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Mars Journey: Call to Action #4
Mars Now: Mars Journey Book 4
If this is your first time reading the Mars Journey series, you can start at book 4, or you can back track and read book 1.
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 Now reality TV show contest is underway, and only 9 of the 500 contestants will earn passage on the journey to Mars, a chance at $150 million dollars, and to have their names recorded in history for all time as the first humans to set foot on Mars.
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.
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 Now reality TV show contest is underway, and only 9 of the 500 contestants will earn passage on the journey to Mars, a chance at $150 million dollars, and to have their names recorded in history for all time as the first humans to set foot on Mars.
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.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2017
13 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 18, 2018
I have to admit that after four novellas about the race to Mars, I really, really, REALLY want to read about the astronauts getting there and how they are coping with life on the Red Planet.
Alas, we are not quite there yet, but I am hoping that with the next book, we will be. There are some twists and turns in this particular book and all is not what it seems, with the contestants or with the organisations involved. It is hard keeping the story straight in your head, when you have to wait to read the next instalment, although each story is definitely well written.
Roll on, book 5, I say!
Alas, we are not quite there yet, but I am hoping that with the next book, we will be. There are some twists and turns in this particular book and all is not what it seems, with the contestants or with the organisations involved. It is hard keeping the story straight in your head, when you have to wait to read the next instalment, although each story is definitely well written.
Roll on, book 5, I say!
February 11, 2018
Mars Now Journey 4
Wow another great book in this series and this one takes us right from the last book and into gearing up for the races to begin to see which of the 500 members will actually be chosen for this mission to MARS. The more I am reading this series the more I am living it and and characters. Now I can't wait to get started on reading the 5TH book in this series...
Wow another great book in this series and this one takes us right from the last book and into gearing up for the races to begin to see which of the 500 members will actually be chosen for this mission to MARS. The more I am reading this series the more I am living it and and characters. Now I can't wait to get started on reading the 5TH book in this series...
November 20, 2017
Title: Mars Now: Mars Journey Book 4
Author: Bill Hargenrader
Publisher: Epic Journeys Entertainment
ISBN: B076R792Q1
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Mars-Now-Journ...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Mars Journey 4
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 Now reality TV show contest is underway, and only 9 of the 500 contestants will earn passage on the journey to Mars, a chance at $150 million dollars, and to have their names recorded in history for all time as the first humans to set foot on Mars.
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.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Received for an honest review.
This is an epic story into humanities struggle to begin exploring space and the first step is colonizing Mars. Brent's loss of his life left him struggling for direction in his life and hopeless until he was offered a chance to make his and his wife's dreams come true, going to Mars. His almost computer-like mind on top of his military and astronaut background makes him perfect. Brent manages to enlist help with his cause and interest, but when the show to choose who will obtain the few coveted slot becomes nothing more than a reality TV competition Brent isn’t sure if the most qualified will survive. Add to that: the Earth First group whose goal is to cancel the Mars Now Program, Herr Graden with his company who will go to any level to win the space race and gain all the glory/ money, and Brent's own inner struggle to become the man Mars Now needs to succeed. This book set the scene with all the characters in place leaving the reader in suspense until book 5 is released!
Author: Bill Hargenrader
Publisher: Epic Journeys Entertainment
ISBN: B076R792Q1
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Mars-Now-Journ...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Mars Journey 4
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 Now reality TV show contest is underway, and only 9 of the 500 contestants will earn passage on the journey to Mars, a chance at $150 million dollars, and to have their names recorded in history for all time as the first humans to set foot on Mars.
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.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Received for an honest review.
This is an epic story into humanities struggle to begin exploring space and the first step is colonizing Mars. Brent's loss of his life left him struggling for direction in his life and hopeless until he was offered a chance to make his and his wife's dreams come true, going to Mars. His almost computer-like mind on top of his military and astronaut background makes him perfect. Brent manages to enlist help with his cause and interest, but when the show to choose who will obtain the few coveted slot becomes nothing more than a reality TV competition Brent isn’t sure if the most qualified will survive. Add to that: the Earth First group whose goal is to cancel the Mars Now Program, Herr Graden with his company who will go to any level to win the space race and gain all the glory/ money, and Brent's own inner struggle to become the man Mars Now needs to succeed. This book set the scene with all the characters in place leaving the reader in suspense until book 5 is released!
November 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It feels a wee bit different from the first three in the series however, as Brent Carlson is exhausted juggling too many things at the one time. He is attempting to keep his drinking under control, trying to keep up with the Mars Now mission, and researching the 500 contestants. He loses his focus, and temper, when he's informed of something relating to his wife Sheyla's death.
The Mars Now contest doesn't quite go ahead as Brent imagined, leaving him shocked and disgusted. Here we have a reality TV cross between 'The Hunger Games' and 'The X-Factor', with a host that's certainly no Bruce Forsyth! I am not a lover of this kind of stuff in real life, but boy this entertains right around the world.
The reader has followed Brent's life from day one of this journey and even before, with the flashbacks to when Sheyla was alive. I enjoy these parts, as they were - without a doubt - soulmates, and they balanced their strengths and weaknesses perfectly.
Now the reader has even more questions to be answered. That's no surprise really, as Hargenrader pulls you in from page one of every book, takes you - and Brent - on a rollercoaster ride and leaves you dizzy with adrenalin and craving your next 'hit' of Mars Now. Who is this unknown company that has just appeared from nowhere? And the robots, oh my god! I really don't want to give too much away and spoil it, but if you've read the rest, you'll love this.
I'm so looking forward to the rest of this series. Each book moves us further forward, just that wee bit closer to Mars. But I want to see where else the books take us...
Ad Mars et ultra!
The Mars Now contest doesn't quite go ahead as Brent imagined, leaving him shocked and disgusted. Here we have a reality TV cross between 'The Hunger Games' and 'The X-Factor', with a host that's certainly no Bruce Forsyth! I am not a lover of this kind of stuff in real life, but boy this entertains right around the world.
The reader has followed Brent's life from day one of this journey and even before, with the flashbacks to when Sheyla was alive. I enjoy these parts, as they were - without a doubt - soulmates, and they balanced their strengths and weaknesses perfectly.
Now the reader has even more questions to be answered. That's no surprise really, as Hargenrader pulls you in from page one of every book, takes you - and Brent - on a rollercoaster ride and leaves you dizzy with adrenalin and craving your next 'hit' of Mars Now. Who is this unknown company that has just appeared from nowhere? And the robots, oh my god! I really don't want to give too much away and spoil it, but if you've read the rest, you'll love this.
I'm so looking forward to the rest of this series. Each book moves us further forward, just that wee bit closer to Mars. But I want to see where else the books take us...
Ad Mars et ultra!
November 21, 2017
"I have decided to be free."
The Mars Now movement, headed by the brilliant former NASA astronaut, Brent Carlson, is to recruit nine members of the public via a T.V. elimination reality show, starting with 500 applicants. The host is to be Hawk, a famous showbiz personality whose desire is not to select the best but to force up ratings, much to Brent's disgust.
Meanwhile, on Mars, robots are mining and preparing for the first people who will land to stay for two years, whilst on Earth new hopes and old rivalries and hatreds continue - whilst decision time is closer than anyone expected.
Personal and political intrigues and rivalries, one man battling personal demons, the wonder of space with all of it's dangers and a mystery that might just be murder.
Great book, well written and the series gets more exciting with every book. Could be read as a stand alone, but why do that when the other books are equally excellent?
The Mars Now movement, headed by the brilliant former NASA astronaut, Brent Carlson, is to recruit nine members of the public via a T.V. elimination reality show, starting with 500 applicants. The host is to be Hawk, a famous showbiz personality whose desire is not to select the best but to force up ratings, much to Brent's disgust.
Meanwhile, on Mars, robots are mining and preparing for the first people who will land to stay for two years, whilst on Earth new hopes and old rivalries and hatreds continue - whilst decision time is closer than anyone expected.
Personal and political intrigues and rivalries, one man battling personal demons, the wonder of space with all of it's dangers and a mystery that might just be murder.
Great book, well written and the series gets more exciting with every book. Could be read as a stand alone, but why do that when the other books are equally excellent?
November 21, 2017
I received a review copy of this book. What follows is an honest review.
This is the most recent of the Mars Now series of book. While each book stands alone and tells its own story, as a set they tell a much bigger story. Each book has a progression of its own story. When you go on to the next book, we often start back at the beginning again. It has been my one frustration with the series but I understand why it is being done.
This volume focuses more on The Mars Now competition. This competition is how the Mars Now organization is funding it's way on to the flight to Mars, and the ability to set people down on Mars itself. Our hero Bill has one way of thinking of how it is to be done, the producer of the reality TV show has another. Think of Survivor crossed with Big Brother and you get the idea.
It is an enjoyable read and I would say that it is safe for all readers to read.
I would recommend to all who enjoy a bit of Sci-Fi,
This is the most recent of the Mars Now series of book. While each book stands alone and tells its own story, as a set they tell a much bigger story. Each book has a progression of its own story. When you go on to the next book, we often start back at the beginning again. It has been my one frustration with the series but I understand why it is being done.
This volume focuses more on The Mars Now competition. This competition is how the Mars Now organization is funding it's way on to the flight to Mars, and the ability to set people down on Mars itself. Our hero Bill has one way of thinking of how it is to be done, the producer of the reality TV show has another. Think of Survivor crossed with Big Brother and you get the idea.
It is an enjoyable read and I would say that it is safe for all readers to read.
I would recommend to all who enjoy a bit of Sci-Fi,
September 22, 2018
Book 4 of the Mars Journey series is about the actors planning, or hoping, to either be on Mars Journey 1 or be a part of the first to colonize Mars. There are the Mars Journey 1 astronauts, and their alternates, familiarizing themselves with how to respond to simulated emergencies that could occur. Including something similar that happened to Pisces III. And the 500 Mars Now contents finally gathering for the reality show for the start of selecting those most suited for the rigors of the trip and the time on Mars. But nothing is every simple. As with the other books there is drama, contention, mystery and background going-ons. Keep in mind there are pieces and parts throughout each book that will play a part, sometimes critical, later in the current book or in a latter book, or both. It appears there is a very critical piece of information to the story in a later chapter of Book 4 that has a correlation to what is disclosed at the end of this book.
January 29, 2020
The series keeps getting better and better. Brent finally rises to the occasion and begins the process of preparing the "contestants" for the trip to Mars. You can see the continuing tension between him and Hawk, Williams and Graaden, and there is a glimpse of both sinister elements at work and potential allies for him. I am excited about how the forces on Mars are being set to challenge the group that will stay on the planet. I have read some of the other reviews complaining about the pace of the story, but I also see the focus on revealing more of the facets of the characters, and highly approve of an approach that doesn't leave the reader with stories about very shallow characters. This way, we can better identify with the Mars contest crew and are impacted by what befalls them. Overall, the story line remains as 5-star.
November 13, 2017
The Race to Mars is On!
The timelines of each book in this series overlap. It allows one to start with this book and still have enough backstory to understand the plot. However, it is better to start with Book 1.
As we explore new events in the lives of the main characters, we are given a lot more information to understand their past and present behavior. Brent Carlson remains at the center of the stories. Having previously decided to commit to Mars Now, we find him struggling with past demons as he strives to determine his role in this mission.
The story arcs are engaging. AI plays a role in all of the stories and leads the reader to consider what is best for the future of humanity.
I'm anxiously awaiting Book 5.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book.
The timelines of each book in this series overlap. It allows one to start with this book and still have enough backstory to understand the plot. However, it is better to start with Book 1.
As we explore new events in the lives of the main characters, we are given a lot more information to understand their past and present behavior. Brent Carlson remains at the center of the stories. Having previously decided to commit to Mars Now, we find him struggling with past demons as he strives to determine his role in this mission.
The story arcs are engaging. AI plays a role in all of the stories and leads the reader to consider what is best for the future of humanity.
I'm anxiously awaiting Book 5.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book.
November 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book . This series continues and Brent has been having a hard time dealing with the death of his wife, Shyla. He drinks too much and pursues all types of conspiracy theories regarding her death. Plans are still going forward for the journey to Mars, but the reality contest show for Mars travelers runs into some problems. Quite an adventure that's full of drama and suspense. A real page turner with complex characters and a page turning storyline. Bill has another winner here.
November 21, 2017
This is the 4th that I have read in this series. All have been entertaining, and enlightening. They are full of mystery, who was responsible for Shayla's murder? Will the syndicate prevail? What will the AI do next on mars? Can it really feel and think on its own? Plan for future events? I loved reading these books.
You can't find better reading, or a better author, if you're interested in futuristic science stories your sure to enjoy them.
You can't find better reading, or a better author, if you're interested in futuristic science stories your sure to enjoy them.
February 8, 2018
The reality show has just started and we get to see the dirty politics and behind the scenes of show biz. Also, we find out that it is very important that we do get people to Mars considering the human race depends on it for survival.
July 2, 2018
Episode four in the Mars Journey. Things are getting really intense now that there is reality shows etc going on. There are more naughty people coming out of the woodwork and ai robots with a mind of the their own. Highly recommended.
November 14, 2017
Perhaps the best till now...
We are getting close to launce day.. will they make it ? What is happening on Mars ?
We are getting close to launce day.. will they make it ? What is happening on Mars ?
January 17, 2019
Climate Change idiot
Turned me off to see the author expound on a stupid theory that has been exposed as bunk. Too much for me.
Turned me off to see the author expound on a stupid theory that has been exposed as bunk. Too much for me.
March 4, 2019
The story continues... Part 4 of a good story! The game has begun and the race to Mars continues. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Ad Mars et Ultra (To Mars and Beyond)!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews