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Mars Journey: Call to Action #1
Mars Journey: Call to Action Book 1
3.5Gs of crushing pressure exerted itself on the bodies and organs of the two astronauts geared up in their orange flight suits locked into takeoff position inside the compact Wyvern spacecraft atop the rapidly ascending rocket. These two veterans of space-flight were used to these conditions. What they were not used to was the dangerous rescue mission they were embarking on—one that had never been attempted before…
Mars Journey: Call to Action Book 1 is the first book in bestselling author Bill Hargenrader's epic science fiction action and adventure thriller series set in the near future:
Brent Carlson, a brilliant but disgraced former astronaut, embarks on a modern day quest to gather and train the crew of the first international mission to Mars. Meanwhile, the power hungry billionaire CEO of a massive global technology conglomerate has launched a bid to reach Mars first and claim the red planet as corporate property.
The Mars Journey series delves into the science, technology, drive, and determination of the human spirit to come together to overcome our greatest challenges, explore space, and become the first martians to colonize the Red Planet.
Mars Journey: Call to Action Book 1 is the first book in bestselling author Bill Hargenrader's epic science fiction action and adventure thriller series set in the near future:
Brent Carlson, a brilliant but disgraced former astronaut, embarks on a modern day quest to gather and train the crew of the first international mission to Mars. Meanwhile, the power hungry billionaire CEO of a massive global technology conglomerate has launched a bid to reach Mars first and claim the red planet as corporate property.
The Mars Journey series delves into the science, technology, drive, and determination of the human spirit to come together to overcome our greatest challenges, explore space, and become the first martians to colonize the Red Planet.
- GenresScience FictionThriller
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
162 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 23, 2023
Call to Action is the first book in the Mars Journey series. It should not be read as a stand-alone novella because it sets up future novellas in a sometimes slow and other times staccato-like pace. The beginning is immediately engaging. There is a space rescue that creates very positive expectations. Somewhere in the middle it becomes a little less engaging when the main protagonist loses his way, descending into self-pity and self-destruction.
Rife with conspiracy and a global space race that is on-again, off-again engaging, the story could have benefited with some editorial input. A middle of the road story that left me wanting more, but not in a good way which means there really is not enough here for a complete story. It's bothersome to me that a writer will create something, expect a reader to engage, and follow along, but then leave you in the middle of a story without a payoff. Ugh! Frustrating AF!
Rife with conspiracy and a global space race that is on-again, off-again engaging, the story could have benefited with some editorial input. A middle of the road story that left me wanting more, but not in a good way which means there really is not enough here for a complete story. It's bothersome to me that a writer will create something, expect a reader to engage, and follow along, but then leave you in the middle of a story without a payoff. Ugh! Frustrating AF!
August 14, 2018
An experienced astronaut and a variety of contenders to be first to Mars fill this action novella. With love and spaceflight often at odds - would you want your kids only to see Dad on a screen for four years? - and big money and the survival of the human species at stake, the odds are, someone's going to hurt, in more ways than one.
While we do get a spaceflight early in the tale, an orbital rescue mission, the main exploits occur in America where a conspiracy theory has left the astronaut washed up, in China where martial arts are being trialled as strengthening exercises for potential taikonauts, and among the stereotypical vodka swilling Russian cosmonauts.
I expect the tale will do well when it really gets off the ground and I like that we do not end on a cliffhanger. SF fans will like this one especially if they have read Red Mars and The Martian Race.
This is an unbiased review.
While we do get a spaceflight early in the tale, an orbital rescue mission, the main exploits occur in America where a conspiracy theory has left the astronaut washed up, in China where martial arts are being trialled as strengthening exercises for potential taikonauts, and among the stereotypical vodka swilling Russian cosmonauts.
I expect the tale will do well when it really gets off the ground and I like that we do not end on a cliffhanger. SF fans will like this one especially if they have read Red Mars and The Martian Race.
This is an unbiased review.
August 16, 2018
This story is so exciting that I started it and finished in one sitting. It is a short story but contained everything any story needs to make it a page turner.
The characters really bring this tale to life.
It has action, science, tragedy, hope, good and evil, it simply has it all.
No spoilers. Let me just say that it’s an awesome beginning to a great story series. With that being said, I’m now starting book 2 with book 3 to follow.
This is a realistic look at how the world could and should cooperate in order to expand our horizons into space, starting with Mars.
But with any good fiction comes intrigue and doubt.
Who will win? Mankind’s effort to make space travel happen or will it be derailed by sinister efforts?
Find out for yourself! I am.
The characters really bring this tale to life.
It has action, science, tragedy, hope, good and evil, it simply has it all.
No spoilers. Let me just say that it’s an awesome beginning to a great story series. With that being said, I’m now starting book 2 with book 3 to follow.
This is a realistic look at how the world could and should cooperate in order to expand our horizons into space, starting with Mars.
But with any good fiction comes intrigue and doubt.
Who will win? Mankind’s effort to make space travel happen or will it be derailed by sinister efforts?
Find out for yourself! I am.
January 30, 2018
Mars Journey Book 1
This was sent to me from the author and I'm giving my honest review on this one and I'm just going to say that this was a great book and I'm looking forward into reading the next book in this series. Mars is just a step away if you want to take the journeys along with those that did before me and you. This journey is going to be a wild one and hope you enjoy it
This was sent to me from the author and I'm giving my honest review on this one and I'm just going to say that this was a great book and I'm looking forward into reading the next book in this series. Mars is just a step away if you want to take the journeys along with those that did before me and you. This journey is going to be a wild one and hope you enjoy it
October 21, 2015
An absolutely excellent book about about the journey to Mars, which of course begins on Earth. We are introduced to characters that are smart and dedicated and not afraid to dream, but must overcome obstacles including government agencies and shadowy characters. This book is an insanely quick read as there is no fat in at all. You will be ordering the next book when you reach the end of this one.
March 21, 2019
Cute short story but...
This is my honest-to-the-bone review in response to my receiving this ebook for review – if I choose to do so.
Like my headline says, it's cute. Unfortunately, this isn't a great rating for a sci-fi ebook. This story would had been better if it was a graphic novel, a thought that persisted in my head as I read this tale. I probably would have thought a full-color graphic novel would be of better value had I was required to pay for it. (Read one particular one-star review for this book on Amazon.) I would have given it a four- or five-star review had the artwork been as good as some of this author's free conceptual works regarding this subject.
I do love great sci-fi literature. I was fortunate to have met many of the superb pioneers of sci-fi books when I was in college. (My professor in the English department knew them all and provided me and my husband a great opportunity have discussed their works as well as other subjects.) Overall, this book reminded me of these incredible encounters... and wondering how much better this book would had been had it either been seriously fleshed out or, better yet, combined with its subsequent "novellas". (Face it – this is either a very short novella or an extra-long short story.) Either way, I felt that my time could had been better served had the writer chose either option. Reading some of the readership's complaints on having spent $20 for the entire series... Seriously?? No wonder they were upset. I would have been, too.
Guy, I used to be an indie publisher. I saw some great opportunities that should had been explored more thoroughly, but they weren't. I appreciate this e-short story as a freebie, but I wouldn't have paid for it, not in this version. It deserved a more mature writing style, better exposition, more in-depth character development. (I know the direction you were going, but I wasn't all that sympathetic to your character. He needed to be far more fleshed out. It's a difficult thing to do, but it's necessary.)
Bill Hargenrader had a great desire to launch this story beyond Earth's gravitational pull toward Mars, but there are better ways to write what should be a novel or a fabulous graphic novel. (I think this would had been the better choice only if he had artists to participate in this project.) All I can say is that he needs to consider what the readership expects, and according to a very interesting and well-designed survey I participated in, the readership wants to see novels, not novellas or a novel chopped up into a series. We don't have the cash we used to have, therefore we're more cautious on book spending. Nothing pisses me off than me paying way too much the story was worth or if I was cheated by a bait-and-switch. (And considering the page count – 113 according to my Kindle app – there were a lot of almost blank pages. it felt far shorter than 113...)
This is my honest-to-the-bone review in response to my receiving this ebook for review – if I choose to do so.
Like my headline says, it's cute. Unfortunately, this isn't a great rating for a sci-fi ebook. This story would had been better if it was a graphic novel, a thought that persisted in my head as I read this tale. I probably would have thought a full-color graphic novel would be of better value had I was required to pay for it. (Read one particular one-star review for this book on Amazon.) I would have given it a four- or five-star review had the artwork been as good as some of this author's free conceptual works regarding this subject.
I do love great sci-fi literature. I was fortunate to have met many of the superb pioneers of sci-fi books when I was in college. (My professor in the English department knew them all and provided me and my husband a great opportunity have discussed their works as well as other subjects.) Overall, this book reminded me of these incredible encounters... and wondering how much better this book would had been had it either been seriously fleshed out or, better yet, combined with its subsequent "novellas". (Face it – this is either a very short novella or an extra-long short story.) Either way, I felt that my time could had been better served had the writer chose either option. Reading some of the readership's complaints on having spent $20 for the entire series... Seriously?? No wonder they were upset. I would have been, too.
Guy, I used to be an indie publisher. I saw some great opportunities that should had been explored more thoroughly, but they weren't. I appreciate this e-short story as a freebie, but I wouldn't have paid for it, not in this version. It deserved a more mature writing style, better exposition, more in-depth character development. (I know the direction you were going, but I wasn't all that sympathetic to your character. He needed to be far more fleshed out. It's a difficult thing to do, but it's necessary.)
Bill Hargenrader had a great desire to launch this story beyond Earth's gravitational pull toward Mars, but there are better ways to write what should be a novel or a fabulous graphic novel. (I think this would had been the better choice only if he had artists to participate in this project.) All I can say is that he needs to consider what the readership expects, and according to a very interesting and well-designed survey I participated in, the readership wants to see novels, not novellas or a novel chopped up into a series. We don't have the cash we used to have, therefore we're more cautious on book spending. Nothing pisses me off than me paying way too much the story was worth or if I was cheated by a bait-and-switch. (And considering the page count – 113 according to my Kindle app – there were a lot of almost blank pages. it felt far shorter than 113...)
July 19, 2017
This book is a 3-alarm dumpster fire. A book about the first manned mission to Mars should not be full of crazy people and improbable situations.
Brent Carlson is a hot shot NASA astronaut who at the start of the novella is rescuing a crew of scientists from a space station. Later, we see him butting into his wife's speech at the UN (?!?!?) about the need for international cooperation on a mission to Mars. Later - outside of the book's narrative - Shayla Carlson dies in a traffic accident. Brent blames the military-industrial complex head Herr Business for her death, becomes an alcoholic, and is generally wasting his life away until his former boss invites him on a recruiting trip for the Mars mission.
While making stops in Paris, Beijing and Moscow, he finds out that he has a reputation as a drunkard and no one likes him except old friends. His reputation disgusts a Chinese astronaut so much it causes him to screw up his martial arts workout class. Later, Carlson finds out he won't be getting a ride on that bird to Mars. It shouldn't be a shock; why would anyone put a drunken, depressed, conspiracy-spewing nutjob on a rocket? Despondent, Brent decides he's going to join his wife in death when he sees something outside.
And then came the ninjas. Seriously.
After getting jumped by two guys - and not being able to prove his story to the cops - he instantly decides to sell everything and move to Australia because someone wants him to win a seat on that trip to Mars. Yes, there's a reality show Mars One plot line in this book. And yes, Mr. Coo-coo Pants is going to spend part of the next part of this story trying to show he's NOT crazy and able to be a part of an historic mission. You can make book on it.
This novella is an assault on the good sense of any discerning sci-fi reader. It is rife with conspiracy tropes, implausible situations, and an optimism about humanity that would make Gene Roddenberry blush with embarrassment. The book is written in short sentences on the presumed assumption that no one can read complex sentences. The author should have submitted this manuscript to someone with some actual writing experience before publishing this.
BOTTOM LINE: Avoid this ride to Mars; hitchhike instead.
Brent Carlson is a hot shot NASA astronaut who at the start of the novella is rescuing a crew of scientists from a space station. Later, we see him butting into his wife's speech at the UN (?!?!?) about the need for international cooperation on a mission to Mars. Later - outside of the book's narrative - Shayla Carlson dies in a traffic accident. Brent blames the military-industrial complex head Herr Business for her death, becomes an alcoholic, and is generally wasting his life away until his former boss invites him on a recruiting trip for the Mars mission.
While making stops in Paris, Beijing and Moscow, he finds out that he has a reputation as a drunkard and no one likes him except old friends. His reputation disgusts a Chinese astronaut so much it causes him to screw up his martial arts workout class. Later, Carlson finds out he won't be getting a ride on that bird to Mars. It shouldn't be a shock; why would anyone put a drunken, depressed, conspiracy-spewing nutjob on a rocket? Despondent, Brent decides he's going to join his wife in death when he sees something outside.
And then came the ninjas. Seriously.
After getting jumped by two guys - and not being able to prove his story to the cops - he instantly decides to sell everything and move to Australia because someone wants him to win a seat on that trip to Mars. Yes, there's a reality show Mars One plot line in this book. And yes, Mr. Coo-coo Pants is going to spend part of the next part of this story trying to show he's NOT crazy and able to be a part of an historic mission. You can make book on it.
This novella is an assault on the good sense of any discerning sci-fi reader. It is rife with conspiracy tropes, implausible situations, and an optimism about humanity that would make Gene Roddenberry blush with embarrassment. The book is written in short sentences on the presumed assumption that no one can read complex sentences. The author should have submitted this manuscript to someone with some actual writing experience before publishing this.
BOTTOM LINE: Avoid this ride to Mars; hitchhike instead.
February 14, 2018
One of the most simultaneously thought-provoking and enjoyable reads I have had in a long time. Well worth the time to read!
This books checks all my favorite boxes. It literally checks all of them. It has a riveting story. It has great characters and character-building. It has action. It has substance. It has science. It has a mystery that is begging to be solved. It held my attention so well that I read it while watching figure skating during the Olympics, which is another great love of mine since childhood. Only a new Anne McCaffrey or Andre Norton would previously have been able to rate such an honor, and neither of those are now possible. Bill Hargenrader has just joined my super-elite sci-fi author group that has previously been occupied by folks who have passed on to their great reward for being excellent! This book made me want to go out and learn things that I don't already know, just like Asimov, Clarke, the aforementioned ladies and only a couple of others have made me wish to do in my life and makes me glad I am still getting my Analog subscription every month! Let it suffice to also say that I have made my first highlights in a book on my Kindle in this book as well, giving it another historical marker in my reading life. I can't wait to read parts two and three, as this first part of the trilogy has set up the planet Earth's reach for interplanetary travel in a grand yet totally believable style that agrees with my view that there is only one race on this planet- the human race. Any physical, religious or cultural differences that might occur due to having been born in or having heritage from a certain region of the planet are a non-issue when it comes to making sure our planet is a safe and productive home for us all. I'm my most humble opinion, this is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of going to the stars!
This books checks all my favorite boxes. It literally checks all of them. It has a riveting story. It has great characters and character-building. It has action. It has substance. It has science. It has a mystery that is begging to be solved. It held my attention so well that I read it while watching figure skating during the Olympics, which is another great love of mine since childhood. Only a new Anne McCaffrey or Andre Norton would previously have been able to rate such an honor, and neither of those are now possible. Bill Hargenrader has just joined my super-elite sci-fi author group that has previously been occupied by folks who have passed on to their great reward for being excellent! This book made me want to go out and learn things that I don't already know, just like Asimov, Clarke, the aforementioned ladies and only a couple of others have made me wish to do in my life and makes me glad I am still getting my Analog subscription every month! Let it suffice to also say that I have made my first highlights in a book on my Kindle in this book as well, giving it another historical marker in my reading life. I can't wait to read parts two and three, as this first part of the trilogy has set up the planet Earth's reach for interplanetary travel in a grand yet totally believable style that agrees with my view that there is only one race on this planet- the human race. Any physical, religious or cultural differences that might occur due to having been born in or having heritage from a certain region of the planet are a non-issue when it comes to making sure our planet is a safe and productive home for us all. I'm my most humble opinion, this is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of going to the stars!
Read
June 24, 2019Bill Hargenrader’s Mars Journey: A Call to Action, is a fast paced short story with multiple threads that continue to weave in and out of plots lines. The story tells of the resolve of Earth’s governments to send a mission to Mars. Time is short for the launch window and the steadiness of the resolve. Players from multiple sides, not fully trusting one another and a dark entity that is opposed are rushing to make it happen….or not. Brent Carlson, a semi-retired astronaut of considerable world wide fame is intricately tied to the story, but as the novella ends, not part of the official party headed to Mars. The reader is left wondering how the airline ticket in the blue envelope will get him to Mars. I read through the story and hit a cliff hanger of sorts—was reading to see what his former boss’ phone was about. Urgent it was and from someone important enough to break his resolve to leave the office for lunch.
Well written and engaging, I am looking forward to reading the second book.
Well written and engaging, I am looking forward to reading the second book.
May 30, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, want to say these books are more serials or novelettes because the numbers after each book indicate that 1 is 133 pages 2 is 154 with 3 being 102 {and how 154 + 102 = 256 equal out to 185 for the 2 book set is way confusing}.I would think, since it is on ku, that that is somewhat negated, but kindle for pc and kindle cloud get 'techy' when pulling up multiple books one after another and with these books each being that short.... Also, even with serials I have seen a subtitle of some sort to differentiate the different sections/books, so that could be confusing.
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Book 1: {133}
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Book 2 {154}
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Book 3 {102}
2 Book Bundle
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Books 2 and 3 {185}
this star rating is based on a 3 on amazon, regardless of the different star meanings between the 2
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Book 1: {133}
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Book 2 {154}
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Book 3 {102}
2 Book Bundle
Mars Journey: Call to Action: Books 2 and 3 {185}
this star rating is based on a 3 on amazon, regardless of the different star meanings between the 2
September 10, 2017
The quest for Mars has begun, bringing with it competitiveness, intrigue, and murder. Bill Hargenrader's view of the future takes us on a thrilling journey through space and beyond as several countries unite on a mission to Mars.
The book is very well-written, although not without minor imperfections. One thing I would've liked was to read more about certain missing events. There are huge gaps in between years. In spite of these circumstances being explained by the author, I still feel that they would've added more substance and excitement to the story.
Kudos to the Mars Journey Concept Art and Inspiration Guide which is a PDF document from the author. The guide allows us to envision the type of spacecrafts employed in the adventure. There are also artistic views of the red planet.
I received a free copy of Mars Journey: Call to Action Book 1 and voluntarily reviewed it.
The book is very well-written, although not without minor imperfections. One thing I would've liked was to read more about certain missing events. There are huge gaps in between years. In spite of these circumstances being explained by the author, I still feel that they would've added more substance and excitement to the story.
Kudos to the Mars Journey Concept Art and Inspiration Guide which is a PDF document from the author. The guide allows us to envision the type of spacecrafts employed in the adventure. There are also artistic views of the red planet.
I received a free copy of Mars Journey: Call to Action Book 1 and voluntarily reviewed it.
February 15, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Oh, my! What a story, what characters, what a world. Hargenrader has done a magnificent job. I loved this book, especially knowing it was a prelude to more. He sets the stage with a book that could stand alone on its own merits. The characters are whole, alive, and I’m glad I got to know them.
One of the main characters is Brent Carlson. He is the epitome of the heroic astronaut, rugged, disciplined, independent and always ready. He rescued a group of astronauts from certain death by using his immense intelligence, intuition and experience to save as many as possible when the station they were on exploded.
He is now being called upon to get man to Mars, and that is just what he is going to do! I look forward to reading the promises from book one in book two.
Oh, my! What a story, what characters, what a world. Hargenrader has done a magnificent job. I loved this book, especially knowing it was a prelude to more. He sets the stage with a book that could stand alone on its own merits. The characters are whole, alive, and I’m glad I got to know them.
One of the main characters is Brent Carlson. He is the epitome of the heroic astronaut, rugged, disciplined, independent and always ready. He rescued a group of astronauts from certain death by using his immense intelligence, intuition and experience to save as many as possible when the station they were on exploded.
He is now being called upon to get man to Mars, and that is just what he is going to do! I look forward to reading the promises from book one in book two.
July 26, 2017
Was given a free copy, as I believe all the copies of this book are. It is an introduction to a series of books ( I would call them short stories individually). There are people who will complain about buying three 'books' (actually eBooks) but in the end, right a review and get book 2. Only one you are paying for is book number 3.
Characters to me were believable. We are set down in the middle of a disaster in the making, and we are forwarded to the point where plans are being put into motion for a Mars mission. While set in what could be considered current time, it has to be some short time into the future.
Enjoyed the book and recommend it to all. Good solid writing. Looking forward to book number 2.
Characters to me were believable. We are set down in the middle of a disaster in the making, and we are forwarded to the point where plans are being put into motion for a Mars mission. While set in what could be considered current time, it has to be some short time into the future.
Enjoyed the book and recommend it to all. Good solid writing. Looking forward to book number 2.
October 15, 2019
This was a pretty good read lots of background information on the main character. I would sorta call this a prequel.
This book is pretty short a novella if you will. It starts off like gang busters but then slowed to a crawl. The first half was incredible full of action and suspense. The second half highlights how far our hero has fallen. And gives a lot of background into the series. All in all it was enjoyable I just wish MN the pace stayed like the first half.... But alas it's book one of the series. So I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes us.
Very well developed main character. We will see.about the rest.
I was given a copy of of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is pretty short a novella if you will. It starts off like gang busters but then slowed to a crawl. The first half was incredible full of action and suspense. The second half highlights how far our hero has fallen. And gives a lot of background into the series. All in all it was enjoyable I just wish MN the pace stayed like the first half.... But alas it's book one of the series. So I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes us.
Very well developed main character. We will see.about the rest.
I was given a copy of of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2017
This is the first book in the Mars Journey: Call To Action series. This book should not be read as a standalone, as it ends in a cliffhanger for the next book. There is some violence.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. This was the first book by this author that I have read so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was an interesting story on the next race to space, specifically to Mars. Don't expect much action and the story is fairly slow paced. While this book is average, it is necessary to set the stage for the rest of the series. This is definitely a series that I want to continue reading to see what happens next.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. This was the first book by this author that I have read so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was an interesting story on the next race to space, specifically to Mars. Don't expect much action and the story is fairly slow paced. While this book is average, it is necessary to set the stage for the rest of the series. This is definitely a series that I want to continue reading to see what happens next.
December 6, 2017
NICE!!!
Really quite a thriller, so far at least. Really looking forward to getting into the hard-core details of the mission plan. I remember when I was a kid, around '50-51, my dad joined a SF book/month club, & while healing from a broken arm that summer, I started sneaking his SF books to read ( this is when I got addicted 😖) & one of his books was about how we could get into space using available technologies ... think the writer was named Willie Laye or something like that....made enough sense I couldn't understand why we weren't doing it. Hard to believe it took us more than another decade. So sad😖.
Really quite a thriller, so far at least. Really looking forward to getting into the hard-core details of the mission plan. I remember when I was a kid, around '50-51, my dad joined a SF book/month club, & while healing from a broken arm that summer, I started sneaking his SF books to read ( this is when I got addicted 😖) & one of his books was about how we could get into space using available technologies ... think the writer was named Willie Laye or something like that....made enough sense I couldn't understand why we weren't doing it. Hard to believe it took us more than another decade. So sad😖.
September 24, 2019
An Intricate Storyline with Conspiracy and the Date of the World in an Ad Astra Tale
A short story that's not short. 21 chapters covering years between chapters in eight tales. A novella but one you need to purchase right times just to read it. It's like a story in a magazine that ends with time in to the next issue next month for part two. Still, I am intrigued and interested in the story line. Time will tell if I am motivated to keep buying into the story to actually but it. So far, I'm in. Part sci fi part drama on a world stage, the Mars Journey Is all about the journey this far.
A short story that's not short. 21 chapters covering years between chapters in eight tales. A novella but one you need to purchase right times just to read it. It's like a story in a magazine that ends with time in to the next issue next month for part two. Still, I am intrigued and interested in the story line. Time will tell if I am motivated to keep buying into the story to actually but it. So far, I'm in. Part sci fi part drama on a world stage, the Mars Journey Is all about the journey this far.
July 4, 2017
The author sets up the story in book 1, starting 7 yrs.ago. Brent Carlson is commander of the mission to rescue the crew of the Pisces space station which is falling out of orbit. The story forwards a year to when he & his wife go before the United Nations to talk about an expedition to Mars. Forward 3 yrs & Brent in in mourning for his wife who was killed in a car accident. His life is over he thinks & all that's left is to end it officially. Will the program ever get going ? Will the group make it to Mars ?
July 31, 2017
"What happens when you put a chimpanzee in a zoo"
"It gets depressed and bored".
First: I loved this book, very smart, great action, interesting characters. And well written.
Second: I learned some things. About myself, about humanity, and about the state of this world. We are our own zoo keepers, and we are stifling the life and light from ourselves. We are locking ourselves up, and out of the natural flow of life. The natural flow of life is upward and forward!
The next book in this series has a hard act to follow!
"It gets depressed and bored".
First: I loved this book, very smart, great action, interesting characters. And well written.
Second: I learned some things. About myself, about humanity, and about the state of this world. We are our own zoo keepers, and we are stifling the life and light from ourselves. We are locking ourselves up, and out of the natural flow of life. The natural flow of life is upward and forward!
The next book in this series has a hard act to follow!
November 11, 2017
I received a free no strings attached copy of this book, and really enjoyed it! A quick read but be aware it's not stand-alone, at the end there is no conclusion. I definitely want to continue reading the series. There was little bit of everything in it, science, philosophy, murder mystery, political thriller.....and I found it mostly plausible....the science and logistics involved in space exploration really hooked me, and the authors description of an astronauts experience of space flight seemed very authentic.
November 26, 2017
Great set up for a story
I don't have a science background, but this was a very realistic story for the most part, by which I mean very believable. Excellent character depiction and motivations. His world is one that we know and live in. Kind of like wish fulfillment of all the space agencies around the world ( except their nation would have the lead roll) . An interesting and entertaining take on the first manned voyage to Mars and what it might take to put it together.
There was nothing I disliked except the length - I definition wanted more!
I don't have a science background, but this was a very realistic story for the most part, by which I mean very believable. Excellent character depiction and motivations. His world is one that we know and live in. Kind of like wish fulfillment of all the space agencies around the world ( except their nation would have the lead roll) . An interesting and entertaining take on the first manned voyage to Mars and what it might take to put it together.
There was nothing I disliked except the length - I definition wanted more!
May 15, 2017
What a start to this series. It actually feels like the author has had this experience personally. Excellently put together, the characters are full and believable, and, boy, you will be pulled along on the very same journey. You'll only put this down when you absolutely have to.
Very enjoyable and containing the side effect of being interesting too, which is unusual. Now for Book Two!
I was given a free ecopy of this book which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
Very enjoyable and containing the side effect of being interesting too, which is unusual. Now for Book Two!
I was given a free ecopy of this book which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
July 12, 2017
Hmmmm
Not sure about this book. I don't understand to which age group this book is supposed to appeal . I felt like the author was treating me as a middle school student. I was expecting more after the rave reviews. I did not realize it was a book designed to develop the main character so that the actual plot could be revealed in the next books. Too bad I will not be reading the next books because of the simplicity of this one.
Not sure about this book. I don't understand to which age group this book is supposed to appeal . I felt like the author was treating me as a middle school student. I was expecting more after the rave reviews. I did not realize it was a book designed to develop the main character so that the actual plot could be revealed in the next books. Too bad I will not be reading the next books because of the simplicity of this one.
November 14, 2017
This journey is enlightening
I am surprised by just how intriguing I found the story this far. The writing is good, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, always proper and pertinent to subject. But best of all, the storyline and back- ground, the characters, and the twists. and turns of the plot come together to. intrigue you, you are spellbound. This author could make you wish for more, and sets your imagination on fire.
I am surprised by just how intriguing I found the story this far. The writing is good, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, always proper and pertinent to subject. But best of all, the storyline and back- ground, the characters, and the twists. and turns of the plot come together to. intrigue you, you are spellbound. This author could make you wish for more, and sets your imagination on fire.
February 11, 2018
This was an excellent book, well written and with a story line that keeps the reader intrigued and eager to read more. The characters are well presented, with the hero having to prove himself to the reader from what we know of him starting out. Lots going on, and a good reason to stick with this book as the race for Mars plays out.
I’m looking forward to the next book eagerly! Definitely a series I recommend!
I’m looking forward to the next book eagerly! Definitely a series I recommend!
May 14, 2018
I liked it. It was a short book, so I wasn't expecting to get drawn into it so quickly. Now I am buying books 2 and 3!
We find ourselves in a near-future world where all the nations are about to send a ship to circle Mars. The main character is an astronaut at the beginning of the story, who can quickly solve very complex problems. His wife designs a program to get humans around Mars. But things go wrong, and people are killed. Accidents? I think not - or there wouldn't be books 2 and 3!
We find ourselves in a near-future world where all the nations are about to send a ship to circle Mars. The main character is an astronaut at the beginning of the story, who can quickly solve very complex problems. His wife designs a program to get humans around Mars. But things go wrong, and people are killed. Accidents? I think not - or there wouldn't be books 2 and 3!
May 25, 2017
"Ad Mars et Ultra."
Well planned and staged first episode of this Mars Journey series, introducing Brent, brilliant astronaut, and revealing his character through a brief build up through the recent years preceding the world wide decision to mount a Mars mission, something which had been very dear to himself and his wife. Easy to read, very enjoyable with mounting tensions and strong hints of more than meets the eye. This promises to be an excellent series. I look forward to book two
Well planned and staged first episode of this Mars Journey series, introducing Brent, brilliant astronaut, and revealing his character through a brief build up through the recent years preceding the world wide decision to mount a Mars mission, something which had been very dear to himself and his wife. Easy to read, very enjoyable with mounting tensions and strong hints of more than meets the eye. This promises to be an excellent series. I look forward to book two
July 8, 2017
What a super reading trip to space. Loved the developing mystery and suspense the author created. This was a quick and entertaining read with very complicated but well described characters. Looking forward to seeing how the next book in this series solves the problem that the author only hinted at. This was a voluntary review of a free copy of the book.
July 11, 2017
A great science fiction book about a journey to Mars. This book is well written and will capture your attention right at the beginning and keep you captivated. The characters were amazing and I loved the attention to detail. A great beginning to what is starting out as a great series. Can't wait until the next one. I received this book during a promotion and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 24, 2017
This was a short book, or a quick read I found. Its about astronauts and a journey towards Mars. Its not a genre I normally read, but I liked it anyways. I am sure the next book will take off where this one ended, and look forward to reading it soon. Its my first book by the author but I enjoyed it. If you like space books with intrigue and excitement,this is a good one to read.
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