PHOOL

The appearance of a mysterious alien object on a distant moon sparks an international crisis on Earth in Argade’s sprawling SF epic.

In 2030, astronomer Shakuntala “Shaku” Bakshi shares her latest discovery with the Indian Space Research Organization: A golden, flower-shaped extraterrestrial item has materialized on Phobos, a moon of Mars. The structure, which Shaku names “Phool,” quickly throws diplomatic relations into disarray as various countries scramble to use the revelation to their own advantage. The ensuing chaos draws in a wide cast of characters, from scientists to presidents to political prisoners, but as the intergalactic threat grows more dire, they realize that the only way to save their planet is to set aside their differences and band together. The author, a retired physicist and computer architect, packs plenty of scientific expertise and granular explanation into this debut. However, the book is more preoccupied with the geopolitical implications of a major astronomical discovery, making the work a relevant commentary on the phenomenon of science denial. Some allusions to modern pop culture feel clunky—such as conservative media outlet Hawk News or pop star Caylor Quick—but the depiction of misinformation, political division, and opportunistic leadership feels especially timely. The novel introduces more plotlines than it’s able to resolve, although it ends on a cliffhanger that promises a second installment. Still, there’s an appealing sense of cohesion as various characters’ stories come together. Standouts include a tender romance between American scientists David Green and Karen Smith, the maturation of Indian high school student Drishti Mali, and the heartbreaking journey of Chinese robotics CEO Li Qiang. As the narrative progresses, their journeys inform one another in exciting ways. Overall, this interconnected tale of hope and humanity, grounded in scientific theory, will appeal to lovers of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas (2004) and other, similarly ambitious sagas.

Fans of hard SF and social commentary will enjoy this assured, thought-provoking debut.