Red Mars

by Kim Stanley Robinson
Red Mars cover
Good Books rating 4.03
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4532
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780007401703
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2013-04-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Red Mars is the first book in Kim Stanley Robinson's acclaimed Mars trilogy, offering a meticulously researched and vividly imagined account of the colonization of the Red Planet. The novel delves into the scientific, political, and social challenges faced by the first settlers, providing a rich tapestry of human ambition and conflict. /n/n This groundbreaking work is not just a story of exploration but also a profound exploration of what it means to be human in a new world. Robinson's detailed portrayal of terraforming and the ethical dilemmas that arise make this a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts and those interested in the future of space exploration.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-21
magnificent 4.10

The book is described as magnificent and suitable for both sci-fi and non-sci-fi readers. It is praised for its engaging and thought-provoking content.

The reviewer describes the book as magnificent and suitable for both sci-fi and non-sci-fi readers. They appreciate the book's engaging and thought-provoking content, which makes it a standout read. The reviewer also notes that the book's exploration of themes such as colonization and environmentalism adds depth to the narrative. However, they mention that the book's slow pace and dense scientific passages might not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

    This is a book for non-SciFi readers, as well as SciFi fans: the subject matter is both engaging and thought-provoking.

    The first volume of Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy is absolutely magnificent.

    The book's exploration of themes such as colonization and environmentalism adds depth to the narrative.

New Orleans Review · 2025-10-21
compelling 3.50

The book is praised for its scientific depth and imaginative world-building, making it a compelling read. It is noted for its detailed and plausible depiction of life on Mars.

The reviewer highlights the book's strengths in scientific accuracy and imaginative storytelling. They appreciate the detailed and plausible depiction of life on Mars, which makes the book feel relevant and compelling. The reviewer also notes that the book's exploration of themes such as colonization and environmentalism adds depth to the narrative. However, they mention that the book's slow pace and dense scientific passages might not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

    He is an eminently reasonable man, who, through his calm, assured manner, gives English PhDs a good name.

    The story imagines life on Mars in a way that feels scientifically viable and compelling, therefore relevant to the current and growing interest in space exploration.

    The book's exploration of themes such as colonization and environmentalism adds depth to the narrative.

This Chick Reads · 2025-02-01
monumental 4.50

The book is described as a monumental work of science fiction with breathtaking world-building and thought-provoking themes. It is noted for its detailed and plausible depiction of life on Mars.

The reviewer describes the book as a monumental work of science fiction with breathtaking world-building and thought-provoking themes. They appreciate the detailed and plausible depiction of life on Mars, which makes the book feel relevant and compelling. The reviewer also notes that the book's exploration of themes such as colonization and environmentalism adds depth to the narrative. However, they mention that the book's slow pace and dense scientific passages might not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

    Red Mars is a monumental work of science fiction that combines breathtaking world-building with thought-provoking themes.

    It's not for everyone—some might find the scientific details overwhelming, but those who appreciate hard sci-fi will find it deeply rewarding.

    The book's exploration of themes such as colonization and environmentalism adds depth to the narrative.

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