Let me start off by saying this is a Nikki Alexander stan review from one Hamilfan to another. No less than three references (maybe more, but I clocked three) yet all were relevant and wel placed. Non fans shouldn’t be deterred since it’s not heavy handed.

Arc of the Universe is, in a word, important. It’s relevant and timely as the world watches certain white men attempt to use their billions of dollars and undue influence to colonize Mars as an extension of the least diverse qualities of Earth after pillaging this planet of its resources while disparaging the best humanity has to offer.

This is not an easy read, particularly if you are a Black woman like I am. There is racism, sexism, prejudice, stereotyping, micro-aggressions, and good old-fashioned dishonesty. This, too, is extremely realistic. But I am struck by the growth and the bravery it takes to enact real change and how well that was depicted. Alexander doesn’t take it easy on us. Colonization partially spearheaded by a Black woman is a bit of an ironic oxymoron. It really is so easy to get caught up in your own emotional safety and taking people at their word without digging a little deeper, so I am proud to see (Black) characters experience their radicalization in real time.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review. It’s 3 AM and I’m still considering the gravity of what I just read if you’ll pardon the pun. 4.5 stars for a great Juneteenth read as I specifically chose to begin it that day for that very purpose.

What I loved:
-The heavy mentions of space, Project Mars, and the progress on the charter
-The writing style kept me intrigued, I definitely plan to read more from this author in the future
-It was a good length
-The small art in between chapters added elegance to the book formatting itself
-Formatted really well (easy to read the ARC)

Content and trigger warnings:
-Death of a parent (mentioned)
-Car accident
-Police brutality
-Racism
-Alcohol consumption

Would I recommend this read?
Absolutely. Firstly I love colorful books, but I think this book tells a really important story and brings space into it. I will say this book is incredibly intense and had me crying and very stressed, so be aware of that going into this one.

Thank you to Net Galley for the free eARC! I am leaving my honest feedback voluntarily.

So I thought that this book was going to be more about the space travel but was pleasantly surprised that it was so much more. I loved how the author showcased the struggle that the FMC was having with how far to go with seeking justice vs. stating more focused on her career goals. Do you listen to people who want to fight the good fight or do you protect your peace and move on. She was also dealing with issues within her career that overlapped the personal issues she was having. Loved this book!! 4 stars!!

A Bold, Brilliant, and Unflinchingly Honest Look at the World We Live In
The Arc of the Universe by Nikki Alexander is one of those rare books that grabs hold of your mind and refuses to let go. From the very first page, I found myself completely immersed in a story that, while rooted in science fiction, feels hauntingly and heartbreakingly real.
Told from the perspective of Carrie, our fierce and intelligent main character, the novel begins with what seems like a dream come true, she lands the job she’s worked tirelessly for. But what follows isn’t just a story of ambition and success. It’s a deep dive into the cracks in our society, a reimagining of power, justice, and what could happen if someone dared to challenge the foundations of an unjust system.
Alexander crafts a compelling narrative that dares to ask the impossible: What if you could rewrite the Constitution? Through Carrie’s eyes, we explore this provocative idea, how systemic racism, sexism, and corruption might be dismantled and rebuilt in a way that truly serves everyone. It’s a chillingly realistic thought experiment cloaked in science fiction, and it forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we live in.
What sets this book apart is not only the originality of its premise but the emotional depth of its characters. Carrie isn’t a one-dimensional heroine; she’s layered, flawed, and deeply human. The supporting cast is just as richly drawn, with every interaction adding to the complexity of the story and its themes. You don’t just read about these characters, you feel with them.
The writing itself is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s lyrical, powerful, and razor-sharp, pulling no punches as it explores oppression, resilience, and the fight for a better future. There were moments that felt like punches to the gut, passages that made me pause and sit with what I’d just read. This isn’t a light or easy read, but it is an essential one.
By the time I turned the final page, I wasn’t the same person I was when I started. The Arc of the Universe made me question everything I thought I understood about justice, equality, and the systems that claim to protect us. It’s a deeply thought-provoking book that doesn’t just entertain, it challenges, educates, and inspires.
If you’ve ever asked yourself what real change could look like, or if you’ve ever felt crushed beneath the weight of a system that was never built with you in mind, this book will speak to your soul. And even if you haven’t, especially if you haven’t, it’s a story you need to read.
Final thoughts: This is more than just a sci-fi novel. It’s a call to awareness, a spark for conversation, and maybe even a blueprint for hope. Don’t miss it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Strawberry Tree for the advanced copy!
Arc of the Universe tackles heavy themes of discrimination and systemic oppression with much-needed honesty. Alexander creates a diverse cast to accompany a compelling female protagonist, who evolves throughout the story. The antagonist is brilliantly crafted—proudly prejudiced and utterly detestable in the best possible way; he was almost too close to reality. The novel's greatest strength lies in its authentic exploration of the BIPOC experience, capturing the exhausting burden of always "doing the right thing" within systems designed to oppress and the frustration of never feeling our accomplishments are enough. Alexander is also not afraid to tackle the complex dynamics of racial identity in predominantly white spaces. The author skillfully weaves constitutional law into layman’s terms, making complex legal concepts easy to understand and applicable to both the plot and character development. The connection to current events felt vital and timely, addressing police brutality and systemic racism without heavy-handedness or discomfort. The protagonist's character arc—from someone afraid to make waves to someone willing to stand up for herself and her community—provides satisfying growth. While the novel starts slowly, it builds to a gripping emotional rollercoaster before delivering an ending that answers all questions. The romantic subplot initially frustrated me (I found myself cursing at Carrie’s choices!), but Alexander's twist proved this was intentional, a masterful manipulation of the reader's expectations. Overall, this is a powerful and educational read that doesn't shy away from difficult truths, while ultimately offering hope. Well done, Ms. Alexander!

To be published June 24, 2025, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Dr. Carrie Davenport, a queer black woman and constitutional law professor has the opportunity of a lifetime- to draft the governing document for the first colony of people set to live on Mars. Carrie and a crew of secondary characters are to draft their version of a constitution, to guide the principles on which these people will live. In researching existing legal regimes to craft this document from scratch, Carrie finds herself also struggling with how to address the lack of diversity and racism of the projects funder, some of her collaborators, and the legal documents that she must base her work on.

While Carrie is navigating this, she deals with her side characters; Shauna, a hookup in a bar who can't help but bring trouble and a loud mouth; her best friend Kim who is the voice of reason and also Carries sounding board, and her ailing father, who she is desperate to make proud.

I was hesitant to apply for this because I thought it would be a sci-fi novel but it's a Shonda Rhimes dream with political savvy and a slight jump in time to support the settlement on Mars idea. I'd be really interested in a second book to let us know what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Strawberry Books for the eARC.

This book is marketed as sci-fi, but it’s really speculative fiction—and that matters. If you’re coming for tech and space politics, you’ll get glimpses. But what the book actually gives is something more grounded: a sharp critique of the systems we live in, and what happens when those systems follow us into new worlds.

As a Black reader, I felt seen in Carrie’s story. The way she navigates visibility, quiet excellence, and the weight of being Black in legal spaces hit hard. Her experiences aren’t sensationalized; they’re familiar in the worst way. Her struggle to reconcile her ideals with her lived experience felt real.

I did want more detail around the constitution-building, especially given the premise. Some of the dialogue could’ve been given more texture and space, and the ending moves fast. But the story stays thoughtful and urgent. Carrie’s arc is what carried me through.

Not quite a 4, but definitely worth reading. 3.8 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Strawberry Books for the gifted eARC of this book.

First things first, this is not Sci-Fi but speculative fiction. I think that is an important note before diving in if you are expecting a Sci-Fi heavy book.

This is a timely book that discusses important topics such as racial disparity, the treatment of BIPOC individuals by law enforcement, treatment of BIPOC women in professional settings, and equal protections under the law. This is a very intellectually written book. What I mean by that is that at times, it reads like a law treatise instead of fiction. As an attorney who loved constitutional law when I was in law school, I very much enjoyed it.

What I enjoyed the most about this book was the exploration of being uncomfortable and putting your comfort on the line to speak up about important topics centering around racial treatment, racism in America, and the fight for true equality. This book made me reflect on my own actions and feelings - realizing the immense privilege to be comfortable that I have as a white woman.

Also, the character Adam Kilpatrick made me so livid, but I thought was an important illumination on how women, especially women of color are treated in professional environments.

Book Blurb:

How do you design a system of government from scratch when you've lost faith in government itself?

Carrie Davenport, a renowned constitutional law professor, has been given the career opportunity of a lifetime. Project Mars, the brainchild of a billionaire tech tycoon, has ambitious plans to establish the first human settlement on Mars. And Project Mars selected her—a Black, queer, publicity-shy professor in North Carolina—to design a system of government for the colony.

Carrie eagerly begins researching how to craft a suitable constitution for space. But when she is stopped by the police in a case of mistaken identity and subjected to police violence, the filmed encounter thrusts Carrie into a spotlight she never asked for, putting her at the center of the ongoing debate about race and justice in the US. Suddenly, American democracy doesn’t seem like a shining beacon to carry into space. Carrie must decide whether to speak up—against the police brutality she endured, the tech-bro culture of Project Mars, and an even deeper underbelly of corruption behind the mission.

Can Carrie regain faith in herself and in society to craft the “government of the future” and prevent the prejudices of Earth from tainting human life beyond?

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review of my own opinions.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading every moment of this book, even the moments that made it difficult to continue. Even with themes of racism and police brutality, I couldn't put it down.

The FMC, Carrie Davenport, was an incredibly relatable character and being able to see her thoughts and feelings of the events that transpired throughout the book made it all the more enjoyable.

I will say that I was a little disappointed to see this book labelled as Science Fiction on GoodReads, as while it does loosely deal with some themes, it is very much not the sole focus.

Even so, I am happy to give this book 5 stars as it was such a beautiful story overall.

Professor Carrie Davenport, a renowned expert in constitutional law, has been selected to lead the team that will develop the constitution for the future Martian colony, as a private enterprise, Project Mars, is about to launch the first group of colonists into space. Carrie has always believed that her way of introducing change is not through the barricades but by becoming a successful example herself, a role model of what a Black woman can achieve. But a brutal clash with local police, when they misidentify her based on racial stereotypes — where none of her regalia matters anymore — makes her doubt the foundations of American democracy more than ever, let alone the possibility of developing a framework for an equitable coexistence of space-goers on its basis. It seems like the Mars colony is going to be a rich white men's playground anyway, so why bother?

It's a very interesting case of allegedly sci-fi: a setting in the near future not to make conjectures but to develop a what-if situation to explore a very real and contemporary thing. It's the 2030s, to allow for the idea that the tech has developed enough to make that feasible, but otherwise this is a direct commentary on very recognizable aspects of U.S. society, with police brutality, racialized violence, and inequality.

As someone interested in what creates the subjective perception of a genre, I also appreciated this read a lot because it made me think about the following. I would say there is some YA-ish feel despite the novel not having any of the usual components of the category: not the teenage protagonists, not the themes that are usual in YA fiction, such as those associated with first independent decisions about one's life or defining one's identity. What then? I do not want to say this novel is not nuanced, so "simplifying everything like an adolescent read." To the contrary: it is very nuanced in exploring the topic, but all nuance is very thoroughly spelled out, like it often happens in YA fiction. It is a novel of ideas, clearly, and it invites the reader to think through these themes (democracy, equality, justice) together with the characters by sharing with the reader the input that they are basing their thought process on.

And the desire to show some ways toward hope rather than just reiterate the reasons for despair — which is characteristic of many texts for younger people — might also add to the feel. (But that's exactly why there are many 30+-aged people with degrees like me who prefer genre fiction, isn't it? This one is a piece meeting our demand that is often satisfied by YA titles, without being about teenagers.)

But in no way do I want to suggest that this story is only a discussion of legal-ish ideas: the plot is quite gripping, with several wild turns on the way. I happened to make a pause for a couple of days (because of work events) in the reading process that accidentally exactly coincided with one of those wild turns, and I was then: WHA-AT? Are we in a spy novel now?

Highly recommended, 4.5 stars.

Publication date June 24, 2025.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with the eARC through NetGalley. The opinion above is entirely my own.

Arc of the Universe is an unusual sort of book. Taking place in the very near future, the plot revolves around a planned mission to Mars - funded by a mercurial billionaire - for the purpose of colonizing the planet. The book has very little to do with the science fiction aspects of the endeavor, however, focusing instead on the foundation of the colony. The protagonist of the book, Carrie, is a Constitutional Law professor who has been engaged to lead the team drafting the new colony’s constitution.

This is not a thriller; it’s an intellectual book. Author Nikki Alexander put a great deal of effort into research for this book. While I did not check all the data and polling numbers mentioned in the book, they were very much in alignment with what I have seen reported as a POC - and a woman - working in STEM.

The UN’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979), mentioned in the book, is real. It’s been ratified by 189 nations, though, not, significantly, the United States, who has signed but not ratified. Kathleen Sullivan, also mentioned in the book, is real and is a respected professor of Political Science. Her works on feminism and the constitution – I found at least two article references (2002 and 2007) - are highly regarded. And finally, Girardeau Spann - again, mentioned in the book - is real. He is a law professor at Georgetown University and his Race Ipsa Loquitur article (quoted in the book) is available for download from the university’s website, and I highly recommend that you read that as well.

I very much enjoyed the portions of the book dedicated to the discussion on how to build the nascent colony’s constitution and, indirectly, the exploration into what is wrong with America’s and American attitudes towards it. I wholeheartedly agreed with everything Carrie, Owen and her teaching assistants were working so hard to build. And, by the author’s design, wanted to duct tape Adam’s mouth shut. It’s easy to become invested in some of the extended characters - Carrie’s dad is the bomb, and her friend Kim is not only ride or die but sexy as hell.

In that regard I found Carrie herself the most difficult to relate to. And I had ongoing conversations with myself about this for the entirety of the book. Carrie is kind of a mess, or seemed so to me. A queer Black woman, somewhere in her mid-thirties from my best guess, she is a tenured law professor at a top law school. Widely published and highly regarded for her expertise, as is clear given that she was selected to lead the team drafting the constitution from a pool of thousands of potential candidates. To achieve what she has already accomplished, she would have faced near-daily opposition in the form of bigotry and misogyny. She would be at least twice as qualified as any white male in a similar position. And yet she lacks confidence and hesitates to establish boundaries.

Part of this can be explained away by the fact that she struggles with the legacy of her mother, who was a social justice warrior. Carrie is haunted by the fact that her mother fought so fiercely for these issues that she sacrificed her health and her future with her daughter, and her response to that is to retreat into academia.

It should be noted here that I reached out to a lawyer of my acquaintance for input on this, in the interests of making this review as fair and balanced as I could, and they tell me that given the perspective represented for the character of Carrie this behavior might not be so odd. (I won’t tag them here in case they would prefer that I don’t, but in the event they’re reading this review - thank you for the assist.) So my discomfort with the character could come down to my own preconceptions.

I also found Carrie’s continuing relationship with Shauna questionable. Clearly, it was based solely on sex, and we all do stupid things over pretty women sometimes. But I would think that at some point rationality kicks in. And while Shauna is a somewhat problematic character in that she’s cavalier and has a total lack of interest in Carrie’s role in and goals for the Mars mission for much of the book, Carrie’s response to her revelations regarding a potentially duplicitous ally is cruel and over the top (and to be fair the author acknowledges this via Kim’s involvement).

And finally, the simple fact is that one has to wonder if Carrie would care quite so much about an equitable constitution if she hadn’t herself been victimized. One asks themselves whether she would descend from the ivory tower and work so hard for diversity and inclusion if she had not experienced it firsthand, because throughout much of the book her first instinct is to retreat; not make waves; not draw attention.

In summary, the book is thought provoking. And you can’t help but feel wistful about the opportunity to draft a new Constitution with the knowledge we have now, gained over the past two hundred years and more of struggle. The document author Nikki Alexander eventually has them come up with is almost enough to make you want to get on a spacecraft to Mars.

4.3⭐️

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am posting a voluntary review.

Arc of the Universe follows Dr. Carrie Davenport, a constitutional law professor, as she works on developing founding documents for an upcoming mission to create a settlement on Mars. She must not only grapple with the complexity of researching existing constitutions and legal regimes to craft a legal system from scratch to function in a very unique and challenging environment, but must also figure out how to navigate and challenge the racism and sexism of the project’s funder, assigned collaborators, STEM as a field, and the American legal documents she has to work with as sources.

I like so much about this book! Dr. Davenport is a multi-faceted, nuanced character. I really enjoyed how Alexander develops Carrie as well as her relationships, especially with her best friend Kim and with her father. The pacing is consistent and quite fast. The plot is engaging. As a queer reader, I appreciate the representation of Carrie as a character. I think the author effectively made discussions of political/legal concepts accessible to a readership who may not know much about those topics.

Please note that this is not sci-fi. Some reviews have noted that it doesn’t read like sci-fi – that’s because it really isn’t; it’s set in a world very very much like the present full of present-day real-world references (to places, individuals, etc) but with the technology to support starting a Mars colony. On NetGalley it is classified as General Fiction (Adult), LGBTQIAP+, and Multicultural Interest. This said, I would recommend it for fans of books like Mary Robinette Kowal’s Lady Astronaut series.

Thank you to the author, Strawberry Tree Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to review.

Content warnings: sexism, misogyny, racism, classism, police brutality, violence

This book explores the challenging task of designing a government for Mars through the eyes of Carrie, a Black queer constitutional law professor navigating intense social issues on Earth alongside futuristic ambitions. The blend of real-world struggles like police violence and racism with big ideas about space colonization makes it a thoughtful, emotionally charged read. While it leans more into contemporary drama than hard sci-fi, its exploration of justice and identity feels urgent and fresh.

This book is AMAZING! Like so bloody good. It will rile you up for all the right reasons. While dealing with issues of police brutality, political and large corporations and institutions biases towards black people and any other person of ethnic minority, LGBTQ or females. It still takes you on an entertaining journey through one persons ups and downs. It is truly one of those powerhouse books that everyone should own and shout out about. The author writes about her main character Carrie, a black LGBTQ woman fighting against racism and misogyny to fight for the rights of those who are underrepresented in this new mission. And whilst It’s a dreamscape idea, this colonist mission to Mars, where big steps are taken towards tackling social injustice, in real life, even the smallest voices can make a big difference. And the author is that voice here, reminding us all, no matter how small we may think we are, if we have a platform. We should speak out about social injustice and help remind people, we are all human and we all deserve respect.

If I could give more than 5 stars for this book, I would. Absolutely brilliant. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for making this Arc available to read!

The premise of this book was really interesting, and that's what initially drew me in - it doesn't hurt that the cover also really stands out from the crowd!

So a billionaire has decided that he is going to fund the first settlement on Mars (sound familiar?) , and in the process of doing this, it's decided that a constitution will be needed for the settlement, because Earth's constitution wouldn't necessarily. be applicable on another planet. Enter our main character Dr Carrie Davenport, a brilliant law professor, who just so happens to specialise in constitutional law! Carrie is a black, queer, American woman, who is divorced from her ex-husband. Carrie is going to be leading the constitution team, which will not be straightforward, and then there is a harrowing incident with the police which shakes Carrie, as she confronts the affects of this incident and as she is further exposed to the project she begins to question many things about herself, the constitution and the Mars project itself!

I enjoyed this book, Carrie is an interesting character, she has kept herself almost hidden away in her comfortable academic bubble up to this point, trying to live a peaceful life avoiding confrontation. Which given her family have all been involved in activism, is a bit of a departure from what is expected of her by them, Carrie is reluctant at first to involve herself in activities taking her out of her academic sphere, but we watch Carrie grow and use her voice throughout the book which was an engaging journey to read.

I as a sci-fi fan was particularly intrigued in the concepts around making a constitution for humans who were going to be off planet so to speak! There are so many quandaries I thought to consider, not everyone is necessarily going to be American, there might be issues that could crop up on Mars that are not covered within the constitution as it stands. What rights would they have there for instance compared to on Earth, and what could they and couldn't they do, because I think international law restricts one sovereign nation from trying to claim ownership of another planet- but they're ultimately moving there with the hopes of having a permanent settlement one day? The list of questions goes on in my mind! I was really keen to see how this was going to be explored.

However, it was this element of the book, which was lacking for me personally, and is why I didn't score the book higher . Principles and concepts to be included within the constitution are mentioned and there are discussions between characters, but to me it read as though, those characters had done the reading and the research and they were merely commenting to one another on whether or not they agreed on a principle - just without explaining it to us. It just felt a little vague and peripheral at times to me, and that was disappointing, but then again the ins and outs of the constitution isn't what the novel is about as such - I can just go Google the questions that I might have about those concepts! I'm a sucker for detail though, so maybe I went in with my expectations too high on that front, this as I've said was not really the overall intended purpose or message of the book!

My only other quibble as such was the pacing, I was quite surprised at how quickly everything seemed to reach a conclusion. I wouldn't say that the story suffered because of it, I just felt that the ending seemed to be a little bit rushed.

Overall I did enjoy the book and I would definitely recommend it, as i said Carrie is an interesting character, and it is an engaging read with an interesting premise, it just maybe wasn't quite the book that I thought I was going to be reading on the science and space travel front- which is my own issue not the books!

4 stars

Is it a person's duty, to become a voice of change, when injustice falls upon them? This is the very question this book poses to answer.

Arc of the Universe by Nikki Alexander follows Dr. Carrie Davenport, a shy law professor who has been chosen to help draft the constitution for the first human colony on Mars. When Carrie, a black, queer woman, falls victim to police brutality, she has to decide between healing from the incident by moving on, or using her position to fight for change.

This is a book that is highly relevant today. It critiques the ‘tech bro' culture of outer space, and highlights the prejudices women and people of colour still face today. Despite its clear plot, the novel is mostly character driven. Carrie's internal conflict between keeping her head down and doing her job, and standing up for what she knows is right is well portrayed. I also enjoyed that Carrie is not a perfect character. People of colour and queer characters are often placed on a pedestal in avoidance of public scrutiny, but Carrie Davenport is a three-dimensional, flawed character who seems to exist outside the confines of the page.

Despite its intriguing plot and engaging opening scene, this book is not much of a page turner. It took me a while to get into it, but I am, however, glad I did.

As stated above, Arc of the Universe by Nikki Alexander is highly relevant in today's society. I would recommend this book to fans of literary fiction, low-grade science fiction, and anybody who would like to hear a voice different from the ones we are used to seeing on bestseller charts.

This was an interesting read, quite thought-provoking. The main character, Carrie, is well-drawn and I was interested to see what she would do to about the injustice she herself had suffered in her personal life and how this might have bearing on her professional duty. She’s a law professor with the job of creating a constitution for a proposed Mars colony. But she’s also black and queer, and gets slammed in jail with a cop’s boot in her face for doing little more than being in a car with a friend. A lot of the book is about how the personal and professional Carrie interact. Will she be true to herself?

Where I have reservations about the story it is because there seems to be too little peril, somehow. Carrie seems to get a new outfit and a makeover at the beginning of every chapter, thanks to her friend Kim. She is faced with difficult choices such as whether she should sleep with a film star (male), a senator-astronaut (female) or the rough-edged but good-hearted woman she picks up in a bar. She gets unwelcome news and the story of her brush with the law goes viral, and she gets drunk for a week, doesn’t shower, and fails to change to a fresh outfit. The possibility that she might lose the job of crafting the constitution becomes quite real. She might be reprimanded for not giving lectures and meeting her students face to face. It’s not quite life or death stuff!

There is a major point to all this, though, and that is the celebration of diversity. This is handled well, and there is a pleasing denouement, with Carrie coming out on top, thanks to her friends, assistants and research students. There’s a moving Epilogue, where this success is realised and Carrie can celebrate the fruits of her labours.

As above, so below, we might feel. If Mars could have a constitution celebrating equity of all humans and admitting the mistakes of the past, perhaps Earth should have one too?

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the readers copy. This is my own honest review after a full read.

If you are looking for a dystopian science fiction story that isn't quite as heavy as Octavia Butler, this is a good one. The first half was a little slow and the supporting characters were a little one dimensional (but no so much so that they pulled you out of the story) but those are the only downsides. The main character, Carrie, is an incredibly complex and rich character. Her potentially deadly encounter with police and subsequent trauma response were believably and realistically written. The character's struggle with navigating how to advocate for herself and others, while taking care of herself, and dealing with continued racist encounters was also well written. I think this is a book that is going to stick with the reader for a while.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC (heh) for this book.

While I'm not from the United States, recent political events have made me learn more than I ever wanted to know about the American Constitution and how it guides the basic rights of everyone in that country. Given this, it's quite timely that I found this book by Nikki Alexander that focuses on the idea of a constitution for a brand new planet/colony. As a thought experiment, this book is as close as you can get without going into alternative historical fiction to wonder: if the American Constitution were being written from scratch today, who should be involved in writing it, and what would they include? I appreciate that this book pulls no punches in describing that scholarly pursuit.

Dr Carrie Davenport is a divorced queer black woman and a renowned constitutional law professor who has been tasked to lead the group that will draft a constitution for the first human colony on Mars. Carrie is an interesting character because she exemplifies the damage done to a person by internalising minority exceptionalism. Carrie sits in her ivory tower of academia, preferring the drier world of constitutional law, which refers primarily to the intent and spirit of the founders of a country rather than the messier legal frameworks that are based on this initial document. Until she is suddenly thrust into her own police brutality incident, her only real experiences with racism in her professional life are a passive-aggressive colleague who believes "wokism" has gone too far and gets in his digs at her when he can. Suddenly faced with police violence, Carrie struggled with the sanitised idea of a constitution as an ideal vision that protects all under its cloak from discrimination, violence, and unjust practices, and the reality of the laws based on the constitution and their very unequal enforcement.

Adding to this are side characters that bring interesting depth to the dilemma as well, such as Carrie's three research assistants, who are fiery Gen Z folks who bring opinions about intesectionality into the mix, as well as Carrie's fellows in the committee to create the new constitution, one of whom is a racist mysogynist conservative and the other an enabling fence-sitter. Adding further to the mix of provocative opinions is Shauna, Carrie's friend with benefits, who was the cause of the major police incident, but also brings a non-academic and lower-class perspective to Carrie's sanitised world, despite being white and a sometime criminal in the past.

As always, I appreciate the nod to our times with a conservative, old-money billionaire manchild who wishes to fund the Mars expedition and establish the colony with his own company and the shadowy figures who seek enrichment for themselves and the US over humanity's interests in this new planet (and its minerals).

All of this together makes for a rich and nuanced story about a person who finally sees a way to have a lasting legacy that will help people be better than we have been in the past, but is rapidly brought back down to Earth (heh) by racism, sexism, and good old-fashioned greed. If I had to deduct some points in my final rating, it would be because the end feels a bit too neat and easy, but I can't be mad when my inner optimist is smiling hard when we conclude the tale, unrealistic as it may end up being in a real-world situation.

I would caution anyone wandering into this book expecting a hardcore sci-fi book because this has only the slightest dash of any sci-fi and is very much about social justice, being better as a society, and how we can bridge the gap from where we are now and where we want to be and what role a foundational document such as a Constitution can play in holding that line (while also not being shot down by conservative voices). I am reminded of the old days of Star Trek (The Original Series) where we have some silly buttons and screens to represent the future bu the real stars are the optimism towards the future (something we rarely see anymore, honestly) and the human efforts to get to that ideal.

This book had such an interesting premise, and I really enjoyed watching Carrie’s development throughout. It was so incredibly well researched, and gave such an interesting insight into America’s legal system (which I didn’t know much about).

The dynamics between all the different characters were so interesting and the message was so important. I would totally recommend this!