Changes

Ren believed in Lee Suh-Mi's vision of a world far beyond our one, calling to humanity. A planet promising to reveal the truth about our place in the cosmos, and untainted by overpopulation, pollution and war. Ren believed in that vision enough to give up everything, and followed the pathfinder Suh-Mi into the unknown. Twenty -two years later, the new colony still functions – based around a mysterious alien structure into which Suh-Mi has resided in isolation. Ren works hard alone, generating the tools needed for survival – and harbouring a secret that could destroy everything they have worked to build. When a stranger appears, bearing a strong resemblance to the hidden Suh-Mi, secrets can no longer be hidden – secrets that may just destroy the colony…

Emma Newman has previously written three fantasy novels, various short stories, works as a professional audio book audiobook reader, and produces a hugely successful and award -winning podcast on the side, in which she enters into conversation with various accomplished authors and illustrators. It's a wonder then that she had enough time to write her first full -length science fiction novel. It's an even bigger wonder that it is so, so darn good.

Firstly – the protagonist. Ren is not always hugely likeable, but she is always sympathetic, and provides a wry, dry, damaged, but often perceptive outlook on events, and is an intriguing companion for the reader. The journey she goes on is not the huge operatic journey you may be expecting from a science fiction book, but is instead a hugely personal one, both for Ren and, in some places, for some people, for the reader.

For further reading, I would absolutely recommend [[The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber]]. Another book which takes place in a an otherworldly, science fiction setting, ''The Book of Strange New Things'' then switches into an in -depth, gripping and moving look at relationships, faith, and community. You might also appreciate [[I Have Waited, and You Have Come by Martine McDonagh]].