Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir
As an avid reader of science fiction, I was eagerly awaiting the release of Andy Weir’s latest novel, Artemis, especially after being captivated by his previous work, The Martian. The promise of a near-future heist story set on the moon, featuring a protagonist who is part rogue and part hustler, intrigued me. I was ready for another adventurous journey laced with Weir’s signature scientific flair.
In Artemis, we meet Jazz Bashara, a criminal of sorts, trying to get by in a lunar city that serves both tourists and those looking for an escape from Earth. The story starts slowly, detailing Jazz’s life as a porter and her side hustle of smuggling to pay off debts. I found this initial world-building to be well-crafted, providing an authentic glimpse into life on the moon—something that many other readers have commented on positively. It’s clear Weir did his homework on the scientific and social aspects of a lunar settlement, which kept the setting believable and engaging.
However, while the rich details of life in Artemis were fascinating, I felt that the pacing moved a bit sluggishly in the first half. I wholeheartedly relate to SJJM’s review of the book where they mentioned that it felt slow at times; I too found the first half dragging, making it difficult for me to stay fully engaged. Once things started to pick up, the story shifted into higher gear, similar to what I enjoyed about The Martian, especially during the thrilling second half of the novel. The transitions leading to the climax were well thought out, but the wait to get there tested my patience.
What truly stood out was Jazz’s character. She possesses a bold and brash personality, filled with snarky remarks and comedic interjections that made me chuckle at times. Buzzcutter79 captured this well, remarking on the fun and humor in the writing. I enjoyed her interactions with various characters, particularly how she navigates her morally ambiguous world. However, not everyone might find her relatable. This polarization seemed to echo R.B. Emerson’s sentiments, where he expressed discomfort with having a flawed character who leans more towards “smartass” than heroic.
The narrative also introduces various supporting characters from diverse backgrounds, which I appreciated. Their perspectives added layers to the story, making the world feel lived-in. However, there were moments when these characters felt underdeveloped, as if they were merely plot devices propelling Jazz’s story rather than fully realized individuals. This made some interactions feel a bit superficial.
Humor, as noted in the summary of customer reviews, also received mixed reactions. While some found the humor to enhance the story, others felt it occasionally detracted from deeper moments in the plot. I found myself agreeing with those who felt that there were times it tried to be funny at critical moments, which diminished the tension. Weir’s knack for blending humor with high-stakes situations is a famed aspect of his style, but perhaps in Artemis, it wasn’t as gracefully executed as in his previous work.
On the brighter side, the second half was exhilarating! The plot thickens, and the stakes rise as Jazz finds herself embroiled in a conspiracy that could alter the very fabric of Artemis. It was a thrilling ride that had me soaring through the final chapters. I truly felt the tension ramp up to a satisfying crescendo, echoing the engaging elements that The Martian perfected.
To summarize, Artemis is a highly imaginative adventure that showcases Weir’s prose and scientific knowledge effectively. While some pacing issues and character depth left something to be desired, the exciting second half of the book along with Jazz’s wit and the well-researched backdrop of lunar life kept me invested.
If you love a blend of sci-fi with humor and an engaging plot, Artemis is worth the read, just don’t expect a mirror of The Martian. It stands on its own as a caper tale that ultimately I found enjoyable and entertaining. I’d give it a solid four out of five stars for its merits, while still being aware of its flaws. If you’re looking to indulge in a fun space adventure, Artemis should certainly make it to your reading list!
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