with corporate conspiracies, criminal gangs, and dwindling resources, making Edge of Catastrophe a very interesting read.
Even if you're not a fan of the boardgame, or haven't read the first book: if you're up for an entertaining adventure, I recommend you have a go at this story. It wetted my appetite for "In the Shadow of Deimos."
November 18, 2022
500 years in the future and Mars is now home to a thriving colony with a terraforming project in full swing Potatoes are the main crop grown on the red planet, but when a lab experiment goes horribly wrong, with drastic implications for the planet's food supply, Dr. Mel Erdan suddenly finds herself on the run, trying to prove her innocence while saving food production on Mars.
This was a quick read and if you like light sci-fi, then this may be a good fit for you. My family enjoys the Terraforming Mars board games, which this series is inspired by, so I wanted to give it a chance. If you enjoyed Andy Weir's book, Artemis, then this would be a good fit for you as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jane Killick, and Aconyte Books for providing me an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a quick read and if you like light sci-fi, then this may be a good fit for you. My family enjoys the Terraforming Mars board games, which this series is inspired by, so I wanted to give it a chance. If you enjoyed Andy Weir's book, Artemis, then this would be a good fit for you as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jane Killick, and Aconyte Books for providing me an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2024
This book is light reading. It sets out to engage and entertain, and it does that well. The science, the environment, the characters and, above all, the plot, are for the most part sound and believable.
"Edge of Catastrophe" is good reading for commuting, late night or the swimming pool. As noted in other reviews, this book is very much a detective / police procedural set in 26th century Mars.
I enjoyed how the author brings the corporations and some cards from the board game to life. Teractor, Ecoline, Viral Enhancers, Noctis City...
If you want hard and deeply philosophical sci fi about the terraforming of Mars, you'd be better served by reading the "Colors of Mars" trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson, for example.
I enjoyed this novel more than "In the Shadow of Deimos" by the same author. This second effort felt more real and consistent.
"Edge of Catastrophe" is good reading for commuting, late night or the swimming pool. As noted in other reviews, this book is very much a detective / police procedural set in 26th century Mars.
I enjoyed how the author brings the corporations and some cards from the board game to life. Teractor, Ecoline, Viral Enhancers, Noctis City...
If you want hard and deeply philosophical sci fi about the terraforming of Mars, you'd be better served by reading the "Colors of Mars" trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson, for example.
I enjoyed this novel more than "In the Shadow of Deimos" by the same author. This second effort felt more real and consistent.
October 5, 2022
If you didn't hear my cry of delight when "Edge of Catastrophe" became available on NetGalley, then you must have been on Mars! The first book in this series ("In the Shadow of Deimos" - check it out!) was set in an earlier time, meaning we get a whole cast of new characters and a more advanced setting with book 2. It's a fantastic story with excellent writing, great characters, and a gripping plot... and it's set on Mars - who needs more?
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
April 7, 2023
It's okay I guess. There's the standard Sci fi tropes :'Disgruntled colonists chafing at Earth's rule', 'Nothing to see here' bureaucracy that inevitably messes up and 'Dr Evil corporations' running through the book alongside 'Let's just riot' response to minor problems. This is a story you've read countless times before or seen often in movies or on TV. Like I say, it's okay but there's nothing new or innovative here and one of the characters are particularly interesting. Seventy pages in and not gonna finish it because I've seen this or something similar before.
October 13, 2022
The second book in the Terraforming Mars series, which is based on the popular board game, faces the challenges of establishing the colony and providing for its growing population. A viral enhancer suddenly transforms healthy plants into a bunch of blackened dead crops. Violence and riots occur and Mel Erdan must prove that she didn't cause the problem and find a fix. Supplies are dwindling and the entire city could collapse.
This is an exciting read.
This is an exciting read.
October 13, 2022
The second book in the Terraforming Mars series, which is based on the popular board game, faces the challenges of establishing the colony and providing for its growing population. A viral enhancer suddenly transforms healthy plants into a bunch of blackened dead crops. Violence and riots occur and Mel Erdan must prove that she didn't cause the problem and find a fix. Supplies are dwindling and the entire city could collapse.
This is an exciting read.
This is an exciting read.
October 9, 2025
This is an identical review as for the other Terraforming Mars book since after reading them back to back I can’t remember any differentiating details.
They were both completely serviceable plots with well placed winks to fans of the board game. They passed the time well enough, but nothing jumped out at me to read another story in this world. I’d rather continue making my own stories by playing the games.
They were both completely serviceable plots with well placed winks to fans of the board game. They passed the time well enough, but nothing jumped out at me to read another story in this world. I’d rather continue making my own stories by playing the games.
August 31, 2022
ARC Copy...it was very fast and intriguing page turner that I really wanted to find out how this all turns out and I would say even if one is not familiar with the "Terraforming Mars" universe, still is a decent sci-fi noir read.
December 6, 2024
All too often books that take place within an IP are nothing but a soul-sucking cash grab. This? This was anything but. The backdrop of the Terraforming Mars board game created the perfect landscape for this delicious novel!
September 23, 2022
Mars is a thriving community, that is self sufficient. Martians are terraforming the planet. Suddenly there is a food shortage. There are terrorists attacks. Who's responsible?
October 22, 2022
A pretty good sci fi mystery. This has tech, science, and more, and I enjoy this overall. I plan to go back and read the first one soon.
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
June 16, 2025
A quick read novel with a bit of mystery and action.
December 7, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Aconyte for this early reader copy for an honest review.
I greatly enjoyed this book. Fast paced and interesting story all the way to the satisfying end. Will be recommending to others.
I greatly enjoyed this book. Fast paced and interesting story all the way to the satisfying end. Will be recommending to others.
December 14, 2022
As always I want to start by saying that I was given a copy of this to review as part of a @AconyteBooks book tour. My review is honest and left voluntarily. #NetGalley #AconyteBooks #TerraformingMars #TieinFiction
I have to say recently I have gotten more into Martian fiction and I have to say that probably started with Jane Killick’s In the Shadow of Deimos followed by the brilliant Mortal Mission by Pip Skinner. I have yet to get around to Andy Weir’s work but when I saw that Killick’s newest novel in the Terraforming Mars tie ins was on Netgalley I was more than a little excited. Then again with an author who has penned several amazing Babylon 5 novels (Babylon 5 was my gateway into Sci-fi and I will ALWAYS love it) I knew it was going to be good.
The Edge of Catastrophe is a brilliant sci-fi novel that ticks all the boxes you could want and more besides. A sort of who-done-it on Mars with memorable characters and a lot of action. In fact it is safe to say the action hardly ever lets up. I honestly wasn’t sure how thrilling a tale could be of sabotaged potato crops but I should not have doubted Kilick for one second.
This is certainly a novel with a lot happening and you do need to concentrate on the characters but I feel that is what makes it such a good thriller. You are put in a situation where you are trying to find out who the culprit it is and it could really be anybody.
Another thing I love about the novel is that you do not need to know or have played the Terraforming game to enjoy this novel or The Shadow of Deimos, of course it helps and if you love the games you will love the novel all the more, but Kilick makes this their own. It’s a truly wonderful novel that I adored reading and will be definitely rereading.
I have to say recently I have gotten more into Martian fiction and I have to say that probably started with Jane Killick’s In the Shadow of Deimos followed by the brilliant Mortal Mission by Pip Skinner. I have yet to get around to Andy Weir’s work but when I saw that Killick’s newest novel in the Terraforming Mars tie ins was on Netgalley I was more than a little excited. Then again with an author who has penned several amazing Babylon 5 novels (Babylon 5 was my gateway into Sci-fi and I will ALWAYS love it) I knew it was going to be good.
The Edge of Catastrophe is a brilliant sci-fi novel that ticks all the boxes you could want and more besides. A sort of who-done-it on Mars with memorable characters and a lot of action. In fact it is safe to say the action hardly ever lets up. I honestly wasn’t sure how thrilling a tale could be of sabotaged potato crops but I should not have doubted Kilick for one second.
This is certainly a novel with a lot happening and you do need to concentrate on the characters but I feel that is what makes it such a good thriller. You are put in a situation where you are trying to find out who the culprit it is and it could really be anybody.
Another thing I love about the novel is that you do not need to know or have played the Terraforming game to enjoy this novel or The Shadow of Deimos, of course it helps and if you love the games you will love the novel all the more, but Kilick makes this their own. It’s a truly wonderful novel that I adored reading and will be definitely rereading.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews