A very well-written novel about discovering life on another planet and the communication attempts made between earth and Mars.
Even though we are following a cast of well-educated characters seeking to be the first to solve the newest code that the Martian civilization had carved into its surface, it feels more like a growing love story than a science fiction novel.
With the romance between Rick and Crystal continuing to develop throughout the story, I felt like it was a smokescreen for the actual plot and that I was missing out on something. I wanted to continue to learn about Mars and the ways that they would solve the mathematical code but appreciated where Chatagnier was taking the story. With the growing tensions surrounding the group, and the need to translate something that many deemed unsolvable, I wasn’t surprised to find out that Crystal had disappeared after the experiment. Did she have a mental breakdown? Was she abducted? Or did she simply move on?
Overall a pretty solid storyline, with characters that I felt I had a connection to. Enjoyable, to say the least.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A mix of grand genre and grounded literary relationship drama, this is a beautifully written and hopeful book -- a real tonic for dark and scary times. Look up at the stars and be healed. Can't wait to see the movie -- cause you just know there's gonna be one!