The Fated Sky

Lady Astronaut, Book 2

By: Mary Robinette Kowal

Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal continues the grand sweep of alternate history begun in The Calculating Stars. The Fated Sky looks forward to 1961, when mankind is well established on the moon and looking forward to its next step: journeying to, and eventually colonizing, Mars.

Of course the noted Lady Astronaut Elma York would like to go, but there’s a lot riding on whoever the International Aerospace Coalition decides to send on this historic - but potentially very dangerous - mission. Could Elma really leave behind her husband and the chance to start a family to spend several years traveling to Mars? And with the civil rights movement taking hold all over Earth, will the astronaut pool ever be allowed to catch up, and will these brave men and women of all races be treated equitably when they get there?

This gripping look at the real conflicts behind a fantastical space race will put a new spin on our visions of what might have been.

©2018 Mary Robinette Kowal (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Not nearly as good as book one

Too much interpersonal and social drama with very little actual science. I would categorize this book as a romance novel more than science fiction.
Still, it was "OK enough" to try the third book with hopes of a return to the themes of book one.

Even better than the first.

An incredible book. The first book in this series was excellent. The second book is somehow even better. I'm jumping into the next book as soon as possible! Do yourself a favor and read this book.

As Brilliant as the First

The author's performance kicks an already stellar story into an incredible listening experience. I loved the mix of alternate history, historical technology, and science fiction. This series has so much worthwhile to say, with endearing characters, action, comedy, and moments of incredible tension.
I can't wait for Book 3.

Cool alternate reality

I really liked this series. It felt very real. The narration was good. This is like The Right Stuff combined with the Martian.

An excellent story from a unique perspective

The doctors York have their characters expanded excellently. The lady astronaut is a supremely compelling character!
The performance from the author bring out the real depth and emotion of the characters.