What do you think?
Rate this book
White Hart #1
Devon's Island
Other stories will take you to Mars. This one will take you inside the boardroom, the pub, and the bedroom with the people planning the mission.
Gurdeep is an engineer and a soldier. Georgie’s a food scientist. One is pragmatic with a tough outer shell; the other's an optimist, a person of ideas and compassion. In the span of a single afternoon, the couple find themselves in charge of planning a self-sustaining colony on Mars. Together, they’re humanity’s last hope for survival.
They have 160 slots to fill with experts from all over the world as they set about designing an all-new society with its own government, economy, and culture – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Among those chosen for the mission is Devon, an autistic scientist with a unique skill set who finds life on Earth strange and alienating. Maybe a whole new planet is exactly what's needed.
With 1,114 days until the launch, excitement and tensions run high. Earth’s second chance hangs in the balance. Between strict genetic requirements and the dangers of the dystopian almost-present, will everyone make it to the final countdown?
This is a work of neurodiverse, culturally diverse, gender-bendy, socio-politico-economic, drunken-arguments-in-the-pub science fiction – not bang-bang-pew-pew science fiction. Don't say you weren't warned.
Gurdeep is an engineer and a soldier. Georgie’s a food scientist. One is pragmatic with a tough outer shell; the other's an optimist, a person of ideas and compassion. In the span of a single afternoon, the couple find themselves in charge of planning a self-sustaining colony on Mars. Together, they’re humanity’s last hope for survival.
They have 160 slots to fill with experts from all over the world as they set about designing an all-new society with its own government, economy, and culture – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Among those chosen for the mission is Devon, an autistic scientist with a unique skill set who finds life on Earth strange and alienating. Maybe a whole new planet is exactly what's needed.
With 1,114 days until the launch, excitement and tensions run high. Earth’s second chance hangs in the balance. Between strict genetic requirements and the dangers of the dystopian almost-present, will everyone make it to the final countdown?
This is a work of neurodiverse, culturally diverse, gender-bendy, socio-politico-economic, drunken-arguments-in-the-pub science fiction – not bang-bang-pew-pew science fiction. Don't say you weren't warned.
ebook
First published January 20, 2020
30 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Si Clarke
16 books107 followersSI CLARKE is a misanthrope who lives in Deptford, sarf ees London. She shares her home with her partner and an assortment of waifs and strays. When not writing convoluted, inefficient stories, she spends her time telling financial services firms to behave more efficiently. When not doing either of those things, she can be found in the pub or shouting at people online – occasionally practising efficiency by doing both at once.
As someone who’s neurodivergent, an immigrant, and the proud owner of an invisible disability, she strives to present a diverse array of characters in her stories.
As someone who’s neurodivergent, an immigrant, and the proud owner of an invisible disability, she strives to present a diverse array of characters in her stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 7, 2023
This was free on amazon for a time, and I believe still is at the moment.
This is a very involved and character heavy story, with a huge amount of detail, that goes into the intricacies of preparing for a Mars colony. It's very much 'meetings in boardrooms' and discussion and brainstorming about the processes of getting it all ready and setup and the experts involved. Recruitment and scientific blather.
The author is clearly a genius, and has an amazing attention to detail and really exploring the logistics of it all. However I felt myself pretty dumb -and if I'm honest- kinda bored with most of that side of things. I feel stupid to say that, because it's incredibly well written, and so many details, that it feels like I'm just ranting because I'm too shallow to 'get' it. Unfortunately it just felt like these points were wasted on me as a reader.
I think it just depends on what you're wanting from your reads, and I guess for me I'm willing to overlook a lot of minutiae explanations about how it all works, and rather focus on the characters and their relationships.
This book does have that, but only in small doses. The mains of Gurdeep Singh, Captain and Engineer, and her wife Georgie a food scientist, as being the two main leaders for the colony, and seemingly the heart and soul and almost "mothers" for the mothership that is the Mars Colony project. They are opposite and yet flatter and compliment each other so beautifully. They are tough and smart, and savvy and sassy, and have layers and interests that make them fully rounded people, and not just caricatures. But I guess my romantic heart just still wanted far more character interaction, more romance, more feeling and emotion etc.
Also with the sheer amount of characters that get introduced, and the narratives being switched around to multiple POV's, often I got incredibly confused with who each person was, and how they fit into the colony, what their role was etc. I often felt some characters didn't get enough time for us to really get to know them, or feel the bond form with the group as a whole. I really loved the character of Devon, an autistic woman, who I relate to a lot. But again, felt she didn't get enough focus, despite her character being mentioned in the blurb for the book, and being the sole reason I picked it up. So it felt like a bit of a bait and switch there.
Overall, just a very intense, brave story, but often went over my own head, and not enough into my heart.
This is a very involved and character heavy story, with a huge amount of detail, that goes into the intricacies of preparing for a Mars colony. It's very much 'meetings in boardrooms' and discussion and brainstorming about the processes of getting it all ready and setup and the experts involved. Recruitment and scientific blather.
The author is clearly a genius, and has an amazing attention to detail and really exploring the logistics of it all. However I felt myself pretty dumb -and if I'm honest- kinda bored with most of that side of things. I feel stupid to say that, because it's incredibly well written, and so many details, that it feels like I'm just ranting because I'm too shallow to 'get' it. Unfortunately it just felt like these points were wasted on me as a reader.
I think it just depends on what you're wanting from your reads, and I guess for me I'm willing to overlook a lot of minutiae explanations about how it all works, and rather focus on the characters and their relationships.
This book does have that, but only in small doses. The mains of Gurdeep Singh, Captain and Engineer, and her wife Georgie a food scientist, as being the two main leaders for the colony, and seemingly the heart and soul and almost "mothers" for the mothership that is the Mars Colony project. They are opposite and yet flatter and compliment each other so beautifully. They are tough and smart, and savvy and sassy, and have layers and interests that make them fully rounded people, and not just caricatures. But I guess my romantic heart just still wanted far more character interaction, more romance, more feeling and emotion etc.
Also with the sheer amount of characters that get introduced, and the narratives being switched around to multiple POV's, often I got incredibly confused with who each person was, and how they fit into the colony, what their role was etc. I often felt some characters didn't get enough time for us to really get to know them, or feel the bond form with the group as a whole. I really loved the character of Devon, an autistic woman, who I relate to a lot. But again, felt she didn't get enough focus, despite her character being mentioned in the blurb for the book, and being the sole reason I picked it up. So it felt like a bit of a bait and switch there.
Overall, just a very intense, brave story, but often went over my own head, and not enough into my heart.
February 5, 2020
As the inside cover states, this is a science fiction book, unlike many others.
It deals with the ideas, concepts and contingencies encountered when a group on near-future earth are faced with the task of setting up a small self-contained and self-sustaining colony on Mars.
The cast of characters is rich and diverse, and yet each is entirely believable. The way in which they handle the problems that they encounter is well described and is grounded in reality - indeed there is an appendix to the book describing the real-world science of many of the solutions that the characters put in place.
It is clear that the author intends there to be a sequel to this book and I will certainly be looking out for it.
It deals with the ideas, concepts and contingencies encountered when a group on near-future earth are faced with the task of setting up a small self-contained and self-sustaining colony on Mars.
The cast of characters is rich and diverse, and yet each is entirely believable. The way in which they handle the problems that they encounter is well described and is grounded in reality - indeed there is an appendix to the book describing the real-world science of many of the solutions that the characters put in place.
It is clear that the author intends there to be a sequel to this book and I will certainly be looking out for it.
October 17, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Despite the title, this story is more about Gurdeep and Georgie than Devon, although it does touch on various characters as the story unfolds.
I absolutely loved this gentle story about preparing for the colonisation of Mars – all about the planning, people and psychology involved. The pace is slow and thoughtful, and the whole concept makes for an utterly fascinating sci-fi read, standing out as unique among other space-based stories.
In addition to the fresh plot, another big draw here is the diversity of the characters involved and the different perspectives in the moral debates they engage in. And the real-life science section at the end adds a whole raft of background data to the worldbuilding, for those interested in what makes it all work.
I was so immersed in the potential colony and the challenges they faced and problem-solved, so absolutely NEED to find out what happens next. Luckily, the sequel, Livid Skies, is already available, so you – and I – can get an immediate fix of neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ science fiction and find out whether humanity can survive on Mars after destroying itself on Earth.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Despite the title, this story is more about Gurdeep and Georgie than Devon, although it does touch on various characters as the story unfolds.
I absolutely loved this gentle story about preparing for the colonisation of Mars – all about the planning, people and psychology involved. The pace is slow and thoughtful, and the whole concept makes for an utterly fascinating sci-fi read, standing out as unique among other space-based stories.
In addition to the fresh plot, another big draw here is the diversity of the characters involved and the different perspectives in the moral debates they engage in. And the real-life science section at the end adds a whole raft of background data to the worldbuilding, for those interested in what makes it all work.
I was so immersed in the potential colony and the challenges they faced and problem-solved, so absolutely NEED to find out what happens next. Luckily, the sequel, Livid Skies, is already available, so you – and I – can get an immediate fix of neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ science fiction and find out whether humanity can survive on Mars after destroying itself on Earth.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
January 31, 2020
Interesting and surprising. It reminded me of Becky Chambers but a bit more sciencey. Wish we'd have spent a bit more time on mars and less in meetings, but I guess I'll have to wait for the next book :)
Took one star off as the number of characters was confusing at first, especially as not all of them have a distinct voice.
Overall though, I enjoyed it very much & would recommend it.
Took one star off as the number of characters was confusing at first, especially as not all of them have a distinct voice.
Overall though, I enjoyed it very much & would recommend it.
April 12, 2023
What if some rich companies and forward thinking governments got together to plan a Mars colony? What if they hired the right minds to figure it all out? What if this was a one way trip for all concern?
This is a highly engaging story with relatable characters. The science is plausible. The drama is real too. While the end of the book has a reasonable stopping point, I could hardly wait for more of these characters and their adventures once they get to Mars.
Highly recommended.
This is a highly engaging story with relatable characters. The science is plausible. The drama is real too. While the end of the book has a reasonable stopping point, I could hardly wait for more of these characters and their adventures once they get to Mars.
Highly recommended.
May 14, 2022
5 Stars - Scientists doing science and planning, what's not to love?
Devon's Island is a book that might not be for everyone, but it certainly was for me! Basically the premise is that a stinking rich businessman and a conglomerate of additional investors (some of them countries, but they'd rather stay unnamed) are planning to realize a mission to mars. Not just some exploration but the actual establishment of a colony that is self-sufficient from day one, no return tickets for any of the colonists!
So they put together a team of experts who are then to recruit further experts in their field to bring together the knowledge and personality traits to make such a mission a success. They have around 3 years to make it happen, which is not a lot of time indeed.
And so we follow the ever growing team in chapters that are being told from the perspective of one of the team members as they plan and solve problems. Some might find that boring but honestly, I could have read a book several times as long that delves even more into all of the little details. There is SO MUCH to consider for a functioning colony and every single one of these issues is absolutely fascinating. Not to forget keeping the people with the money happy at the same time ...
Si Clarke made a point of putting together a very diverse team and played quite smartly with my preconceptions about the expected gender of some of the team members. It turned out that several of the characters who I had assumed to be male turned out to be women after all. Chapeau!
Also, Georgie was an absolute gem, my favourite character for sure.
If there is a caveat then it is the sheer number of team members - I did not always remember 100 % who is who, but there were usually enough hints to help my memory. It ended up being not confusing which I think is quite a feat and shows good storytelling.
Devon's Island is a book that might not be for everyone, but it certainly was for me! Basically the premise is that a stinking rich businessman and a conglomerate of additional investors (some of them countries, but they'd rather stay unnamed) are planning to realize a mission to mars. Not just some exploration but the actual establishment of a colony that is self-sufficient from day one, no return tickets for any of the colonists!
So they put together a team of experts who are then to recruit further experts in their field to bring together the knowledge and personality traits to make such a mission a success. They have around 3 years to make it happen, which is not a lot of time indeed.
And so we follow the ever growing team in chapters that are being told from the perspective of one of the team members as they plan and solve problems. Some might find that boring but honestly, I could have read a book several times as long that delves even more into all of the little details. There is SO MUCH to consider for a functioning colony and every single one of these issues is absolutely fascinating. Not to forget keeping the people with the money happy at the same time ...
Si Clarke made a point of putting together a very diverse team and played quite smartly with my preconceptions about the expected gender of some of the team members. It turned out that several of the characters who I had assumed to be male turned out to be women after all. Chapeau!
Also, Georgie was an absolute gem, my favourite character for sure.
If there is a caveat then it is the sheer number of team members - I did not always remember 100 % who is who, but there were usually enough hints to help my memory. It ended up being not confusing which I think is quite a feat and shows good storytelling.
March 5, 2020
Disclaimer: I was given a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I really wanted to like this book. It's got a fun premise and the author has clearly thought A LOT about how we could set up a colony on Mars.
Unfortunately the first 80% of the book is meetings. One of the characters even makes the observation "it feels like an endless stream of meetings and they all kind of blend into a featureless haze".
As an autistic myself I loved that there was a neurodiverse crew, but there are so many characters it was hard to keep track of who they all were and their really narrow field of expertise. Yes, there is a list of characters at the front of the book, but who wants to spend their time flicking back and forth to jog their memory?
It's mainly an introductory book to what appears to be a longer series. That works if the first book grabs your attention and leaves you invested and wanting more. This book however did none of that. There was very little narrative arc and no incidents of note or character development.
They don't even arrive on Mars until 80% in. That but was interesting, but why couldn't we have started there and been introduced to characters as they crop up in the story? I love that the author has thought about every element of how it would work, but the reader doesn't really need that level of the preparation details.
The writing is good. The characters are diverse and representative of many communities, but it would have liked more actual story.
I really wanted to like this book. It's got a fun premise and the author has clearly thought A LOT about how we could set up a colony on Mars.
Unfortunately the first 80% of the book is meetings. One of the characters even makes the observation "it feels like an endless stream of meetings and they all kind of blend into a featureless haze".
As an autistic myself I loved that there was a neurodiverse crew, but there are so many characters it was hard to keep track of who they all were and their really narrow field of expertise. Yes, there is a list of characters at the front of the book, but who wants to spend their time flicking back and forth to jog their memory?
It's mainly an introductory book to what appears to be a longer series. That works if the first book grabs your attention and leaves you invested and wanting more. This book however did none of that. There was very little narrative arc and no incidents of note or character development.
They don't even arrive on Mars until 80% in. That but was interesting, but why couldn't we have started there and been introduced to characters as they crop up in the story? I love that the author has thought about every element of how it would work, but the reader doesn't really need that level of the preparation details.
The writing is good. The characters are diverse and representative of many communities, but it would have liked more actual story.
February 12, 2020
Review to follow when I am not just using my phone to update! :) stay tuned
July 17, 2022
I really liked this book. It looks at the behind-the-scenes discussions, administration, and machinations behind a monumental space mega-project. Author Si Clarke brings a lot of unique elements to the story dessert table, creating a tasty, both sweet and tart story, which provides hope and despair.
There are a lot of characters involved (which the author apologizes for and provides a brief guide at the end of the story), but the story does regularly follow the key ones, using the others to bring outside observations and to move the story along. I wouldn’t say that there is a clear protagonist, but it isn’t an issue. All the characters come together to tell the story.
I’m a sucker for harder science fiction, and although Devon's Island is not as “hard” as it could get, it provides an optimistic view of what could be accomplished. Author Si Clarke also devotes an appendix with links to some of the articles which provide the science behind the fiction. At the same time, the story amplifies many of the events which are going on in today’s world, taking them to the next level of criticality to move the urgency of the story forward. Interestingly, one of the major forces at play is a global pandemic, yet the book was published just before the COVID 19 crisis. Should we be worried about some of the other predictions in the story?
For the most part, the story takes place in the United Kingdom, which is a refreshing change from the usual NASA, American-centred fare. The corporation behind the story’s initiative isn’t well explained, but I think that this is a good thing. It allows the story to procure characters from around the world based on their merits, rather than any given nationality. The corporation has ties and resources into all sorts of organizations, both governmental and non-governmental. I think that this gives the story a “whole world” ambiance, not leaving anyone behind just because of their geographic location. Worldbuilding at it's finest, in my opinion.
I would be remis if I didn’t mention the diversity in Devon's Island. Beyond nationality, characters are from different races, backgrounds, religions, and orientations, and it just doesn’t matter. Perhaps this is a good blueprint on how the world should aspire to be.
I enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to buying and reading the follow-up, Livid Skies. Despite the volume of characters and the decided lack of “action”, it provides an interesting and creative vision behind the curtain of what this type of project might look like. Five of five on Goodreads.
There are a lot of characters involved (which the author apologizes for and provides a brief guide at the end of the story), but the story does regularly follow the key ones, using the others to bring outside observations and to move the story along. I wouldn’t say that there is a clear protagonist, but it isn’t an issue. All the characters come together to tell the story.
I’m a sucker for harder science fiction, and although Devon's Island is not as “hard” as it could get, it provides an optimistic view of what could be accomplished. Author Si Clarke also devotes an appendix with links to some of the articles which provide the science behind the fiction. At the same time, the story amplifies many of the events which are going on in today’s world, taking them to the next level of criticality to move the urgency of the story forward. Interestingly, one of the major forces at play is a global pandemic, yet the book was published just before the COVID 19 crisis. Should we be worried about some of the other predictions in the story?
For the most part, the story takes place in the United Kingdom, which is a refreshing change from the usual NASA, American-centred fare. The corporation behind the story’s initiative isn’t well explained, but I think that this is a good thing. It allows the story to procure characters from around the world based on their merits, rather than any given nationality. The corporation has ties and resources into all sorts of organizations, both governmental and non-governmental. I think that this gives the story a “whole world” ambiance, not leaving anyone behind just because of their geographic location. Worldbuilding at it's finest, in my opinion.
I would be remis if I didn’t mention the diversity in Devon's Island. Beyond nationality, characters are from different races, backgrounds, religions, and orientations, and it just doesn’t matter. Perhaps this is a good blueprint on how the world should aspire to be.
I enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to buying and reading the follow-up, Livid Skies. Despite the volume of characters and the decided lack of “action”, it provides an interesting and creative vision behind the curtain of what this type of project might look like. Five of five on Goodreads.
July 17, 2022
Wow. Many of the developments that lead to the mission are hitting closer and closer to home, so this was not a comfortable leave-reality-behind-and-escape-into-a-story read for me. It made me wish for an option to leave this messy planet behind and start again from scratch somewhere far, far away.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the sciency little details that went into the mission planning, but I had trouble keeping track of who was who in the huge cast of characters.
Would I like to read the next book in the series? Yes. Do I hope that the next story focuses more on fewer people? Also yes.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the sciency little details that went into the mission planning, but I had trouble keeping track of who was who in the huge cast of characters.
Would I like to read the next book in the series? Yes. Do I hope that the next story focuses more on fewer people? Also yes.
July 20, 2022
Devon’s Island is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. It is primarily about all of the many details of needs to begin a new colony. There are times when those details brought a slowdown, I can’t imagine the hair-pulling meetings required for such a gargantuan task, but the dialogue kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and learned a few things in the process.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
November 12, 2021
See my web site for a full review of “Devon's Island”.
April 5, 2024
Seems impossible, but this is an optimistic novel about the end of the world, basically.
June 18, 2020
Mars the New Frontier!
A fascinating, unique and intriguing storyline pertaining to the logistics of establishing a permanent, self-sustained, fully independent human colony on Mars. With our present world in turmoil, the idea of leaving Earth to preserve all of our history, knowledge, and technology is mind boggling. The wonderful combination of diverse, complex characters made me want to learn more about them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more adventures from SI Clark once they reach Mars.
I received an advance copy and am happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
A fascinating, unique and intriguing storyline pertaining to the logistics of establishing a permanent, self-sustained, fully independent human colony on Mars. With our present world in turmoil, the idea of leaving Earth to preserve all of our history, knowledge, and technology is mind boggling. The wonderful combination of diverse, complex characters made me want to learn more about them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more adventures from SI Clark once they reach Mars.
I received an advance copy and am happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
March 24, 2020
Absolutely loved it, i would recommend. There many unique characters and points of view also being Autistic I loved how Devon was portrayed and very relatable character for me which it's hard to find in books. Overall definitely worth a read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2020
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Devon’s Island is divided into three Acts; therefore, I will discuss each Act separately.
Act One: This section was mainly dedicated to the recruitment of individuals who’ll be beneficial to the starting process of colonizing Mars. It was more scientific-based. SI Clarke discussed how much air, food, and water humans consume. Clarke also pointed out scientists needed to combat the issue of bone loss in space. Spoiler’s alert! It all had to do with stopping the body’s production of TSG-6. Whether you’re a science geek or not, I think you’ll like Act One.
Act Two: This portion of the story dealt with how many people would be needed to populate Mars. It was suggested no men would go, but that idea was promptly shut done. Instead, everyone agreed 160 people would go. (144-150 women and 10-16 men)
They would also take 25,000 genetic material.
When you are starting a new civilization, life is essential. People die, so babies must be born to continue the preservation of the human race. How the people in charge went about ensuring it was a bit extreme.
*no one over 36
*sexual orientation meeting
*must sign over reproductive rights
Every step the powers that be took had a purpose. Earth was becoming less habitable, so we must adapt. Goodbye Earth…Hello Mars.
Act Three: And we have liftoff! It takes about a year to travel to Mars. As you would assume, space travel is no life on the beach. I’ve never been to space, but I suspect Chapter 27/Devon depicts life in a spacecraft quite accurately: overwhelming smells and lights, no privacy, always too hot or too cold.
This portion of Devon’s Island was my favorite. I was fascinated by how much the initial crew was able to accomplish. They had bees, apple trees, and daisies. Heck, they also had coffee plants. You wait, in a few years, I bet the first Starbucks will be opening its doors. 🙂
But in all seriousness, Act Three was the darkest section of the three. Human life on Earth was in chaos. As with Act One & Two, SI Clarke touched upon real-life happenings: mass shootings, hate crimes, terrorism. Clarke was correct, “The world was getting darker by the day.”
Currently, we are working on getting the human race to Mars. However, will we get there before the world implodes, before we turn on each other, kill each other off?
After reading Devon’s Island, I DID NOT wonder if technology would allow us to create a colony on Mars and thrive there. No, I wondered if the human race will survive long enough on Earth to make the trek. Times are becoming more combustible by the hour… how long do we actually have on this planet? Days? Weeks? Years? Or how about hours?
And on that note…
Good job, SI Clarke! Love the story and the section titled –> It’s Science, Bitches.
Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
Devon’s Island is divided into three Acts; therefore, I will discuss each Act separately.
Act One: This section was mainly dedicated to the recruitment of individuals who’ll be beneficial to the starting process of colonizing Mars. It was more scientific-based. SI Clarke discussed how much air, food, and water humans consume. Clarke also pointed out scientists needed to combat the issue of bone loss in space. Spoiler’s alert! It all had to do with stopping the body’s production of TSG-6. Whether you’re a science geek or not, I think you’ll like Act One.
Act Two: This portion of the story dealt with how many people would be needed to populate Mars. It was suggested no men would go, but that idea was promptly shut done. Instead, everyone agreed 160 people would go. (144-150 women and 10-16 men)
They would also take 25,000 genetic material.
When you are starting a new civilization, life is essential. People die, so babies must be born to continue the preservation of the human race. How the people in charge went about ensuring it was a bit extreme.
*no one over 36
*sexual orientation meeting
*must sign over reproductive rights
Every step the powers that be took had a purpose. Earth was becoming less habitable, so we must adapt. Goodbye Earth…Hello Mars.
Act Three: And we have liftoff! It takes about a year to travel to Mars. As you would assume, space travel is no life on the beach. I’ve never been to space, but I suspect Chapter 27/Devon depicts life in a spacecraft quite accurately: overwhelming smells and lights, no privacy, always too hot or too cold.
This portion of Devon’s Island was my favorite. I was fascinated by how much the initial crew was able to accomplish. They had bees, apple trees, and daisies. Heck, they also had coffee plants. You wait, in a few years, I bet the first Starbucks will be opening its doors. 🙂
But in all seriousness, Act Three was the darkest section of the three. Human life on Earth was in chaos. As with Act One & Two, SI Clarke touched upon real-life happenings: mass shootings, hate crimes, terrorism. Clarke was correct, “The world was getting darker by the day.”
Currently, we are working on getting the human race to Mars. However, will we get there before the world implodes, before we turn on each other, kill each other off?
After reading Devon’s Island, I DID NOT wonder if technology would allow us to create a colony on Mars and thrive there. No, I wondered if the human race will survive long enough on Earth to make the trek. Times are becoming more combustible by the hour… how long do we actually have on this planet? Days? Weeks? Years? Or how about hours?
And on that note…
Good job, SI Clarke! Love the story and the section titled –> It’s Science, Bitches.
Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
March 31, 2020
Full disclosure: I received a free e-reader version of this book in exchange for a review
I really enjoyed the well-researched science aspects of this book and the realistic near-future setting. (I especially appreciated the section at the back of the book touching on the real-world projects and research that featured in the novel.)
I did find the number of characters confusing, especially as we switch between many of their viewpoints, in first-person, so I often found myself forgetting who's perspective I was reading from and having to flip back a few pages. (My e-reader tends to butcher formatting so I'm not sure if the dead tree version has page headers which would help with this). However I did enjoy the diverse viewpoints and backgrounds shared by the characters and did care at about at least some of them by the end.
It is very clear this book is setting up for a sequel and I did feel a little cheated to find myself at the end just as it felt like it was getting really darn good. Much of this book is the organisation and set up leading to the mission which is fascinating in its believability but does get a tad tedious at times, when it gets to first launch and actual time on Mars it is truly gripping but ends far too soon. Will definitely be looking out for the follow up when it comes! There were a couple of specific story elements which bothered me but I suspect they will be resolved in some way in the sequel so I'm not judging too harshly for those yet.
This a particularly interesting book to read right now if you are in isolation as many of us are, given that the characters are also feeling like their world on earth is rapidly deteriorating and they prepare both practically and mentally for extended isolation and a massive permanent change to their lives.
I really enjoyed the well-researched science aspects of this book and the realistic near-future setting. (I especially appreciated the section at the back of the book touching on the real-world projects and research that featured in the novel.)
I did find the number of characters confusing, especially as we switch between many of their viewpoints, in first-person, so I often found myself forgetting who's perspective I was reading from and having to flip back a few pages. (My e-reader tends to butcher formatting so I'm not sure if the dead tree version has page headers which would help with this). However I did enjoy the diverse viewpoints and backgrounds shared by the characters and did care at about at least some of them by the end.
It is very clear this book is setting up for a sequel and I did feel a little cheated to find myself at the end just as it felt like it was getting really darn good. Much of this book is the organisation and set up leading to the mission which is fascinating in its believability but does get a tad tedious at times, when it gets to first launch and actual time on Mars it is truly gripping but ends far too soon. Will definitely be looking out for the follow up when it comes! There were a couple of specific story elements which bothered me but I suspect they will be resolved in some way in the sequel so I'm not judging too harshly for those yet.
This a particularly interesting book to read right now if you are in isolation as many of us are, given that the characters are also feeling like their world on earth is rapidly deteriorating and they prepare both practically and mentally for extended isolation and a massive permanent change to their lives.
February 25, 2020
As Sparks Nevada would say, 'I love me some paperwork.' He would fit in nicely here, although he already lives on Mars, so...
Devon's Island is a new sci-fi: heavy on the sci, and heavy on the admin. It's quite a realistic take on what it would take to colonise Mars. SI Clarke clearly did the required reading and homework, laying out a lot of the work that is currently happening today (yes! today!) on Earth (not Mars!) looking towards getting to Mars. We may be a long way off from becoming Martians, but Clarke puts forward questions that I had never considered when it comes to living off world. Genetic depression? Yup, definitely would be a problem. Minimising numbers and maximising skills? Makes total sense. Flat packing your new home? There's a reason Ikea does so well.
The book is also home to a host of characters that could rival GOT, and this would be my only negative. I had some trouble telling the supporting characters apart, particularly when they hadn't appeared in awhile. But Clarke was already way ahead, and provided a handy dandy character list at the beginning of the book. The characters are all interesting, coming from different backgrounds and bringing their own distinctive voices.
I look forward to reading the second instalment and seeing how Clarke picks up from the ending.
Devon's Island is a new sci-fi: heavy on the sci, and heavy on the admin. It's quite a realistic take on what it would take to colonise Mars. SI Clarke clearly did the required reading and homework, laying out a lot of the work that is currently happening today (yes! today!) on Earth (not Mars!) looking towards getting to Mars. We may be a long way off from becoming Martians, but Clarke puts forward questions that I had never considered when it comes to living off world. Genetic depression? Yup, definitely would be a problem. Minimising numbers and maximising skills? Makes total sense. Flat packing your new home? There's a reason Ikea does so well.
The book is also home to a host of characters that could rival GOT, and this would be my only negative. I had some trouble telling the supporting characters apart, particularly when they hadn't appeared in awhile. But Clarke was already way ahead, and provided a handy dandy character list at the beginning of the book. The characters are all interesting, coming from different backgrounds and bringing their own distinctive voices.
I look forward to reading the second instalment and seeing how Clarke picks up from the ending.
June 25, 2024
While could have been an interesting story and many social problems were discussed, there were no solutions presented for any of those problems. As is typical with utopian fantasy, all the realities of human existence are brought with humanity to these closed communities. There will be children and grandchildren, and with these unvetted participants there will be typical social problems. Several technical issues were left aside, but the glaring one was the missing idea of selecting embryos in the IVF process to avoid identifiable recessive genes. Of course, unknown recessives and mutations are much more difficult and remain problems for the future. Finally, privilege, elitism and bending of rules was brought along with the final team, so that problem remains.
The discussions were good even if incomplete. The issues on earth were depressing although avoiding such outcomes was discounted throughout the story. The content warning had me questioning any potential insights that might be present before I even started reading. At least there were several mysteries left for sequels.
The discussions were good even if incomplete. The issues on earth were depressing although avoiding such outcomes was discounted throughout the story. The content warning had me questioning any potential insights that might be present before I even started reading. At least there were several mysteries left for sequels.
February 9, 2025
The first page of this book reads: "This is a work of neurodiverse, culturally diverse, gender-bendy, socio-politico-economic, drunken-arguments-in-the-pub science fiction, not bang-bang-pew-pew science fiction. Don't say I didn't warn you." What an intro!
I'm not remotely surprised that I loved this book by Si Clarke, as I seem to adore everything she writes. This book was a very different approach to sci-fi even compared to the author's other works - it focuses on the mission planning more than the space side of things, and it raises a load of fun philosophical and ethical questions as it does so. As someone who loves social science but is highly averse to hard science, it blew my mind to read the references at the end that showed that this plot was built on actual scientific research and principles! There's no immersion-loss for me if the science isn't sound, but knowing that it was does make this book feel pretty special.
I'm not remotely surprised that I loved this book by Si Clarke, as I seem to adore everything she writes. This book was a very different approach to sci-fi even compared to the author's other works - it focuses on the mission planning more than the space side of things, and it raises a load of fun philosophical and ethical questions as it does so. As someone who loves social science but is highly averse to hard science, it blew my mind to read the references at the end that showed that this plot was built on actual scientific research and principles! There's no immersion-loss for me if the science isn't sound, but knowing that it was does make this book feel pretty special.
February 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well written, well rounded individuals, but easy to relate to and understand. The plot is complex and obviously well researched. I did find myself having to google a few phrases to keep up, but at least I feel like I have actually learnt something whilst also enjoying reading a fiction book. I did find the lack of pronouns a little confusing, but it feels like this lack may have been a deliberate act on behalf of the author. I will be recommending this to my friends and family and have my fingers crossed that there is going to be a sequel.
April 8, 2024
Timely tale in many ways with a large diverse cast.
Thoroughly enjoyable harder sci fi story of the possibility of a Mars colony, with science at its core the reader though will not feel lost or quagmired by tech talk or baffling science. All importantly the psychological and social sciences are given as much space as the harder science aspects.
A great story told well with all too real consequences for humanities failure to protect our planet and ourselves from our excesses be they political, economic, religious, climate denial or health scares.
Thoroughly enjoyable harder sci fi story of the possibility of a Mars colony, with science at its core the reader though will not feel lost or quagmired by tech talk or baffling science. All importantly the psychological and social sciences are given as much space as the harder science aspects.
A great story told well with all too real consequences for humanities failure to protect our planet and ourselves from our excesses be they political, economic, religious, climate denial or health scares.
February 17, 2020
Not much to add to what other reviewers said. Enjoyed this a lot. Very topical. The current corona virus crisis makes this even more realistic. Also very happy to learn the name of the Scottish currency :)
I just hope that after introducing so many characters they will all come back in the rest of the series - especially Devon!!! - and then I’ll change this to 5 stars.
I just hope that after introducing so many characters they will all come back in the rest of the series - especially Devon!!! - and then I’ll change this to 5 stars.
May 18, 2022
This is excellent! If I could give it 6 stars I would! A really lovely sci fi, end of the world story! Beautifully written, with an amazing selection of characters & ideas, it was a real pleasure to read! I did love the prequel as well & will really look forward to reading the next part of the exciting adventure! I do recommend all by this writer! A beautiful escape!
March 25, 2021
Really enjoyable
August 15, 2024
What a fun read. Thinking about what is really really needed to be successful and not die on mars!
Had to keep reading to understand what was going to happen
Had to keep reading to understand what was going to happen
December 29, 2024
“there has to be a difference between living and surviving”
god SI clarke simply does not miss!!! i definitely prefer the starship teapot series, but still really enjoyed this. by all accounts this book should be mind numbingly boring - its a sort of slice of life look into the planning behind a space mission and there are so many characters it would be easy to not care. and while it’s defs not a read in one sitting/can’t put down type of book - and the large amount of characters did get a little confusing at points - i really enjoyed it, liked all the characters, and found it so interesting! at its core, the book is about what it means to be human and what do we want it to mean? what is society like and what do we want it to look like? reading the characters’ discussions of these questions - in terms of life on earth currently and what they want their colony to look like (e.g., bringing men, religion, money, disability, what skills we value, democracy) - was definitely the highlight of this book. while i think the diversity of characters/narrators is essential for such a book, it did mean some fleshing out was sacrificed and i wish we’d gotten some more insight into them - especially devon and georgie and gurdeep!
other things i loved - huge diversity of representation (disability, ND, religion, race, ethnicity, sexuality and gender etc), nearly all women/queer cast, all the yummy food mentioned, character list in the back, “multicultural lesbian space utopia”
once again SI managed to expose my unconscious bias by making basically everyone a women - she mentioned in an interview she did that she intentionally does this to expose us to the assumptions we make and god is it humbling and also quite sad to realise how many assumptions i have that lead me to assume gurdeep and these other women were men until told they weren’t :/ (when gurdeeps pronouns were used for the first time my reaction was initially to assume it was a typo….)
excited for book 2 and life on mars!!
(december 2024 - read the new bonus short story 'the invite' - very short but always fun to see more of these characters!)
god SI clarke simply does not miss!!! i definitely prefer the starship teapot series, but still really enjoyed this. by all accounts this book should be mind numbingly boring - its a sort of slice of life look into the planning behind a space mission and there are so many characters it would be easy to not care. and while it’s defs not a read in one sitting/can’t put down type of book - and the large amount of characters did get a little confusing at points - i really enjoyed it, liked all the characters, and found it so interesting! at its core, the book is about what it means to be human and what do we want it to mean? what is society like and what do we want it to look like? reading the characters’ discussions of these questions - in terms of life on earth currently and what they want their colony to look like (e.g., bringing men, religion, money, disability, what skills we value, democracy) - was definitely the highlight of this book. while i think the diversity of characters/narrators is essential for such a book, it did mean some fleshing out was sacrificed and i wish we’d gotten some more insight into them - especially devon and georgie and gurdeep!
other things i loved - huge diversity of representation (disability, ND, religion, race, ethnicity, sexuality and gender etc), nearly all women/queer cast, all the yummy food mentioned, character list in the back, “multicultural lesbian space utopia”
once again SI managed to expose my unconscious bias by making basically everyone a women - she mentioned in an interview she did that she intentionally does this to expose us to the assumptions we make and god is it humbling and also quite sad to realise how many assumptions i have that lead me to assume gurdeep and these other women were men until told they weren’t :/ (when gurdeeps pronouns were used for the first time my reaction was initially to assume it was a typo….)
excited for book 2 and life on mars!!
(december 2024 - read the new bonus short story 'the invite' - very short but always fun to see more of these characters!)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews