Waiting on Delcath

By: OA Allen

Narrated by: Thomas Rose

Does anything really matter when their death on a remote asteroid seems certain?

When three childhood friends Ola, Jennet, and Sikat get posted on an asteroid mining station in deep space, they know it’s going to be difficult. There’s a reason why the corporation is paying them enough to retire in their 20s. However, they don’t expect the trouble to start so soon after their arrival...nor do they expect to face the possibility of slow, agonizing death.

With all hopes of rescue shattered, the three friends are forced to confront their own mortality, morality, each other, and themselves as they try to postpone the inevitable. One amazing discovery will change everything–while turning their moment of glory into an embarrassment that the generations to come will remember.

Inspired by Jean Paul Sartre’s idea that “hell is other people”, Waiting on Delcath explores human complexity, fragility, and strength, what we might discover about ourselves under extreme pressure, and what happens when our most challenging moments are not private...when we’re remembered not for the discovery that changes the history of humankind, but for being at our most vulnerable.

Sensitive topic warnings for profanity, death, implied animal cruelty/death, childhood trauma, suicidal thoughts/attempted suicide, and possible mental health issues.

©2023 OA Allen (P)2023 OA Allen

Great Book!!!

What a wonderful read! Not only is this an interesting piece, it really shows the vulnerability the three friends must endure in the circumstances they’re given. I admire that this book shows that given the environment someone is living in, it ends up exposing their true colors/confessions.

Great mix of classic sci-fi and something new

The audio version of this book makes for a distinct experience.
Thomas Rose gives a great performance. His voice evokes a classic sci-fi feel, though he also stretches it in ways that go beyond that and feel pretty natural much more often than not.
The story itself, partially because of the narration, feels panoramic. Something about it all distilled in a distinct voice, along with the narration that starts out showing a sort of cinematic approach to the lives of these miners, makes the third-person narrator feel as much a part of the story as the story itself. But the writing is very good, the characters are distinct, the story evolved in ways that answered questions I had just looking at the premise.

A short and solid story about asteroid miners

The writing overal was pretty good. I’d recommend leaving out unnecessary descriptions and ensuring sentences don’t become excessively long.
The single voice performer has a beautiful deep voice, but I found that a bit off putting when he voices female characters.
The story about desperate asteroid miners facing death is short and solid. It gives me the vibe of Asimov’s short stories which is a compliment.