What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Astronaut Universe #4
The Martian Contingency
Years after a meteorite strike obliterated Washington, D.C.鈥攖riggering an extinction-level global warming event鈥擡arth鈥檚 survivors have started an international effort to establish homes on space stations and the Moon.
The next step 鈥� Mars.
Elma York, the Lady Astronaut, lands on the Red Planet, optimistic about preparing for the first true wave of inhabitants. The mission objective is more than just building the infrastructure of a habitat 鈥� they are trying to preserve the many cultures and nuances of life on Earth without importing the hate.
But from the moment she arrives, something is off.
Disturbing signs hint at a hidden disaster during the First Mars Expedition that never made it into the official transcript. As Elma and her crew try to investigate, they face a wall of silence and obfuscation. Their attempts to build a thriving Martian community grind to a halt.
What you don鈥檛 know CAN harm you. And if the truth doesn鈥檛 come to light, the ripple effects could leave humanity stranded on a dying Earth鈥�
The next step 鈥� Mars.
Elma York, the Lady Astronaut, lands on the Red Planet, optimistic about preparing for the first true wave of inhabitants. The mission objective is more than just building the infrastructure of a habitat 鈥� they are trying to preserve the many cultures and nuances of life on Earth without importing the hate.
But from the moment she arrives, something is off.
Disturbing signs hint at a hidden disaster during the First Mars Expedition that never made it into the official transcript. As Elma and her crew try to investigate, they face a wall of silence and obfuscation. Their attempts to build a thriving Martian community grind to a halt.
What you don鈥檛 know CAN harm you. And if the truth doesn鈥檛 come to light, the ripple effects could leave humanity stranded on a dying Earth鈥�
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2025
256 people are currently reading
6,182 people want to read
About the author
Mary Robinette Kowal
249听books5,223听followersMary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award winning alternate history novel The Calculating Stars, the first book in the Lady Astronaut series which continues in 2025 with The Martian Contingency. She is also the author of The Glamourist Histories series, Ghost Talkers, The Spare Man and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer, four Hugo awards, the Nebula and Locus awards. Her stories appear in Asimov鈥檚, Uncanny, and several Year鈥檚 Best anthologies. Mary Robinette has also worked as a professional puppeteer, is a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses, and performs as a voice actor (SAG/AFTRA), recording fiction for authors including Seanan McGuire, Cory Doctorow, and Neal Stephenson. She lives in Denver with her husband Robert, their dog Guppy, and their 鈥渢alking鈥� cat Elsie.
Her novel Calculating Stars is one of only eighteen novels to win the Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards in a single year.
Her novel Calculating Stars is one of only eighteen novels to win the Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards in a single year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 6, 2024
Arc鈥檚 haven鈥檛 been released yet, so I have no idea why there are already one star reviews. Leaving a five star review to combat them.
April 6, 2025
4.0 Stars
As a longtime fan of the Lady Astronaut series, I have been anticipating this final book for years. As expected, it was enjoyable to return back to this timeline with familiar characters. I was a touch disappointed that a few of my favourite characters barely made appearances on this volume.
I enjoyed this one but it felt like more of an epilogue or companion story as it added little to advance the story. I found the twists and turns to be quite unsubstantial. They didn't really change the course of the story or have lasting consequences.
That being said, if you are like me, and love the story and characters you will still want to read this one. I enjoyed my time visiting the characters once more and am sad that it's now done.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
As a longtime fan of the Lady Astronaut series, I have been anticipating this final book for years. As expected, it was enjoyable to return back to this timeline with familiar characters. I was a touch disappointed that a few of my favourite characters barely made appearances on this volume.
I enjoyed this one but it felt like more of an epilogue or companion story as it added little to advance the story. I found the twists and turns to be quite unsubstantial. They didn't really change the course of the story or have lasting consequences.
That being said, if you are like me, and love the story and characters you will still want to read this one. I enjoyed my time visiting the characters once more and am sad that it's now done.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 16, 2025
A thoroughly satisfying continuation of the Lady Astronaut series. We are back to Elma as the point of view character, and the setting has shifted (as you might expect from the title) to Mars from the Moon. Elma is part of the second IAC Mars mission, charged with expanding the habitat so that additional habitants can join the initial team and begin building a larger community on Mars. Elma, as one of the longest-tenured astronauts, now has command responsibilities. Elma struggles at times with the challenges of (re)building relationships when power dynamics have changed. The challenges that come with that responsibility continue to accumulate, as she slowly learns of things that happened on the first Mars mission that directly affect the current one. This event affects not only the technical side (mechanical failures cascade from some of it, putting the habitants in danger), but every interaction she has with her colleagues and loved ones.
Kowal continues to build riveting, fast-paced action, with thoughtful, powerful character development. I鈥檓 always happy to spend time with Elma, and this novel is no exception.
Highly recommended.
Kowal continues to build riveting, fast-paced action, with thoughtful, powerful character development. I鈥檓 always happy to spend time with Elma, and this novel is no exception.
Highly recommended.
April 2, 2025
I鈥檓 going to be honest, one of my most anticipated books of 2025 was a bit of a letdown for me.
The Lady Astronaut series has been one of my all time favourites, and I absolutely loved the first three books. Despite Elma鈥檚 over-sweetness at times in and , she has a core of strength that you could depend on in books that tended to have a strong story and emotionally impacting action. When Nicole became the central figure of , her dynamic character really shone and again, the story pulled you in.
I felt the story in this final book kind of dragged. There were some horrible events that occurred that Elma discovers through the course of the book, when honestly, it would have been much more impactful to read about them as they happened. The fact that the main emergency (the fallout of which then leads to other serious complications) has passed lessened the sense of urgency in the book.
One other observation that started to get to me too was the overarching theme of the 鈥渘ormal鈥� and 鈥渉ealthy鈥� sex life between Elma and Nathaniel. Often this might not bother me as much as I know it irks others, but this is a book that very specifically attempts to challenge social norms about gender, race, religion, and abortion, and which devotes discussion to ideas such as alternatives to the word 鈥渃olony鈥� for the new home humans are building on Mars. In that context of challenging current social systems the continued labelling of Elma and Nathaniel鈥檚 relationship as normal and healthy for a married couple, instead of one just right for them, really felt inappropriate.
So, in the end, while I鈥檓 glad to have read it and completed the series, I also felt disappointed.
The Lady Astronaut series has been one of my all time favourites, and I absolutely loved the first three books. Despite Elma鈥檚 over-sweetness at times in and , she has a core of strength that you could depend on in books that tended to have a strong story and emotionally impacting action. When Nicole became the central figure of , her dynamic character really shone and again, the story pulled you in.
I felt the story in this final book kind of dragged. There were some horrible events that occurred that Elma discovers through the course of the book, when honestly, it would have been much more impactful to read about them as they happened. The fact that the main emergency (the fallout of which then leads to other serious complications) has passed lessened the sense of urgency in the book.
One other observation that started to get to me too was the overarching theme of the 鈥渘ormal鈥� and 鈥渉ealthy鈥� sex life between Elma and Nathaniel. Often this might not bother me as much as I know it irks others, but this is a book that very specifically attempts to challenge social norms about gender, race, religion, and abortion, and which devotes discussion to ideas such as alternatives to the word 鈥渃olony鈥� for the new home humans are building on Mars. In that context of challenging current social systems the continued labelling of Elma and Nathaniel鈥檚 relationship as normal and healthy for a married couple, instead of one just right for them, really felt inappropriate.
So, in the end, while I鈥檓 glad to have read it and completed the series, I also felt disappointed.
March 24, 2025
3 and a half stars, rounded up.
A new Lady Astronaut novel is always a bit of a treat: Mary Robinette Kowal is a great writer, who managed to build a fantastic world of speculative historical science fiction (say that 4 times really fast!) and fill it with lovable characters I have been rooting for since the short story that started this whole thing. Her books are also fast paced and packed with an urgency that means it鈥檚 very easy to sit down and just gobble it all down rather quickly, and isn鈥檛 that a fun thing to do with one鈥檚 evening? I couldn鈥檛 wait to get back to Elma鈥檚 side of the story, so naturally, when my pre-ordered copy arrived, all other books were told they would have to wait a bit longer before I got to them.
It鈥檚 been sixteen years since the meteorite crashed onto the American East Coast and killed millions of people, upended the structure of the world as we knew it, and Elma York and her team haven鈥檛 been wasting their time: there is now a base on Mars (the Bradbury Base 鈥� you have no idea how loud I squeaked when I read that) and Elma has been chosen to be second in command, a position she is not entirely comfortable with. Even less so when she begins to piece together that her colleagues from the first expedition are keeping things from her. She doesn鈥檛 get much time to dwell on this, however, as bad luck and malfunctions begin to cause urgent problems she needs to deal with before addressing the secrets her team has been keeping. After events of the previous book, it is natural that everyone would wonder if the issues the base has to deal with is sabotage or merely an accident.
The atmosphere of secrecy is very well captured, and I can see how in a pressure-cooker of an environment, this would become a big pain point really fast. This sort of stuff is toxic even when your life isn鈥檛 constantly at risk, so I can鈥檛 begin to imagine how much worst it feels when you are one mechanical malfunction away from death. Elma鈥檚 importer syndrome and struggles with anxiety are captured quite realistically, as are her friends鈥� attempt at managing her compulsive problem-solving mania. And as usual, her relationship with her husband Nathaniel is the poignant cornerstone of her adventures: if you have read the original short story that started this whole series, you鈥檒l know that love is really at the core of Elma鈥檚 character and that all her actions are ultimately informed by it, and Kowal makes it as moving as ever.
Kowal鈥檚 research into the scientific aspect of her story continues to impress me, as she walks a fine line that keeps her books from falling into hard sci-fi while still giving her readers tangible explanations as to how everything actually works, and I really appreciate the way she gives us what we need to know without turning her novels into astrophysics or engineering lectures. She understands that the story is what matters first and foremost, but she keeps her world coherent and grounded in real science, which is perfect.
That being said, as with the other books in this series, sometimes the technical takes a bit of the fun away: I don鈥檛 need to read the checklists of things pilots need to be aware of when landing spacecrafts, really; I care much more about the people. And I think that while Kowal鈥檚 efforts at creating a diverse and representative set of characters is wonderful, there are moments when it feels either didactic or shoehorned in. I agree with her on al counts, and I too wonder how different cultures will keep their celebrations and preserve their patrimony in an environment that doesn鈥檛 match their calendars, but this is a lot.
I can鈥檛 rate her lower than 3 though, because the 鈥榳hat if鈥� she imagined fascinates me, and Elma is a character for the ages, in the best tradition of old-school sci-fi.
If you enjoyed this series so far, don鈥檛 miss this one, but don鈥檛 expect it to reinvent the wheel either.
A new Lady Astronaut novel is always a bit of a treat: Mary Robinette Kowal is a great writer, who managed to build a fantastic world of speculative historical science fiction (say that 4 times really fast!) and fill it with lovable characters I have been rooting for since the short story that started this whole thing. Her books are also fast paced and packed with an urgency that means it鈥檚 very easy to sit down and just gobble it all down rather quickly, and isn鈥檛 that a fun thing to do with one鈥檚 evening? I couldn鈥檛 wait to get back to Elma鈥檚 side of the story, so naturally, when my pre-ordered copy arrived, all other books were told they would have to wait a bit longer before I got to them.
It鈥檚 been sixteen years since the meteorite crashed onto the American East Coast and killed millions of people, upended the structure of the world as we knew it, and Elma York and her team haven鈥檛 been wasting their time: there is now a base on Mars (the Bradbury Base 鈥� you have no idea how loud I squeaked when I read that) and Elma has been chosen to be second in command, a position she is not entirely comfortable with. Even less so when she begins to piece together that her colleagues from the first expedition are keeping things from her. She doesn鈥檛 get much time to dwell on this, however, as bad luck and malfunctions begin to cause urgent problems she needs to deal with before addressing the secrets her team has been keeping. After events of the previous book, it is natural that everyone would wonder if the issues the base has to deal with is sabotage or merely an accident.
The atmosphere of secrecy is very well captured, and I can see how in a pressure-cooker of an environment, this would become a big pain point really fast. This sort of stuff is toxic even when your life isn鈥檛 constantly at risk, so I can鈥檛 begin to imagine how much worst it feels when you are one mechanical malfunction away from death. Elma鈥檚 importer syndrome and struggles with anxiety are captured quite realistically, as are her friends鈥� attempt at managing her compulsive problem-solving mania. And as usual, her relationship with her husband Nathaniel is the poignant cornerstone of her adventures: if you have read the original short story that started this whole series, you鈥檒l know that love is really at the core of Elma鈥檚 character and that all her actions are ultimately informed by it, and Kowal makes it as moving as ever.
Kowal鈥檚 research into the scientific aspect of her story continues to impress me, as she walks a fine line that keeps her books from falling into hard sci-fi while still giving her readers tangible explanations as to how everything actually works, and I really appreciate the way she gives us what we need to know without turning her novels into astrophysics or engineering lectures. She understands that the story is what matters first and foremost, but she keeps her world coherent and grounded in real science, which is perfect.
That being said, as with the other books in this series, sometimes the technical takes a bit of the fun away: I don鈥檛 need to read the checklists of things pilots need to be aware of when landing spacecrafts, really; I care much more about the people. And I think that while Kowal鈥檚 efforts at creating a diverse and representative set of characters is wonderful, there are moments when it feels either didactic or shoehorned in. I agree with her on al counts, and I too wonder how different cultures will keep their celebrations and preserve their patrimony in an environment that doesn鈥檛 match their calendars, but this is a lot.
I can鈥檛 rate her lower than 3 though, because the 鈥榳hat if鈥� she imagined fascinates me, and Elma is a character for the ages, in the best tradition of old-school sci-fi.
If you enjoyed this series so far, don鈥檛 miss this one, but don鈥檛 expect it to reinvent the wheel either.
March 19, 2025
Elma York the Lady Astronaut is back in Mary Robinette Kowel鈥檚 fourth book in this series.
The Martian Contingency picks back up with Elma on Mars, this time with her brilliant husband as part of the team. The team is there to colonize Mars so that the population of Earth can have another planet to flee to as Earth gradually becomes non-habitable.
I鈥檓 such a NASA geek so I love astronauts and space travel and space and gravity or no gravity or low gravity or any thing related to any of this. I love the moon and Mars and colonizing planets. I love the science of it all! Mary Robinette holds nothing back at explaining the science! Did I understand it all? Heck no! But I got enough to get the gist.
I enjoyed this story so much and would love if there were more books to this storyline. Alas, I think there were only 4 books in this series. Maybe we鈥檒l see some short stories though. A gal can only hope.
*Thanks so much to partner Tor Books and NetGalley for the gifted eARC!*
I鈥檓 definitely going to need a trophy print copy for my library.
The Martian Contingency picks back up with Elma on Mars, this time with her brilliant husband as part of the team. The team is there to colonize Mars so that the population of Earth can have another planet to flee to as Earth gradually becomes non-habitable.
I鈥檓 such a NASA geek so I love astronauts and space travel and space and gravity or no gravity or low gravity or any thing related to any of this. I love the moon and Mars and colonizing planets. I love the science of it all! Mary Robinette holds nothing back at explaining the science! Did I understand it all? Heck no! But I got enough to get the gist.
I enjoyed this story so much and would love if there were more books to this storyline. Alas, I think there were only 4 books in this series. Maybe we鈥檒l see some short stories though. A gal can only hope.
*Thanks so much to partner Tor Books and NetGalley for the gifted eARC!*
I鈥檓 definitely going to need a trophy print copy for my library.
March 16, 2025
The Martian Contingency marks a disappointing turn in what was once an exciting series. Elma York, the Lady Astronaut, has made it to Mars, where humanity is working to establish a foothold on the Red Planet. Yet, despite the intriguing setting and the promise of a new frontier, this book fails to live up to the compelling character-driven narrative of its predecessors.
Part of the issue is the lack of a clear plot. While there are hints of secrets surrounding the First Mars Expedition, the story meanders with no real central conflict. Instead, we get a lot of logistical details鈥攑rocedural checklists, political debates, and scientific jargon鈥攖hat bog down the narrative. While it鈥檚 fascinating to imagine the complexities of building a society on Mars, it doesn鈥檛 make for the most gripping reading.
Elma herself feels sidelined here. In the first two books, she was a force鈥攁 woman navigating a male-dominated field while dealing with anxiety and a passionate relationship with her husband. In The Martian Contingency, though, Elma merely reacts to events, never truly driving the story forward. What could have been an exploration of women鈥檚 reproductive rights in a world without Roe v. Wade is reduced to a subplot that never feels fully realized.
Even though the world Kowal has created still feels immersive, it鈥檚 not enough to redeem a plot that falters in every direction. Longtime fans of the series may still find some value in revisiting this alternate history, but it鈥檚 definitely best to reread the earlier books.
I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Part of the issue is the lack of a clear plot. While there are hints of secrets surrounding the First Mars Expedition, the story meanders with no real central conflict. Instead, we get a lot of logistical details鈥攑rocedural checklists, political debates, and scientific jargon鈥攖hat bog down the narrative. While it鈥檚 fascinating to imagine the complexities of building a society on Mars, it doesn鈥檛 make for the most gripping reading.
Elma herself feels sidelined here. In the first two books, she was a force鈥攁 woman navigating a male-dominated field while dealing with anxiety and a passionate relationship with her husband. In The Martian Contingency, though, Elma merely reacts to events, never truly driving the story forward. What could have been an exploration of women鈥檚 reproductive rights in a world without Roe v. Wade is reduced to a subplot that never feels fully realized.
Even though the world Kowal has created still feels immersive, it鈥檚 not enough to redeem a plot that falters in every direction. Longtime fans of the series may still find some value in revisiting this alternate history, but it鈥檚 definitely best to reread the earlier books.
I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2025
I am a fan of the Lady Astronaut series, so I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to review the latest entry. When I say I didn鈥檛 like it as much as The Relentless Moon, you have to understand that I鈥檓 not sure I put The Relentless Moon down. It was the kind of propulsive narrative that grabs you and won鈥檛 let go.
This had a good bit of tension, and moved briskly, but it took a while to get going, and the stakes never felt quite as high. I also think I just like Nicole as a narrator better than I like Elma. But I loved the calendar structure to this one, and we got a bunch of really fun new characters to work in the background.
As this is number four in a series, we get to play one of my favorite review games: should I read this book if I like the series, and should I read this series if I haven鈥檛 started it. If you are a fan of the series, you should definitely read this book. It has all the things you enjoy about the prior entries--people in all their wonderful complexity, relationships that model trust and equality, and a planet spanning future that everyone gets to be a part of. If you haven鈥檛 started the series--and want to know if you鈥檇 like it, you definitely should start at the beginning. And I think if you cry at Apollo 13, if you liked Hidden Figures, if you loved The Martian, you鈥檒l enjoy this book.
Ad astra per aspera.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for this honest review.
This had a good bit of tension, and moved briskly, but it took a while to get going, and the stakes never felt quite as high. I also think I just like Nicole as a narrator better than I like Elma. But I loved the calendar structure to this one, and we got a bunch of really fun new characters to work in the background.
As this is number four in a series, we get to play one of my favorite review games: should I read this book if I like the series, and should I read this series if I haven鈥檛 started it. If you are a fan of the series, you should definitely read this book. It has all the things you enjoy about the prior entries--people in all their wonderful complexity, relationships that model trust and equality, and a planet spanning future that everyone gets to be a part of. If you haven鈥檛 started the series--and want to know if you鈥檇 like it, you definitely should start at the beginning. And I think if you cry at Apollo 13, if you liked Hidden Figures, if you loved The Martian, you鈥檒l enjoy this book.
Ad astra per aspera.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for this honest review.
March 24, 2025
I feel about these books exactly how I feel about Connie Willis's Oxford time travel series: they are very flawed but I love them devotedly. This one was a little disappointing, plot-wise, but as always I adore the characters and I am such a sucker for Mars colonization stories that I can't help but enjoy it.
March 25, 2025
In the fourth book, it鈥檚 1970 and Elma York, The Lady Astronaut, finally lands on Mars with her husband Nathaniel with the second wave of settlers. Earth hasn鈥檛 had a clear sky since the asteroid hit it and the mere chance of seeing stars at night is lifting their spirits.
But from the start, Elma feels something鈥檚 off. Accidents have clearly taken place during the first wave of settlers that no one has reported back to earth and hateful messages have been painted on the wall. No one is willing to tell her anything when she tries to ask about it, even though she鈥檚 the second in command.
Small accidents keep happening too. They鈥檙e fairly harmless at first鈥攗ntil they aren鈥檛. It鈥檚 clear that they鈥檙e deliberate sabotage. But is it someone on the planet with them behind it, or is the mastermind back on earth?
Despite the intriguing premise, this was surprisingly boring book. Focus was on technical details and religious rituals, and even the who dunnit was solved elsewhere behind the scenes. Most of the cast was new, the familiar characters like Stetson Parker only appeared through radio transmissions, and even Elma and Nathaniel spent large part of the book apart. The new characters were none of them interesting, nor were they given any backstories that would鈥檝e made them more than talking heads, useful for each scene only.
Character relations were antagonist. Instead of building the inclusivity through open conversation, nothing happened until after a confrontation, however small. It made the whole process feel angry and negative instead of a hopeful chance to build a better world mentioned in the book鈥檚 description. It made for a heavy read and I didn鈥檛 enjoy this as much as I hoped I would.
In the end, everything was solved as well as it could be. Elma and Nathaniel settled down to their forever home, and they seemed content with where they are now. If this was the last book, it leaves them in a good place. But there鈥檚 a lot to explore in space left.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
But from the start, Elma feels something鈥檚 off. Accidents have clearly taken place during the first wave of settlers that no one has reported back to earth and hateful messages have been painted on the wall. No one is willing to tell her anything when she tries to ask about it, even though she鈥檚 the second in command.
Small accidents keep happening too. They鈥檙e fairly harmless at first鈥攗ntil they aren鈥檛. It鈥檚 clear that they鈥檙e deliberate sabotage. But is it someone on the planet with them behind it, or is the mastermind back on earth?
Despite the intriguing premise, this was surprisingly boring book. Focus was on technical details and religious rituals, and even the who dunnit was solved elsewhere behind the scenes. Most of the cast was new, the familiar characters like Stetson Parker only appeared through radio transmissions, and even Elma and Nathaniel spent large part of the book apart. The new characters were none of them interesting, nor were they given any backstories that would鈥檝e made them more than talking heads, useful for each scene only.
Character relations were antagonist. Instead of building the inclusivity through open conversation, nothing happened until after a confrontation, however small. It made the whole process feel angry and negative instead of a hopeful chance to build a better world mentioned in the book鈥檚 description. It made for a heavy read and I didn鈥檛 enjoy this as much as I hoped I would.
In the end, everything was solved as well as it could be. Elma and Nathaniel settled down to their forever home, and they seemed content with where they are now. If this was the last book, it leaves them in a good place. But there鈥檚 a lot to explore in space left.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for a review, my opinion is my own and also, I've preordered a paper copy anyway, because I have the whole series on my shelf.
I have to hand it to Kowal this time. Some of the elements that have previously bugged me (Elma's biases; the fact that Earth Firsters are evil but also correct, Earth should be saved first, if only because anything else is planet-cidal, and eco-cidal, and just unbearably tragic and evil) get addressed at least somewhat. In fact, so much of this book is about how well-meaning ignorance is still harmful, and how we need to make conscious effort to learn what we don't know we don't know, in order to be able to establish trust and collaboration. Elma is still not my favourite character, and I wouldn't mind being in another POV instead at times, but the lovingly crafted world yields dividends, the plot is beyond gripping (the processes! The worldbuilding detail! and the way I kept getting anxious to find out what the solution would turn out to be to each new arising problem!) and I stayed up past my curfew to read just one more chapter (and then it was a hundred pages later).
I have to hand it to Kowal this time. Some of the elements that have previously bugged me (Elma's biases; the fact that Earth Firsters are evil but also correct, Earth should be saved first, if only because anything else is planet-cidal, and eco-cidal, and just unbearably tragic and evil) get addressed at least somewhat. In fact, so much of this book is about how well-meaning ignorance is still harmful, and how we need to make conscious effort to learn what we don't know we don't know, in order to be able to establish trust and collaboration. Elma is still not my favourite character, and I wouldn't mind being in another POV instead at times, but the lovingly crafted world yields dividends, the plot is beyond gripping (the processes! The worldbuilding detail! and the way I kept getting anxious to find out what the solution would turn out to be to each new arising problem!) and I stayed up past my curfew to read just one more chapter (and then it was a hundred pages later).
March 14, 2025
I recieved an e-book ARC of this book on NetGalley from the Publisher Tor in exchange for an honest review: Thank you Tor and NetGalley for this copy of the book.
This is the fourth book in Mary Robinette's "Lady Astronaut" series. This book continues to both highlight many of the strengths and weaknesses of the series overall.
I did really enjoy the Habitat storyline in the first half of the book. The discussion of all that was needed to make the base more permanent was really fascinating. The dangers of Mars are well realized here and I really understood the hard work that was ahead for our characters.
I also was intrigued that the mystery about the First Expedition and what happened that Elma (and the reader) doesn't know about. I had ideas behind the mystery, but I thought that Kowal's answers for it were in line with the series and really fascinating.
I also enjoyed reading the dynamic between Elm and Nathaniel. Although I don't appreciate having to read the more...ahem...physical nature of their relationship, their banter is sweet and fun to read, and they make for fascinating characters on the screen.
I did enjoy the humor in the book, particularly when the characters are problem solving and freudien slips abound. I was laughing out loud at many of these moments.
While not a major part of the book, I enjoyed the glimpses into the political difficulties of continuing Mars missions, and reading how the crew made decisions to maximize public support was fun to read.
I also really enjoyed a lot of the other characters, such as Leonard, Nicole, and what little we see of Wilburt. I actually would love to see more Wilburt in subsequent books.
One more positive is that the book moves at a very fast pace. I was never bored or felt like the book was moving too slow at all. That's an excellent aspect that books 2 and 3 in this series didn't have.
Now I do have some critiques.
First of all: the book has a major issue that had me scratching my head. If the IAC did not want or expect children to be born on Mars during the Second Expedition...why on Earth (or maybe why on Mars) did they decide to make the crew almost entirely married couples. This seems to be asking for pregnancies to happen, especially when the oldest couple is like 48 and still...ahem...active. There is a small reason for a specific couple that is explained, but not for the rest. Seems like a really unwise move.
Also: the book has a plot device that requires the separation of the sexes so that the women are all in orbit and the men are on the planet. Kowal gives explanations for this, but it really read like a contrivance just to cause the social issues in the book and also cause a problem with a certain character back on earth. This isn't a minor issue, as its a major plot point in the book too!
My final criticism in the book comes from a worldview perspective. The book has a very pro-abortion/anti-natalism perspective that doesn't really fit in optimistic space stories like this. A major portion of the book, particularly the second half of the book, is dedicated to a plotpoint about a lady astronette getting pregnant, and trying to determine whether to have an abortion or to keep the baby. This plot point might have worked if handled differently. Unfortunately, not only does the character make the obviously wrong choice in the book, but the argument is heavily weighed in one direction, and there is no solid counter argument or major consequence for the characters' actions. Science Fiction books have this wonderful opportunity to promote Natalism in a way that won't be heavy handed, and unfortunately, this book missed the mark. (
Overall, I enjoyed the novel, but I was really frustrated with it at the same time. It reads super fast, and had a lot that I loved. Unfortunately, it loses some points for some plot issues, contrivences, and just very blatant messaging. 7 out of 10.
This is the fourth book in Mary Robinette's "Lady Astronaut" series. This book continues to both highlight many of the strengths and weaknesses of the series overall.
I did really enjoy the Habitat storyline in the first half of the book. The discussion of all that was needed to make the base more permanent was really fascinating. The dangers of Mars are well realized here and I really understood the hard work that was ahead for our characters.
I also was intrigued that the mystery about the First Expedition and what happened that Elma (and the reader) doesn't know about. I had ideas behind the mystery, but I thought that Kowal's answers for it were in line with the series and really fascinating.
I also enjoyed reading the dynamic between Elm and Nathaniel. Although I don't appreciate having to read the more...ahem...physical nature of their relationship, their banter is sweet and fun to read, and they make for fascinating characters on the screen.
I did enjoy the humor in the book, particularly when the characters are problem solving and freudien slips abound. I was laughing out loud at many of these moments.
While not a major part of the book, I enjoyed the glimpses into the political difficulties of continuing Mars missions, and reading how the crew made decisions to maximize public support was fun to read.
I also really enjoyed a lot of the other characters, such as Leonard, Nicole, and what little we see of Wilburt. I actually would love to see more Wilburt in subsequent books.
One more positive is that the book moves at a very fast pace. I was never bored or felt like the book was moving too slow at all. That's an excellent aspect that books 2 and 3 in this series didn't have.
Now I do have some critiques.
First of all: the book has a major issue that had me scratching my head. If the IAC did not want or expect children to be born on Mars during the Second Expedition...why on Earth (or maybe why on Mars) did they decide to make the crew almost entirely married couples. This seems to be asking for pregnancies to happen, especially when the oldest couple is like 48 and still...ahem...active. There is a small reason for a specific couple that is explained, but not for the rest. Seems like a really unwise move.
Also: the book has a plot device that requires the separation of the sexes so that the women are all in orbit and the men are on the planet. Kowal gives explanations for this, but it really read like a contrivance just to cause the social issues in the book and also cause a problem with a certain character back on earth. This isn't a minor issue, as its a major plot point in the book too!
My final criticism in the book comes from a worldview perspective. The book has a very pro-abortion/anti-natalism perspective that doesn't really fit in optimistic space stories like this. A major portion of the book, particularly the second half of the book, is dedicated to a plotpoint about a lady astronette getting pregnant, and trying to determine whether to have an abortion or to keep the baby. This plot point might have worked if handled differently. Unfortunately, not only does the character make the obviously wrong choice in the book, but the argument is heavily weighed in one direction, and there is no solid counter argument or major consequence for the characters' actions. Science Fiction books have this wonderful opportunity to promote Natalism in a way that won't be heavy handed, and unfortunately, this book missed the mark. (
Overall, I enjoyed the novel, but I was really frustrated with it at the same time. It reads super fast, and had a lot that I loved. Unfortunately, it loses some points for some plot issues, contrivences, and just very blatant messaging. 7 out of 10.
March 24, 2025
honestly I鈥檓 knocking one star off because you can only use rocket science innuendo so many times
March 28, 2025
4.5 stars. A terrific addition to the world of the Lady Astronaut.
April 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this Mars book adding to the Lady Astronaut series. There鈥檚 a lot of drama and interpersonal issues that feel so real and compelling. Specifically, the confrontation of ethical and legal issues like racism, family planning, and sexism. I love Kowal鈥檚 writing and humor. You can鈥檛 help but root for this mission, especially the strong women and their particular obstacles. The science is grounded in reality. Highly recommend this whole series!
April 5, 2025
I鈥檝e missed this world!
The Martian Contingency picks up about seven years after the main events of The Fated Sky (and immediately after the epilogue of that novel) with Elma having returned to Earth and then come back to Mars in the meantime, this time with husband Nathaniel at her side. But it's soon apparent that something terrible happened in the time while Elma was away 鈥� something that didn鈥檛 make it into any official reports.
As with the previous installment in the series, there鈥檚 a heavy aspect of mystery at play, though I鈥檇 say it鈥檚 less suspenseful than that novel was (not in a bad way!) Elma鈥檚 anxiety is largely under control, but now that鈥檚 she鈥檚 in a command position, she鈥檚 still got some growing to do in terms of self-confidence and leadership skills. I love that even in the fourth book of a series, Kowal has found ways to continue character growth. It adds to the wonderful, vibrant characterization which is one of the things I鈥檝e loved about this series from the start.
The relationships between characters also remain a strong point. I love Nathaniel and Elma鈥檚 relationship so much. You鈥檝e got to love a man who respects women, and his wife especially, as much as Nathaniel York. I also liked the continuing evolution of the complex relationship between Elma and Parker.
I love that, because the Mars base (and the space effort in general) is a global affair in this world, they are so devoted to multiculturalism. It really makes some of the more 鈥渕odern鈥� attitudes of the characters that exist in this timeline feel more realistic to me, rather than just a modern author trying to shoehorn progress into the past.
All in all an excellent addition to the series, and I hope there will be more to come!
Representation: POC characters, LGBTQIA+ characters, and characters of varying religions
CW: Violent racism, sexism
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Martian Contingency picks up about seven years after the main events of The Fated Sky (and immediately after the epilogue of that novel) with Elma having returned to Earth and then come back to Mars in the meantime, this time with husband Nathaniel at her side. But it's soon apparent that something terrible happened in the time while Elma was away 鈥� something that didn鈥檛 make it into any official reports.
As with the previous installment in the series, there鈥檚 a heavy aspect of mystery at play, though I鈥檇 say it鈥檚 less suspenseful than that novel was (not in a bad way!) Elma鈥檚 anxiety is largely under control, but now that鈥檚 she鈥檚 in a command position, she鈥檚 still got some growing to do in terms of self-confidence and leadership skills. I love that even in the fourth book of a series, Kowal has found ways to continue character growth. It adds to the wonderful, vibrant characterization which is one of the things I鈥檝e loved about this series from the start.
The relationships between characters also remain a strong point. I love Nathaniel and Elma鈥檚 relationship so much. You鈥檝e got to love a man who respects women, and his wife especially, as much as Nathaniel York. I also liked the continuing evolution of the complex relationship between Elma and Parker.
I love that, because the Mars base (and the space effort in general) is a global affair in this world, they are so devoted to multiculturalism. It really makes some of the more 鈥渕odern鈥� attitudes of the characters that exist in this timeline feel more realistic to me, rather than just a modern author trying to shoehorn progress into the past.
All in all an excellent addition to the series, and I hope there will be more to come!
Representation: POC characters, LGBTQIA+ characters, and characters of varying religions
CW: Violent racism, sexism
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2025
This is, I firmly believe, the concluding volume in the Lady Astronaut series. It's a satisfying conclusion.
The Second Mars Expedition is attempting to make a permanent home on Mars, but politics back on Earth is still having an effect. Meanwhile, our first-person narrator Elma York increasingly feels that some members of the First Expedition are keeping some secrets from her. These secrets are exposed in a dramatic way that threatens the lives of inhabitants and the possible future of the Mars base.
I quite enjoyed the shift in narrator of the third volume to Nicole Wargin, who is very different from Elma York. However, Nicole doesn't go to Mars (not really a spoiler), so we need to go back to Elma to conclude the series (which is only natural).
In reviews of the earlier books I commented on how much technical detail was included, comparing it to 鈥淭he Martian鈥�. This is 1970s technology though, closer to Apollo technology rather than contemporary. It's startling to realize they are still using slide rules, but it fits the times.
The technical detail can be quite lengthy, but adds verisimilitude to a story in a way that most science fiction today doesn't attempt. The research is long and hard, as Kowal notes in the acknowledgments, and this is one of those books that has an extensive bibliography for those who want to read more about the actual science and events of the time.
This whole series is a celebration of the ambition of the space program and the unwavering dedication of the people who devote their life's work to it. One of the themes is that we need all our different abilities and backgrounds to succeed, and that professionalism, training, and a commitment to telling the whole truth (which fails at key points to drive the plot) is what enables humans to achieve goals beyond their individual capabilities.
The Second Mars Expedition is attempting to make a permanent home on Mars, but politics back on Earth is still having an effect. Meanwhile, our first-person narrator Elma York increasingly feels that some members of the First Expedition are keeping some secrets from her. These secrets are exposed in a dramatic way that threatens the lives of inhabitants and the possible future of the Mars base.
I quite enjoyed the shift in narrator of the third volume to Nicole Wargin, who is very different from Elma York. However, Nicole doesn't go to Mars (not really a spoiler), so we need to go back to Elma to conclude the series (which is only natural).
In reviews of the earlier books I commented on how much technical detail was included, comparing it to 鈥淭he Martian鈥�. This is 1970s technology though, closer to Apollo technology rather than contemporary. It's startling to realize they are still using slide rules, but it fits the times.
The technical detail can be quite lengthy, but adds verisimilitude to a story in a way that most science fiction today doesn't attempt. The research is long and hard, as Kowal notes in the acknowledgments, and this is one of those books that has an extensive bibliography for those who want to read more about the actual science and events of the time.
This whole series is a celebration of the ambition of the space program and the unwavering dedication of the people who devote their life's work to it. One of the themes is that we need all our different abilities and backgrounds to succeed, and that professionalism, training, and a commitment to telling the whole truth (which fails at key points to drive the plot) is what enables humans to achieve goals beyond their individual capabilities.
April 7, 2025
Another solid entry in the series. This made for interesting reading alongside A City on Mars by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith (which, incidentally, is cited in the bibliography of The Martian Contingency ). There are references in this book to events which I think happened in short stories that I haven't read, or maybe they were in The Relentless Moon and I just forgot, I'm not sure which. In any case, I did often feel like I was missing some information which would have given me a better understanding of the nuances of the narrative.
As with the other books in this series, I think Kowal has done an excellent job with inclusivity and representation among her characters, and with bringing a modern perspective to her alternate history. I will say, though, that I could have done with slightly less of Elma York's frequent description of how into her husband she is. To be fair, this wasn't over the top, and I think it's a good change to see a romantic relationship of many years depicted in a positive way (it also just occurred to me -- it's perhaps maybe a tiny bit Heinleinesque in a good way). I just found it a little repetitive.
Content warnings hidden behind spoiler tag:
As with the other books in this series, I think Kowal has done an excellent job with inclusivity and representation among her characters, and with bringing a modern perspective to her alternate history. I will say, though, that I could have done with slightly less of Elma York's frequent description of how into her husband she is. To be fair, this wasn't over the top, and I think it's a good change to see a romantic relationship of many years depicted in a positive way (it also just occurred to me -- it's perhaps maybe a tiny bit Heinleinesque in a good way). I just found it a little repetitive.
Content warnings hidden behind spoiler tag:
March 26, 2025
Such a great mix of character and adventure-based Sci-fi. There were questions (would the settlement on Mars succeed?) and mystery (what happened REDACTED when REDACTED) along with personal and interpersonal challenges for the characters, and the pleasure of watching these characters grow and age in this fourth book in the series. I laughed, I cried, I felt like I was THERE. Raced through this installment and am looking forward to going back to the beginning to read the whole series again.
This is a great example of how sci-fi can be uplifting and not boring, both at the same time. If you're a fan of Andy Weir's The Martian and Project Hail Mary and looking for your next read in a similar 'mood', you should love this series.
This is a great example of how sci-fi can be uplifting and not boring, both at the same time. If you're a fan of Andy Weir's The Martian and Project Hail Mary and looking for your next read in a similar 'mood', you should love this series.
March 27, 2025
It's been a while since I read the last book in this series. Apparently that one was set on the moon and featured Nicole instead of Elma and the book I loved the most.
This book returns to Elma and Mars. I'm not sure how much was the return to Elma and how much was just the plot not being as strong, but this one wasn't as good as the last.
Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed it, and would read another one if she writes one, but at points of the book Elma was getting on my nerves and the interactions with some of the other characters did as well.
Once again Mary Robinette Kowal does an excellent job narrating her own book. The audio is a great option for this series.
3.5 Stars rounded up.
This book returns to Elma and Mars. I'm not sure how much was the return to Elma and how much was just the plot not being as strong, but this one wasn't as good as the last.
Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed it, and would read another one if she writes one, but at points of the book Elma was getting on my nerves and the interactions with some of the other characters did as well.
Once again Mary Robinette Kowal does an excellent job narrating her own book. The audio is a great option for this series.
3.5 Stars rounded up.
March 20, 2025
Pub Day in the UK is March 27th
Really enjoyed book 4 in the Lady Astronaut series. A base on Mars has been established and the first "Martians" have moved in. Among the usual problems of working in an uninhabitable environment the members of the first Mars mission, to establish the base, are keeping a secret.
Another strong entry in this series. Gender, race, but also culture and religion, as well as body autonomy play just as much a role as who has jurisdiction on Mars and should it be named a colony.
I seriously hope this wasn't the last book in the series.
Really enjoyed book 4 in the Lady Astronaut series. A base on Mars has been established and the first "Martians" have moved in. Among the usual problems of working in an uninhabitable environment the members of the first Mars mission, to establish the base, are keeping a secret.
Another strong entry in this series. Gender, race, but also culture and religion, as well as body autonomy play just as much a role as who has jurisdiction on Mars and should it be named a colony.
I seriously hope this wasn't the last book in the series.
March 31, 2025
Loved this new installment. Not the fastest paced, craziest tempo. But good characters and a plot that makes you keep turning pages. Elma and Nathaniel are my favorite, I鈥檓 happy to be back with them on Mars!! The tech was all reasonable and familiar based on earlier books, making it seem like life on Mars is not that difficult (if you鈥檝e got a colony or two on the moon already). Maybe it will be a thing in the future.
The only part that I really struggled with is changing every -day to -sol. Man, my brain struggled with it. Even though I know why it was that way.
The only part that I really struggled with is changing every -day to -sol. Man, my brain struggled with it. Even though I know why it was that way.
March 21, 2025
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Science Fiction / Space Exploration / Alternative History
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
The Martian Contingency is the Fourth installment in author Mary Robinette Kowal's Lady Astronaut Series. Set in an alternate history where a meteorite strike in 1952 devastates Earth and accelerates humanity鈥檚 push to the stars, this novel finds Elma York aka the Lady Astronaut and her team on Mars, tasked with laying the groundwork for a permanent human presence. Elma has been instrumental in getting women in the space program, while also helping getting people to the Moon, and now Mars where the story takes place where she will have more of a command responsibility.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
*Genre* Science Fiction / Space Exploration / Alternative History
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
The Martian Contingency is the Fourth installment in author Mary Robinette Kowal's Lady Astronaut Series. Set in an alternate history where a meteorite strike in 1952 devastates Earth and accelerates humanity鈥檚 push to the stars, this novel finds Elma York aka the Lady Astronaut and her team on Mars, tasked with laying the groundwork for a permanent human presence. Elma has been instrumental in getting women in the space program, while also helping getting people to the Moon, and now Mars where the story takes place where she will have more of a command responsibility.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
March 25, 2025
A bittersweet experience -- getting to spend hours with Elma York inside the amazing mind of Mary Robinette Kowal -- and then it's over and Elma disappears back into the pages. Kowal works so damn hard on her writing, on the scientific detail, the characters and the fascinating way her alt-history has diverged from ours. To any television viewer who has become entranced with AppleTV+ show "For All Mankind" The Lady Astronaut series would be the perfect recommendation to a new reader. The show can feel very male-oriented at times and Kowal's work would offer some real balance.
March 30, 2025
I like the Lady Astronaut series and the amount of inclusivity and cultural awareness was touching. I learned a lot about Jewish holidays and I loved the setting on Mars. I'm glad the series continues to address inequality and I just find the world building to be quite compelling overall. 4 stars
March 23, 2025
What a fun installment in the series.
February 13, 2025
Series Info/Source: This is the 4th book in the Lady Astronaut series. I got a copy of this on ebook from NetGalley for review.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this fourth installment in the Lady Astronaut series; it was well worth the long wait. This was a bit more "day in the life of", but on Mars. There are political issues going on in the background, but we are a bit distanced from them.
Elma is serving as second in command in the Mars habitat. The habitat is preparing for a large wave of inhabitants. Elma is finding strange discrepancies around the habitat and is trying to figure out what happened with the first mission, but the crew leftover from that mission are lying about what happened. As Elma is trying to unravel this mystery, one of their deliveries explodes leaving the team short on supplies. The crew must figure out if the explosion was an accident or sabotage.
What I enjoyed most in this story was watching how Elma has grown. She is now in her upper 40's and is second in command of the Mars habitat. I love how Kowal dealt with things like Elma having a bit of imposter syndrome; she is still unsure about demanding people do things and really taking control. Elma doesn't see herself as a mentor (but the young women following in her footsteps greatly do) and is plagued by her anxiety of speaking (although she knows how to work through it now).
As a lifelong scientist, I also really appreciated that Kowal delved into the topic of what happens as scientists progress in their careers. Inevitably, as you move along in your career (if you are decent at it) you get asked to take on more and more leadership roles. Of course, this takes you further away from the day to day science you love to do. I wish more companies understood that what makes someone a good scientist doesn't necessarily make them a good leader. And even if they are a good leader, they are moving away from what they love. I really enjoyed how this issue was dealt with in this book. Okay, I am stepping down from my soap box now :-)
I also very much enjoyed Kowal's afterward. A lot of research and study goes into writing these books and I really appreciate that. I didn't feel comfortable giving this a higher review because the story didn't have a lot of urgency behind it and I had trouble engaging with characters aside from Elma. Parts of the story are a bit slow, and having Elma move from Mars to the orbiting ship made things feel pretty disjointed (almost like this was two stories).
I also really wish we got to explore Mars more and deal with silly people on Earth less. This book is much more about interpersonal relations and much less about space discovery.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this and am glad I read it. I really love seeing how Elma has grown as a character throughout the series and could relate to her struggles as a scientist and leader. I love the Mars setting and some of the mysteries they deal with there. I did have trouble engaging with some of the other characters (they hold Elma, and hence the reader, at a distance) and parts of the story felt slow. I do wish we had been able to spend more time exploring Mars and less time dealing with politics and interpersonal relations. I am curious if there will be additional books in this series; if there are, I will read them.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this fourth installment in the Lady Astronaut series; it was well worth the long wait. This was a bit more "day in the life of", but on Mars. There are political issues going on in the background, but we are a bit distanced from them.
Elma is serving as second in command in the Mars habitat. The habitat is preparing for a large wave of inhabitants. Elma is finding strange discrepancies around the habitat and is trying to figure out what happened with the first mission, but the crew leftover from that mission are lying about what happened. As Elma is trying to unravel this mystery, one of their deliveries explodes leaving the team short on supplies. The crew must figure out if the explosion was an accident or sabotage.
What I enjoyed most in this story was watching how Elma has grown. She is now in her upper 40's and is second in command of the Mars habitat. I love how Kowal dealt with things like Elma having a bit of imposter syndrome; she is still unsure about demanding people do things and really taking control. Elma doesn't see herself as a mentor (but the young women following in her footsteps greatly do) and is plagued by her anxiety of speaking (although she knows how to work through it now).
As a lifelong scientist, I also really appreciated that Kowal delved into the topic of what happens as scientists progress in their careers. Inevitably, as you move along in your career (if you are decent at it) you get asked to take on more and more leadership roles. Of course, this takes you further away from the day to day science you love to do. I wish more companies understood that what makes someone a good scientist doesn't necessarily make them a good leader. And even if they are a good leader, they are moving away from what they love. I really enjoyed how this issue was dealt with in this book. Okay, I am stepping down from my soap box now :-)
I also very much enjoyed Kowal's afterward. A lot of research and study goes into writing these books and I really appreciate that. I didn't feel comfortable giving this a higher review because the story didn't have a lot of urgency behind it and I had trouble engaging with characters aside from Elma. Parts of the story are a bit slow, and having Elma move from Mars to the orbiting ship made things feel pretty disjointed (almost like this was two stories).
I also really wish we got to explore Mars more and deal with silly people on Earth less. This book is much more about interpersonal relations and much less about space discovery.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this and am glad I read it. I really love seeing how Elma has grown as a character throughout the series and could relate to her struggles as a scientist and leader. I love the Mars setting and some of the mysteries they deal with there. I did have trouble engaging with some of the other characters (they hold Elma, and hence the reader, at a distance) and parts of the story felt slow. I do wish we had been able to spend more time exploring Mars and less time dealing with politics and interpersonal relations. I am curious if there will be additional books in this series; if there are, I will read them.
February 17, 2025
Kowal鈥檚 writing is good enough that it鈥檚 hard to see Lady Astornaut dipping below a pretty decent level of quality. There鈥檚 some competence porn in the face of disaster, some solid interpersonal relationships, some triumphs over regressive forces.
But there have been some cracks showing, and they were a bit more visible here than in the past. None of these complaints are original to me, but I kinda saw them more this book: the characters go so far out of their way to communicate in a healthy manner that it sometimes feels they never have real miscommunications. It鈥檚 so focused on them talking like ordinary people that there鈥檚 a series of PG-13 sex jokes that are truly out of control. And because we鈥檙e now four books deep in the characters working to get along, it feels like they aren鈥檛 any antagonists left, and every problem is caused by people refusing to communicate about what had been done by past antagonists, despite heavy foreshadowing for most of the book.
For my money, The Relentless Moon was the pinnacle of this series. The villains were beautifully humanized, the espionage plot made it impossible to put down, the lead鈥檚 physical and mental injuries were genuine barriers to her life, and all the competence porn was still there.
In The Martian Contingency, the competence porn remains, but most of the rest has faded. The villains are just villains, the reveals are heavily foreshadowed, many of the lead鈥檚 personal struggles are well-managed from past books, and so鈥e get a pretty well-written and smart woman solving problems and leveraging the system to advance progressive goals. It鈥檚 decent, but it鈥檚 missing a spark.
First impression: 12/20. Full review to come at
But there have been some cracks showing, and they were a bit more visible here than in the past. None of these complaints are original to me, but I kinda saw them more this book: the characters go so far out of their way to communicate in a healthy manner that it sometimes feels they never have real miscommunications. It鈥檚 so focused on them talking like ordinary people that there鈥檚 a series of PG-13 sex jokes that are truly out of control. And because we鈥檙e now four books deep in the characters working to get along, it feels like they aren鈥檛 any antagonists left, and every problem is caused by people refusing to communicate about what had been done by past antagonists, despite heavy foreshadowing for most of the book.
For my money, The Relentless Moon was the pinnacle of this series. The villains were beautifully humanized, the espionage plot made it impossible to put down, the lead鈥檚 physical and mental injuries were genuine barriers to her life, and all the competence porn was still there.
In The Martian Contingency, the competence porn remains, but most of the rest has faded. The villains are just villains, the reveals are heavily foreshadowed, many of the lead鈥檚 personal struggles are well-managed from past books, and so鈥e get a pretty well-written and smart woman solving problems and leveraging the system to advance progressive goals. It鈥檚 decent, but it鈥檚 missing a spark.
First impression: 12/20. Full review to come at
March 28, 2025
Guys, why is this just not it? Honest question.
The Martian Contingency is book four in the Lady Astronaut series. I started out really liking The Calculating Stars, and the series premise overall is incredible.
It's alternate history science fiction starting in the 1960s, when a massive meteor slams into the Atlantic ocean, instantly wiping out most of the east coast and dooming humankind to a slow but inexorable climate-change death.
The first book centers on Elma, a scientist and mathematician who joins the effort to make it to outer space in order to save humanity. She faces obstacles both scientific and social/cultural on her way to becoming the Lady Astronaut, and it's a Hidden Figures/Interstellar mash-up that I completely enjoyed.
Book four returns to Elma as the protagonist, only now it's sixteen years later and she and her husband are part of what is intended to be the first wave of permanent colonization of Mars. They face the expected issues and setbacks, of course, but there's also something strange going on - a dangerous secret kept between the members of the first Mars expedition, that Elma isn't being told.
For some reason, this book felt like it took all the minor annoyances present in book one (Elma and Nathaniel's relationship consisting of 100% awkward rocket-themed sexual puns and fade-to-black sex scenes, somewhat lackluster relationship work in general) and turned them up to eleven. Meanwhile, everything fun in book one (the science! the danger! the math problems! the overcoming society's doubt, scorn, and roadblocks!) got turned way, way down.
It takes a long time for The Martian Contingency to even introduce the first big problem. Before that point, all we have is Elma doubting herself, Elma noticing the first Mars expedition crew's shadiness and being lied to about it, Elma making cultural connections with her coworkers of all faiths and races, Elma continuing to doubt herself, Elma doing chores, Elma and Nathaniel making cringey innuendo puns and multiple closed-door sex scenes, etc.
When the problem actually happens, it was a huge relief. Finally! A space problem to solve! But for some reason the space problems even in the second half of the book remain on the periphery of the story. The women get sent to the orbiting space station, while the men remain on-planet.
Supposedly, this is a good thing because it means the women will get to do all the spacewalks. And we do get to see Elma do one spacewalk! Other than that, the amount of time we get to see anyone actually addressing any plot issue or solving any problem is miniscule, and these problems are political and PR problems. I'm not even mad at that, though, because I LOVE political and PR problems compared what we actually do get to see.
We get way too much discussion of how upset all the men are that they won't get to have sex while separated, and how the lack of condoms is such a huge issue for the colonists. We get to see Elma baking at least three times, and the women celebrating cross-cultural holidays together at least twice. We continue to be treated to plenty of Elma's self-doubting moments.
And I want to clarify that I don't hate baking, or self doubt, or cross-cultural holidays! All of these things could be enjoyable! I love a multifaceted main character, and cast bonding! The problem is that when this takes the lion's share of the wordcount and the actual plot is happening in the margins of the story, it becomes frustrating. And this series continues to fail to convince me that the characters have strong relationships and care about each other.
There were approximately two times I was compelled by this book: 1) the disaster that puts Nathaniel in danger, and 2) the reveal of what happened during the first Mars expedition.
Both of those were good moments that held the strong place in the forefront of the narrative where they needed to be. Everything else fell mostly flat for me, which was not only disappointing but also kind of shocking. This story and this world have such an incredible premise that it should be impossible to miss such a slam-dunk.
(Thank you to the publisher for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!)
The Martian Contingency is book four in the Lady Astronaut series. I started out really liking The Calculating Stars, and the series premise overall is incredible.
It's alternate history science fiction starting in the 1960s, when a massive meteor slams into the Atlantic ocean, instantly wiping out most of the east coast and dooming humankind to a slow but inexorable climate-change death.
The first book centers on Elma, a scientist and mathematician who joins the effort to make it to outer space in order to save humanity. She faces obstacles both scientific and social/cultural on her way to becoming the Lady Astronaut, and it's a Hidden Figures/Interstellar mash-up that I completely enjoyed.
Book four returns to Elma as the protagonist, only now it's sixteen years later and she and her husband are part of what is intended to be the first wave of permanent colonization of Mars. They face the expected issues and setbacks, of course, but there's also something strange going on - a dangerous secret kept between the members of the first Mars expedition, that Elma isn't being told.
For some reason, this book felt like it took all the minor annoyances present in book one (Elma and Nathaniel's relationship consisting of 100% awkward rocket-themed sexual puns and fade-to-black sex scenes, somewhat lackluster relationship work in general) and turned them up to eleven. Meanwhile, everything fun in book one (the science! the danger! the math problems! the overcoming society's doubt, scorn, and roadblocks!) got turned way, way down.
It takes a long time for The Martian Contingency to even introduce the first big problem. Before that point, all we have is Elma doubting herself, Elma noticing the first Mars expedition crew's shadiness and being lied to about it, Elma making cultural connections with her coworkers of all faiths and races, Elma continuing to doubt herself, Elma doing chores, Elma and Nathaniel making cringey innuendo puns and multiple closed-door sex scenes, etc.
When the problem actually happens, it was a huge relief. Finally! A space problem to solve! But for some reason the space problems even in the second half of the book remain on the periphery of the story. The women get sent to the orbiting space station, while the men remain on-planet.
Supposedly, this is a good thing because it means the women will get to do all the spacewalks. And we do get to see Elma do one spacewalk! Other than that, the amount of time we get to see anyone actually addressing any plot issue or solving any problem is miniscule, and these problems are political and PR problems. I'm not even mad at that, though, because I LOVE political and PR problems compared what we actually do get to see.
We get way too much discussion of how upset all the men are that they won't get to have sex while separated, and how the lack of condoms is such a huge issue for the colonists. We get to see Elma baking at least three times, and the women celebrating cross-cultural holidays together at least twice. We continue to be treated to plenty of Elma's self-doubting moments.
And I want to clarify that I don't hate baking, or self doubt, or cross-cultural holidays! All of these things could be enjoyable! I love a multifaceted main character, and cast bonding! The problem is that when this takes the lion's share of the wordcount and the actual plot is happening in the margins of the story, it becomes frustrating. And this series continues to fail to convince me that the characters have strong relationships and care about each other.
There were approximately two times I was compelled by this book: 1) the disaster that puts Nathaniel in danger, and 2) the reveal of what happened during the first Mars expedition.
Both of those were good moments that held the strong place in the forefront of the narrative where they needed to be. Everything else fell mostly flat for me, which was not only disappointing but also kind of shocking. This story and this world have such an incredible premise that it should be impossible to miss such a slam-dunk.
(Thank you to the publisher for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!)
December 28, 2024
ARC received from NetGalley and Tor
I was so excited for this book that I went to request the ARC twice.
I've been a fan of the Lady Astronaut Universe since I read and felt seen on so many levels. As a women in STEM, I am desperate for representation, but Kowal's characterization of Elma and the situations she faces just strikes home. I completely devoured The Martian Contingency in one sitting, older Elma resonating with me in ways that I've changed since The Calculating Stars.
Elma is 48 in The Martian Contingency, living with Nathaniel on the first permanent mission to Mars. She's deputy commander of the mission - a position she feels like she got because of her pretty face and value in PR and not because of her skillset. She can tell that something happened on the first mission, but can't tell if it's her own paranoia thinking there is a bigger problem than there is and if the crew are omitting facts to her because it doesn't matter or if they don't trust her because they also know / believe that she isn't qualified. I was worried that we would get a repeat of with regards to the sabotage plot, but Kowal steers clear of that.
The main criticism I've heard of Elma is that she's quirky and immature, especially with regards to her and Nathaniel's own private language regarding their sex life. I feel like that brings another layer and dimension to the story - readers are expecting Elma to be a prim, proper, and prude engineer. That's the only women in STEM they can imagine - one that's almost a man if you squint. There's a lot of space in The Martian Contingency for women astronauts to be women and also be astronauts. They bake for their own joy, they embroider while they wait for transmissions back from earth, they put effort to celebrate holidays together. It's not the hiding and fitting in characteristic of Calculating Stars or . Elma might be struggling in a position of leadership, but the younger women who came after her are thriving. To see so many younger women thrive, look up to their idol, and reap the benefits of Elma's hard work and activism brings me to tears.
The star of this series will always be the strong female characters that Kowal creates. Her impeccable research into space and engineering means the inside of Elma's head feels like a woman in STEM. The opportunity for Elma to advance and find herself in a leadership position, while also examining the struggles that come with being a woman in a STEM leadership position is beautiful. Elma has continued to grow beyond the women we met at the beginning of Calculating Stars, which provides an opportunity for readers to see themselves in Elma's position. Hearing someone else's doubts about their competency for a position and holding themselves to sky-high standards rings so true and reminds me I am not alone. Kowal takes the complicated relationship between technical work, leadership positions, and client management and evaluates them all while reminder the reader and Elma that they have to be true to themselves.
"I shall either find a way or make one"
I was so excited for this book that I went to request the ARC twice.
I've been a fan of the Lady Astronaut Universe since I read and felt seen on so many levels. As a women in STEM, I am desperate for representation, but Kowal's characterization of Elma and the situations she faces just strikes home. I completely devoured The Martian Contingency in one sitting, older Elma resonating with me in ways that I've changed since The Calculating Stars.
Elma is 48 in The Martian Contingency, living with Nathaniel on the first permanent mission to Mars. She's deputy commander of the mission - a position she feels like she got because of her pretty face and value in PR and not because of her skillset. She can tell that something happened on the first mission, but can't tell if it's her own paranoia thinking there is a bigger problem than there is and if the crew are omitting facts to her because it doesn't matter or if they don't trust her because they also know / believe that she isn't qualified. I was worried that we would get a repeat of with regards to the sabotage plot, but Kowal steers clear of that.
The main criticism I've heard of Elma is that she's quirky and immature, especially with regards to her and Nathaniel's own private language regarding their sex life. I feel like that brings another layer and dimension to the story - readers are expecting Elma to be a prim, proper, and prude engineer. That's the only women in STEM they can imagine - one that's almost a man if you squint. There's a lot of space in The Martian Contingency for women astronauts to be women and also be astronauts. They bake for their own joy, they embroider while they wait for transmissions back from earth, they put effort to celebrate holidays together. It's not the hiding and fitting in characteristic of Calculating Stars or . Elma might be struggling in a position of leadership, but the younger women who came after her are thriving. To see so many younger women thrive, look up to their idol, and reap the benefits of Elma's hard work and activism brings me to tears.
The star of this series will always be the strong female characters that Kowal creates. Her impeccable research into space and engineering means the inside of Elma's head feels like a woman in STEM. The opportunity for Elma to advance and find herself in a leadership position, while also examining the struggles that come with being a woman in a STEM leadership position is beautiful. Elma has continued to grow beyond the women we met at the beginning of Calculating Stars, which provides an opportunity for readers to see themselves in Elma's position. Hearing someone else's doubts about their competency for a position and holding themselves to sky-high standards rings so true and reminds me I am not alone. Kowal takes the complicated relationship between technical work, leadership positions, and client management and evaluates them all while reminder the reader and Elma that they have to be true to themselves.
"I shall either find a way or make one"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.