Critical Mass cover art

Critical Mass

A Novel (A Delta-v Novel, Book 2)

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Critical Mass

By: Daniel Suarez
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
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About this listen

In New York Times best-selling author Daniel Suarez's latest space-tech thriller, a group of pioneering astropreneurs must overcome never-before-attempted engineering challenges to rescue colleagues stranded at a distant asteroid—kicking off a new space race in which Earth's climate crisis could well hang in the balance.

When unforeseen circumstances during an innovative—and unsanctioned—commercial asteroid-mining mission leave two crew members stranded, those who make it back must engineer a rescue, all while navigating a shifting web of global political alliances and renewed Cold War tensions. With Earth governments consumed by the ravages of climate change and unable to take the risks necessary to make rapid progress in space, the crew must build their own next-gen spacecraft capable of mounting a rescue in time for the asteroid's next swing by Earth.

In the process, they'll need to establish the first spin-gravity station in deep space, the first orbiting solar power satellite and refinery, and historic infrastructure on the moon's surface—all of which could alleviate a deepening ecological, political, and economic crisis back on Earth, and prove that space-based industry is not only profitable, but possibly humanity's best hope for a livable, peaceful future.

©2022 Daniel Suarez (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Adventure Fiction Space Exploration Technothrillers Science Fiction Interstellar Thriller Exciting Space

Critic Reviews

“Hard science fiction has a new virtuoso, and Critical Mass is a fine piece of futurism, startlingly entertaining and exceptionally thought provoking.” —New York Journal of Books

"Critical Mass is a thought-provoking read, whether you’re a space nerd who eagerly followed the real-life mission to Ryugu in 2018 or a fan of the “The Expanse” wondering how the Belters might have come to be. Daniel Suarez is the 21st century champion of space we desperately need." —Wall Street Journal

"This novel has it all for readers who enjoy hard science fiction. It’s gripping, vivid, suspenseful, and filled with thrills and chills that feel credible and believable.... Overall, this science fiction techno-thriller was entertaining, convincing, and felt terrifyingly realistic. The tension was so thick I could feel it. The novel also had suspense, compelling and diverse characters, and a thought-provoking story line. This emotional rollercoaster kept me rapidly turning the pages. If you enjoy high-octane science fiction, then this may be the series for you." —Mystery and Suspense Magazine

What listeners say about Critical Mass

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A good sequel with pacing and character issues

This picked up very well from where the previous book left off, and took the reader a long for a slowly-paced, well thought out story - that is up until the last few chapters. The last few chapters feel very rushed, with a very noticeable increase in the passage of time and simple resolution of problems.

The technical elements of this book seem very well thought out, whether it's the value that block chain can bring or the raft of capabilities that support the CCE's material acquisition and use.

With regard to characters; JT seems needlessly frustrating and inflexible this time out. His single-minded focus may drive the reader to hope he fails or makes a costly error... But yet he never seems to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Good 2nd Act Story Well Narrated ended well but a 3rd act?

This has been a great story and well narrated but the third Act would be great.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

No candle to the first one.

Things happen, but there is no suspense to them. Nooo a problem... Here's a solution.
The first one was excellent.
Definitely one of my favorite authors.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good plot, but not as good as first

I found it sluggish at points. I can't tell if it was the writing or the narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great follow on from the first book.

A little long in the middle, but a fun book to listen to. Lots of accessible science , never felt bored listening.
Also, a great performance by the narrator!

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Nice technical details, but stereotype characters

I enjoyed the technical detail, and the story proceeds at a nice pace. I found the backdrop of climate disaster unnecessary, and implausible.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Soooo boring

Daniel Suarez is my favourite author. His work is amazing. Daemon is a work of art. This one, unfortunately, is the only one to have missed the mark for me. I’ll still be downloading his next!

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