Mars The Final Day

by J.R. Austin

Mars The Final Day is the first book in the Legacy of the Red Planet Series by J.R. Austin, a sci-fi that combines history and myth with science to tell the story of Ikara. The life of Ikara has been modeled around the Grand Cycle, the very source and summit of its spiritual life. And now, according to the GenSeer Marador, it is in danger, so Marador delivers a coded message to the one person who stands a chance of wielding the power and the influence that could save his people and the planet. But there is no time because the Candlefall will dramatically alter the life of Ikara. Jast Rathael, the elder Speaker for Whycheral, the last Ikaran and a lowly born but ambitious and clever man, has to do everything to save Ikara. The first ride into the series is breathtaking and electrifying!

As the first book in a series, Mars The Final Day is a brilliant introduction, a unique story told with a clear and strong voice. There is a lot to love in J.R. Austin’s writing. The prose is beautiful and the author writes with unusual confidence. There is a mix of everything - from music to culture, from philosophy to spirituality, and science to history in this epic tale, and one can imagine what it would be like seeing it on the big screen. The characters are monumental, each suffused with great energy and sculpted to be a unique symbol of life. Yes, I loved the symbolism, the poetic use of language, the reflective style of the author that carries both depth and insight. Concepts like the Grand Cycle and names like Ikara – which sounds so poetic to the ears – the GenSeers and many others are succinct pointers to a bubbling imagination. You don’t need to be a fan of sci-fi to love this book because it carries deep meanings and powerful currents of insight that will leave the reader brooding for a long time after a satisfying read.

Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2016

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to see this Trilogy "Mars The Final Day' by J.R. Austin, made into a movie, it's that good! I couldn't put it down, read it all the way through.
Characters kept my interest, reads smooth and is well thought out.
Clever, intuitive and refreshing. JR Austin's book could be the next best thing to The Lathe of Heaven and as original and exciting as Avatar.
An in depth perspective of philosophy, mysticism, spiritual in nature,politics and science interwoven with original ideas which inspired doorways into my own imagination on a cellular level.
A must read! Follow this Author as he takes you on a Journey, a provocative mystery that asks the deeper questions, to seek the mysteries that all species must ask themselves, as all Science Fiction asks us to ponder, as we seek out the consequences for the things we do on a Global level.
On a Universal level. The everlasting effects of what a species does, as its moves out from its home planet to find a better Future. Perhaps finding its own Legacy among the Stars and answers to questions, as yet unanswerable and unknown. 5 stars!!

[Liora Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting just another sci-fi tale, but what I got was so much more. Austin has created a living, breathing world in Ikara, complete with history, myth, and a gripping moral dilemma. Jast’s choices kept me at the edge of my seat, and the arrival of alien allies added layers of depth I didn’t see coming. The themes of survival, legacy, and the echoes of our own human story gave me chills. If you’re looking for a sci-fi read that challenges your mind and touches your heart, Mars is the one.

[Raymond Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read. The author has managed to create a world that is colorful, and deep. The histories are well thought out, and the writing is thought provoking. It really makes you wonder, is this book about us here on Earth? Will we make the same mistakes the Ikarans made?

This book reminded me a lot of Frank Herbert Dune Messiah, and I say that because both of the books make you think of human nature in a different way. It makes you challenge yourself. The questions this book asks, are uncomfortable because they make us shine the light on our own actions as a species.

My biggest complaint with this book, is I feel there is a lack of action. In that the author seems to enjoy telling us the story more than showing it. This does not however change my enjoyment of this book, and I am anticipating the squeal.

[Patricia Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and interesting. A true good read for the intellectual!