First published 2009
Vice President Charlie Haskell arrives at the newly completed American Moonbase for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The world celebrates as the first Mars mission prepares to launch with a female commander. Then amateur astronomer discovers comet Tomiko, a massive sun-grazer racing toward the moon at unprecedented speed. Scientists calculate five days until impact. The collision will shatter the moon into superheated debris that will rain destruction on Earth, potentially causing an extinction event. Moonbase personnel must evacuate immediately, but the hastily assembled shuttle fleet cannot carry everyone. Haskell promised to be the last person off the base, yet now seeks escape from his commitment. The evacuation becomes a desperate race involving a reluctant Russian pilot transporting panicked refugees, the woman selected for the first lunar mission, and a scientist working to deflect dangerous orbital debris. At the story's center, career politician Haskell discovers unexpected courage and leadership as he faces humanity's darkest hour. McDevitt weaves together multiple characters in a tale of heroism and cowardice as civilization confronts possible annihilation.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, action, apocalyptic
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: cowardice, heroism
Setting: American Moonbase, Earth
Period: Present Day
564 pages · Kindle Edition · HarperCollins e-books