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Mars Diaries #7

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, Young Adult, 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

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this episode of the Diaries. These “diaries” are much like the old magazine series which built on each other, so it might be important to have read some of the previous episodes to fully enjoy.

[Chance Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good. Maybe even better than Sole Survivor. Let's get into it.

Interior
I can't help but call back to Sole Survivor with the high octane speed. What feels brilliant is that where this book doesn't keep the constant adrenaline it does stress the importance of what they are doing. Meaning even when it takes a breather it is doesn't forget the importance of what is coming.
I don't think I can really find something to criticize in this book. I want to emphasize they didn't even over explain the bots! The risk feels high going through this book out of all the books this one is probably the first time the next book is vital. The end leaves you hanging pretty intensely. I like how their ability to use the bots doesn't even feel like a gimmick. I love the parallel between Ashley in a bunker on earth parallels to Tyce in space. Also it's pretty cool how they are sort of introducing elements from prior books. Looking back to prior books, the mystery in the Moonracer is yet to be revealed and most of the mystery in this book is being held over for the next one.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

36m. I know this is a series targeted at children. I have made it this far, but boy the series is starting to loose me. Trope after trope of bad sci-fi action movies. Adults are dumb for the most part, and the kids always save the day. This one did slightly better with the random, god is great, moments since they are seeing earth for the first time. Hope it picks up again as i know there are a few more in the series.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

AGH sweet mother of plot twists and father of cliffhangers!!!! If you're planning on getting this book, be sure to buy the one after it. The cliffhanger will drive you nuts.

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

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like the first half of a 2-part story. I enjoyed it just fine, but it didn't wrap up much, so I'm looking forward to the next book.
As a side note, it's amusing to read what someone imagined the year 2040 could be like back in 2001.

[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.

[Denae Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the scenes where Tyce suddenly gets to see/feel/experience Earth (and food!) for the first time. He's so in awe of God's creation.

[jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book in the series! I only wish that i could see Earth for the first time and see all of God's marvels!

[Ayesha Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

cool science fiction

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F BRO md bk. 7

Science Fiction

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got to be to preachy for me and I just stopped.