This is a fine introductory treatment of volcanism, with emphasis on cryovolcanoes and their presence on many of our planetary neighbors. The book incorporates a basic explanation of Earth-like volcanoes, and then moves on to an engaging explanation of the other sorts of volcanism likely to be encountered on other planets and their satellites. The tone is engaging throughout and even readers acquainted with the basic science will find much of interest here. With the renewed interest in bodies like Europa this seems an especially well-timed contribution to the popular science literature.

Natalie Starkey's Fire and Ice: The Volcanoes of Our Solar System is an absolute delight for anyone with an interest in astronomy, planetary science, or the sciences in general. Written for non-scientists, its language is clear and precise. Starkey walks a fine balance between too much generalization/simplification and overwhelming lay readers with detail. Her love of and enthusiasm for the subject comes across clearly and is infectious. This is a title you can read for pleasure, as well as to inform yourself.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

No matter how many times I read about the Solar System, there’s always something new and fascinating to learn about it. I’ve read a few books before I finally settled on my latest read—Natalie Starkey’s Fire and Ice—and they felt more like a broad overview, sampling a wide variety of relevant subjects. Where Fire and Ice clearly narrows the scope, and focuses on geological activity in its many forms (i.e. volcanoes)—whether hot or cold—from around the solar systems.

This was, by far, an excellent read. I came away from the book with a better understanding, but also a desire to read further about the subject. Let me explain….

Fire and Ice was truly fascinating. Starkey attempts (successfully) to explain volcanoes on other planets and moons—as well as even smaller and colder objects floating around out there—through an in-depth explanation of the ones on Earth. It went over, in great detail, about everything from how dangerous and destructive volcanoes—and a host of other geological processes—can be, how they're “built,” but also acknowledged how formative and essential they are to the environment we’re currently enjoying.

Fire and Ice takes a tour around the Solar System, starting with the life supporting geological processes happening right at home. And how what’s currently known can give clues to how these distant worlds function. After reading this book, I have a new appreciation and respect for volcanoes.

Disclaimer: This copy of the book was provided by the publisher (Bloomsbury Sigma) via NetGalley for this review, thank you!

As a long time listener of Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, I was fascinated by the interview with Natalie Starkey talking about space volcanoes. Scientists don't have Earth fully figured out, how do they know what is happening on other worlds. She spoke about the various ways to gather information about how other planets, and moons work. I was enthralled. This book Fire and Ice further discusses topic that were mentioned on that podcast.

It is fascinating how similar the planetary bodies of our solar system are and how differently they developed or stopped developing. Starkey explains things in detail without overloading the reader with science lingo. If you have done the typical science fair volcano project you can follow along and learn so much more about our little corner of space.

I look forward to more titles from Natalie Starkey in the future.