Content levels
Trigger warnings
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The planet Quinta is pocked by ugly mounds and covered by a spiderweb-like network. It is a kingdom of phantoms and of a beauty afflicted by madness. In stark contrast, the crew of the spaceship Hermes represents a knowledge-seeking Earth. As they approach Quinta, a dark poetry takes over and leads them into a nightmare of misunderstanding. Translated by Michael Kandel. A Helen and Kurt Wolff Book Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Is Fiasko appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This philosophical hard science fiction novel explores humanity's inability to communicate with a truly alien intelligence. Contains psychological tension, isolation themes, and conceptual complexity requiring mature reading comprehension.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include psychological horror and isolation.
Who'll love this
Readers who love challenging, idea-driven science fiction about first contact with incomprehensible alien civilizations will appreciate this cerebral exploration.