The Terraformers

Paperback, 368 pages

en-Latn-US language

Published Jan. 1, 2023 by Orbit.

ISBN:: 978-0-356-52086-5

(1 review)

From science fiction visionary Annalee Newitz comes The Terraformers, a sweeping, uplifting, and illuminating exploration of the future.

Destry's life is dedicated to terraforming Sask-E. As part of the Environmental Rescue Team, she cares for the planet and its burgeoning eco-systems as her parents and their parents did before her.

But the bright, clean future they're building comes under threat when Destry discovers a city full of people that shouldn’t exist, hidden inside a massive volcano.

As she uncovers more about their past, Destry begins to question the mission she's devoted her life to, and must make a choice that will reverberate through Sask-E's future for generations to come.

A science fiction epic for our times and a love letter to our future, The Terraformers will take you on a journey spanning thousands of years and exploring the triumphs, strife, and hope that find us wherever we make our home. …

From science fiction visionary Annalee Newitz comes The Terraformers, a sweeping, uplifting, and illuminating exploration of the future.

Destry's life is dedicated to terraforming Sask-E. As part of the Environmental Rescue Team, she cares for the planet and its burgeoning eco-systems as her parents and their parents did before her.

But the bright, clean future they're building comes under threat when Destry discovers a city full of people that shouldn’t exist, hidden inside a massive volcano.

As she uncovers more about their past, Destry begins to question the mission she's devoted her life to, and must make a choice that will reverberate through Sask-E's future for generations to come.

A science fiction epic for our times and a love letter to our future, The Terraformers will take you on a journey spanning thousands of years and exploring the triumphs, strife, and hope that find us wherever we make our home.

"Brilliantly thoughtful, prescient, and gripping.”—Martha Wells, author of The Murderbot Diaries

4 editions

Phil in SF reviewed Terraformers by Annalee Newitz

Mixed feelings

4 stars

Content warning Mild spoilers

Very interesting world building. Sentient flying trains. A great bargain that includes all sorts of creatures as people. It's very thought provoking.

But the story and characters drag a lot at times. For instance, the second section follows data gatherers as they figure out where to put public transportation on the world of Sask-E. But since they're essentially surveyors, it's not that exciting and mostly the characters spend all their time talking.

And while i see what the author is doing with the sex scenes, it's a lot like watching porn I'm not into. Very mechanical and not at all titillating. So those come off as dry too.

Anyway, other folks may enjoy the parts i disliked. They weren't bad. They just didn't resonate with me.