Mars » (Unabridged)

Ben Bova has been a presence in science fiction for more than four decades. He is past president of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and a recipient of the Hugo and other awards. His novels include Brothers, Moonrise, Mars, and Return to Mars, all available from Brilliance Audio. He lives in Naples, Florida with his wife and literary agent, Barbara.

Mars, "the bloody planet," is a world shrouded in mystery. As the source of endless fascination, Mars offers us the most promise for finding evidence of life.

Half Navajo American Jamie Waterman is a geologist whose dream comes true when he is selected for the first landing team on Mars. He endures the rigors of training, the personality conflicts and political intrigues, as well as the dangers of travelling over 100 million kilometers in space.

Once the international crew lands on Mars, they discover they must battle not only the alien land they have invaded but earthbound bureaucrats as well. As they head toward a chasm that is ten times larger than the Grand Canyon, the twenty-five astronauts come face-to-face with the most shocking discovery of all.

School Library Journal

YA-- Jamie Waterman, a Native American geologist, is chosen at the last minute for the first manned exploration of the planet Mars. On touchdown, he is so overwhelmed with the emotion of the moment that he utters a Navajo phrase instead of the political statement he is supposed to read. This sets off a chain reaction among the leaders and politicians on Earth. Thus starts Bova's sprawling space opera. The expedition, seen from Jamie's point of view, is really the protagonist here. The story is filled with lots of characters of different nationalities and there's plenty of political intrigue. Of course, there are obstacles to overcome: a meteor almost destroys the lab, the doctor neglects his duty and nearly kills them all, crew members come down with mysterious ``Martian flu,'' and through it all is the never-ending search for evidence of life on this planet. Bova has done extensive research and his descriptions of Mars and the conditions under which the study is conducted are very plausible. All in all, a satisfying story.-- Susan McFaden, Fairfax County Public Library, VA