Wow, where does Weir GET this stuff? I thoroughly enjoyed this story, its non-stop action, and its spunky and totally flawed but oh so very clever heroine, Jazz. Frankly, the science behind the story was a bit intimidating initially--I cannot pretend that I was able to follow along 100 percent of the time--but the easy writing style and quick-moving plot kept me fully engaged. In ways, I preferred Artemis even more than The Martian, but truly, they are both fantastic reads. After this, a space colony doesn't seem so far-fetched. 4.5 stars.
Imagine a moon colony named Artemis. If one existed we might well encounter Jasamine (Jazz) Bashara living there with about 2,000 others. A smuggler who works a low paying job at the Port, she hopes to become a tour guide. As a smuggler, Jazz knows she can be deported to earth for her illegal activities. Since she was born on Artemis and knows it well that this is not an acceptable result.
Down-to-earth, brilliant, and a bit scatter brained, she accepts a lucrative job from a wealthy client which could improve not only her hand-to-mouth existence but her chances to change careers. When he offers 1,000,000 slugs (moon money) to destroy a company that smelts and delivers oxygen to the colony, she jumps at the chance. The results are not what was expected leaving businesses seeking compensation. Nevertheless, it's a good scientific story a bit like the author's first book but filled with humor and sarcasm and a determined character whose goal is to succeed no matter what.
There are many unusual characters, from the administrator, head of security, friends, family, and enemies. Writing flows well with unexpected events and turns. The author provides excellent detail about moon life and how the colony functions.
Down-to-earth, brilliant, and a bit scatter brained, she accepts a lucrative job from a wealthy client which could improve not only her hand-to-mouth existence but her chances to change careers. When he offers 1,000,000 slugs (moon money) to destroy a company that smelts and delivers oxygen to the colony, she jumps at the chance. The results are not what was expected leaving businesses seeking compensation. Nevertheless, it's a good scientific story a bit like the author's first book but filled with humor and sarcasm and a determined character whose goal is to succeed no matter what.
There are many unusual characters, from the administrator, head of security, friends, family, and enemies. Writing flows well with unexpected events and turns. The author provides excellent detail about moon life and how the colony functions.
The main character annoyed me a little, but overall the plot was fine and I found it easy to read.
Fun SF romp with Weir's meticulous attention to the science of living in space. Details, 10; Plot, 4. I found some tension between the far-fetched caper plot and the very detailed explanations of the habitats, EVA practices, and chemical reactions. Because the science is so detailed, my mind wanted the same attention paid to the society aspects and it just wasn't. No country claimed the colony? One doctor, one cop, one administrator for what seemed like a couple thousand people? I don't think that would work out. At 26 I would expect Jazz to have grown up enough not to fall into such an incredibly stupid caper...although, okay, she lives in a very limited society, maybe she's not grown up. At any rate, Jazz is very fun and her voice, explaining all the aspects of life on the Moon, is charming.
#Artemis by Andy Weir suffers perhaps from the resounding success of Andy Weir's first book The Martian. Artemis, while an entertaining story, does not quite measure up to The Martian. It does not have the same drama, intensity, or compelling main character. The book is, however, a very quick, rather light read. Although not enamored of this book, I will likely read what Andy Weir comes up with next.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/01/artemis.html
Reviewed for #NetGalley
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/01/artemis.html
Reviewed for #NetGalley
The Martian is one of my favorite books so I was excited to see another book by Weir. He is a really good story teller, but this was a huge disappointment for me. The story itself is intelligent but you have to muddle through an overabundance of political correctness and what reads more like a YA genre. Nothing like The Martian. What were you thinking, Mr. Weir? Too much time in Hollywood? The protagonist is a Saudi Arabian who has been on the moon since she was 6. She is a criminal and smuggles for a living. Her father is a devout Muslim who is working on some kind of anti-gravity prayer rug. Really??? The Administrator of Artemis is an African woman from Kenya who was such a brilliant economist that they put her in charge of the city on the moon. Our unlikable protagonist is angry that the only decent boyfriend she had turned out to be gay and slept with her best (male) friend. How much political correctness can you cram in one book? If you can overlook all this over the top PC or if that sort of thing doesn't bother you, the plot really does become exciting. If you're looking for something as good as The Martian, you will be sorely disappointed.
After reading and loving "The Martian", i guess my expectations for this book were too high. "Artemis" is a mediocre story, with some cool science facts sprinkled in, told in a "voice" similar to the narrator of "The Martian" - except it is a different protagonist. It did not work for me. This will probably be in the running for the worst book i'll read in 2018. My advice is read "The Martian" again, and skip this one altogether.
Crapola, that was a let down from what I was hoping for. It was okay but not a keeper. I agree with the other members comments.
