Goldilocks

by L R Lam
Goldilocks cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical:
  • ID: 551
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780316462891
  • Publisher: Orbit
  • Published: 2020-05-05
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Set in a near future where Earth is collapsing environmentally and women's freedoms are increasingly restricted, Goldilocks follows Valerie Black as she leads the first all-female space mission to a habitable planet in the Goldilocks Zone. This mission represents humanity's last hope for survival, with Naomi, Valerie's surrogate daughter and the ship's botanist, eager to step out of her mentor's shadow and make a difference. /n/nAs the journey progresses, the crew faces unexpected problems and Naomi suspects a dangerous secret aboard the ship, underscoring the urgency of their mission as Earth's fate deteriorates. Praised for its rich character development and tense, thought-provoking narrative, Goldilocks blends social and political anxieties with thrilling space adventure, drawing comparisons to The Martian and The Handmaid's Tale.

Reviews
Darsword · 2025-06-17
cautionary 3.50

The book is seen as a cautionary tale that draws comparisons to other extreme narratives. It offers a unique perspective on societal faults and future possibilities.

The reviewer appreciates the book's unique take on societal issues and its ability to weave a cautionary tale. They find the comparisons to other extreme narratives to be apt, as the story effectively highlights the potential pitfalls of humanity's actions. The reviewer also notes that the book offers a fresh perspective on the future, making it a standout in the genre. While some might find the narrative challenging, the thought-provoking elements make it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    The reviews and blurbs seem to draw comparisons to other books of extremes.

    I think this is more of a cautionary tale proving fault can be found in our society.

    The book offers a unique perspective on societal faults and future possibilities.

Utopia State of Mind · 2025-05-30
thought-provoking 3.80

The story explores themes of women being marginalized in STEM fields and humanity's desperate search for escape. It is a dystopian narrative that challenges societal norms and raises critical questions about the future.

The reviewer found the book to be a compelling dystopian tale that delves into the struggles of women in STEM fields and the broader implications of climate change. They appreciate the bold narrative and the way it pushes the boundaries of traditional science fiction. The story's exploration of a new world where women take the lead is particularly intriguing, though the dystopian elements add a layer of complexity that might not resonate with everyone. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that invites readers to consider the future of humanity and the role of women in shaping it.

Quick quotes

    It delivers a story where women are being pushed out of STEM fields and where humanity is looking for an escape route.

    But it's also a dystopia that challenges societal norms and raises critical questions about the future.

    The story's exploration of a new world where women take the lead is particularly intriguing.

Hardcover.app · Beth Tabler · 2020-05-13
engaging 4.20

The story is engaging and tackles tough questions about women's rights within the context of climate change. It is a smoothly paced novel that addresses significant societal issues.

Beth Tabler finds the book to be an engaging read that successfully tackles important issues such as women's rights and climate change. She appreciates the smooth pacing and the way the story weaves these themes into the narrative. The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to address significant societal issues while maintaining an engaging story. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of the story's themes.

Quick quotes

    All in all, Goldilocks is an engaging story that tackles some tough questions about women's rights.

    It is a smoothly paced, easy to read novel that was enjoyable to binge.

    The near future world Lam writes is both compelling and thought-provoking.

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