A fascinating world where science and ethics collide

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is an international radio telescope observatory located in the northern Chilean Andes. The author, Brandon Q. Morris, had the opportunity to visit it in summer 2023. He says that visiting the Atacama Desert can be life-changing: 'You really feel much closer to the sky in the Atacama. I could immediately understand why the indigenous people there have such a close connection to the cosmos.'

Inspired by his visit, Morris started writing a story. The result was his hard science fiction novel 'The Atacama Incident', published in 2025, in which he weaves a very special plot. I took a closer look at this novel.

It tells the story of Jessica, who arrives at Calama Airport to begin an internship at the Chilean ALMA Observatory. When she realises that her pickup hasn't arrived and the terminal is closing, she wonders how she can get to San Pedro. A uniformed guard offers to help her.

Running parallel to this is the story of Mateo. He is working on a security fence in the Atacama Desert when he finds a strange, organic-shaped object leaking a mysterious liquid. Recognising its significance, Mateo takes it with him and hides it in a chamber to examine it later.

As the story progresses, Jessica and Mateo work together to uncover the mystery. However, a series of unexplained incidents then begin to occur. Will there be first contact in the Chilean desert?

Read my review of 'The Atacama Incident'

The Atacama Desert and astronomy play central roles in this exciting and emotionally profound novel by Brandon Q. Morris.

'The Atacama Incident' is a captivating hard science fiction novel with thriller and adventure elements. The story is set in the mysterious and eerie backdrop of the Atacama Desert, which is known for its extreme aridity and fascinating astronomical phenomena. Morris succeeds in weaving this environment into the plot as a living character.

German edition (Rezension in Deutsch)

The protagonists, Jessica and Mateo, are well-developed characters who struggle with their own inner conflicts and challenges. Jessica is an ambitious and curious trainee, making her a likeable character. Mateo, an experienced scientist, is torn between his responsibilities to his family and his passion for science. I could identify with both characters and understand their decisions – although I wouldn't have dared to take the risky parachute jump into the void 😨

Morris has a talent for building suspense. The discovery of the mysterious object and the questions surrounding its origin and significance are extremely exciting. The dialogue between the characters is lively, characterised by subtle humour, which lightens the serious subject matter and provides welcome relief.

Another positive aspect is the way Morris integrates scientific concepts into the story. Even complex topics such as astrobiology and ethical questions are presented in an accessible manner. Morris's language and style are a pleasure to read. He has a flair for vivid descriptions that bring the desert atmosphere and the intensity of the research to life. Only in a few places does the plot seem slightly predictable.

Overall, 'The Atacama Incident' is a solid novel ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hard science fiction, adventure and thriller elements are skilfully interwoven across its 21 chapters. Morris has created an exciting story that transports readers into a fascinating world where science and ethics collide. The main characters are well-drawn, and the plot offers enough suspense to keep readers interested until the very end.

However, the story does not feel complete. Will Morris write a second volume? We'll see.

My reading recommendation: (Advertising) 'The Atacama Incident' is a must-read for fans of hard science fiction. Brandon Q. Morris published the 320-page paperback in June 2025. His novel is also available as an e-book.

Although 'The Atacama Incident' was published as a standalone novel, Morris has written several series and dozens of science fiction books since 2017. These have also been translated into German, French, Italian and Spanish. His books are available from all good bookshops. To find out more, visit his website at hard-sf.com.

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© 'A fascinating world where science and ethics collide': This review of 'The Atacama Incident', a hard science fiction novel by Brandon Q. Morris, was written by Izabel Comati, 06/2025. Many thanks to the publisher, A7L Books, for the review copy and information.