Mutiny on Mars

The Starman #1

by Michael D. Cooper

THE STARMEN MAKING THE 22ND CENTURY AN AGE OF HOPE AND ADVENTURE At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the world economy boomed. Within two decades, however, a severe, global depression set in. Governments fell and the infrastructure of the planet decayed. The age became known as the Collapse, characterized by unrestrained criminal opportunism. Starlight Enterprise was founded in 2089, committed to rebuilding the Earth and its culture. Originally dedicated to finding new sources of energy, the company quickly became known for high ideals, philanthropy, and interplanetary ventures. In the early twenty-second century, Starlight Enterprise produced its first Starmen. With their exploits, an age of exploration and discovery began - a time not seen for more than six centuries, when Columbus, Magellan, Drake, and others had set sail to discover new worlds. The Starman series chronicles the adventures of Starmen David Foster, Joe Taylor, and Mark Seaton during the glorious middle years of the twenty-second century. In the course of their adventures, the Starmen learn that the history of the Solar System is far different from what Earth had long believed, and discover the urgent need of the people of Earth to defend and preserve their home from an implacable foe.

Audio Cassette

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Adam Collings · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Starmen are a privately run team of space heroes. Not directly affiliated with the military, but granted authority to do their job. This book follows three newly graduated Starmen on their first mission - a mission that gives them all far more than they bargained for. One of these, David, has the powers that be uncertain. A character weakness is introduced that will likely form part of an on-going arc throughout the series.

The Starman series is inspired by the science fiction adventure stories of the 50s and 60s but written in the 2000s. The books combine old-fashioned adventure with a modern understanding of science. Mutiny on Mars actually reminded me a lot of the science fiction adventures I watched on TV growing up in the 80s.

The world was well developed, with some interesting mysteries being established in this first book. The book doesn't really explore any deep themes but it does touch on the idea of over-reliance on technology, and using intelligence over violence when possible.

The tone of the book is somewhat light-hearted but not jokey. The story is taken seriously, but it's not gritty.

For me, it was the plot that draw me through the book. The plot was well-written and entertaining. It was well paced.

While there is definitely a place in science fiction for addressing issues, I found it refreshing to read a book that wasn't trying to be politically controversial. This story is primarily about entertainment.

Mutiny on Mars gives a complete and satisfying story, but serves well as a "pilot episode" to future adventures. I look forward to seeing how adventures the Starmen embark on next, and will certainly be checking out future books in the series.

[Peter Caligiuri]

Good adventure Sc-fi read. The writing is smooth, and the plot takes some twists and turns that quickly draw you in to the challenges faces the newly graduated Starman, David Foster. His first supposedly boring research assignment on Mars quickly evolves into a life and death struggle, with an unknown rebel force which strikes on his first day. You will want to follow the action for yourself as David escapes and is handed the opportunity to either prove his worth as a Starman or end up on the wrong side of a laser. If you are a Starman fan you won't want to miss the exciting conclusion. If you are new to the series, you just might become one!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy classic sci-fi adventures you'll like "Mutiny". The high adventure combined with lighthearted storytelling reminds me of stories I read as a child.

[Catherine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A settlement on a far-off planet. Pirates versus scientist special ops. A mysterious figure in a red cave. A dangerous infiltration to try and rescue a best friend.
Mutiny on Mars is a treat to read. It keeps offering fantastic landscapes and new experiences to the reader. Yet, the author manages to make the new seem well established, dusty, and real. It feels like there might be a colony on Mars, the authors have done such a good job of making it plausible. This book is for anyone who enjoys science fiction that lets you believe it can be non-fiction, and a rollicking good tale.