Starred review from May 3, 2021
Fast-paced adventure and intricate double-crosses sweep through Hoffmann’s magnificent sequel to The Outside, which digs deep into themes of impact, power, and good faith. Recently, the physical laws of reality twisted on planet Jai, killing millions before autistic physicist Yasira Shien performed what some consider to be a miracle—others a heresy—to minimize the damage. Now her girlfriend, Productivity “Tiv” Hunt, leads Yasira’s neurodiverse ex–graduate student colleagues in peacefully resisting Jai’s A.I. Gods by distributing relief to a quarantined, starving population at risk of genocide. But as old foes converge on Jai bent on revenge and guilt-wracked Yasira wrestles with the power she used to save others, Tiv’s efforts might not be enough to keep the planet from tipping into war. Hoffmann imbues the story with emotional realism but without despair as her broad cast grapples with faith, grief, and resilience. This eerie, beautiful vision of collective action draws equally from Warhammer 40,000, cosmic horror, and the work of Becky Chambers to create a unique, nuanced must-read. Agent: Hannah Bowman, Liza Dawson Assoc.