Critical Mass cover art

Critical Mass

A Novel (A Delta-v Novel, Book 2)

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Critical Mass

By: Daniel Suarez
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
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About this listen

In New York Times best-selling author Daniel Suarez's latest space-tech thriller, a group of pioneering astropreneurs must overcome never-before-attempted engineering challenges to rescue colleagues stranded at a distant asteroid—kicking off a new space race in which Earth's climate crisis could well hang in the balance.

When unforeseen circumstances during an innovative—and unsanctioned—commercial asteroid-mining mission leave two crew members stranded, those who make it back must engineer a rescue, all while navigating a shifting web of global political alliances and renewed Cold War tensions. With Earth governments consumed by the ravages of climate change and unable to take the risks necessary to make rapid progress in space, the crew must build their own next-gen spacecraft capable of mounting a rescue in time for the asteroid's next swing by Earth.

In the process, they'll need to establish the first spin-gravity station in deep space, the first orbiting solar power satellite and refinery, and historic infrastructure on the moon's surface—all of which could alleviate a deepening ecological, political, and economic crisis back on Earth, and prove that space-based industry is not only profitable, but possibly humanity's best hope for a livable, peaceful future.

©2022 Daniel Suarez (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Adventure Fiction Science Fiction Space Exploration Technothrillers Thriller & Suspense Interstellar Thriller Technology Exciting

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Critic reviews

“Hard science fiction has a new virtuoso, and Critical Mass is a fine piece of futurism, startlingly entertaining and exceptionally thought provoking.” —New York Journal of Books

"Critical Mass is a thought-provoking read, whether you’re a space nerd who eagerly followed the real-life mission to Ryugu in 2018 or a fan of the “The Expanse” wondering how the Belters might have come to be. Daniel Suarez is the 21st century champion of space we desperately need." —Wall Street Journal

"This novel has it all for readers who enjoy hard science fiction. It’s gripping, vivid, suspenseful, and filled with thrills and chills that feel credible and believable.... Overall, this science fiction techno-thriller was entertaining, convincing, and felt terrifyingly realistic. The tension was so thick I could feel it. The novel also had suspense, compelling and diverse characters, and a thought-provoking story line. This emotional rollercoaster kept me rapidly turning the pages. If you enjoy high-octane science fiction, then this may be the series for you." —Mystery and Suspense Magazine

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This rates as one of the best stories ever, A classic that has every element a space story should have and more

One hell of a story

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Good, but a little heavier going that part 1. Still ill listen to part 3 if there is one

Good, but a little heavier going that part 1

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Great book from Suarez as usual. Very detailed, felt abit rushed towards the end, with a couple of unanswered questions but thoroughly entertaining.

A good follow on from Delta-V

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Great continuation, a little over explained at times, but overall a good read. I hope humanity takes this router rather than destroying itself and the rest of the life on the planet.

Technically detailed

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This book was not without flaws and some of the characters became irritating, but ultimately after the first book I just needed to see how the author was going to end things!

Happy to have read it and I did enjoy but I hope this is the end of the series.

A must read if you enjoyed the first book.

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Another great bit of storytelling where the path to the outcome is weaved through a complex journey.

Brilliant close

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Love the narration and the story line. Rather refreshing in concept of scientific accuracy. With it being a SciFi it’s so close to reality that perhaps just perhaps it can be and inspirational to some one

Love the story

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I like the ideas and exploring how the tech can interact with humanity. I find the changes in pace disconcerting sometimes.

interesting story

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Daniel does it again. Hard Science and Engineering, great characters, great promise for human civilisation.
Fantastic narration by Jeff Gurner.

Brilliant

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Exciting and fun and an easy read despite the accurate near-future science and engineering concepts involved. The main character JT started to irritate me somewhat but it's not a bad thing. Like other Suarez novels it starts a little slow and then really picks up.

Already looking forward to the next installment - I hope we hear about an epic climb!

Enjoyable hard (but not too hard) sci fi

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