Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir
Andy Weir is my new favorite author. His book Project Hail Mary was a revelation for me in that it was such a smooth and entertaining ride with a structure that was masterfully orchestrated. It was science fiction like I had never read before with its realism, relatable characters, and heartfelt character interactions. Artemis is equally orchestrated and wonderful but with a completely and surprisingly different scientific focus and plotline.
Artemis is about a smuggler named Jasmine Bashara who goes by Jazz and lives in humanity's first permanent colony on the moon. Centered primarily around tourism with a smattering of industrial activity the moon has a thriving and independent economy. It isn't technically part of any state governance and therefore doesn't have an established set of laws but instead, it has more of a set of agreed rules enforced by Rudy, a Canadian Mounty turned moon security, and Fidelis Ngugi, the founder and administrator who has the power to deport people back to where they are from for justice. They both know Jazz well and Rudy has been trying to get her deported ever since she was a disruptive teenager.
Jazz soon becomes the city’s most wanted criminal after she takes a sketchy job for a rich businessman named Trond. This job goes sour quickly and the aftermath uncovers a city-wide conspiracy that might lead the city into ruin. It is up to Jazz and an assortment of her motley friends to sabotage the conspiracy to save the city from the gangsters who want to turn it into an industrial dictatorship. Jazz is joined by Svoboda, a Ukrainian scientist who wants Jazz to test his sexy new invention, Bob Lewis, a former Marine and an EVA guild master, Dale, who Jazz has a personal reason to hate, and Jazz’s father Ammar whose relationship with Jazz is strained due to her illegal and destructive activities. Even though Jazz is fiercely independent she realizes that the only way to save the city and protect her friends is to rally everyone to her side to take down the bad guys.
Jazz happens to be a highly intelligent engineering and mechanical practitioner whose talents are used to full effect and highlight the author’s engineering background. Like Project Hail Mary the scientific foundation for the book is specific and realistic. This technical application of this knowledge adds a level of authenticity to the story that is engrossing without being too unrelatable or obscure. Andy Weir obviously spent a considerable amount of time thinking about how a colony on the moon, with less gravity and no oxygen, would be constructed and maintained and he uses the book to explore these technical aspects in a way that is seamlessly integrated into the story. He also spent a considerable amount of effort contemplating a realistic economic environment for Moon’s tourism and outlines this in an addendum after the main story is over. All of this preparation adds so much to the story and is why Andy Weir offers a uniquely realistic world where fiction can live. And the fiction part has heart and humanity all over it making the whole thing balanced and enthralling.
I highly recommend Artemis to those who like science fiction, especially if you like heists, engineering, and humor.
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