Red Mars

Year: 1992

Abstract:
Earth's United Nations put together 100 scientists and engineers to colonize Mars. After years of effort, corporations and other governments want a piece of the action. Soon, Mars is flooded with people, not all of whom have the best interest of others as their primary concern. Contracts are broken, people revolt, and Mars is embroiled in a state of war.

Advanced Mind
Exploration/Quest
Military/Fighting
Horror
Magic
Advanced Technology
Time Travel/Alternate History
Science
Aliens/Beasties
Contemporality

Other books in this series: Mars
Green Mars [1994]
Blue Mars [1996]
The Martians [1999]

Spectre's Review
Spectacular. This was a very long, detailed story, that covered an incredibly wide range of literary elements. Character formation was great, sciences and technology was very well developed, and the interaction between elements (characters, technologies, plot lines, etc.), was fantastically handled.
When war breaks out, you don't know who is going to survive. I really liked how one of the main characters (there are several) was killed near the end. I like it when everything doesn't always turn out the way you want it. This lends a bit more realism to the story.
The technologies involved are all technologies we're discussing today. Robinson merely makes it happen. I felt the corporations' reactions to what the Mars colonists were doing was very appropriate, as well. I particularly liked the bit about the U.N. peace keeping troops being sent to Mars.
I will definitely read the other two in the series that I know about (Blue and Green Mars). The scope of the book is large, to say the least. I really can't say enough good about.
Date posted: 2001 03 29

Spectre's Rating
Minus 1 full point for the crazy stow-away and the farming cult. Minus another point for the slow progress in many areas. Plus a half point for having the jerks on the space elevator launched out of orbit when the cable was cut (that was a hoot!).

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