Title: Hydrogen Runner
Author: Claudia K. Leber
Publisher: New Atlantic Industries
ISBN: 978-1393627395
Pages: 152
Genre: Sci-Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
Roused by a passion for chemistry and science, author Claudia K Leber offers a highly cathartic ode, Hydrogen Runner, whose account aims to motivate those interested in the energy transition to see more clearly what the future can look like; a future they could probably help to build.
In the book, multinational adoption of fusion power plants is now in existence, and refinements in nuclear fusion have been at the forefront of energy study for the past millennium. Martin Mercer has been making regular expeditions to the sun every four years but despite the massive revenue he gets from the lucrative venture, resonant anticipation of spontaneous risk, the adventure of formerly unexplored space, and the absolute autonomy of being a runner are what he finds most adorable.
The moment for another run has come and Mercer’s companions George and Joe Burwick are glad to join him in the voyage, aboard the Texas Star. However, they are in for a scare when a familiar face pops from a closet, after two days of space travel. This is an occurrence that risks Mercer’s license and just as anticipation begins to build regarding the discovery, a major twist that fosters deep treachery and greed ensues to set course for an adrenalizing task, where one has to think on their foot while acting without thinking for one specific aim – to survive!
Though the author foresees an energy change prospect in years to come, her work is very relevant to a world where the very idea of using hydrogen to aid the move to green energy is quickly gathering pace. Leber’s thoughts and ideas have been beautifully illustrated by well-hewn characters, to genuinely make a reader more positive about hydrogen’s adoption for major energy applications. One will easily relate to the emotions expressed such as disarray, trepidation, tough options, and curiosity, which the author in a slightly technical but competent manner, depicts.
Claudia K. Leber’s Hydrogen Runner is a fictional work which is chock full of verities and knowledge, yet written in a way that leaves you charmed. It’s a delightful read which will be difficult to put down until the end, primarily for people interested in climate and energy. Reading it will ably awaken in you an internal and critical concern – Is the hydrogen revolution just around the corner, and is it within our budgetary reach?
