focus on details of the characters' lives, their work, and their thoughts, but behind it all, the specter of global warming looms. Soon there is a change here, a change there, until all the imbalances combine to bring about a catastrophe that who knows, might even wake up the DC politicians. KSR outlines quite a plausible scenario, and the science behind the troubles seem accurate." Awards and nominations Nominated for both the British Science Fiction Award, in 2004; and the Locus Award in 2005. Release details 2004, United Kingdom, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. , Pub date January 2004, Hardback 2004, United States of America, Spectra , Pub date June 2004, Hardback 2005, United Kingdom, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. , Pub date February 2005, Paperback 2005, United States of America, Spectra , Pub date July 2005, Paperback References External links Book Slut review by Lara Apps New Scientist: Environment review by Maggie McDonald 2004 American novels 2004 science fiction novels Climate change novels Hard science fiction Bantam Spectra books Novels by Kim Stanley Robinson Novels set in Washington, D.C.