Edge of Catastrophe

I am a massive fan of Martian fiction. I think it was probably Andy Weir that helped me on my way but finding credible sci-fi women writers with the accent on the 'sci' is problematic. I know that's not a fashionable position but it's my truth. However, Killick delivers on both fronts. A cracking thriller with that desperate claustrophobia that all good Martian fiction should provide, backed up with science and smarts. The only reason it didn't get a 5-star for me was the description of everyone's skin colour. I find this distracting but it's a personal thing, I like to visualise characters for myself. A thumping good thriller which has forced me to start reading the author's backlist. Can't get a better recommendation than that? Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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!!

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.

[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."

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?

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.