Book Review: Massif by Garth Nix

5/5 stars. What if the first alien contact species that humanity meets is a sentient floating mountain? That is the basic premise for this story, but it also so much more. This novel is a science fiction space opera in the vein of The Expanse, with found family and a small cast of close-knit friends and fellow shipmates. It is a military sci-fi adventure like some of David Weber’s best writing. This story at times reminded me of Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Alien Clay or Shroud, where the alien life on the planet might be what kills our heroes. This novel also has elements of cosmic horror that profoundly affects the reader’s view of what first contact might eventually lead to.

With all that being said, this novel releases on September 8, 2026, in the USA and should be read by all fans of science fiction, especially if you enjoy any of the elements that I previously mentioned. Nix has authored a wonderful story of friendship, camaraderie, and what it means to look out for each other in wartime conditions. At the same time, he has drafted a thought-provoking story about first contact, what that could mean for humanity, and our decisions in dealing with that contact. The Massifs are formidable aliens, DrummerBoy most of all. What will become of humankind if this species has its way with us?

Highly recommended! #NetGalley #GarthNix #Massif #HarperVoyager

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