Critical Mass cover art

Critical Mass

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

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Critical Mass

Written 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 Space Exploration Technothrillers Science Fiction Interstellar Thriller Exciting Space
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What the critics say

“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

What listeners say about Critical Mass

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Disappointed

Nothing so far, and I’m in the middle of Ch 10….rambling dialogue & narration seems stretched.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An amazing sequel, though problematic at times

If you liked Delta-V, you'll be sure to be sucked into the sequel. Just like the book before, this one is rooted in hard science, while explaining just enough to keep up without getting too much. The writing itself has improved and each scene is beautifully written and described. Jeff Gurner brings it to life once again with his versitile narration.

Unlike Delta-V, Critical Mass takes the time to really build the world around the characters. It spends a good amount of time on the ground, exploring how everyone fits into society and giving other characters time to shine.

I do, however, find the characters themselves to be a little problematic. Without getting into spoilers, one of the main characters has turned into an insufferable jerk, whose actions don't have much consequences apart from the occasional slap on the wrist.

Minor problems just get shrugged off and seem to serve as filler, and this slows the book down in the second half. It still kept me invested however, so it's more of a minor gripe.

Overall, Critical Mass is a must read to anyone who's read the first book. It kept me engaged, excited, and tense throughout the novel. While I found the second half a little harder to get through, it still told a great story, and left me eagerly waiting for the third book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An amazing sequel

I found this a rewarding continuation of “Delta-V”. Daniel Suarez has a knack for getting into the details, which I find really fascinating. He obviously did a ton of research for this book, and it shows. Can’t wait for the next one!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Sci-fi/ cli-fi with smarts

Learning and being entertained all while listening to a great narrator! Excellent follow up to Delta-V.

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    3 out of 5 stars

I almost stop listening to it, but it gets better

It gets very political but then the solution for the problems ramp up and feed you with the amazing vision of the future that characterizes Suarez

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Too preachy

The first book in this series is much better. In this one, the author can’t resist having the characters deliver long sermons on climate change.

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Another Disappointment from this Author

I couldn’t even finish this. I’ve only read one good book by this author and each time I try another I’m disappointed. The story is drawn out and boring.

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