What price do we pay for the convenience of a connected world?
Henry Neilsen’s Sunward Sky is a fast-paced, action-packed science fiction thriller set in a future where space travel is a last resort for the desperate and downtrodden. In this dystopian world, humanity’s dream of space exploration has been abandoned, with the poor and the forgotten sent into space to maintain critical orbital services that keep Earth’s deteriorating infrastructure running. Alyssa, a young postgraduate researcher, joins the crew of the old and battered Sunward Sky, a maintenance ship servicing these satellites, with hopes of running an experiment that could offer humanity a chance at escaping Earth’s dying environment.
The novel is a whirlwind of conspiracy, danger, and survival. Alyssa quickly discovers that not everything is as it seems aboard the Sunward Sky, as altered cargo records, mysterious happenings, and even orbital murder set the stage for escalating tension. The action is relentless, and while character development takes a backseat to the story’s fast-paced thrills, Neilsen’s world-building is exceptional. The divide between the ‘Terrans’ (those on Earth) and the ‘Spacers’ (the exiled, deteriorating space crew) adds an intriguing layer of social commentary on labor, exploitation, and environmental degradation.
While Sunward Sky delivers a rollercoaster ride of suspense and adventure, it also subtly reflects on the hidden costs of our modern, connected world. The novel raises questions about who bears the invisible burden of keeping society functioning and what happens when the systems we depend on begin to collapse. Fans of action-driven thrillers and those who enjoy a good dose of political intrigue in a space setting will find much to enjoy here. While the character depth may be minimal, the ride is entertaining and thought-provoking, perfect for readers who love fast, engaging sci-fi.
