What do you think?
Rate this book
Red Hope #2
Blue Hope
Four brave astronauts left home to be the first humans on Mars. What didn't come back will haunt life on Earth forever. Follow the adventure as disaster triggers the greatest treasure hunt in history - spanning the globe and beyond. The prize is nothing short of humanity's very survival.
527 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2017
1411 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
December 18, 2017
MORE!!! I need more HOPE!
Love this two book series and highly recommend reading them! My only complaint is I want more! It's more than a sci-fi series, it's a heart felt story of our humanity!
Love this two book series and highly recommend reading them! My only complaint is I want more! It's more than a sci-fi series, it's a heart felt story of our humanity!
October 27, 2019
I don’t have a whole lot of wonderful things to say about this book so it may surprise you that I am giving it 3*/5. It is a good/ok book, easy enough to read (no science needed) with some exciting parts to it. But there is also a fair amount wrong with it…
To start with a very frustrating beginning as it repeats the end of the first book, you can’t really skip through it though as there are a few snippets of new information in there, the result is you get to about 30% of the way through the book before you really feel like this book has started..
Then for a Sci fi book there is very little sci-fi in it. A lot about relationships and politics and it is a little predictable too in that respect. The characters I liked before are now quite unpleasant as well which isn’t nice.
I found the book at times kind of depressing and disappointing, I got so frustrated I actually stopped reading this for a little while. Thankfully it did pick up again towards the end but it didn’t fulfil its potential. The best bit was the last 20% and the author really should have made much more of that section, it could have been expanded upon and been a bigger part of the book thus making it more Sci-fi in the process.
My final gripe is the overall storyline, in a nutshell America almost destroys humanity and America tries to fix it. Very American centric. No mention of ESA or anyone else really.
So lots to moan about for me and a low 3*/5, a shame as it could have been so much more.
To start with a very frustrating beginning as it repeats the end of the first book, you can’t really skip through it though as there are a few snippets of new information in there, the result is you get to about 30% of the way through the book before you really feel like this book has started..
Then for a Sci fi book there is very little sci-fi in it. A lot about relationships and politics and it is a little predictable too in that respect. The characters I liked before are now quite unpleasant as well which isn’t nice.
I found the book at times kind of depressing and disappointing, I got so frustrated I actually stopped reading this for a little while. Thankfully it did pick up again towards the end but it didn’t fulfil its potential. The best bit was the last 20% and the author really should have made much more of that section, it could have been expanded upon and been a bigger part of the book thus making it more Sci-fi in the process.
My final gripe is the overall storyline, in a nutshell America almost destroys humanity and America tries to fix it. Very American centric. No mention of ESA or anyone else really.
So lots to moan about for me and a low 3*/5, a shame as it could have been so much more.
December 18, 2017
Red Hope (Book 1) was a very interesting and gripping science fiction book. Blue Hope (Book 2) was a huge improvement over Book 1, and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as the characters move from challenge to challenge, overcoming a wide range of difficulties. We see the main character challenged at home, trying to provide for his family and starting to wonder about his self-identity. This story takes the reader from Earth, to the moon and encounters a number of complications. The writing is captivating and keeps the reader interested and trying to figure out what will happen in the end! I highly recommend reading both books!
October 31, 2017
awesome book! great finish to the two book series, however, I think that there is room for a third book (nudge, nudge to John Dreese...)
January 8, 2018
A Good ending to the story
Really enjoyed both books. Although this was meant as the end, I can see a possible third book. Still more story to tell!
Really enjoyed both books. Although this was meant as the end, I can see a possible third book. Still more story to tell!
July 18, 2018
3,5/5
January 17, 2018
I love John's knowledge of rocket science and real space travel, and his imagination is very rich. Red Hope and Blue Hope fit together very well, and the plotlines are of the well-paced, interesting, page-turning variety. Probably one of the best things I like about John's books is the fact that, unlike so many other fiction authors nowadays, John steers clear of foul language and other such objectionable material. These books are a good read for anybody who wants a relaxing read. Once again, good job, John! Hope to read more of your work!
January 4, 2018
Best science fiction I have read in ages. Both original and believable!
Thank you Mr. Dreese. You have reinspired my interest in the genre. Hope the next book is in the works. I look forward to enjoying your imagination in the future.
Thank you Mr. Dreese. You have reinspired my interest in the genre. Hope the next book is in the works. I look forward to enjoying your imagination in the future.
November 9, 2017
Thrilling! Exciting! Perfect ending for book two.
I liked that this book didn't stray from the small amount of characters, it had the right amount of characters .
I liked that this book didn't stray from the small amount of characters, it had the right amount of characters .
July 23, 2018
If only Mystery Science Theater 3000 could comment on books...
I should have known what I was getting into from reading Red Hope but this was twice as long and twice as poorly written. Again, I give Dreese credit for following his vision and writing two books that, at the very least, move along fairly quickly. His love of writing and of his story really does shine through on the pages. But this book really needed an editor. It's way too long with unnecessary information and the dialogue is so awful. Did he read other books to see how conversations are written? Instead we get stilted, cringe-worthy, lines that no one actually talks like. We also get a lot of unnecessary details like when a character goes to the doctor, the nurses take blood samples, urine samples, and a pregnancy test "just to be certain." Then another few sentences on why they had to do a pregnancy test (it's procedure, it's standard etc.) In real life, I am sure they do that, but it's inconsequential to the story or the scene so what's the point? Just say "the usual pre-screen" or "prepped her for surgery". We don't need every step in the process. He details every movement [general example:] "he put the car in park. Opened the door. Got out. Closed the door. Walked twenty steps to the intersection. Made a left. Walked down the block. Made another left. And entered the bank lobby." Just say "He made his way to the bank" the reader can imagine the rest. The entire book is filled with this unnecessary and nonsensical details.
Also, anytime someone is on the phone the person on the other end of the line says "Hang on" then covers the phone to ask somebody nearby a question. Why? We never find out what the questions are so what's the point of writing that? And it's in there several times. Characters are constantly "laughing to themselves" or "rolling their eyes". There is even an entire chapter dedicated to a discussion about vending machines and three separate instances on how to make a major purchase (two cars and a house - each of which are detailed incorrectly.) Why? To what end?!
This story, like Red Hope, takes place in a world where every single person is a complete idiot. From the President on down to the gas station attendant. I don't just mean they act stupid, I mean the entire book relies on every person doing and saying the dumbest thing at the right time in order to propel the story.
But the #1 problem is that the main character, Adam, is not likeable. Is he supposed to be the hero? He is a very bad man. In Red Hope he and in Blue Hope he . In this book because what I just mentioned, Adam is
I also have to complain about this: If Dreese wanted that to occur because of a result (which I won't spoil) then just have Adam find out the information after it's too late. Not before when he can very easily do something about it.
I actually have been recommending these books because I want people to discuss them with. The five-star reviews on here are obviously Dreese's friends and family because to give these 5-stars devalues every other book written.
I should have known what I was getting into from reading Red Hope but this was twice as long and twice as poorly written. Again, I give Dreese credit for following his vision and writing two books that, at the very least, move along fairly quickly. His love of writing and of his story really does shine through on the pages. But this book really needed an editor. It's way too long with unnecessary information and the dialogue is so awful. Did he read other books to see how conversations are written? Instead we get stilted, cringe-worthy, lines that no one actually talks like. We also get a lot of unnecessary details like when a character goes to the doctor, the nurses take blood samples, urine samples, and a pregnancy test "just to be certain." Then another few sentences on why they had to do a pregnancy test (it's procedure, it's standard etc.) In real life, I am sure they do that, but it's inconsequential to the story or the scene so what's the point? Just say "the usual pre-screen" or "prepped her for surgery". We don't need every step in the process. He details every movement [general example:] "he put the car in park. Opened the door. Got out. Closed the door. Walked twenty steps to the intersection. Made a left. Walked down the block. Made another left. And entered the bank lobby." Just say "He made his way to the bank" the reader can imagine the rest. The entire book is filled with this unnecessary and nonsensical details.
Also, anytime someone is on the phone the person on the other end of the line says "Hang on" then covers the phone to ask somebody nearby a question. Why? We never find out what the questions are so what's the point of writing that? And it's in there several times. Characters are constantly "laughing to themselves" or "rolling their eyes". There is even an entire chapter dedicated to a discussion about vending machines and three separate instances on how to make a major purchase (two cars and a house - each of which are detailed incorrectly.) Why? To what end?!
This story, like Red Hope, takes place in a world where every single person is a complete idiot. From the President on down to the gas station attendant. I don't just mean they act stupid, I mean the entire book relies on every person doing and saying the dumbest thing at the right time in order to propel the story.
But the #1 problem is that the main character, Adam, is not likeable. Is he supposed to be the hero? He is a very bad man. In Red Hope he and in Blue Hope he . In this book because what I just mentioned, Adam is
I also have to complain about this: If Dreese wanted that to occur because of a result (which I won't spoil) then just have Adam find out the information after it's too late. Not before when he can very easily do something about it.
I actually have been recommending these books because I want people to discuss them with. The five-star reviews on here are obviously Dreese's friends and family because to give these 5-stars devalues every other book written.
December 12, 2017
Very entertaining, with a lot of surprising twists, turns and character tension. I appreciate an author that can make the tough decisions and know's when it's good to end a character ... or not. I loved the ending, but agree with others that there could be more to this story in the mind of the author. ;-)
Note, that I occasionally highlight any questionable editing that I see when I read books. I'm not an editor, but I know when something looks funky.
This was a great, and actually surprising follow up to Red Hope. I wasn't expecting it to be so good. Really felt like I got my moneys worth for buying and reading this one. Thanks!
Note, that I occasionally highlight any questionable editing that I see when I read books. I'm not an editor, but I know when something looks funky.
This was a great, and actually surprising follow up to Red Hope. I wasn't expecting it to be so good. Really felt like I got my moneys worth for buying and reading this one. Thanks!
November 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book and finished it in 2 days. Loved following the characters, and seeing how they change (not giving any spoilers). Felt like a wild adventure ride for the second half of the book - which was fun.
November 29, 2017
A winner on both
Read both books back to back. Could not stop. Mr. Dreese is going to go far. And I will read anything he comes up with in the future. Imagine a ten star rating instead of just five. I recommend both books highly.
Read both books back to back. Could not stop. Mr. Dreese is going to go far. And I will read anything he comes up with in the future. Imagine a ten star rating instead of just five. I recommend both books highly.
January 3, 2018
An excellent follow up to Book one!
Do you enjoy thrillers? Like suspense? Vivid scenes and action? How about fascinating ideas and great execution of it all? Well, I believe you best read Red Hope and Blue Hope! Terrifically entertaining!
Do you enjoy thrillers? Like suspense? Vivid scenes and action? How about fascinating ideas and great execution of it all? Well, I believe you best read Red Hope and Blue Hope! Terrifically entertaining!
December 1, 2017
Five Star for first series!
Absolutely fascinating! It is a totally believable story that I couldn't put down until I finished it. Hard to believe he is a new author.
Absolutely fascinating! It is a totally believable story that I couldn't put down until I finished it. Hard to believe he is a new author.
January 1, 2018
4.5 stars...I hope there's going to be another book to this series!
June 15, 2018
I loved these books!! I couldn’t put down Blue Hope; I had to know what happened. Truly glad Dreese decided to make this a 2 part story - I anxiously await his next wonderful story!
April 5, 2019
Great read. Even better than the first book. Looking forward to another book by John Dreese.
January 17, 2018
Blue Hope. A space travelers unlikely adventure
An extremely complex series of events in the life of the central character Capt. Adam Alston was brilliant ly pieced together in a long, linear chain which made this tale extremely readable and almost impossible to put down. A stand alone story not requiring the reading of "Red Hope" but it wouldn't hurt the understanding of this story.
An extremely complex series of events in the life of the central character Capt. Adam Alston was brilliant ly pieced together in a long, linear chain which made this tale extremely readable and almost impossible to put down. A stand alone story not requiring the reading of "Red Hope" but it wouldn't hurt the understanding of this story.
January 18, 2018
That was some delivery!
What a wild ride! Sure, I had to suspend disbelief in places, but it was still exciting. I got pretty aggravated at Adam for a while, but he mostly redeemed himself. Too bad Chris comes a close second to the President Jennings as an awful person. And now I'm SO HUNGRY for some ice cream.
What a wild ride! Sure, I had to suspend disbelief in places, but it was still exciting. I got pretty aggravated at Adam for a while, but he mostly redeemed himself. Too bad Chris comes a close second to the President Jennings as an awful person. And now I'm SO HUNGRY for some ice cream.
July 4, 2018
This book was such a disappointment & a waist of a full audio-book price! I did not buy it to know about the Earth bound shenanigans, I have had no connection to them in book 1, I was there to hear about the characters from the Mars mission! Really pissed off angry at the moment. A total an utter let down!
December 29, 2017
While my objections to the first volume still apply (somewhat artificial characters and choices), the fresh, clean writing style, nicely done SF, and a more entertaining story result in a better sequel than the original. Enough of an improvement over the first volume to get 3.5 > 4 stars on GR.
December 29, 2017
I wish goodreads had a DNF option.
I struggled through book one even though it was pretty clunky. I thought there was enough intrigue to justify reading book two, but it is terrible.
I struggled through book one even though it was pretty clunky. I thought there was enough intrigue to justify reading book two, but it is terrible.
January 25, 2018
Great read
The author does a great Jon of building out the world from the first book. I was skeptical of where the plot would go and it ended up being great.
The author does a great Jon of building out the world from the first book. I was skeptical of where the plot would go and it ended up being great.
January 5, 2020
Yesssss. A followup that didn't disappoint!
Yesssss. A followup that didn't disappoint!
Tiny spoiler...
Adam makes it home alive! He doesn't feel like a hero and riddled with guilt. All the things had to do to make it back to his family.
While the earth is in shambles from nuclear fallout, Adam's fame and money has changed him. Missing out on what is in front of him, his family.
NASA find out that the Martians have left a lab on earth. In a race with time, the planet needs the cure for cancer; that is running rampant, especially among children.
Adam needs to become a hero for Earth again. Depending on how you feel Adam, and the Martians, the ending will not disappoint.
Yesssss. A followup that didn't disappoint!
Tiny spoiler...
Adam makes it home alive! He doesn't feel like a hero and riddled with guilt. All the things had to do to make it back to his family.
While the earth is in shambles from nuclear fallout, Adam's fame and money has changed him. Missing out on what is in front of him, his family.
NASA find out that the Martians have left a lab on earth. In a race with time, the planet needs the cure for cancer; that is running rampant, especially among children.
Adam needs to become a hero for Earth again. Depending on how you feel Adam, and the Martians, the ending will not disappoint.
September 1, 2020
It took all of one maybe two pages to put me right back into the story from Red Hope. So much detail that makes the story face paced and engrossing. I look forward to reading anything from Dreese in the future.
January 26, 2018
Great story
I enjoyed red hope and was pleased the follow on was just as good .I recommend it.more please john!!! Amazing!
I enjoyed red hope and was pleased the follow on was just as good .I recommend it.more please john!!! Amazing!
February 24, 2019
Excellent sequel, which also works as a standalone novel, with unexpected twists and the storyline rarely slows down. Without giving too much away what was found on Mars in Red Hope has given mankind hope of a better future. Are we descended from Martians? Read it and find out.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
May 16, 2020
Awesome Book
This is an amazing two-story series about the adventures to mars and the martians. Please consider reading this because it is one of the best series I have ever read!!!!!
This is an amazing two-story series about the adventures to mars and the martians. Please consider reading this because it is one of the best series I have ever read!!!!!
September 1, 2020
Red Hope and Blue Hope
Red Hope and Blue Hope: both books Andre very good, especially for a first effort. There are some slow spots and rather stiff writing, especially in the first book, also some too abrupt shifts in settings.
Red Hope and Blue Hope: both books Andre very good, especially for a first effort. There are some slow spots and rather stiff writing, especially in the first book, also some too abrupt shifts in settings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews