Book Review: The Martian Contingency by Mary Robinette Kowal

The Lady Astronaut books are an absolute triumph - it's just a shame that they've been somewhat overshadowed by the TV series "For All Mankind". They both follow a similar trajectory - what if women were an integral part of the early space race and helped us to colonise off-world? The books, thankfully, don't pad out as much as the rival show - this latest novel is tightly focussed and takes us to the Mars base where shenanigans are afoot.

For a sci-fi nerd like me, it is total catnip. A heady mix of brain-tangling "what ifs" and the geeky joy of "competency porn". The language is gorgeous with some beautiful turns of phrase, and the pacing does an excellent job of ratcheting up the tension.

My only criticism is that Elma is such an ineffective character. She seems to forget that she's one of the most senior people on the mission and has the right - nay! the duty! - to get answers. Her lack of confidence isn't a quirky character flaw; it is a profoundly irritating co-star.

I love the world building, the jokey asides, and the sense of purpose all the characters have. The moral dilemmas and Politics are well articulated and don't feel tacked on. It's worth picking up the whole series.