In ARTEMIS, Andy Weir presents us with his trademark hard sci-fi in a sequence of physics, chemistry lessons, pressure escapes, and desperate dashes. While the domed city has no view of the outside, tourists want to walk on the surface and pay well to be guided around, and Jazz hopes to quadruple her income by being approved as a tour guide. A leaky suit valve blocks her certification, but the fact that she now has a pressure suit sets her up for a series of dangerous escapades. I was reminded of classic SF books like Have Spacesuit Will Travel and The Stainless Steel Rat, in particular. Having a female lead was the best way to establish individuality.

Physics and lunar setting aside, are readers supposed to like Jazz? Is she a good daughter or girlfriend? Her dad is a welder who has taught her everything he knows and happens to be a Muslim, though Jazz didn't absorb much of his religious teachings. She even drinks. We learn there have been boyfriends, but a broken heart caused her to swear off relationships for a while. The other women in the book are tough cookies, however refined and scientific or economically trained. However, I was frustrated with a young teenage woman, who is on the Moon for her health. I kept wondering if Weir could have invented something better for her mobility than just crutches! Additionally, I would have liked more descriptive passages about the outdoors; I kept visualizing the brownish Martian landscape and yellow sky instead of the grey and black of the Moon. Nonetheless, we also find a mix of cultures and social standings, with the odd film or book reference thrown in, because the colony has to import all its entertainment.

If you loved The Martian, then you'll enjoy ARTEMIS. Whether you will like this completely different story better, will be up to you. I am sure Jazz will be back for more exciting exploits.