Helpful Score: 6
A sweeping story about the colonization of Mars and the problems that follow. A hand picked group of 100 scientists representing many countries and interests might seem the ideal colonization unit, but everyone lies to selection committees and ideas can be weapons as well as tools. Kim Stanley Robinson deftly handles both the broad scientific theories and the more intricate social web of his many characters.
An engrossing read particularly for anyone interested in both the science and sociology of the future of humanity.
An engrossing read particularly for anyone interested in both the science and sociology of the future of humanity.
Helpful Score: 6
Imaginative treatment of the colonization of Mars. Dense, but the descriptive narrative paints an amazing picture.
Helpful Score: 4
A very technically detailed account of the colonization of Mars. The sociology is intriguing in how it differs from the settling of other frontiers on earth. For those of you who like science, sociology, and such you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Very good if involved read.
Helpful Score: 4
The first novel in the astounding trilogy, Red Mars chronicles the lives of the first arrivals to Mars. The planet that the settlers find is empty of life and many of the pioneers want to begin changing the ecosystem right away to be suitable for human life. But the purity of the stark landscape convinces some scientists that it should be preserved. The stakes are high and the players on both sides range from politically naive idealists to ambitious manipulators without discernible scruples. No one can be sure that "terraforming" the planet will succeed, but it is certain to change the face of Mars beyond recognition. Red Mars won the 1994 Nebula Award.
Helpful Score: 2
This book reads like science, with all the description at every turn- but also has a story and characters which will draw you in. A group has been sent to Mars to make it Earthlike, after training for this mission in Antarctica, and the story begins...
