"So, the question remained: would I be a near-identical facsimile of my original self? Or would I be me?" This question may not weigh heavily in The Slide, a thrilling novel by Aaron Ryan, because everything we know is about to come to an end. The story follows Dane Currier, a scientist at the University of Washington, and his undergraduate students, who make a shocking discovery: a supermassive black hole is on a collision course with our solar system. Escape is impossible, and there is no way to prevent a catastrophic extinction-level event from which there will be no recovery. As nearby planets and Earth begin to fall apart, Dane and his friends devise a long-shot plan to save a tiny fraction of humanity using an experimental spaceship and a prototype teleportation device. Racing against time and societal collapse, Dane realizes that when there is nothing left to lose, the impossible becomes possible.

Heart-pounding, action-packed, and incredibly tense, The Slide by Aaron Ryan is one of the most immersive tales I've read from him. The plot centers on an ultimate end-of-the-world scenario, where a small group of men and women struggle to save a portion of humanity by relocating them to Proxima Centauri b in the hope of finding a new home. A strong theme throughout the narrative is the importance of perseverance and humanity's refusal to "go quietly into the night." Character development is exceptionally robust because the novel focuses on fewer individuals compared to other titles by Ryan, and he does some of his best work with this smaller cast. The swift pacing, first-person perspective, and overall sense of dread create a powerful combination, resulting in one of Ryan's most nail-biting stories. Overall, it is an excellent piece of science fiction that will satisfy fans of the genre, as well as those who crave survival stories. The Slide is an easy book to recommend.

The Slide by Aaron Ryan is a taut and terrifying science fiction thriller that grips from its very first page. When Dane Currier completes the world’s first teleportation system, he believes he’s changing the future of transportation. But the celebration turns to horror when astronomers discover that a supermassive black hole is barreling toward the Milky Way. With the end of Earth a mathematical certainty, Dane and his team, consisting of Megan, Isaac, and Dina, are thrust into a final mission to save humanity or ensure it dies with dignity. As global collapse looms and survival odds dwindle, the team is forced to confront their deepest fears and moral choices about who, if anyone, should be saved.

Author Aaron Ryan really knows how to get detailed information across through natural context, blending technical realism with philosophical inquiry in this fast-paced and surprisingly emotional tale. I liked the fact that the story isn't just about scientific possibilities, but also about the human reaction to existential crisis: what we value, what we sacrifice, and what we cling to when the end seems inevitable. These are all questions we're likely to have asked ourselves, and this new context makes them even more relatable and interesting to explore. The characters are distinct and sympathetic, especially Dane, whose inner conflict between personal ambition and global responsibility adds rich complexity. Ryan’s prose is sharp, cinematic, and full of momentum without sacrificing introspection. Overall, The Slide is a thought-provoking and thrilling sci-fi read that examines humanity’s last moments with heart, suspense, and a bold vision of the cosmos. A highly recommended read.