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Mars Journey: Call to Action #5

Mars Now: Mars Journey Book 5

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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.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2018

10 people are currently reading
7 people want to read

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William Strong

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Monica Mac.
1,700 reviews40 followers
July 31, 2018
Another enjoyable instalment of the Mars Now series. I have to admit that at this point it is starting to get a little bit frustrating because, as much as I like the series, I really just want to keep on reading!

Anyway, the contest is ramping up and there are things going on behind the scenes that the contestants have no clue about. Brent needs to take a break from the contest to sort out a few bits and pieces. I have a feeling there might be a few twists in this story yet, hopefully it will come up in part 6!

I am enjoying both the human characters as well as the computer ones. M1 is particularly interesting and I am looking forward to seeing what happens with him as well.

Well done to the author, 4.5 stars from me.
1,066 reviews11 followers
July 10, 2018
Title: Mars Now: Mars Journey Book 5
Author: Bill Hargenrader
Publisher: Epic Journeys Entertainment
ISBN: B07BKSDR8G
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Mars Journey: Call to Action 5
rent 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:
This story took us back to events in the past allowing the reader a greater understanding into why Brent did the things he did. Is was fascinating to see how he used his unique abilities to save as many of the crew from the Pisces as he could. He used his immense mental abilities and his implant to devise a way to save them all. As we delve further into the book, the reader picks up more hints that Shaylas, Brent’s wife, accident was in reality no accident. This information allows the reader greater understanding in his desire to fullfill their dream of Mars and why he is determined to find her killer, where ever the trail leads.

The Mars contest continues with unexpected twists as the contestants determination to win is effected by the continual reaction form the world wide audience. It was fascinating how the many contestants worked together to keep each others spirits up as the continuous bombardment and publicity effected them all.

The many unexpected plot twists kept the reader wondering what would happen next. I for one can’t wait to find out who wins the contest as they will then face a more even dangerous task, The colonization of Mars itself.
Profile Image for Bob Morton.
Author 6 books4 followers
July 23, 2018
I have received an ARC copy of this book, what follows is an honest review.

In Mars Now: Mars Journey Book 5 we have the continuation of the story line of the preparations of a journey to Mars. ​Bill Hargenrader has done an excellent job in this series. He has one thing I do not like in a series and yet he can get away with it. I hate a cliffhanger. Well this series has had not just one but 2 or 3 in each book. Yet somehow I will continue to wait for his next book each time.
In the series, our hero Brent Carlson is the main focus. Others though are coming into focus with these new chapters being revealed. We see Brent at the start of this book in a semi-failed rescue attempt. Then we see him with his wife as they urge people to travel the red planet. In previous books, the two parts have had equal footing with the last part as we learn how the plans to travel to Mars came about. With this book the focus has changed to the time a year and a half till take off.
We look at how a robot that has gained sentience is trying to keep himself alive. We see a competitor to the official Mars journey will stop at nothing to get his way. And we see Brent, as he is doing whatever he can do to have a group of people that will be on that official trip, landing on Mars and living there while the flight goes back to earth. And he is doing this under the guise of a reality TV show. Who will make it through to be in the top Mars 99.

I recommend this series to any interested in Mars and just like a good Sci-Fi Thriller. Good clean fun (well maybe a cuss word or two).
Profile Image for Kay.
1,724 reviews18 followers
June 23, 2018
Hargenrader's fifth story draws you in from the first page, and before you know it, it's finished. You are always left wanting more. They're far too short for me, but addictive like chocolate.

I loved the continuation of the M-HERO-1 robot tale on Mars. Anything could happen here... and it will.

With his usual flair, Hargenrader gives us full, believable characters, and a great storyline with his trademark twists. The ones in this book are absolute stunners.

I love the closeness and camaraderie between some of the competitors, and their loyalty to Brent, despite the stressful pressure plus the underhand tactics of the rival company trying to discredit Brent. Tragedy strikes, and it's heartbreaking for everyone.

I adored the way that the author slips in some inspirational content from his self-help book, 'Love, Forgive, Never Give Up!' co-authored with his wife, Daniele. Also, some of the content in book five mirrors the sad and horrific aspects of Hargenrader's own childhood. Hopefully, just like the author, Brent will survive and be a stronger man.

As to the last two climactic pages of book five, I would suggest reading 'Epic Origins: Brent Carlson' by this author. It's an absolute eye-opener, and gives you so much more information about Nero and Brent's relationship.

Number five is excellent and thought-provoking. Roll on number six!
4,003 reviews15 followers
June 23, 2018
"Thank Gaia I didn't ring the bell."
This is the perfect place to enter the series for readers who have missed the earlier books as all essential background information is supplied in the initial time sequence chapters.
Brent Carlson, a former astronaut hero, and his wife, Shayla, helped make the Mars Now project viable. Now an hugely popular reality show is being broadcast, the prize for nine lucky winners? To join the crew on the forthcoming trip to Mars. Meanwhile, in an ice mine on Mars, M-HERO-I, better known as MI, is nursing his new found need for choice, just as Carlson is determined to find his wife's killer.

The story slides effortlessly along, the life progressions of individual protagonists followed as aspirations and intrigues unfold. My only complaint (apart from occasional typos) is that, all too quickly, it was over.
109 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2018
Have to admit, at first I thought Hargenradr was providing previous context, but that was wrong. Only took a page to realize that several previously blank spots from books 1-4 were being filled in and more details given. The adventure continues, with twists to more than one mystery, the suspense is growing. Not only is Captain Williams unsure if there is anyone he can trust the reader will wonder if their previous opinions need adjusting. Personally I’m rooting for H-Hero-1; no its HM1 (oops, its M1 now).

On the ARC team and received this book free.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
June 25, 2018
This is the fifth book in the Mars Now series. This should not be read as a standalone as it starts where the previous book ended and ends on a cliffhanger for the next book. There is violence. You do need to pay attention to the headers though, as the character "speaking" and the timeline changes back and forth. I really enjoy the series! The only drawback for me is that I am wishing the books came faster as I want to know what happens next.
Profile Image for S..
Author 2 books1 follower
July 29, 2018
The plot deepens and the danger rises. Brent sets off on a dangerous mission and a mission of his own to find his wifes killer. Herr Garden sets off to execute his own Mars mission plans and M-HERO-1 as gone complete AI with his own agenda in mind. The flash backs are a nice touch, we get to see some of Brents past and learn about some of his alter egos and the cyber tech implants are a nice touch as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
January 31, 2020
I am still hooked and along for the ride to Mars and Beyond! Book 5 games off where 4 left off, while filling in many missing pieces. Brent shows himself as a leader for most of the book, but it ends with him once again becoming a warrior. Again, we are starting to see the full development of many of the characters, while Graden again proves himself to be the one you have to hate. Telling a story about the journey to Mars takes time and the author keeps us riveted as it unfolds.
776 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2018
Episode five in the Mars Journey. Things are getting really serious now that the main player is getting angry. There are still naughty people coming out of the woodwork and an ai robot planning who knows what. Highly recommended.
50 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2018
Well, well, the contest for the Mars mission is closing... and the launch date is coming... in the meantime something is Brewing on Mars... and at GradenTech
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
419 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2019
Very Nice! Good action as well as plot and character development. I’m looking forward to reading more of the story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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