Robot War

Mars Diaries #8

by Sigmund Brouwer

Set in 2040, the Mars Diaries feature 14-year-old Tyce Sanders, the only child ever born on Mars. He lives under a dome on the red planet with 200 scientists and techies, including his mother, Kristy Sanders, a biologist and a believer. Tyce is confined to a wheelchair, but virtual reality and robotics allow him to experience life beyond his physical boundaries. Kids ages 10-14 will love the cool, high-tech gadgets, space travel, and great plot twists in this exciting series.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Middle Grade, Religion, Childrens, Action

144 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

About the author

Sigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many surprises! And these villains... man are they evil! Really liking the last chapters of these books where he addresses stuff like, is it right to manipulate life and do aliens exist?

A full review of the series will be posted once I finish reading it.

[Chance Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't deny it any more. This series earned a five star rating.

Cover
Love the cover. Looks great and cohesive with the others in the series.

Interior
What the! This series has gotten incredibly cleaver. It's also the first book in the series that actually made me laugh. Everything is just feels right. Tyce and Ashley's friendship even feels strong and believable. Our our main villains, Stronsty is incredibly intimidating and a believable terrorist. I have to say Dr. Jordan even still took a step back in intimidation since #6 Moon Racer. But his cunning wit in this book is unbelievable. Between the brainwashing, manipulation, obvious backup plans for the next books, and threats are brilliant.
Considering the first book's plot was foiled by a juggling robot It's amazing how far it's gone in eight books. I do LOVE how the end is literally resolved with a reference in book two. Brilliant tie in by learning from the prior books!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big improvement this book. This tackles a few heavy things like child soldiers and a future with Eugenics. As always the whole God angle always comes across as forced. Also speaking as a male with a disability since birth, this book went overboard with Ty referring to himself as crippled. I get he is a teenager in a life or death situation, but his self pitty party statements really got to me after the 3rd time.

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Robot War, the plot thickens... the climax to the series is getting closer, and you can feel it in the way the story keeps moving.
There are a few elements that struck me as cheesy or unrealistic, but overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the penultimate book!
(I love using the word "penultimate". 😝)

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting (and somewhat creepy) twist in the robot technology of Mars Diaries. Some CIA-like counterintelligence and unethical politics (wow, what a surprise) confront Tyce and Ashley.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good on first read through, and at the intended reading age, and from the intended worldview. Decently interesting characters. Trying very hard to be hard scifi, which I could stand to see more of. Extremely preachy, and relies more than a bit on the element of surprise to stay interesting, without enough subtlety or foreshadowing to give depth to re-reads. Repeat review ad infinitum for the rest of the series.
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I think this was about where the setting took a quick turn for the creepy. Villains' methods are memorably messed up.

[Denae Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the weaker ones of the series. It has a typo (or plot hole?) toward the end that bugs me.

[Ayesha Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

tyce is pretty smart

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F BRO md bk. 8

Science Fiction

[Varinderpal]

Awesome ideology!!!