In Ascension

3.5/4 - still processing it. Def. big ideas and too many themes covered. Elements felt familiar from so many ‘first contact' stories, but at the same time I feel like the story was never about that - it's more intricate it explores humanity, family relationships and perhaps in an odd enough way to me felt like an examination of the impact of work and obsession. I will need to come back to this book eventually, I feel like the first chapter invites me for one more dive - I just need time away from this story.

Story is set in a near future that is not all that different to our current world but there have been a number of big steps forward. These future science advances aren't necessarily new ideas and even though they are kept vague in terms of details, they are still interestingly presented. The main appeal of this are the characters reacting to how the new science advances impact their lives, work, opportunities, and the whole world to a certain extent. This book is more about the people than anything else. The characters are approachable and i was able to inhabit them, hope for them. Also this story had some very strong ecological threads and at times reminded me of Vandermeer's Area X, just not as weird as Vandermeer but still an odd vibe is there at times.

I am in love with this book. Such talented writing. Such big ideas yet grounded in granite-hard science fiction. I regretted watching the hours and minutes dwindling on my audiobook app. as the story unfolded. I could've stayed inside this novel for weeks and months.

For Fans Of: The Three Body Problem, Project Hail Mary, Ad Astra (film), 2001: A Space Odyssey