Spanning four generations of a Scottish family from a climate-ravaged Earth to a colony on Mars, this time-bending saga explores the moral, political, and personal dilemmas of abandoning or saving a dying planet. Through interwoven perspectives and subtle time travel, it examines the legacy of human choices, the complexities of familial bonds, and the enduring hope for redemption amid ecological collapse.

Reader Review Summary

Set across four generations of a Scottish family, the novel traces their intertwined destinies from a coastal cottage in Scotland to a human colony on Mars, spanning roughly 85 years from 2025 into the 22nd century. The story is told through the perspectives of Hannah, a fusion scientist; her son Andrew, a political idealist; his daughter Kenzie, a pragmatic technologist; and Roban, a first-generation Martian colonist traveling backward through time. The narrative is non-linear, shifting between time periods and characters, and incorporates elements of time travel, climate fiction, and speculative technology. Central themes include the impact of climate change, the ethics of abandoning Earth for Mars, the consequences of technological intervention, and the legacy of family decisions across generations. The book explores both the personal and societal ramifications of ecological collapse, political ambition, and the search for hope or escape in the face of planetary crisis, with time travel serving as both a plot device and a means of examining cyclical history and generational trauma.

Readers praised the novel's multi-generational structure and the way it interwove personal and global stakes, highlighting the emotional resonance of family relationships amid environmental catastrophe. Many found the characters compelling and distinct, with particular appreciation for the nuanced portrayal of their flaws, motivations, and evolving dynamics over time. The depiction of climate change and its effects on both Earth and Mars was noted as thought-provoking, with several reviewers mentioning the book's ability to prompt reflection on technology, politics, and the ethics of survival. The writing style was frequently described as lyrical, meditative, and immersive, with some readers noting the philosophical depth and the successful balance between speculative elements and human drama. The handling of time travel, while not always central, was seen as an effective tool for exploring the interconnectedness of past, present, and future.

Some readers found the novel difficult to engage with due to its non-linear structure, frequent time jumps, and shifting perspectives, which could be confusing or disorienting. The use of technical language and philosophical exposition was described by some as dense, pretentious, or overly wordy, leading to a sense of detachment or frustration. A few reviewers felt that the characters' voices were not always sufficiently differentiated, and that the first-person narration sometimes made it hard to distinguish between them. The pacing was criticized in places for being slow or padded, with some wishing for a more streamlined narrative or clearer resolution. The time travel mechanics, while generally accepted as secondary, were occasionally seen as underdeveloped or unsatisfying, and the ending was described by some as rushed or lacking closure.

In addition to its focus on climate change and family, the novel incorporates commentary on the role of billionaires and corporations in shaping humanity's response to ecological disaster, with references to archetypes reminiscent of real-world tech moguls. The book has been compared to other works of climate and literary science fiction, such as 'Station Eleven,' 'Sea of Tranquility,' and 'How High We Go in the Dark.' It has been noted for its exploration of language evolution, the psychological impact of displacement, and the tension between hope and futility in the face of existential threats. The novel has received a generally positive reception, with an average rating of 4.05 out of 5 from 136 reader ratings and 57 full reviews, and is recognized for its blend of literary and speculative fiction elements.