'The Last Astronaut' by David Wellington is a science fiction novel that revolves around a mysterious object approaching Earth, controlled by extraterrestrial intelligence. NASA launches a probe led by astronaut Sally Janson to make first contact with the aliens. The book starts off with a premise reminiscent of 'Rendezvous with Rama' by Arthur C. Clarke, but evolves into a scary exploration of the unknown, filled with horror elements. The plot delves into the fears and challenges faced by the characters as they encounter the alien artifact and the existential threat it poses. The writing style combines detailed descriptions, fast-paced action, and a gradual revelation of plot elements, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.

Characters:

Characters are generally seen as underdeveloped and flawed, leading to mixed feelings about their relatability and investment.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is noted for its straightforwardness and visuals but varies in reception among readers, with some finding it engaging and others deeming it too simplistic.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a classic setup of alien contact with familiar themes of burdened characters, failed missions, and unexpected encounters in a mysterious environment.

Setting:

The setting is a near-future space scenario that emphasizes isolation and exploration within a mysterious alien object.

Pacing:

Pacing fluctuates between slow beginnings and fast-paced highlights, with some readers finding certain sections unnecessarily drawn out.

“The crew of Orion wish you back on Earth a happy and safe Fourth of July. We may not be able to set off any fireworks out here, for safety reasons, but we want everybody to know we haven’t forgotten ...

Notes:

The Last Astronaut features a former NASA astronaut, Sally Jansen, tasked with making first contact with an alien object.

The story explores the themes of failure and redemption, as Sally tries to overcome her past mistakes after a mission failure on Mars.

NASA's crew is largely composed of specialists without space experience, which adds to the tension of the mission.

The narrative is interspersed with interview snippets from characters, providing background and unfolding the story in a unique way.

The alien object is not just a spaceship but described as a life form that needs to crash on habitable planets to breed.

Many readers found the pacing inconsistent, with a slow build-up before the action accelerates.

The alien craft contains strange and horrifying environments akin to horror themes, eliciting existential dread.

Critics noted the lack of character development, often making characters feel one-dimensional and less relatable.

The book has been compared to Arthur C. Clarke's Rendezvous with Rama for its exploration themes, though it is noted to have a darker, more horror-centric focus.

Some readers enjoyed the scientific and speculative aspects of the story, while others criticized the lack of believable science.

The ending raises questions about the containment of potential threats, leaving a lingering sense of dread about future implications.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of trauma, descriptions of violence, and psychological horror elements.

From The Publisher:

Shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award 2020!

"A terrifying tour de force." --James Rollins

"Readers will be riveted." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Sally Jansen was NASA's leading astronaut, until a mission to Mars ended in disaster. Haunted by her failure, she lives in quiet anonymity, convinced her days in space are over.

She's wrong.

A large alien object has entered the solar system on a straight course toward Earth. It has made no attempt to communicate. Out of time and out of options, NASA turns to Jansen.

But as the object reveals its secrets, Jansen and her crew find themselves in a desperate struggle for survival -- against the cold vacuum of space, and something far, far worse...

"Breathless, compulsive reading." --Christopher Golden

"A suspenseful, fast-paced story of first contact." -- Kirkus

Ratings (4)

Loved It (2)
It Was OK (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (17):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (11)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

0arsum752

Hated It

9 months

Not at all scary

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