Book Review: Delta-v

From the author of Daemon, Kill Decision, Influx and Change Agent comes yet another cautionary techno-thriller that delves into the near future effects of asteroid mining and the privatisation of space. A precision cut exercise in tension-building and a solid page-turner, Daniel Suarez has fun assembling a new universe with a diverse cast of characters — including an Indian ISRO scientist as one of the leads! — even if the story lacks his usual punch. It's 2032 and a group of powerful billionaires compete with one another to monetise the deep space with an aim to extract valuable resources from a near-earth asteroid in hopes to find a way to combat climate change. Thus what starts as a multi-year expedition to space by a group of highly-skilled adventurers soon becomes a treacherous undertaking, imperilling the crew's return home and exposing them to the harsh realities of "business" in space. The first in a trilogy, Delta-v (referring to the change in velocity required to perform an orbital manoeuvre) is an engrossing blend of science and derring-do that benefits from Suarez's attention to detail, but fully realised characters are thin on the ground. A high-octane, pulse-pounding tale that tests the limits of plausibility even as it entertains.