19% off
1
of
1
The Calculating Stars
Series: A Lady Astronaut Novel
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 37,084 ratings, 5,409 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
Save 19% Off
Savings are calculated from our regular price of
$32.00
compared to the current price of
$26.00.
$2600
$3200
Usually:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
On Sale
in
Clearout Sale
until
2 Nov or
while stocks last
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Calculating Stars
$2600
$3200
Usually:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Latest News
Shirl and Lizzy Review The Starving Bride
Catherine Chidgey does it again with another incredible novel that will have people talking for...
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reads for the Spooky Season
We asked our Sci-Fi and Fantasy reader, Edd, to share his recs for Spooky Season...
Review: In the Room
An emotional and authentic retelling of an extraordinary chapter in our country’s history. Andrew Campbell’s...
An Evening with Ryan Holiday: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
I was lucky enough to see Ryan Holiday speak in Auckland on Tuesday night. I've...
Emma Galloway visits Book Hero
We we delighted to have chef and author, Emma Galloway, visit Hero HQ to promote...
See moreOne woman. One mission. One chance to save the world.It’s 1952, and the world as we know it is gone. A meteorite has destroyed Washington DC, triggering extinction-level global warming. To save humanity, the world unites to form the International Aerospace Coalition. Its mission: to colonise first the Moon, then Mars.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Winner of the 2019 Nebula, Locus and Hugo Awards!
One woman. One mission. One chance to save the world.
It's 1952, and the world as we know it is gone. A meteorite has destroyed Washington DC, triggering extinction-level global warming. To save humanity, the world unites to form the International Aerospace Coalition. Its mission: to colonise first the Moon, then Mars.
Elma York, World War Two pilot and mathematician, dreams of becoming an astronaut – but prejudice has kept her grounded. Now nothing – and no man – will stop her from reaching for the stars.
The Calculating Stars is a thrilling tale of ambition, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.
Series: A Lady Astronaut Novel
View all-
19% offThe Calculating Stars
Winner of the 2019 Nebula, Locus and Hugo Awards! One woman. One mission. One chance to save the world. It's 1952, and the world as we know it is gone. A meteorite has destroyed Washington DC, triggering extinction-level global warming. To save humanity, the world unites to form the International Aerospace Coalition. Its mission: to colonise first the Moon, then...Paperback$2600Usually:$3200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Mary Robinette Kowal delivers a masterful mix of science and historical accuracy, creating an engaging alternate history adventure likened to Hidden Figures. The book is praised for offering a compelling female protagonist with attitude, highlighting what NASA’s narratives might have missed.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781781087312
Publisher: Rebellion Publishing Ltd.
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 16 May 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Solaris
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 38.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 360g
Pages: 528
About the Author
Mary Robinette Kowal was the 2008 recipient of the Campbell Award for Best New Writer and a Hugo nominee for her story “Evil Robot Monkey.” Her stories have appeared in Strange Horizons, Asimov’s, and several Year's Best anthologies. She is the author of Shades of Milk and Honey (Tor 2010), the fantasy novel that Jane Austen might have written.
Mary, a professional puppeteer and voice actor, has performed for LazyTown (CBS), the Center for Puppetry Arts, Jim Henson Pictures and founded Other Hand Productions. Her designs have garnered two UNIMA-USA Citations of Excellence, the highest award an American puppeteer can achieve. She also records fiction for authors such as Kage Baker, Cory Doctorow and John Scalzi.
She is serving her second term as Secretary of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Mary lives in Portland, OR with her husband Rob and eleven manual typewriters.
Also by Mary Robinette Kowal
View all-
Escape Pod: The Science Fiction Anthology
The fifteenth anniversary of the hit science fiction podcast Escape Pod, featuring new and exclusive stories from today's bestselling writers. Celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of cutting-edge science fiction from the hit podcast, Escape Pod. Escape Pod has been bringing the finest short fiction to millions of ears all over the world, at the forefront of a new fiction revolution. This...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Calculating Stars
A meteor decimates the U.S. government and paves the way for a climate cataclysm that will eventually render the earth inhospitable to humanity. This looming threat calls for a radically accelerated timeline in the earth's efforts to colonise space, as well as an unprecedented opportunity for a much larger share of humanity to take part. One of these new entrants...Paperback$5500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Ghost Talkers
Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal introduces us to Ginger Stuyvesant, an American heiress living in London during World War I. Ginger is engaged to Captain Benjamin Harford, an intelligence officer. She serves as a medium for the Spirit Corps, a unique Spiritualist force. Each soldier heading for the front is conditioned to report to the mediums of the Spirit...Paperback$6000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Relentless Moon
Finalist 2021 Hugo Award for Best Novel!Finalist 2021 Hugo Award for Best Series!A 2021 Locus Award Finalist! Mary Robinette Kowal continues her Hugo and Nebula award-winning Lady Astronaut series, following The Calculating Stars and The Fated Sky, with The Relentless Moon. The Earth is coming to the boiling point as the climate disaster of the Meteor strike becomes more and...Paperback$6200Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Fated Sky
Continuing the grand sweep of alternate history laid out in The Calculating Stars, The Fated Sky looks forward to 1961, when mankind is well-established on the moon and looking forward to its next step: journeying to, and eventually colonizing, Mars. Of course, the noted Lady Astronaut Elma York would like to go, but could the International Aerospace Coalition ever stand...Paperback$5700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Martian Contingency
Mary Robinette Kowal returns to Mars in this latest entry to the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Lady Astronaut series. "Kowal masters both science and historical accuracy in this alternate history adventure." -- Andy Weir, author of The Martian, on The Calculating Stars An instant USA Today bestseller! Years after a meteorite strike obliterated Washington, D.C.--triggering an extinction-level global warming event--Earth's...Paperback$5300Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Shades of Milk and Honey
In Regency England, Jane Ellsworth of Dorchester is a woman ahead of her time. Not only is she highly skilled in the manipulation of glamour—plucking strands from the Ether to create genteel magical illusions—she's also ambitious for her art, and dreams of being recognised as a glamourist of note in her own right, as men are permitted to. First and...PaperbackSold Out
More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy
View all-
New ReleaseOther Worlds Than These
I wanted to go back to Mid-World, which was always the Territories by another name - Stephen King This is Stephen King and Peter Straub's epic and unforgettable finale to the Talisman Trilogy (including the novels The Talisman and Black House) and a wrapping up of the fate of the worlds in King's iconic, fiercely beloved Dark Tower epic. It...Paperback$3299Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Sixth Nik
Daniel Kraus, 2026 Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Angel Down and soon-to-be-a-film Whalefall, returns with The Sixth Nik, a galaxy spanning, genre-blending scifi literary horror, for fans of Ursula K Le Guin and the Alien franchise. Deep into space, far past the triworld outposts, beyond range of the lethal trollbot internet, soars The Sickness: a ship woven from biomatter and capable...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
18% offNew ReleaseMassif
Caught me a mountain Rode it to the stars It's business as usual for Ship Leader Parnell Shi-Sawahla and the crew of the corvette Sassafras. Ride a Massif to a new system, fight the enemy, repeat. For more than two hundred years, humans have been hitching rides on these sentient, starfaring mountain ranges, colonising planets and exporting an on-again, off-again...Paperback$2700Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
16% offNew ReleaseHe Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer
He Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer Book Two in Shirtaloon's wildly popular LitRPG series. The path from retail middle management to interdimensional wizard adventurer wasn't easy, but Jason Asano is settling into his new life. Now, a contest draws young elites to the city of Greenstone, competing for a grand prize. Jason must gather a band of companions if he...Paperback$2700Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
19% offNew ReleaseScion
‘Scion’ is an electrifying sci-fi thriller that follows a contract killer tasked with protecting a scientist from assassination, only to find himself in the crosshairs. My name’s Azure. I kill rich idiots for a living. All completely legal, of course, even if it does still make the old-fashioned crowd a bit uncomfortable. Once the ultra-wealthy realised they had a way...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Strength of the Few
The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...Paperback$2899Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Red Rising
The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Crossroads of Ravens
THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...Paperback$2899Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips early November -
Wind and Truth
The long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the Number One New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson sees Dalinar Kholin challenge the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare, and the sudden ascension of the...Paperback$3100Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips late October -
17% offThe Ministry of Time
One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Assassin’s Apprentice
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Fran’s Top 10 Fantasy Reads
Dive into cozy worlds, or bewitching scams! Here are 10 titles of fantasy that Fran is in love with! Do you have...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Amelia's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
The Empyrean Wing & Claw Collection
With Threshing Day finally here, we thought we'd make it easy to find all the beautiful editions in the The Empyrean: Wing...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Romantasy reads that deserve more hype
For everyone who's read the Fourth Wings, the ACOTAR, even the Quicksilvers - if you're now looking for your next romantasy obsession,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Have you tried... Dark Romantasy?
Dark Romantasy or Dark Fantasy Romance - it's a combination of everything you love about romantasy, with some extra morally grey characters,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Lizzy's Favourite Standalone Fantasy and Romantasy Reads
For when you're in the mood for fantasy or romantasy but don't want to commit to a long epic series!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Are you looking for a cozy romantasy read?
You're in luck. Here's a whole bunch of them ready to warm you up and sooth the soul. You should also check...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
10 Sci-Fi Novels that won both the Nebula and Hugo Awards
Discover ten of the greatest science fiction novels ever written each recognised with both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. These awards are...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Fantasy Special Editions we are lusting after
It's no secret that here at Book Hero we love a special edition - preferably one with sprayed edges, beautiful artwork, and...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Edd's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
2026 Hugo Award for Best Novel Finalists
Every year at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), members vote on the best Science Fiction or Fantasy works of the previous...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Edd's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Special Editions
With physical books making a comeback in recent years, there are more gorgeous special editions out there than ever before. Here’s a...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Lizzy's Cozy Fantasy Reads
Life can be cold and harsh, so why not escape into the comforting pages of a cozy fantasy novel for a while?...View the list
