Natalie Starkey

Really neat look at volcanoes (and therefore to some degree, geology in general) among the planets and moons of the solar system. This was a different kind of space non-fiction book than I usually listen to, and I really enjoyed it. However, I got really annoyed at the constant use of both metric and Imperial measurements. From a science non-fiction book, I expect metric only (or at least MOSTLY) and having both measurement systems used made me start taking this book less seriously... and that's a shame, because there's some really good information here. I think it annoyed me more because I listened to the audio version.… (mer)

The TLDR is that if you are an amateur looking to learn facts about planetary science, this book is currently mandatory. However, the bitter before the sweet, this is also the first time in my life I thought I could edit a book for certain. Although impeccably proofread, Bloomsbury Sigma should be ashamed that they contributed so little to such an important book.
The books editorial issues subside around 'chapter 6, Peering In'. That's when Dr. Starkey starts dropping the bigger knowledge bombs instead of mostly prerequisites. She makes it fun, but avoids conjecturing. She puts out numerous up-to-date puzzle pieces, but avoids speculating that say maybe Maat Mons may one day grow so massive it sinks into Venus, causing a new resurfacing event. That she leaves for her readers.… (mer)

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.… (mer)