As an ammonia leak threatens the lives of American and Russian astronauts aboard the International Space Station amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Commander Lucy Poplasky must uncover whether sabotage or accident is to blame, all while trust between crewmates unravels. Blending hard science, psychological drama, and political intrigue, the story explores humanity’s motives for space exploration and the inescapable influence of Earth’s conflicts on even the most distant frontiers.

Reader Review Summary

Set aboard the International Space Station during the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the novel follows Lucy Poplasky, one of the ISS’s first female commanders, as she investigates a dangerous ammonia leak that threatens the lives of both American and Russian astronauts. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Lucy on the ISS, her husband Nate on Earth, and NASA Deputy Director Steve Ayers, as well as interspersed hearing transcripts and debriefs. The narrative explores the escalating mistrust and political tensions between the American and Russian crews, with suspicions of sabotage and the broader implications of geopolitics in the confined, high-stakes environment of space. The book is described as a blend of psychological thriller, hard science fiction, and political drama, with detailed depictions of life aboard the ISS, technical challenges, and the personal and national motivations of the crew members. Translated from Polish by Kasia Beresford, the novel also incorporates contemporary references such as SpaceX, MAGA, and the Ukraine conflict, and addresses themes of sexism, racism, and the purpose of human space exploration.

Readers praised the book’s immersive and detailed portrayal of the ISS, noting the authenticity and depth of the technical and scientific aspects. Many found the tension and claustrophobia of the space setting compelling, with the political and psychological dynamics between the American and Russian crews adding to the suspense. The multiple points of view were often highlighted as effective in maintaining intrigue and providing a fuller picture of the unfolding crisis. The translation was frequently commended for its smoothness and readability, with several reviewers specifically noting that the English prose felt natural and avoided the stiffness sometimes found in translated works. The book’s exploration of contemporary political issues, interpersonal conflicts, and the realities of space travel were also appreciated, as was the fast pace in the latter sections and the balance between action and character-driven drama.

Some readers criticized the pacing, particularly in the first half, describing it as slow or bogged down by exposition and lengthy internal monologues that interrupted the narrative flow. The translation, while praised by many, was seen by a few as resulting in stiff or unnatural dialogue, and some found the prose wordy or distant, making it difficult to connect emotionally with the characters. The handling of political themes, especially American paternalism, anti-Russian sentiment, and depictions of sexism and racism, drew negative reactions from certain reviewers, who felt these elements were heavy-handed or problematic. Several readers found the mystery predictable or lacking in suspense, with the resolution seen as underwhelming or obvious. Some also noted that the book’s engagement with current events, such as the Ukraine war and American politics, felt distracting or took them out of the story, and a few characters, particularly Nate, were viewed as underdeveloped or repetitive in their portrayal.

In addition to the main plot and character dynamics, the novel includes elements such as sexual intrigue, infidelity, and social commentary, weaving these into the broader narrative of survival and cooperation in space. The structure alternates between action on the ISS, ground-based perspectives, and official transcripts, providing a multifaceted view of the crisis. The book is positioned as a science-based thriller rather than speculative science fiction, with comparisons drawn to works like The Martian, Project Hail Mary, and For All Mankind. While the story is set in 2021 and references real-world events, some readers noted the absence of COVID-19 in the narrative. The book has received a range of ratings, with an average of 3.87 out of 5 from 61 reader ratings and 35 full reviews, reflecting a mix of strong engagement with the setting and themes alongside critiques of pacing, character development, and political framing.