Andy Weir the author of The Martian has just released his second novel, Artemis. This second book is not a continuation of The Martian. It is a standalone sci-fi crime novel.
As someone who enjoys mystery/thriller and also Sci-Fi, this book was a good blend of both worlds. The story takes place on the moon and deals with a young woman named Jazz. She is a delivery person who moonlights as a smuggler.
The plot involves her getting an offer from a regular smuggling customer to help with a shady business deal. She agrees but quickly her part of the plan goes sideways. Quickly she finds herself on the run from both the moon’s only cop and corporate hitmen. I don’t want to give any spoilers but there is more to the deal and the hitmen, you will just have to read it to find out.
Eventually to fix her problem she gets a group of friends together to help pull a scam. Her plan is very reminiscent of heist movies like Ocean’s Eleven.
The story has a good place. There is some decent world building without having heavy infodumps. There are also a number of action scenes each one building more risk to Jazz and her team.
My only complaint about this story was that Jazz seems like a YA character. Yet to appeal to older folks she has streaks of vulgarity and sexuality added. One moment she is just an insolent youth the next she is a foul-mouthed slut.
Overall I would recommend this Artemis to anyone looking for something to read. It has the right amounts of sci-fi, mixed with mystery and crime caper to keep the pages turning.
Pick up your copy of Artemis on Amazon.
A free review copy was provided via NetGalley for this unbiased review.