Goldilocks

By: L. R. Lam

Narrated by: Patricia Rodriguez

A gripping science fiction thriller where five women task themselves with ensuring the survival of the human race—if you mixed ". . .The Martian and The Handmaid's Tale, this sci-fi novel would be the incredible result" (Book Riot).

“Best of 2020” –Library Journal
“Best of 2020” –Kirkus
“Best of 2020 – runner up” –Polygon
“Our favorite books of 2020” –GeekDad

Despite increasing restrictions on the freedoms of women on Earth, Valerie Black is spearheading the first all-female mission to a planet in the Goldilocks Zone, where conditions are just right for human habitation.

It's humanity's last hope for survival, and Naomi, Valerie's surrogate daughter and the ship's botanist, has been waiting her whole life for an opportunity like this - to step out of Valerie's shadow and really make a difference.

But when things start going wrong on the ship, Naomi begins to suspect that someone on board is concealing a terrible secret - and realizes time for life on Earth may be running out faster than they feared . . .

"Goldilocks is a thrilling, character-driven space opera", perfect for readers of The Martian, The Power, and Station Eleven (Shelf Awareness).

Critic reviews

"The end of our world is well-trod territory for science fiction but Goldilocks tackles it with startling relevance, fusing together our social and political anxieties in a tense, taut adventure with rich characterization and care. It's Interstellar'sbrain with The Handmaid's Tale's heart."—Chuck Wendig, author of The Wanderers

"It's bold and explosive, equal parts heartfelt and harrowing. Lam's unflinching prose interrogates you, asking what prices you'd be willing to pay for the future of humanity. It's a book that demands your attention."—Alex White, author of A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe

"A compelling, character-led SF tale. With a perfect balance of beauty, thrills and hope, Goldilocks conjures up the twisty claustrophobia of space-travel, untrustworthy relationships and what we're doing to the planet."—Nick Clark Windo

"Masterful science fiction. An absolutely stunning and compelling story."—K. B. Wagers, author of A Pale Light in the Black

"Goldilocks grabs your attention from the first page and doesn't let go - a thought-provoking, imaginative call-to-arms featuring brilliant female characters and a terrifying premise."—Katie Khan

"Through the novel's fascinating premise Lam gives us plenty of food for thought about gender dynamics in our own world."—USA Today

"One of my favorite sci-fi books to come out in recent years, Laura Lam's Goldilocks is part heist novel, part space thriller... Goldilocks has staying power as a bright spot in the darkness."—Bustle

"Each member of the crew has a well-developed voice and her own drives and ambitions, which makes the novel increasingly difficult to put down as betrayals and double-crossings play out aboard the claustrophobic ship ... A slow-burning fire of a novel that begs the reader to keep turning the page."—Kirkus (starred review)

"Smooth prose weaves a tale to support humanity's survival, along with the shades of gray of scientific decisions. Lam's exciting sf thriller proves intellectual and entertaining for all."—Library Journal (starred review)

"This deeply felt space opera will please those who like their sci-fi to focus more on the characters than the science."—Publishers Weekly

"Ultimately hopeful, the majority of the story is grim and thriller-tense, with plenty of twists and turns."—Booklist

"Combining hard science and an emotionally complex cast, Goldilocks is a thrilling, character-driven space opera infused with conversations about social injustice and environmental stewardship."—Shelf Awareness

A good book, but

the reader’s voice is nasally and it’s super hard to focus on for more than a few minutes at a time.

Brilliant

Great book, the best I’ve read this year. I’ll be checking out the author’s other works.

Stupid plot

The plot didn’t make a lot of sense. The main characters kept falling for the mother’s narcissistic ploys and in the end, the characters didn’t accomplish much.

DNFed at 40%

A few mistakes in pronunciation I ignored ("ripped to sheds" instead of "shreds") but DNFed at 40%. Don't want to give spoilers so I won't elaborate, but it was ridiculous she'd even entertain the idea while on a space ship trying to find a new world.

terrible

I bought this on a trusted recommendation. It was awful. poorly developed characters. Bad, unbelievable science. Lack of originality. The narrator was boring and kind of schmaltzy. It might have been better as a written book, but I doubt it.