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rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
'The Terraformers' by Annalee Newitz is a novel in three parts that follows three connected characters living on the planet of Sask-E and dealing with issues of terraforming, governance, and autonomy.
The first part follows Destry, a member of the Environmental Rescue Team on Sask-E, who stumbles upon a secret city and learns about a civilization that defies what she believed about the planet. Part two follows Sulfur, an engineer who is part of a survey team hoping to discover what type of transportation would work best to connect cities on Sask-E. Finally, part three follows Scrubjay, a sentient train who is caught up in growing unrest over housing in one of Sask-E's largest cities and how it creates new possible futures for the planet.
Newitz creates a fascinating set of characters that work incredibly well to pull the dispersed story together. With three distinct parts, it would be easy for each to feel disconnected from the others but Newitz does an excellent job of making one cohesive story that just so happens to be broken out across three different perspectives and timelines. Part of why this is so successful is the sense of place. So much of this story is centered on the planet itself and Newitz creates Sask-E into its own character. We spend so much time learning about the planet and how it has been influenced by different people that it's hard to not get attached. Add to that a great cast of characters who are complex but easy to care for and it's easy to be absorbed into this narrative.
Newitz touches on a lot of important topics in 'Terraformers' including bodily autonomy, democracy, colonization, and what it means to be a 'person.' They put forward a lot to think about when it comes to what a potential future could look like, especially with the increase in use of AI.
All in all an excellent blend of great characters, evocative worldbuilding, and thoughtful conversations about systemic issues.
The first part follows Destry, a member of the Environmental Rescue Team on Sask-E, who stumbles upon a secret city and learns about a civilization that defies what she believed about the planet. Part two follows Sulfur, an engineer who is part of a survey team hoping to discover what type of transportation would work best to connect cities on Sask-E. Finally, part three follows Scrubjay, a sentient train who is caught up in growing unrest over housing in one of Sask-E's largest cities and how it creates new possible futures for the planet.
Newitz creates a fascinating set of characters that work incredibly well to pull the dispersed story together. With three distinct parts, it would be easy for each to feel disconnected from the others but Newitz does an excellent job of making one cohesive story that just so happens to be broken out across three different perspectives and timelines. Part of why this is so successful is the sense of place. So much of this story is centered on the planet itself and Newitz creates Sask-E into its own character. We spend so much time learning about the planet and how it has been influenced by different people that it's hard to not get attached. Add to that a great cast of characters who are complex but easy to care for and it's easy to be absorbed into this narrative.
Newitz touches on a lot of important topics in 'Terraformers' including bodily autonomy, democracy, colonization, and what it means to be a 'person.' They put forward a lot to think about when it comes to what a potential future could look like, especially with the increase in use of AI.
All in all an excellent blend of great characters, evocative worldbuilding, and thoughtful conversations about systemic issues.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Colonisation, Murder, Violence, Toxic relationship, and Slavery
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