Play Book Tag discussion

Delta-v by Daniel Suarez - 4.5* - My Review

For those unfamiliar with the term, Delta-v (ΔV) is a key concept in spaceflight and orbital mechanics that represents the change in velocity required for a spacecraft to perform maneuvers such as entering orbit, changing orbits, or escaping a gravitational field. It is a fitting title for a book that involves the goal of mining asteroids and returning the products to earth.

This is a science fiction thriller set in the 2030s. Protagonist James Tighe (JT) is recruited by charismatic tech billionaire Nathan Joyce to compete for a position on an innovative deep space mission involving computer technology, which he has kept secret through illegal maneuverings. JT and his fellow adventurers attend a rigorous training program intended to whittle down the competitors to the top candidates. They must not only compete but also work as a team and undergo psychological evaluation. The payoff promised by the billionaire is enormous personal wealth and fame. The results are unexpected.

It is an intriguing concept, and well-executed. It is obvious that the scientific principles are well researched (if not entirely achievable at present). It is ultimately a story of adventure and survival, with a good mix of action and character development. It pushes boundaries of what might be possible for the future of space exploration. In addition, it is a critique of the power wielded by billionaires, and the lengths they will go to accomplish their often outlandish and egocentric objectives. I could have done without the cartoonish helicopter scene, but overall, I found it engaging and entertaining. The ending is a satisfying conclusion to this story and sets up the sequel. It would make a good mini-series.

4.5