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Saving Mars #2
Defying Mars
Jessamyn has escaped Earth with food for her starving world, but her troubles are just beginning. She must rebuild her life without Pavel, the Terran boy whose kiss haunts her. Her success is further tainted by the loss of her beloved brother. Ethan disabled the deadly lasers orbiting Mars, but this has created a fervor to re-open trade with Earth which Jess knows would be disastrous. Add into the mix a secret which could launch an interplanetary war, and Jess finds herself at the center of an intrigue where, in order to save the world she loves, she must defy it.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2012
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406 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 12, 2016
This was a YA sci-fi story about a Marsian girl trying to save her brother left behind on Earth.
Jessamyn was a strong character in this book, and she once again stuck to her beliefs and followed them no matter what, especially when that meant going against the wishes of an entire planet to do so.
The storyline in this was about Jess wanting to go back to Earth to rescue her crew who got left behind (including her older brother), and not having the backing of the rest of Mars to do so. We also followed the crew left behind on Earth and what they were getting up to.
The ending to this was pretty exciting, and things were really touch and go for a while.
7 out of 10
Jessamyn was a strong character in this book, and she once again stuck to her beliefs and followed them no matter what, especially when that meant going against the wishes of an entire planet to do so.
The storyline in this was about Jess wanting to go back to Earth to rescue her crew who got left behind (including her older brother), and not having the backing of the rest of Mars to do so. We also followed the crew left behind on Earth and what they were getting up to.
The ending to this was pretty exciting, and things were really touch and go for a while.
7 out of 10
March 22, 2013
This second book in the saving mars series was great. Well paced enjoyable fast read. I can't wait for the next book . This series was suggested by Amazon if you like so and so you might like this. I'm really glad I tried this series. Cindy Swanson has written a good enjoyable series. This is a safe YA read that young kids and adults can enjoy.
March 9, 2018
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
I read a lot of books and I get them from a variety of sources. In addition to ARCs and my visits to the library (I'm a library board director) I scour the on-line book community for free and sale-priced books. It was in this way that I first came across author Cidney Swanson and the book Saving Mars. Self-published or small-press books don't always have a very good reputation (and often for good reason), but once in a while an author or book rises above the rest. Cidney Swanson is one of those authors whose talent far exceeds the perceptions of self-published authors.
Defying Mars follows up on what had started in Saving Mars (see my review here).
Jessamyn, a teenage Marsian pilot, is leaving Earth with food and supplies, having completed a clandestine operation to help her home planet (Mars). But the operation was only a partial success. Jessamyn leaves behind her brother Ethan and an Earther young man, Pavel, who helped Jess and her mechanic, Crusty, escape the planet, and left Jess with a kiss that has her head swimming.
Having fulfilled her duties, Jess begins to discover herself a little more and realizes that she is capable of more than what most adults would give her credit for, and she begins to get a little more defiant, standing up for what she believes is right - but that doesn't always make for easy associations.
Although the perceived relationship with Pavel takes high priority in Jess's mind, the young man doesn't figure in quite as much in this book as he did in the previous, but the door is open for a much tighter connection in future books.
Swanson writes thrilling, motivating YA. Her characters behave like bright teens who are becoming adults should behave, and youngsters should be able to see a bit of themselves and what they want to be in these characters. I'm only two books in but I'm impressed with this series and with Swanson.
Looking for a good book? Defying Mars by Cidney Swanson is the second book in the Saving Mars series and is a thrilling, sci-fi YA with characters that readers will enjoy.
I read a lot of books and I get them from a variety of sources. In addition to ARCs and my visits to the library (I'm a library board director) I scour the on-line book community for free and sale-priced books. It was in this way that I first came across author Cidney Swanson and the book Saving Mars. Self-published or small-press books don't always have a very good reputation (and often for good reason), but once in a while an author or book rises above the rest. Cidney Swanson is one of those authors whose talent far exceeds the perceptions of self-published authors.
Defying Mars follows up on what had started in Saving Mars (see my review here).
Jessamyn, a teenage Marsian pilot, is leaving Earth with food and supplies, having completed a clandestine operation to help her home planet (Mars). But the operation was only a partial success. Jessamyn leaves behind her brother Ethan and an Earther young man, Pavel, who helped Jess and her mechanic, Crusty, escape the planet, and left Jess with a kiss that has her head swimming.
Having fulfilled her duties, Jess begins to discover herself a little more and realizes that she is capable of more than what most adults would give her credit for, and she begins to get a little more defiant, standing up for what she believes is right - but that doesn't always make for easy associations.
Although the perceived relationship with Pavel takes high priority in Jess's mind, the young man doesn't figure in quite as much in this book as he did in the previous, but the door is open for a much tighter connection in future books.
Swanson writes thrilling, motivating YA. Her characters behave like bright teens who are becoming adults should behave, and youngsters should be able to see a bit of themselves and what they want to be in these characters. I'm only two books in but I'm impressed with this series and with Swanson.
Looking for a good book? Defying Mars by Cidney Swanson is the second book in the Saving Mars series and is a thrilling, sci-fi YA with characters that readers will enjoy.
January 11, 2022
really great story
I absolutely love this story. This author has become a favorite. I’ve started devouring her books over the last few days and telling my family about them. I only gave this one four stars because I felt a little defrauded. Book one lasted so much longer than this one. It was too short and didn’t really resolve the problems.
Jessamine is faced with a political conflict upon her return to Mars. She decides to return to earth to bring her brother home. She’s an amazing pilot.
The books are clean and suitable for all ages.
I absolutely love this story. This author has become a favorite. I’ve started devouring her books over the last few days and telling my family about them. I only gave this one four stars because I felt a little defrauded. Book one lasted so much longer than this one. It was too short and didn’t really resolve the problems.
Jessamine is faced with a political conflict upon her return to Mars. She decides to return to earth to bring her brother home. She’s an amazing pilot.
The books are clean and suitable for all ages.
March 9, 2019
I do like this book, there is just a dramatic and technical element missing within the story and the writing of the story. It seems rushed and haphazard to me. However; I still feel this book has a great story and wonderful characters that can uphold this book. I hope Cidney Swanson continues to get better with every book.
January 21, 2025
Exciting with different twists
Strong woman lead character. Good example for young women. Excellent interactions, understanding and relationships between people of different backgrounds and giftings. Exciting and very satisfying read!
Strong woman lead character. Good example for young women. Excellent interactions, understanding and relationships between people of different backgrounds and giftings. Exciting and very satisfying read!
May 14, 2025
I have mixed feeling about continuing this series. I like the plot and world-building, but the story is in a distant 3rd person and using a lot of telling instead of showing so there isn't a strong connection to any of the character.
Also - why would you write O2 as "oh-two"????? Why!!!!
Also - why would you write O2 as "oh-two"????? Why!!!!
July 31, 2017
This book killed the series for me. So little happened to advance the plot of the series. It felt like a chapter was stretched out into an entire book. And what did happen was ludicrous.
May 28, 2018
This has continued to be a surprise series, but wow it’s a fun read! A bit short, but if you enjoyed the first book, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. On to the third!
June 21, 2018
3.5 stars
May 7, 2019
I was between like and really liked it,so 3.5 stars
December 8, 2020
Original and interesting series. Especially humans living on another planet.
January 28, 2021
Good series
February 19, 2025
Heavy emotional content and gradually changing characters.
February 19, 2013
(Source: I was gifted a copy of this book by the author – thanks so so much to Cidney Swanson!)
This is book 2 in the ‘Saving Mars’ series, and picks up where book 1 ‘Saving Mars’ left off. **Warning, some unavoidable spoilers for book 1 (such as where book 1 left off)**
Jessamyn and Crusty are leaving Earth, leaving behind not only Jess’ brother Ethan (who has been rebodied), but also 2 other crew members, and Pavel – the earth boy who Jessamyn can’t stop thinking about.
Jess and Crusty have even bigger problems to contend with when they get back to Mars though, as the people in charge have different ideas about when they should be rescuing the people left behind. Jess wants to go back immediately – they want to wait a mars annum – 2 earth years! But Jessamyn knows that those left behind won’t last that long.
There are other things going on that Jess doesn’t know about though, and political landmines to avoid too.
Can Jess get permission to lead a rescue mission? Can she go back and save her brother the way she promised? And how many people will get hurt in the process?
OMG –I thought Saving Mars was brilliant, and boy did Defying Mars make an equally amazing sequel! Cidney Swanson – you have done it again!!
Having just finished this book my heart is still racing, and I’ve got no idea how to burn off this excess adrenalin running through my body! Yikes!
Defying Mars starts off with the crew of the Red Galleon down to just two members, and neither are happy about the situation, not because they can’t stand each other, but because it feels so wrong to leave good people behind on a hostile planet.
Jess is once again an amazing character. She has such strength, and her drive and determination are just unfathomable. She’s so young, yet she knows in her heart and in her gut what feels right, and what feels wrong, and she has the guts and determination to pull off remarkable feats that even people more experienced than her would balk at.
I love how Jess reasons things out, how she knows her own limits, and how she’s not afraid to admit when she needs help. I also love how strongly she feels for her family and friends, and how her decisions are right, even if they’re not for the greater good.
Crusty – the mechanic, was one of the main characters in this second book, and it was nice to get a bit more of a feel for him, and the faith that he put in Jessamyn. His encouragement helped Jessamyn when she needed it most, and his support really meant a lot to her.
Pavel, Ethan, and Wallace back on earth also play a part in this book, though in a lesser part than they did in the first book. It was nice to see how Ethan was able to help matters even in his re-bodied shape, and with even more disability than he had originally. Ethan’s character is a real testament to how having a disability doesn’t mean that you’re worthless, and his role in this whole mission is a real inspiration to anyone suffering from any sort of condition which might be labelled a ‘disability’.
I loved the storyline in this book. Although there is initially less action in this book than the first, the decisions that Jessamyn must make lend us a different kind of story. Once again Jessamyn’s decisions are not easily made, and do not make her popular, but she does them anyway, because she does what she feels is right, even if doing these thing benefits other people more than herself.
The ending in this instalment was explosive! The last 20% of the book was just riddled with tension, and so much stress and anxiety. I felt like screaming, or tearing my hair out, or just going totally crazy trying to hold it together while I read the book! (In a good way!) It was just aarrgghh!!!! There are no words – a seriously, epic, amazing, nail biting, edge of your seat, go totally potty, OMG, I totally love this book, what is she going to do now? They can’t be serious? Why? Why? Why? No! I’m going to be a basket case if this doesn’t end soon, god help me! Eek! Oh thank the heavens! Kind of an ending. Seriously. Now I need oxygen!
This serious is truly extraordinary. It has elements of sci-fi, and dystopia, it’s YA, and has a seriously kick-ass main character, who is truly gifted in her own right. There’s a tiny touch of romance, and some serious edge-of-your-seat action. If you haven’t read this series before, or haven’t even heard of it – consider yourself told – this series is seriously good! I couldn’t recommend it more!!
9.75 out of 10.
This is book 2 in the ‘Saving Mars’ series, and picks up where book 1 ‘Saving Mars’ left off. **Warning, some unavoidable spoilers for book 1 (such as where book 1 left off)**
Jessamyn and Crusty are leaving Earth, leaving behind not only Jess’ brother Ethan (who has been rebodied), but also 2 other crew members, and Pavel – the earth boy who Jessamyn can’t stop thinking about.
Jess and Crusty have even bigger problems to contend with when they get back to Mars though, as the people in charge have different ideas about when they should be rescuing the people left behind. Jess wants to go back immediately – they want to wait a mars annum – 2 earth years! But Jessamyn knows that those left behind won’t last that long.
There are other things going on that Jess doesn’t know about though, and political landmines to avoid too.
Can Jess get permission to lead a rescue mission? Can she go back and save her brother the way she promised? And how many people will get hurt in the process?
OMG –I thought Saving Mars was brilliant, and boy did Defying Mars make an equally amazing sequel! Cidney Swanson – you have done it again!!
Having just finished this book my heart is still racing, and I’ve got no idea how to burn off this excess adrenalin running through my body! Yikes!
Defying Mars starts off with the crew of the Red Galleon down to just two members, and neither are happy about the situation, not because they can’t stand each other, but because it feels so wrong to leave good people behind on a hostile planet.
Jess is once again an amazing character. She has such strength, and her drive and determination are just unfathomable. She’s so young, yet she knows in her heart and in her gut what feels right, and what feels wrong, and she has the guts and determination to pull off remarkable feats that even people more experienced than her would balk at.
I love how Jess reasons things out, how she knows her own limits, and how she’s not afraid to admit when she needs help. I also love how strongly she feels for her family and friends, and how her decisions are right, even if they’re not for the greater good.
Crusty – the mechanic, was one of the main characters in this second book, and it was nice to get a bit more of a feel for him, and the faith that he put in Jessamyn. His encouragement helped Jessamyn when she needed it most, and his support really meant a lot to her.
Pavel, Ethan, and Wallace back on earth also play a part in this book, though in a lesser part than they did in the first book. It was nice to see how Ethan was able to help matters even in his re-bodied shape, and with even more disability than he had originally. Ethan’s character is a real testament to how having a disability doesn’t mean that you’re worthless, and his role in this whole mission is a real inspiration to anyone suffering from any sort of condition which might be labelled a ‘disability’.
I loved the storyline in this book. Although there is initially less action in this book than the first, the decisions that Jessamyn must make lend us a different kind of story. Once again Jessamyn’s decisions are not easily made, and do not make her popular, but she does them anyway, because she does what she feels is right, even if doing these thing benefits other people more than herself.
The ending in this instalment was explosive! The last 20% of the book was just riddled with tension, and so much stress and anxiety. I felt like screaming, or tearing my hair out, or just going totally crazy trying to hold it together while I read the book! (In a good way!) It was just aarrgghh!!!! There are no words – a seriously, epic, amazing, nail biting, edge of your seat, go totally potty, OMG, I totally love this book, what is she going to do now? They can’t be serious? Why? Why? Why? No! I’m going to be a basket case if this doesn’t end soon, god help me! Eek! Oh thank the heavens! Kind of an ending. Seriously. Now I need oxygen!
This serious is truly extraordinary. It has elements of sci-fi, and dystopia, it’s YA, and has a seriously kick-ass main character, who is truly gifted in her own right. There’s a tiny touch of romance, and some serious edge-of-your-seat action. If you haven’t read this series before, or haven’t even heard of it – consider yourself told – this series is seriously good! I couldn’t recommend it more!!
9.75 out of 10.
October 26, 2014
Read more of my reviews at My Full Bookshelf Reviews
I HATE when a series has an amazing start, but the rest of this series is terrible. However, in this series, the exact opposite happened; the sequel is even better than the first! If every book were as wonderful as Defying Mars,the world would be a better place and there would be no such thing as a 'reluctant reader'.
I honestly could not put this book down. When I did, it was only because I had to. Otherwise, I would have read this book straight through. It was so addicting to read! The story will have you constantly wondering, what will happen next? There were a lot of parts where I was holding my breath in anticipation. This book is not for the faint of heart!
The romance, as I predicted, was a bit more prevalent in this book than the first. In Saving Mars, the romance had not yet blossomed, which is definitely not a bad thing, but it was nice to read about Pavel and Jessamyn's feelings for each other in here too. I thought it was really sweet, and like that it was kept clean.
And Lucca is so deliciously evil. She is pretty much the perfect villain. Her need for control, her cold-heartedness, and the secret about her that you learn in the book (yes, that is vague. I hate spoilers, though) made her an antagonist that I hate yet love at the same time.
Okay, I do need to say something else. This is pretty much the only indie book where I read through the whole thing and did not find a single grammar error! YAY! It annoys me so much mentally correcting books, not to mention that it takes away from the story. I din't need to do that at all here.
This is one of the best series that I have read in a long time. Just the thought of book three makes me absolutely elated!
I HATE when a series has an amazing start, but the rest of this series is terrible. However, in this series, the exact opposite happened; the sequel is even better than the first! If every book were as wonderful as Defying Mars,the world would be a better place and there would be no such thing as a 'reluctant reader'.
I honestly could not put this book down. When I did, it was only because I had to. Otherwise, I would have read this book straight through. It was so addicting to read! The story will have you constantly wondering, what will happen next? There were a lot of parts where I was holding my breath in anticipation. This book is not for the faint of heart!
The romance, as I predicted, was a bit more prevalent in this book than the first. In Saving Mars, the romance had not yet blossomed, which is definitely not a bad thing, but it was nice to read about Pavel and Jessamyn's feelings for each other in here too. I thought it was really sweet, and like that it was kept clean.
And Lucca is so deliciously evil. She is pretty much the perfect villain. Her need for control, her cold-heartedness, and the secret about her that you learn in the book (yes, that is vague. I hate spoilers, though) made her an antagonist that I hate yet love at the same time.
Okay, I do need to say something else. This is pretty much the only indie book where I read through the whole thing and did not find a single grammar error! YAY! It annoys me so much mentally correcting books, not to mention that it takes away from the story. I din't need to do that at all here.
This is one of the best series that I have read in a long time. Just the thought of book three makes me absolutely elated!
February 16, 2017
Defying Mars was just as good, if not better, than Saving Mars. I really loved the detail that Cidney Swanson added to her books to turn it into a great sci-fi/fantasy. I'm looking forward to reading more!
December 24, 2013
This series is so much fun, so exciting, that I read book 1 and this book 2 straight through. Then I was stranded without book 3. Yikes! As luck would have it the boxed set came on sale for $.99 so I picked it up and started to read the #3.
The first three are still on sale:
http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Mars-Boo...
It is often the case that a sequel isn't as good as the first book. In this case I think this one was even more exciting. I read until 4 in the morning just to see what would happen. The characters and worlds are well built and believable. In this book we get to know more about the support team and the depth of the antagonist.
So far in the series there are no cliffhangers. The reason to keep reading is that you care about the characters and worlds. Cidney Swanson's writing style works for me. I had already read the Rippler series by her, and I think Saving Mars is even better.
Though this is considered Young Adult I think anyone could read it and have a great adventure. And it isn't just for teen girls. I think guys of all ages would like this, too. All you need to be is a science fiction fan to love it!
The first three are still on sale:
http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Mars-Boo...
It is often the case that a sequel isn't as good as the first book. In this case I think this one was even more exciting. I read until 4 in the morning just to see what would happen. The characters and worlds are well built and believable. In this book we get to know more about the support team and the depth of the antagonist.
So far in the series there are no cliffhangers. The reason to keep reading is that you care about the characters and worlds. Cidney Swanson's writing style works for me. I had already read the Rippler series by her, and I think Saving Mars is even better.
Though this is considered Young Adult I think anyone could read it and have a great adventure. And it isn't just for teen girls. I think guys of all ages would like this, too. All you need to be is a science fiction fan to love it!
June 22, 2015
The only reason this book took so long to read is that I've been busy; I wolfed the last half of it down in one sitting.
This is a worthy successor to the first volume, carrying on the main plot while developing some other threads. I was impressed at how the titular defiance did not come without consequences, as well as with how the main character dealt with the several technical challenges she faced. I'm not enough of a scientist to grade the book on that level, but it certainly passed the whiff test for me.
I did encounter a few formatting issues and typos, but nothing outlandish. Most of that was "Crustyspeak" where left-single-quotes got used instead of apostrophes - completely understandable as the result of word processor auto-formatting, but still something that should have been corrected in editing.
Book three, Losing Mars, is already loaded on my reader and ready to go. For that matter, so are books four through six...
This is a worthy successor to the first volume, carrying on the main plot while developing some other threads. I was impressed at how the titular defiance did not come without consequences, as well as with how the main character dealt with the several technical challenges she faced. I'm not enough of a scientist to grade the book on that level, but it certainly passed the whiff test for me.
I did encounter a few formatting issues and typos, but nothing outlandish. Most of that was "Crustyspeak" where left-single-quotes got used instead of apostrophes - completely understandable as the result of word processor auto-formatting, but still something that should have been corrected in editing.
Book three, Losing Mars, is already loaded on my reader and ready to go. For that matter, so are books four through six...
March 31, 2014
Enjoyed this and the first book in the series, Saving Mars, but feel that they may have been better as one volume.
This would definitely be a hit with people who enjoyed The Hunger Games and Uglies. I've already recommended it to my daughter.
For me, I wish there had been a little more meat on the bones of the characters as they were introduced in the first book and would like to have seen that added to during the second. More of Jess and her Brother Ethan's back story would have been most welcome before the story kicks off into space. How did Jess become such a good pilot, why is Eth such a genius? That's true for the other "big names" also - Harpeet, Crusty, Pavel etc. What makes them tick?
Will I buy the next books in the series? Certainly! I'm looking forward to reading them but personally, I like a little more depth in my Sci-Fi. Orson Scott Card, Dan Simmons - the detail they pour into a story.
Then again, Saving Mars is, I think, aimed at a different demographic for which it has it about right :)
This would definitely be a hit with people who enjoyed The Hunger Games and Uglies. I've already recommended it to my daughter.
For me, I wish there had been a little more meat on the bones of the characters as they were introduced in the first book and would like to have seen that added to during the second. More of Jess and her Brother Ethan's back story would have been most welcome before the story kicks off into space. How did Jess become such a good pilot, why is Eth such a genius? That's true for the other "big names" also - Harpeet, Crusty, Pavel etc. What makes them tick?
Will I buy the next books in the series? Certainly! I'm looking forward to reading them but personally, I like a little more depth in my Sci-Fi. Orson Scott Card, Dan Simmons - the detail they pour into a story.
Then again, Saving Mars is, I think, aimed at a different demographic for which it has it about right :)
May 13, 2013
Defying Mars
In the second book in the Saving Mars series, Jess returns to Mars to a heroes welcome. She doesn't feel much like a hero though. The mission was only partially successful and too many were left behind.
Weighing heavily on her mind is her brother, Ethan, who was captured by Earth forces and his fate remains uncertain. Jess must somehow convince Mars' government to mount a rescue mission immediately before the planets' rotations carry them too far apart.
This book was just as thrilling as the first. Jess has some tough obstacles facing her as she tries to convince MCC to mount an immediate rescue. Eventually taking maters into her own hands she attempts to return to Earth on a mission that may doom her as well.
I was on the edge of my seat following events on board Jess' ship and events taking place on Earth. A very worthy sequel leading to the next book, Losing Mars.
In the second book in the Saving Mars series, Jess returns to Mars to a heroes welcome. She doesn't feel much like a hero though. The mission was only partially successful and too many were left behind.
Weighing heavily on her mind is her brother, Ethan, who was captured by Earth forces and his fate remains uncertain. Jess must somehow convince Mars' government to mount a rescue mission immediately before the planets' rotations carry them too far apart.
This book was just as thrilling as the first. Jess has some tough obstacles facing her as she tries to convince MCC to mount an immediate rescue. Eventually taking maters into her own hands she attempts to return to Earth on a mission that may doom her as well.
I was on the edge of my seat following events on board Jess' ship and events taking place on Earth. A very worthy sequel leading to the next book, Losing Mars.
May 1, 2013
In Defying Mars, Cidney Swanson continues the tale of Jess, a Marsian Raider, who must betray the trust of her planet in order to save her brother and reunite with her love interest.
Why to buy this book: The writing is spot on. It draws you in and, for the most part, doesn’t let you go. It’s a quick read that will leave you wanting more.
Why not to buy the book: I enjoyed this book so please don’t take this criticism as something that I felt was a huge issue. The protagonist isn’t quite as strong as I would like. She tends to be swept along by events more so than being proactive.
Bottom Line: This book is a solid continuation of a series that started out pretty darn good. Upon finishing the first book, I immediately purchased this one and read it. After finishing this one, I bought and read the next one. 4 stars.
Why to buy this book: The writing is spot on. It draws you in and, for the most part, doesn’t let you go. It’s a quick read that will leave you wanting more.
Why not to buy the book: I enjoyed this book so please don’t take this criticism as something that I felt was a huge issue. The protagonist isn’t quite as strong as I would like. She tends to be swept along by events more so than being proactive.
Bottom Line: This book is a solid continuation of a series that started out pretty darn good. Upon finishing the first book, I immediately purchased this one and read it. After finishing this one, I bought and read the next one. 4 stars.
August 6, 2016
Defying Mars continues the Saving Mars series in spectacular fashion. The plot was fast and captivating. Defying Mars was especially enjoyable for me because it has complete grammar and spelling. (Many of the Kindle books that you can get for free are chock full of pathetic grammar and little to no editing. So thank God for Cidney Swanson and her wonderful Kindle editions.) Although it felt like a buildup for the next book (only at the end) it was full of near captures and moral decisions to be made for Jessamyn. Swanson's characters are very much alive, full, and relateable. The Mars proverbs make me smile. I cannot wait for the next book!
December 22, 2012
Defying Mars continues the story of Martian siblings, Jessamyn & Ethan, and their Terrain friend, Pavel. It was well written and I think that the author did a masterful job of allowing the characters age emotionally & cognitively. I was pleased to see that Ms. Swanson ended the book in such a way that would allow for third book to complete the saga by ending the earth's reign of Pavel's aunt, Lucca, and return of Jessamyn, Ethan and Pavel to Mars.
January 21, 2013
This is a very well written book. It continues the story of Jessamyn, Ethan & Pavel. The first book had me hooked early on, and this book is no different. I loved the concept of the Earth body swapping program and the war between Mars and Earth.
I hope the author writes another book. Even though this is classified as Young Adult, this is a book adults will enjoy as well. The characters are well developed.
I hope the author writes another book. Even though this is classified as Young Adult, this is a book adults will enjoy as well. The characters are well developed.
April 10, 2013
I loved this followup to Saving Mars. It didn't quite reach the same level for me that the first one (5 stars) did but I will still highly recommend it to everyone I know. Also, I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book. plan to do a full review of it on my review site when I get caught up. I will post it here when I get it done. Just know that this is a good teen book that will be enjoyed by everyone who likes science fiction.
October 31, 2013
So I wasn't too sure about this book while I was reading it and then the ending happened! It was boring, bounced around a lot, and had a lot of story lines that only had one person featured. The last 20 pages, everything came together. You finally saw where the book was going, and it wrapped everything up into a troubling ending. I hate to say it but I actually ended up liking this book in the end and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 21, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jessamyn is a great character and I like how the author portrays her. I like that she's not this perfect heroine but a young adult who makes mistakes because of her inexperience but uses her wit to solve the problems.
I thought the twist with the Earth government and the rebodying was cool and hope more of it is explored in later books
I thought the twist with the Earth government and the rebodying was cool and hope more of it is explored in later books
January 18, 2014
This was a solid follow up to the first book. New and unique approaches to life on earth (rebodying) was an interesting touch. Looks like I'll have to BUY the third book (but it's very inexpensive, in fact I think you can buy the complete set of three books for $1) ... I think there are more after that too! I like this series :)
May 20, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed books 1 through 5 of this series. Book 6, not so much. I loved the idea that humans had a settlement on Mars, and that there developed a "them and us" attitude with both the Marsians and Earthlings. And the whole rebody idea is brilliant. Highly enjoyable. Might have to reread in the near future.
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