So much fun. Lindsay Ellis's experience as one of our sharpest cultural observers gives Axiom's End an edge of realism that makes it both cutting and compelling. Close encounters have a whole new look.
-- John Scalzi, New York Times bestselling author and Hugo Award winner
Lindsay Ellis's storytelling is what good science fiction should be: smart but heartfelt, full of profound ideas delivered with a sense of humanity. Axiom's End is engaging precisely because it is about something all of us have experienced: That moment when you grow up enough to realize that the universe is more wondrous-and dangerous than you could ever have imagined.
-- David Wong, New York Times bestselling author
This is as real a first-contact story as I've ever read. It reminds the reader that humanity is on a knife's edge in real life, just as it is in Cora's world. This is a special book that satisfies-a gripping exploration of trust, kindness, family.
-- Hank Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
Axiom's End is eerily plausible and wildly entertaining. An alternate history that fully delivers on its premise.
-Caitlin Doughty, New York Times bestselling author and mortician
Axiom's End: if you enjoy first-contact stories, alien cultures, inexplicable found families, beautiful chaos and elegantly constructed stories.
--Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author and Hugo Award winner
A moving first contact thriller...touching on issues of prejudice and xenophobia along the way, Axiom's End is the engaging first volume of a projected series.
- The Guardian
Entertaining and witty.
- Morning Star
Suspenseful and inventive, but also funny and full of action, Axiom's End remixes the Hollywood alien-invasion playbook.
- Patrick Rapa, Philadelphia Inquirer
Communication and trust are matters of life and death in Ellis's thoughtful, fast-paced debut...the powerful connection that grows between Cora and Ampersand as they teach each other about their respective cultures is masterfully done. Lovers of character-focused sci-fi will find plenty to enjoy in this gripping alternate history.
- Publishers Weekly
At its core, Axiom's End is warm-hearted...For all of its drama and philosophical conundrums, Ellis's book is ultimately about the power of empathy and kindness in a universe that never has enough of either.
- Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Axiom's End is the most relatable sci-fi novel in years...if you want to read a serious sci-fi novel that feels like it was written by a fan who understands the pop culture side of fandom, you're in good hands...It's a heartfelt story of alien first contact, but, luckily, unlike so many big idea sci-fi books, it's utterly unpretentious...You've read other books about similar things, but you've never read them from this perspective.
- Syfy Wire
Axiom's End has gripping action scenes, but the bulk is an examination of language and what it means to communicate at all. Ellis' endless literary knowledge shines through.
- San Francisco Chronicle