Critical Mass

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

By: Daniel Suarez

Narrated by: Jeff Gurner

Length: 18 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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

Still the best

Personally, I find all the books by Daniel to be the most worthwhile that I have found and I am a voracious reader/listener. I feel like I’m receiving a most advanced education while never sacrificing a great story and adventure. Intelligent and entertaining fiction is absolutely the best way to learn. Please keep up the excellent work. I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you so much!!!

Excellent and believable sequel

This is another well-written hard science fiction story set in the Delta V universe. If you liked Delta V, you will enjoy where this story goes. Please ignore any review with the word “woke” in it.

The future we need

Daniel has crafted such a compelling story. True to his word it feels like a self contained story. It’s brimming with so much hope and possibility. It really does read like a “how to ensure civilization” guide. We need this future in space.

The Best, must read (listen)

Absolutely amazing, the best novel I've read (listen) !
A must-read for all space enthusiasts and anyone who believes we must and can save the earth.
This should be a required read in High school and college.
I hope it becomes a move or min series on Amazon Pirme Video

meh

I love Daniel Suarez but this is not his strongest book. it didn't feel like much happened for how long the book was.

Can’t wait for the next

A solid continuation of Delta V. I’m looking forward to going to Mars! Thanks Mr. Suarez

Great story, great technical details, excellent read aloud

The narrator on this did a great job with the different accents. I was so surprised by the quality of the accents. I really like the technical details, you know the high temperature, superconducting tape, and the orbital mechanics, and the Blockchain details, which I have never learned before, stuff like that. I listened at 1.5 speed you know, it is kind of surprising that the narrator was unable to pronounce Korean words and Russian words although he really did Korean accent, and Russian accent credibly in English . so impressed.

Wonderful out of sight novel.

This incredible novel looks forward in what seems to be a plausible and inspiring future in space. Many times I couldn’t put it down.

Solid Sequel

Top marks for the science application and relevance to the current climate change crisis. The characters could use a little more depth and range. A lot of the processes (ex. the button was pressed, and then the lever was turned, etc) could be cut out and replaced with more human interactions. However, I find reviews complaining that the story was boring and not enough happened to be way off. I thought this book was better than the first. A lot more happened. That is kind of the point. Growth is slow at first, but it expands exponentially.

Awesome Read

As usual Suarez delivers a compelling narrative with interesting characters interspersed with lengthy explanations of technology that contribute to the readers understanding of the story and the tech in general. A solid sequel to Delta V, I enjoyed the wrap up of the plots and would totally read another book set in this universe.

Narrator Jeff Gurner always delivers an exceptional performance and Critical Mass is no exception.