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Ares
Jayson Adams, the award-winning author of Infernum , delivers an exciting, fast-paced mystery set on the dusty red plains of Mars.
Commander Kate Holman is on the verge of her life’s dream as the leader of the first manned mission to Mars. Minutes before setting foot on the red planet, her world comes crashing down when she’s abruptly relieved of command. Replaced by the mission’s security officer, she learns that a secret military objective is the true reason for their journey.
What military purpose could Mars possibly hold? The question takes Kate to the fabled “Face on Mars” and a mysterious discovery excavated from deep within. Is it an exotic, new element? Evidence of life? An alien artifact? Scurried away by the security officer, she can only speculate.
An astronaut dies. Systems malfunction. Some claim it’s the result of a rumored Martian “curse” that won’t lift until the unearthed item is returned. Kate seeks a more rational explanation for the problems befalling the mission, but suffers under debilitating headaches and the fear of their possible connection to her past. When Kate uncovers the nature of the item, a secret some would kill to protect, can she overcome the powerful forces allied against her and make it back to Earth?
Visit www fictionfactorybooks com/ares for a preview
Commander Kate Holman is on the verge of her life’s dream as the leader of the first manned mission to Mars. Minutes before setting foot on the red planet, her world comes crashing down when she’s abruptly relieved of command. Replaced by the mission’s security officer, she learns that a secret military objective is the true reason for their journey.
What military purpose could Mars possibly hold? The question takes Kate to the fabled “Face on Mars” and a mysterious discovery excavated from deep within. Is it an exotic, new element? Evidence of life? An alien artifact? Scurried away by the security officer, she can only speculate.
An astronaut dies. Systems malfunction. Some claim it’s the result of a rumored Martian “curse” that won’t lift until the unearthed item is returned. Kate seeks a more rational explanation for the problems befalling the mission, but suffers under debilitating headaches and the fear of their possible connection to her past. When Kate uncovers the nature of the item, a secret some would kill to protect, can she overcome the powerful forces allied against her and make it back to Earth?
Visit www fictionfactorybooks com/ares for a preview
- GenresScience Fiction
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
173 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Jayson Adams
2 books14 followersAt age sixteen, Jayson dreamed of starting a software company and retiring by twenty-five. He achieved his dream just before thirty, working for the likes of Steve Jobs and selling one of his start-ups along the way. Five years later, he returned to computers with another start-up. He currently works at Google.
Computers were always Jayson’s creative outlet, the screen a “blank slate.” He now channels his creative energies into writing compelling science fiction.
Computers were always Jayson’s creative outlet, the screen a “blank slate.” He now channels his creative energies into writing compelling science fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 4, 2023
Frustrating book, the naivety of the lead character saw me put this down more than once determined not to read any further however the story itself was interesting and well written. Glad it’s not a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
Ah, GOOOD! A GOOD SciFi Drama! And, Mostly Set on Mars, to Boot! Hurray!
Well, OK, after gushing about how happy I was to read a good Space-related SciFi story, let me get into some of the nuts and bolts of the book.
First off, the premise of this Mission to Mars almost immediately takes on a sense of the unbelievable, when an abrupt shift of “Who is in command ?”takes place, at a very stupid point in the Mission Timeline. Personally, I can’t imagine this event taking place under ANY realistic circumstance, but ESPECIALLY NOT in the timing presented by The Author. But, “Oh, well!” — it’s his story, not mine — but I suspect other Readers will have problems with this type of attitude, too.
THEN, the new Commander is practically an idiot, at least with respect to knowing how to command and/or ensuring the safety of his crew. The Author truly makes him out to be selfish and narrow-focused, and frankly — I don’t see how such a person would be thrust into the Commander’s role; it makes no sense, and it’s primarily The Crew that will suffer.
At some point in the story, there’s a lost crew member, apparently stranded out in a Mars Dust Storm (which we all should know by now, would never be as horrible and threatening as depicted by many SciFi Writers). Still, after an effort to go out and find the crew member is aborted due to common sense (ie — the Rescuers might get lost) — WHY would they not simply tie a rope to the Mars Habitat, and to themselves, and therefore ensure each Rescuer could find their way back without the least little bit of effort? The fact that this isn’t even offered as an option, sounds like pretty poor thinking by The Author, and a weak link in the story.
I also find it interesting, that The Author BARELY remembers to give the Mars crew the superhuman strength they deserve while on Mars. That is, the crew has muscles and capabilities that are suited from growing up and living in a 1G environment on Earth — but, here they are on Mars — and they SHOULD be able to lift and move things — even themselves — much better than on Earth. But, no, except for one instance of being about to suddenly hop uphill better — The Author completely strips the crew from having any additional strength and/or of being able to perform better at a given physical task than on Earth. This makes no sense, including how they move about — they should have much more bounce in their steps on Mars, than on Earth!
The Author also digresses from familiarity the crew has with each other, to almost always referring to the original ‘chief’ as ‘Commander Holman’ — but most of the others are referenced almost exclusively by their first names. I’ve never been much of one to use titles to address another person, and I’ve no military background — but once Kate’s title and position on the crew was made clear in the book, The Author’s persistent use of ‘Commander Holman’ seems excessive for a group that mostly considers themselves close as a family.
Unfortunately, to This Reader’s surprise and dread — you’ll also soon discover that the writing of this ‘great’ SciFi novel in fact draws a mixture of plot lines from The Mummy Returns and King Tut’s Curse. Surely, The Author didn’t need to fail over to THAT, did he?
Last, but not least — HOW in the world (or out of this world?) did The Author think NASA managed to send a HUGE, ENTIRELY pre-confab housing development to Mars, ahead of the 1st astronauts to land there? Did it just land in a little cube, they added water and it sprouted?!? Oddly enough, The Author makes no attempt to have the existence of these living arrangements make any sense — they just are there, part of the unspoken plot that need never be explained.
The ‘bad guys’ in this book are a bit hollow, greedy and flat-out stupid; the ‘good guys’, of course, may be beaten down and decimated, but persevere from one chapter to the next. There are also a few liberties taken by The Author with spaceflight dynamics, Solar radiation, poisoning, deaths and other details — but, like I accepted at the beginning of this review — “Hey, it’s The Author’s Plot, not mine!”
Well, OK, after gushing about how happy I was to read a good Space-related SciFi story, let me get into some of the nuts and bolts of the book.
First off, the premise of this Mission to Mars almost immediately takes on a sense of the unbelievable, when an abrupt shift of “Who is in command ?”takes place, at a very stupid point in the Mission Timeline. Personally, I can’t imagine this event taking place under ANY realistic circumstance, but ESPECIALLY NOT in the timing presented by The Author. But, “Oh, well!” — it’s his story, not mine — but I suspect other Readers will have problems with this type of attitude, too.
THEN, the new Commander is practically an idiot, at least with respect to knowing how to command and/or ensuring the safety of his crew. The Author truly makes him out to be selfish and narrow-focused, and frankly — I don’t see how such a person would be thrust into the Commander’s role; it makes no sense, and it’s primarily The Crew that will suffer.
At some point in the story, there’s a lost crew member, apparently stranded out in a Mars Dust Storm (which we all should know by now, would never be as horrible and threatening as depicted by many SciFi Writers). Still, after an effort to go out and find the crew member is aborted due to common sense (ie — the Rescuers might get lost) — WHY would they not simply tie a rope to the Mars Habitat, and to themselves, and therefore ensure each Rescuer could find their way back without the least little bit of effort? The fact that this isn’t even offered as an option, sounds like pretty poor thinking by The Author, and a weak link in the story.
I also find it interesting, that The Author BARELY remembers to give the Mars crew the superhuman strength they deserve while on Mars. That is, the crew has muscles and capabilities that are suited from growing up and living in a 1G environment on Earth — but, here they are on Mars — and they SHOULD be able to lift and move things — even themselves — much better than on Earth. But, no, except for one instance of being about to suddenly hop uphill better — The Author completely strips the crew from having any additional strength and/or of being able to perform better at a given physical task than on Earth. This makes no sense, including how they move about — they should have much more bounce in their steps on Mars, than on Earth!
The Author also digresses from familiarity the crew has with each other, to almost always referring to the original ‘chief’ as ‘Commander Holman’ — but most of the others are referenced almost exclusively by their first names. I’ve never been much of one to use titles to address another person, and I’ve no military background — but once Kate’s title and position on the crew was made clear in the book, The Author’s persistent use of ‘Commander Holman’ seems excessive for a group that mostly considers themselves close as a family.
Unfortunately, to This Reader’s surprise and dread — you’ll also soon discover that the writing of this ‘great’ SciFi novel in fact draws a mixture of plot lines from The Mummy Returns and King Tut’s Curse. Surely, The Author didn’t need to fail over to THAT, did he?
Last, but not least — HOW in the world (or out of this world?) did The Author think NASA managed to send a HUGE, ENTIRELY pre-confab housing development to Mars, ahead of the 1st astronauts to land there? Did it just land in a little cube, they added water and it sprouted?!? Oddly enough, The Author makes no attempt to have the existence of these living arrangements make any sense — they just are there, part of the unspoken plot that need never be explained.
The ‘bad guys’ in this book are a bit hollow, greedy and flat-out stupid; the ‘good guys’, of course, may be beaten down and decimated, but persevere from one chapter to the next. There are also a few liberties taken by The Author with spaceflight dynamics, Solar radiation, poisoning, deaths and other details — but, like I accepted at the beginning of this review — “Hey, it’s The Author’s Plot, not mine!”
July 21, 2025
I have finished reading “Ares” by Jayson Adams.
This is a fictional Science Fiction story about the first manned mission to Mars under NASA called Ares. Upon arriving at the red planet the Mission Commander of Ares, Kate Holman, is unexpectedly relieved of command. What follows is a series of unexpected events.
The book wastes no time getting straight into the action. The politics between the different crew members is established pretty much immediately. Kate Holman is the hero with a dark past. Julian Grimes is an obvious jerk with an agenda. Professor Fisk is the nerdy civilian who is obsessed with conspiracy theories. Between that there are a few other interesting characters, but we are introduced to them largely through interactions with the main character.
Mars itself features surprisingly little in terms of a backdrop for the actual story. Although there are a few tense encounters outside including being hit by a dust storm. Much of the drama takes place in the astronaut’s habitation unit, in which for a time a bit of an Agatha Christie “whodunnit?” takes place, with the deaths piling up somewhat quicker.
Without giving too much away, the conspiracy amounts to the main baddies essentially being the US Space Force who basically use the Mars Mission as a part of a long term goal of self-enrichment.
The cast body count is almost Game of Thrones high in scale, but a bit more predictable than that series given the evident authors’ lack of investment in them, and the sheer speed at which they were got rid of.
There are bits of the book where the dark tone and the relentlessness of more emergencies and deaths rearing their heads, when I was left guessing about whether the author was going to take more risks with the old thriller formula. Unfortunately these bits were countered more than once by cookie cutter scenes, such as an all too Hollywood bad guy monologue detailing what their evil plan was. I get it insofar as the bad guy in question did this is because they were so sure of winning, but I admit to finding it a bit tiresome nonetheless. Surely trained killers would just…….you know……get on with it and kill?
The way the good guys worked out how to unravel the conspiracy was sufficiently nerdy for my tastes, suitably having a Science based Victory in a Sci Fi novel. Unfortunately, this was slightly tainted for me by an ending as conventionally cheesy as the end of the Independence Day film minus the overblown President’s speech.
I give this novel points for sheer entertainment and dispensing with overblown and unnecessary backdrops. The author trusts the reader to use their imaginations to fulfil certain bits of imagery. Less ideas are stolen off other Sci Fi projects than other books in it’s genre, so Kudos to that. I did wonder whether some of this novel’s limitations came from it leaning more towards conventional thriller territory and less towards Science Fiction. But to the credit of the author I found the novel had a real page turner quality and I genuinely wanted to see it through to see how it ended. While this is perhaps not among the best Sci Fi books I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
This is a fictional Science Fiction story about the first manned mission to Mars under NASA called Ares. Upon arriving at the red planet the Mission Commander of Ares, Kate Holman, is unexpectedly relieved of command. What follows is a series of unexpected events.
The book wastes no time getting straight into the action. The politics between the different crew members is established pretty much immediately. Kate Holman is the hero with a dark past. Julian Grimes is an obvious jerk with an agenda. Professor Fisk is the nerdy civilian who is obsessed with conspiracy theories. Between that there are a few other interesting characters, but we are introduced to them largely through interactions with the main character.
Mars itself features surprisingly little in terms of a backdrop for the actual story. Although there are a few tense encounters outside including being hit by a dust storm. Much of the drama takes place in the astronaut’s habitation unit, in which for a time a bit of an Agatha Christie “whodunnit?” takes place, with the deaths piling up somewhat quicker.
Without giving too much away, the conspiracy amounts to the main baddies essentially being the US Space Force who basically use the Mars Mission as a part of a long term goal of self-enrichment.
The cast body count is almost Game of Thrones high in scale, but a bit more predictable than that series given the evident authors’ lack of investment in them, and the sheer speed at which they were got rid of.
There are bits of the book where the dark tone and the relentlessness of more emergencies and deaths rearing their heads, when I was left guessing about whether the author was going to take more risks with the old thriller formula. Unfortunately these bits were countered more than once by cookie cutter scenes, such as an all too Hollywood bad guy monologue detailing what their evil plan was. I get it insofar as the bad guy in question did this is because they were so sure of winning, but I admit to finding it a bit tiresome nonetheless. Surely trained killers would just…….you know……get on with it and kill?
The way the good guys worked out how to unravel the conspiracy was sufficiently nerdy for my tastes, suitably having a Science based Victory in a Sci Fi novel. Unfortunately, this was slightly tainted for me by an ending as conventionally cheesy as the end of the Independence Day film minus the overblown President’s speech.
I give this novel points for sheer entertainment and dispensing with overblown and unnecessary backdrops. The author trusts the reader to use their imaginations to fulfil certain bits of imagery. Less ideas are stolen off other Sci Fi projects than other books in it’s genre, so Kudos to that. I did wonder whether some of this novel’s limitations came from it leaning more towards conventional thriller territory and less towards Science Fiction. But to the credit of the author I found the novel had a real page turner quality and I genuinely wanted to see it through to see how it ended. While this is perhaps not among the best Sci Fi books I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
August 29, 2024
I quite enjoyed this novel about an ill-fated mission to Mars, with its well-drawn characters, solid plot…and conspiracy theories! Ares is author Jayson Adams’ second novel. Commander Kate Holman is leading Earth’s first manned mission to Mars and all is going well. But in a hot second, she’s stripped of command and she and the crew are thrust into a situation that none of them could have prepared for. It’s mystery, subterfuge, betrayal and some fun Mars conspiracy theory, and it moves along at a good clip. I found myself wanting to return to the book to see what manner of disaster would befall the team next.
I particularly enjoyed Fisk, the mission’s interplanetary geologist. He’s a conspiracy theorist who lends a credulous note to the story. I learned that a geological formation called the Face of Mars is thought by some to be alien built. It's an example of pareidolia, “the tendency for perception to impose a meaningful interpretation on a nebulous stimulus…so that one detects an object, pattern, or meaning where there is none.” He’s a good contrast to Commander Kate who just wants everyone else to be sensible in an insensible situation.
Though Ares didn’t break new ground, it tells a fun story about a small group of astronauts who find themselves in dire straits really far from home, solidly written and plotted. And as a bonus it is indie published. Who knew I’d find contemplating Mars so interesting?
Thanks to the Canadian Bookclub Awards for a gifted digital copy.
I particularly enjoyed Fisk, the mission’s interplanetary geologist. He’s a conspiracy theorist who lends a credulous note to the story. I learned that a geological formation called the Face of Mars is thought by some to be alien built. It's an example of pareidolia, “the tendency for perception to impose a meaningful interpretation on a nebulous stimulus…so that one detects an object, pattern, or meaning where there is none.” He’s a good contrast to Commander Kate who just wants everyone else to be sensible in an insensible situation.
Though Ares didn’t break new ground, it tells a fun story about a small group of astronauts who find themselves in dire straits really far from home, solidly written and plotted. And as a bonus it is indie published. Who knew I’d find contemplating Mars so interesting?
Thanks to the Canadian Bookclub Awards for a gifted digital copy.
January 13, 2024
I read this book in just a few days, finding it to be an amazing story that moved so fast, I just did not want to stop reading. It is a great tale with well-developed characters. There are moments of great tension and several fun and scary plot twists. Anyone who loves Sci-Fi space opera or a really good mystery story would enjoy this story. It is full of political corruption, starting at the top levels of two space agencies driven by greed. Nothing is certain in the plot and there are surprises on nearly every page.
The first mission to Mars is led by Commander Kate Holman, that is until she is unexpectedly relieved of command and replaced by the mission's security officer as ordered by a NASA deputy director. This happens almost as their vessel is descending for a landing on Mars. Kate learns that their mission has gone from one of exploration and discovery to one with a military objective.
Kate and most of her crew are a little perplexed by the security officer, who makes a trek to the "face on Mars" to retrieve something. What he finds could be anything, evidence of life, alien artifacts, or maybe a rare new element previously unknown. Kate can only speculate about what the officer has found.
Astronauts are killed and their habitat begins to experience malfunctions. One crew member says the mishaps result from a Martian curse that will continue to plague the mission until whatever the security officer has found is returned to its original resting place. Kate continues to seek more plausible explanations for the problems that keep cropping up.
When she finally learns the nature of what has been retrieved, she understands why some would kill to protect the secret. It is decided her, and what is left of her crew must return home to expose the corruption she has uncovered. Unfortunately, the odds are against her as she is forced to fight against some very powerful forces, determined to keep the secrets in the darkness.
Kate is a great, strong female character who has studied, worked, and sacrificed much to earn her position, commanding the first Martian mission only to have it ripped away from her. But she doesn't just step aside quietly and relinquish. She knows she is in the right and is determined to get her command back and lead a successful mission. This is very important to her.
She does have a few skeletons in her closet, and she has a hard time stopping the old bones from rattling. Much of what causes her pain is some misconceived ideas she has of an incident that occurred on previous mission.
Her determination and her ability to survive the obstacles in her path are all she has, and she takes full advantage of her resources to thwart the plans set against her.
The author has created a great character in Commander Kate Holman, and I would enjoy reading more about her exploits in future books.
My favorite plot point in Ares was how Commander Kate was able to find ways to deal with her problems so well. She had a lot stacked against her. She had personal problems, family problems, problems with the mission, problems with the crew, and, of course, there was the nearly insane way the antagonist just wouldn't give up. I couldn't imagine balancing everything she faced, but the author did a fine job getting his principal character through it all.
My takeaway from Ares is how it demonstrates perseverance can take one a long way to deal with seemingly impossible situations.
Ares is a great story. I was fascinated and entertained all the way through. The action is pretty well non-stop through the entire book and there are several twists and turns in the plot to hold the reader's attention. The science, for the most part, is plausible, and the spaceflight depicted is also to be admired. There is intrigue involving both space agencies that exist now. I recommend Ares for anyone who enjoys a good, fast-paced sci-fi tale.
The first mission to Mars is led by Commander Kate Holman, that is until she is unexpectedly relieved of command and replaced by the mission's security officer as ordered by a NASA deputy director. This happens almost as their vessel is descending for a landing on Mars. Kate learns that their mission has gone from one of exploration and discovery to one with a military objective.
Kate and most of her crew are a little perplexed by the security officer, who makes a trek to the "face on Mars" to retrieve something. What he finds could be anything, evidence of life, alien artifacts, or maybe a rare new element previously unknown. Kate can only speculate about what the officer has found.
Astronauts are killed and their habitat begins to experience malfunctions. One crew member says the mishaps result from a Martian curse that will continue to plague the mission until whatever the security officer has found is returned to its original resting place. Kate continues to seek more plausible explanations for the problems that keep cropping up.
When she finally learns the nature of what has been retrieved, she understands why some would kill to protect the secret. It is decided her, and what is left of her crew must return home to expose the corruption she has uncovered. Unfortunately, the odds are against her as she is forced to fight against some very powerful forces, determined to keep the secrets in the darkness.
Kate is a great, strong female character who has studied, worked, and sacrificed much to earn her position, commanding the first Martian mission only to have it ripped away from her. But she doesn't just step aside quietly and relinquish. She knows she is in the right and is determined to get her command back and lead a successful mission. This is very important to her.
She does have a few skeletons in her closet, and she has a hard time stopping the old bones from rattling. Much of what causes her pain is some misconceived ideas she has of an incident that occurred on previous mission.
Her determination and her ability to survive the obstacles in her path are all she has, and she takes full advantage of her resources to thwart the plans set against her.
The author has created a great character in Commander Kate Holman, and I would enjoy reading more about her exploits in future books.
My favorite plot point in Ares was how Commander Kate was able to find ways to deal with her problems so well. She had a lot stacked against her. She had personal problems, family problems, problems with the mission, problems with the crew, and, of course, there was the nearly insane way the antagonist just wouldn't give up. I couldn't imagine balancing everything she faced, but the author did a fine job getting his principal character through it all.
My takeaway from Ares is how it demonstrates perseverance can take one a long way to deal with seemingly impossible situations.
Ares is a great story. I was fascinated and entertained all the way through. The action is pretty well non-stop through the entire book and there are several twists and turns in the plot to hold the reader's attention. The science, for the most part, is plausible, and the spaceflight depicted is also to be admired. There is intrigue involving both space agencies that exist now. I recommend Ares for anyone who enjoys a good, fast-paced sci-fi tale.
October 31, 2024
When I learned that this story was about an ill-fated trip to Mars, I was sold.
This was sci-fi packed with drama and suspense.
There were so many nail biting scenes. The action was written really well.
This story mostly followed the commander Kate, who was surprised to find out as they approached Mars, that she would be relieved of her duties and Julian (our villain of the story) would take over as acting commander of a secret mission that none of the other astronauts on Mars were briefed on.
As the mysterious mission comes to light, weird and dangerous things start happening and our story really blasts off 🚀(pun intended 😉)
I enjoyed reading all about the space aspects of this book. The food, the storms, the oxygen or lack there of, and just the general science of it all. As well as the conspiracies and the good guy vs bad guy throughout. It was a fun read!
This was sci-fi packed with drama and suspense.
There were so many nail biting scenes. The action was written really well.
This story mostly followed the commander Kate, who was surprised to find out as they approached Mars, that she would be relieved of her duties and Julian (our villain of the story) would take over as acting commander of a secret mission that none of the other astronauts on Mars were briefed on.
As the mysterious mission comes to light, weird and dangerous things start happening and our story really blasts off 🚀(pun intended 😉)
I enjoyed reading all about the space aspects of this book. The food, the storms, the oxygen or lack there of, and just the general science of it all. As well as the conspiracies and the good guy vs bad guy throughout. It was a fun read!
December 25, 2025
Bad science does not belong in good SCI-fi
In the author’s note, he asks for a review and 5-star rating. How audacious. Why should I do that? If you want a review, fine, but don’t tell me how to rate your book.
In fact, now that you asked, I have a big problem with it. I really couldn’t get past all the bad science. The very best SCI-Fi weaves real science -or at least science thst is possible - with a good story.
It is a creative and imaginative look into a possible future. But the entertainment value is highly dependent on believably. SCI-Fi fans know their science. No one would ever make a black space suit, for example. And so many others (I won’t list them because they are spoilers).
I rate it one star. The second star is just because he managed to finish the book.
In the author’s note, he asks for a review and 5-star rating. How audacious. Why should I do that? If you want a review, fine, but don’t tell me how to rate your book.
In fact, now that you asked, I have a big problem with it. I really couldn’t get past all the bad science. The very best SCI-Fi weaves real science -or at least science thst is possible - with a good story.
It is a creative and imaginative look into a possible future. But the entertainment value is highly dependent on believably. SCI-Fi fans know their science. No one would ever make a black space suit, for example. And so many others (I won’t list them because they are spoilers).
I rate it one star. The second star is just because he managed to finish the book.
Read
December 19, 2025Ares is a fast paced, high tension science fiction thriller that pulls the reader straight into a vividly realized Mars mission.
What stands out is the realism the scientific detail and procedural authenticity make the danger feel immediate and personal, as if you’re inside the suit alongside the crew. The pacing is relentless, with escalating crises, political intrigue, and moral conflict that keep the pages turning right through the final act.
A strong recommendation for readers who enjoy hard science fiction paired with nonstop action and high stakes.
What stands out is the realism the scientific detail and procedural authenticity make the danger feel immediate and personal, as if you’re inside the suit alongside the crew. The pacing is relentless, with escalating crises, political intrigue, and moral conflict that keep the pages turning right through the final act.
A strong recommendation for readers who enjoy hard science fiction paired with nonstop action and high stakes.
October 29, 2023
Unfortunately, this didn't click with me. It felt rushed, the characterisations felt markedly overblown, and many of the concepts and ideas didn't seem to click together as I would have expected.
Not sure if it's just Adams style of writing, perhaps I'll give his other novel a go. Little details like the misuse of t minus for times, the phrase vaginal cavity, the use of centigrade, and the pathos of the moon backstory all served to bother me more collectively than they should.
Not sure if it's just Adams style of writing, perhaps I'll give his other novel a go. Little details like the misuse of t minus for times, the phrase vaginal cavity, the use of centigrade, and the pathos of the moon backstory all served to bother me more collectively than they should.
January 6, 2024
Better than expected
Only the best books that appeal to me in all areas get five stars. This book captured my attention and roped me deep into the story. The story line is believable and fast paced. I cared about the characters and continually tried to second guess who would live and who would not make it home from Mars. Or from the moon. I recommend this book and will eagerly wait for another by this author.
Only the best books that appeal to me in all areas get five stars. This book captured my attention and roped me deep into the story. The story line is believable and fast paced. I cared about the characters and continually tried to second guess who would live and who would not make it home from Mars. Or from the moon. I recommend this book and will eagerly wait for another by this author.
October 18, 2024
This is the best science fiction story I have read since The Martian by Andy Weir. The story never runs out of gas. The science is good and the characters plausible. There are so many twists and turns that just when you think the story will end, it takes you down another rabbit hole. What a ride! Thoroughly enjoyed this read and will explore other titles by Jayson Adams. I hope he has written a lot of other books.
August 21, 2024
Too many continuity and believability problems
From the standpoint of pacing, it was a page-turner.
Unfortunately, it suffered from continuity issues (in one case the protagonist left the bad guy in location, walked down the hall and found him in another place).
Also, the bad guy escaped too many times to be be believable.
From the standpoint of pacing, it was a page-turner.
Unfortunately, it suffered from continuity issues (in one case the protagonist left the bad guy in location, walked down the hall and found him in another place).
Also, the bad guy escaped too many times to be be believable.
October 19, 2024
absurd
I finally just gave up on this book when I realized there was no Science Fiction, but rather a murder mystery type book.
The very premise of what was going on, as well as the interactions between the occupants of the facility on Mars, borders on unbelievable.
The true reason they went to Mars and kept it a secret is just absurd
I finally just gave up on this book when I realized there was no Science Fiction, but rather a murder mystery type book.
The very premise of what was going on, as well as the interactions between the occupants of the facility on Mars, borders on unbelievable.
The true reason they went to Mars and kept it a secret is just absurd
February 6, 2025
Well I didn’t expect that in this book? I didn’t know what to expect but towards the middle I got a bit bored and saw a few reviews of the book that suggested I should abandon the book?
I didn’t and glad to say if you can just persist a little you will find there is a sensible end worth waiting for. Maybe a little rushed towards the end but I enjoyed it in the end
I didn’t and glad to say if you can just persist a little you will find there is a sensible end worth waiting for. Maybe a little rushed towards the end but I enjoyed it in the end
November 3, 2023
The author must be punking us. The mars habitat sounds like an apartment complex. Each module has a sewage and gas line leading into it. One module had an explosion because of a gas leak!???????
perhaps it was written by an AI.
I could go on. and on and on, but why.
perhaps it was written by an AI.
I could go on. and on and on, but why.
August 20, 2024
good combination of sci fi and mystery
I found this hard to put down and just when I thought I had it figured out a new ripple would add to the story and keep it going. I did enjoy the story and highly recommend it
I found this hard to put down and just when I thought I had it figured out a new ripple would add to the story and keep it going. I did enjoy the story and highly recommend it
February 9, 2025
Great story line
A trip to Mars murder, suspense, and a well earned conclusion.
I was hooked on this book from page one and recommend it to anyone who likes to wrap up a story in one book from time to time.
A trip to Mars murder, suspense, and a well earned conclusion.
I was hooked on this book from page one and recommend it to anyone who likes to wrap up a story in one book from time to time.
February 14, 2025
Ok read
Exciting, sometimes. But, not believable too many times. For being supposedly bright people, sometimes some of the characters couldn’t see the obvious, or do what was clearly a safer more intelligent thing to do.
Exciting, sometimes. But, not believable too many times. For being supposedly bright people, sometimes some of the characters couldn’t see the obvious, or do what was clearly a safer more intelligent thing to do.
May 4, 2025
this was a very pleasant surprise
Unique plot, fast moving, twists and turns all over, very little predictable. Great reading. Enjoy this book. This should be a movie, if the screenwriters do mess with it.
Unique plot, fast moving, twists and turns all over, very little predictable. Great reading. Enjoy this book. This should be a movie, if the screenwriters do mess with it.
June 18, 2025
A Fun and Fast Paced Sci-Fi Novel
Ares is a fun and fast paced sci-fi novel that at times read like a murder mystery. I enjoyed the novel especially when it moved from Mars to the Moon.
Ares is a fun and fast paced sci-fi novel that at times read like a murder mystery. I enjoyed the novel especially when it moved from Mars to the Moon.
July 21, 2025
Great story from a great author
Because the story kept providing plenty of background it was easy to put together. Mars stories have always been a favorite to me and this twist was definitely not disappointing!
Good book!
Because the story kept providing plenty of background it was easy to put together. Mars stories have always been a favorite to me and this twist was definitely not disappointing!
Good book!
September 29, 2025
Interesting but..
I liked the subject and the environment of the story. I worked several years with NASA people. None of them would have acted like the characters in this one however.
I liked the subject and the environment of the story. I worked several years with NASA people. None of them would have acted like the characters in this one however.
December 30, 2023
More Fi than Sci
I was looking forward to reading a SciFi with a look at the Galaxy through WEB like eyes. I guess there is no escape from corruption.
I was looking forward to reading a SciFi with a look at the Galaxy through WEB like eyes. I guess there is no escape from corruption.
February 23, 2024
Great story!
Entertaining, many interesting plot twists. Just when you thought you knew what would happen, the story moved in a different direction. Fast read.
Entertaining, many interesting plot twists. Just when you thought you knew what would happen, the story moved in a different direction. Fast read.
June 6, 2024
space adventure
Great book. I enjoyed the complete story line. Going to the moon was a surprise. I recommend this book highly.
Great book. I enjoyed the complete story line. Going to the moon was a surprise. I recommend this book highly.
August 15, 2024
A believable story
Great story and even though we haven't got to Mars the story was quite believable . No Aliens or warp drive . Really enjoyed the story
Great story and even though we haven't got to Mars the story was quite believable . No Aliens or warp drive . Really enjoyed the story
September 12, 2024
Reviewed first for Reedsy as an ARC here:
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/are...
Commander Kate Holman leads the first human expedition to the Red Planet, only to have her command snatched from her grasp as they are about to land. Mandated by NASA, the switch puts black-hearted security officer Julian Grimes as the new Commander from their arrival, in charge of a 'classified' mission.
Things are tenuous and tense, as Kate tries to maintain safety and correct protocol despite Julian's cavalier and bloody-minded focus on the mysterious mission. Then things unravel quickly, with one astronaut meeting a tragic end followed by multiple habitat systems' failure.
Kate Holman and her crew don't get a break with the relentless onslaught of challenges, subterfuge, and a conspiracy that goes right to the top of various agencies. The story takes us from Mars, through space, to the Moon, and back to Earth, all with fabulous world-building.
What I loved about this book: realistic scientific detail that bring the reader right up to the action, almost as if wearing a spacesuit, fighting right alongside Kate and her crew. I really felt like I had a genuine Mars experience!
The writing is crisp, well-edited, with no extraneous details or laboured description.
The pacing is terrific, the action non-stop, and it's one hurdle after another, right to the very last few pages.
What detracted? Plausibility. Though the descriptions were fabulous, I struggled with a few elements: a cigar-smoking boss (a bit cliché and felt weird to have a NASA director so obstructive and uncaring towards Kate's predicament), a bona fide sociopath on a two year plus mission to Mars (even if he was a covert operative), and the reductive theme of 'greed' as the reason for all the deaths and conspiracy. I felt all the relationships could have been more nuanced, and the bad guys could have had a bit more depth to add layers to the intrigue.
Still, I kept the pages turning, riveted by the story, and couldn't put it down until it was done. Ares was hugely enjoyable!
This is a great read for lovers of hard science-fiction and fast-paced action.
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/are...
Commander Kate Holman leads the first human expedition to the Red Planet, only to have her command snatched from her grasp as they are about to land. Mandated by NASA, the switch puts black-hearted security officer Julian Grimes as the new Commander from their arrival, in charge of a 'classified' mission.
Things are tenuous and tense, as Kate tries to maintain safety and correct protocol despite Julian's cavalier and bloody-minded focus on the mysterious mission. Then things unravel quickly, with one astronaut meeting a tragic end followed by multiple habitat systems' failure.
Kate Holman and her crew don't get a break with the relentless onslaught of challenges, subterfuge, and a conspiracy that goes right to the top of various agencies. The story takes us from Mars, through space, to the Moon, and back to Earth, all with fabulous world-building.
What I loved about this book: realistic scientific detail that bring the reader right up to the action, almost as if wearing a spacesuit, fighting right alongside Kate and her crew. I really felt like I had a genuine Mars experience!
The writing is crisp, well-edited, with no extraneous details or laboured description.
The pacing is terrific, the action non-stop, and it's one hurdle after another, right to the very last few pages.
What detracted? Plausibility. Though the descriptions were fabulous, I struggled with a few elements: a cigar-smoking boss (a bit cliché and felt weird to have a NASA director so obstructive and uncaring towards Kate's predicament), a bona fide sociopath on a two year plus mission to Mars (even if he was a covert operative), and the reductive theme of 'greed' as the reason for all the deaths and conspiracy. I felt all the relationships could have been more nuanced, and the bad guys could have had a bit more depth to add layers to the intrigue.
Still, I kept the pages turning, riveted by the story, and couldn't put it down until it was done. Ares was hugely enjoyable!
This is a great read for lovers of hard science-fiction and fast-paced action.
May 14, 2024
Fast action
I really enjoyed this book. High tech and fast action. It has a very sinister plot and I was surprised at several points. A good read and I will look for more of Jayson Adam’s work.
I really enjoyed this book. High tech and fast action. It has a very sinister plot and I was surprised at several points. A good read and I will look for more of Jayson Adam’s work.
May 31, 2025
A fun, rollicking, imaginative space thriller marred by its telegraphed goony antagonist. No drama, no discovery, no intrigue there. An easy miss that dinged the entire romp.
October 11, 2024
Not great
Interesting but shallow. Space soap opera. Stereotypical characters and plot like a made for TV movie. I wouldn’t recommend. Done
Interesting but shallow. Space soap opera. Stereotypical characters and plot like a made for TV movie. I wouldn’t recommend. Done
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