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First Contact
Losing Mars
Disaster strikes in orbit around Mars. A Chinese spacecraft is disabled, stranded near Phobos. Well over a hundred million miles from Earth, their only hope for rescue comes from the American base on the edge of the Vallis Marineris on the surface of Mars. The Americans need to decide, do they lose Mars or their humanity?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
October 7, 2018
Best SF I've read in a long time
Hard Sci-Fi that's not another boringly predictable military space opera. The saga proceeds with unexpectedly fascinating plot turns and great realism. I couldn't stop reading, highly recommend starting when you don't have school or work the next day.
Hard Sci-Fi that's not another boringly predictable military space opera. The saga proceeds with unexpectedly fascinating plot turns and great realism. I couldn't stop reading, highly recommend starting when you don't have school or work the next day.
September 22, 2018
Another great book by Peter Cawdron, one of the most underrated authors. The story about a Mars expedition cut short because of a mysterious event near Phobos masterfully blends elements of realistic hard sci-fi and mindbending concepts. It reminded me of both The Martian and the movie Arrival which might sound cliché but I mean it in the best way possible.
Full disclosure: I was one of the beta readers for this book.
Full disclosure: I was one of the beta readers for this book.
October 18, 2018
Cawdron has done it again. With wonderful characters and a fast moving plot, he kept me on the edge of my seat and I finished this book in two days. Losing Mars is a sci-fi masterpiece. Like most sci-fi, the story really revolves around what it means to be human, and our place in the universe. Cawdron has such an inspiring way of looking at things that I am left thinking about this story still, hours after finishing it, and I probably will be for quite some time. I can't recommend this story, or this author highly enough. I want to give this story all the stars in the Milky Way. Five is not enough.
October 31, 2018
Good story spoiled by unnecessary preaching from the author
I've read and enjoyed a few of Cawdron's novels in the past so I picked this up immediately when it was released. And it turned out to be a good story and good read with a fatal flaw. It seems Cawdron, like too many author's, just can't resist the opportunity to beat you over the head with their politics, which, not coincidentally, all flow the same way:Left. So, if you lean right, be prepared to be told how bigoted and homophobic you are. With no evidence mind you, just the same old liberal strawman you've heard before. This virtue signaling is just a ham fisted way to moralize the story from one view point only. I think I'll decline that beating in the future from Mr. Cawdron.
I've read and enjoyed a few of Cawdron's novels in the past so I picked this up immediately when it was released. And it turned out to be a good story and good read with a fatal flaw. It seems Cawdron, like too many author's, just can't resist the opportunity to beat you over the head with their politics, which, not coincidentally, all flow the same way:Left. So, if you lean right, be prepared to be told how bigoted and homophobic you are. With no evidence mind you, just the same old liberal strawman you've heard before. This virtue signaling is just a ham fisted way to moralize the story from one view point only. I think I'll decline that beating in the future from Mr. Cawdron.
November 18, 2019
Another win!
I’m in awe of the author, for being able to come up with wildly different stories in one genre. But perhaps great authors have that skill. I read this right after finishing 3zekiel so this does feel a little less exciting and had some slow moving scenes. But ultimately, it turned out great.
The effort taken to research the science behind everything is astounding and I can’t imagine how the author managed to do it while crafting such an incredible story! It’s a lot of work and one that I truly appreciate. The best part is, it’s all single POV! I always find that inherently harder to pull off.
There’s a lot of tell and sometimes info dump but even knowing it’s happening, I’m surprisingly ok with it. I think it’s the way it’s executed by the author. Execution is key, after all no? 😆
I’d like to think that as an engineer I can grasp technical concepts easily. But the truth is, sometimes science is very abstract, especially theoretical science which works in theory but isn’t observable in real life. And being a more logical thinker than a creative at heart, abstract theories are hard for me to picture. Heck, I don’t always appreciate descriptions of things because I just can’t visualise it in my mind sometimes so I skip descriptions of locations or even the characters.
But I digress.. I wanted to say, this author is awesome at describing scenarios to explain abstract theories. I won’t spoil which theory that is but then again, maybe you won’t need the help I did to wrap my head around this abstract theory 😅
Anyways, looks like I’m going to be working through this author’s back catalogue 🤓
I’m in awe of the author, for being able to come up with wildly different stories in one genre. But perhaps great authors have that skill. I read this right after finishing 3zekiel so this does feel a little less exciting and had some slow moving scenes. But ultimately, it turned out great.
The effort taken to research the science behind everything is astounding and I can’t imagine how the author managed to do it while crafting such an incredible story! It’s a lot of work and one that I truly appreciate. The best part is, it’s all single POV! I always find that inherently harder to pull off.
There’s a lot of tell and sometimes info dump but even knowing it’s happening, I’m surprisingly ok with it. I think it’s the way it’s executed by the author. Execution is key, after all no? 😆
I’d like to think that as an engineer I can grasp technical concepts easily. But the truth is, sometimes science is very abstract, especially theoretical science which works in theory but isn’t observable in real life. And being a more logical thinker than a creative at heart, abstract theories are hard for me to picture. Heck, I don’t always appreciate descriptions of things because I just can’t visualise it in my mind sometimes so I skip descriptions of locations or even the characters.
But I digress.. I wanted to say, this author is awesome at describing scenarios to explain abstract theories. I won’t spoil which theory that is but then again, maybe you won’t need the help I did to wrap my head around this abstract theory 😅
Anyways, looks like I’m going to be working through this author’s back catalogue 🤓
January 17, 2025
This is my type, of an intelligent Sci-Fi novel, full of excitement and discovery. My third book by Peter Cawdron. His series of stand-alone books all deal with the concept of first contact with extraterrestrial life. Really enjoyed it and will read more.
Lots of science and space technology well explained giving the reader a sense of riding along in the action. Three married astronaut couples are manning an international space station on Mars. There are also four Chinese astronauts exploring one of the moons orbiting Mars. Their ship is stranded without communications. Two of the Mars astronauts are off to the rescue and a bewildering discovery. The latter portion of the book involving the dangerous rescue and first contact becomes such an exciting, edge of your seat, page turner. The main characters are all well developed.
The author, through the protagonist explores the hazard of discovering new highly advanced technology by Earth's nations. Will it be used for good? Should they be told? Some reviewers said the author was too preachy. Not for me. That's what good Science Fiction should do. Make you think.
Lots of science and space technology well explained giving the reader a sense of riding along in the action. Three married astronaut couples are manning an international space station on Mars. There are also four Chinese astronauts exploring one of the moons orbiting Mars. Their ship is stranded without communications. Two of the Mars astronauts are off to the rescue and a bewildering discovery. The latter portion of the book involving the dangerous rescue and first contact becomes such an exciting, edge of your seat, page turner. The main characters are all well developed.
The author, through the protagonist explores the hazard of discovering new highly advanced technology by Earth's nations. Will it be used for good? Should they be told? Some reviewers said the author was too preachy. Not for me. That's what good Science Fiction should do. Make you think.
November 9, 2018
Too Much Moralizing
For an SF book the basic story is good, not the author spends the last quarter of the book preaching his moral viewpoints. I don't buy SF books for anyone's religious or Social value lesson. I buy Science Fiction books for entertainment. Mr Crowden needs to decide what business he is in. I hope he can choose wisely.
For an SF book the basic story is good, not the author spends the last quarter of the book preaching his moral viewpoints. I don't buy SF books for anyone's religious or Social value lesson. I buy Science Fiction books for entertainment. Mr Crowden needs to decide what business he is in. I hope he can choose wisely.
October 18, 2018
Mentally stimulating!
An awful lot of scientific details. But when you get to the end of the book you can see why. Character development of the main character demanded the details. The final concepts are ones we should think long and hard about. What is normal? Do we have to stick our noses into everything trying to fix it? Loved the story and its moral.
An awful lot of scientific details. But when you get to the end of the book you can see why. Character development of the main character demanded the details. The final concepts are ones we should think long and hard about. What is normal? Do we have to stick our noses into everything trying to fix it? Loved the story and its moral.
January 8, 2023
Reminds me a little bit of Arrival with its time travels but in Mars setting.
October 8, 2018
Imagine keeping a secret for 50 years in fear of it sending all of man kind into chaos. This is what happens when Mars astronaut Cory Anderson crash lands on the moon Phobos in the Stickney Crater and makes the discovery of a life time. The story takes off simply enough as a team of 6 living on Mars doing their own thing, running test, mapping the land, growing their own food and so on when one of the team gets hurt and needs rescued after attempting to retrieve a downed drone. Then NASA sends word of an accident involving a Chinese crew in orbit around the moon Phobos and a rescue attempt is made. The writing in this story is fantastic. Peter Cawdron does a great job of character development and world building with his use of geological land markers and tech jargon to help bring the story to life without dragging it down. A true masterpiece of hard sci-fi writing and very thought provoking
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2019
What did I just read? 😮
It is out of this world! Literally....
The writing style of this author is so brilliant, I really felt like I am on Mars/Phobos!
Where have you been hiding Mr Cawdron?
All fans of science/science-fiction need more of you at this instance!
I loved the scientific fact which accompany you throughout the book. It gives you the real feel.
After the thrilling accommodation on the Mars' moon I appreciate the wind in my hair and the heaviness of my legs on the ground due to gravity of our planet!
The only con for me is the child delivery which appeared not once but twice in this book. Too much data for me....🤣
But I guess that's just humans' ultimate goal in life as per our genetic encoding.
I will hapilly recommend this book to all awesome people who enjoy sci-fi and interplanetary exploration🖖
It is out of this world! Literally....
The writing style of this author is so brilliant, I really felt like I am on Mars/Phobos!
Where have you been hiding Mr Cawdron?
All fans of science/science-fiction need more of you at this instance!
I loved the scientific fact which accompany you throughout the book. It gives you the real feel.
After the thrilling accommodation on the Mars' moon I appreciate the wind in my hair and the heaviness of my legs on the ground due to gravity of our planet!
The only con for me is the child delivery which appeared not once but twice in this book. Too much data for me....🤣
But I guess that's just humans' ultimate goal in life as per our genetic encoding.
I will hapilly recommend this book to all awesome people who enjoy sci-fi and interplanetary exploration🖖
November 4, 2019
So promising; so disappointing. Danger, intrigue, and the unexpected made me devour Losing Mars. I give high marks to the science fiction bits but a failing grade to the social science pieces. Cawdron embraces one diversity but kicks other groups to the curb. Plus, the moral high-ground of his savior of the world is a bottomless pit of deception. Perhaps the book's message is that mankind is devolving.
December 21, 2018
Strange
Started off really great, excellent explanations of orbital calculations and what life on Mars could be like,, then it all went wierd magic mushrooms and 2001 space odyssey on an acid trip,,,
Started off really great, excellent explanations of orbital calculations and what life on Mars could be like,, then it all went wierd magic mushrooms and 2001 space odyssey on an acid trip,,,
July 22, 2021
Loved the idea, but didn't like the direction the story took in the latter part of the book.
December 14, 2018
This book is a mixed bag for me. I really enjoy the mostly realistic space exploration aspects of Mr. Cawdron's stories. He tells of the routine nuts and bolts activities and processes of space work, along with very high drama and action. SPOILERS: In Losing Mars, he jumps from space adventure to alien sort-of contact and some strange time jump stuff. Most of the story was quite unpredictable. A lot of cool stuff happens. But I couldn't get into the story completely. The social engineering & preachiness aspects just didn't seem right for this book. I'm used to thinking of astronauts as cool professional operatives not controlled by emotions. I couldn't accept the 'Shepard' crew as realistic. Not one word why Earth Space Agencies would send all married couples on a half-trillion dollar mission. I can see Colonization aspects of this choice, but no thoughts are presented of the emotional connections and effect on critical decision making. That plays a major role in this story. I also didn't buy the not telling the 'rescue' astronauts of important information, that could affect their decisions. And the main character makes an extremely important decision affecting mankind unilaterally. The entire crew just didn't act like professional astronauts representing mankind. The liberal preachiness is passionate and well presented, but just didn't fit this story.
April 25, 2022
Great book
It's a really interesting book it has lots of philosophy and A great plot. Exciting timeline and find a read give it a try.
It's a really interesting book it has lots of philosophy and A great plot. Exciting timeline and find a read give it a try.
October 8, 2018
Realistic sci-fi
If you are a fan of the Expanse novels, you should give this book a reas. The orbital mechanics and realistic consequences of life in orbit were a joy to read. The surprise time travel (non-spoiler) was something I didn’t see coming
If you are a fan of the Expanse novels, you should give this book a reas. The orbital mechanics and realistic consequences of life in orbit were a joy to read. The surprise time travel (non-spoiler) was something I didn’t see coming
October 3, 2018
Slow start to strong finish.
I must admit the start of this book had me thinking it was a poor offshoot of The Martian. Happily I was disavowed of this belief and came to enjoy the story very much.
I appreciate the science the author utilized making this a true science fiction work.
If you’re reading the book, stick with it. I can only hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I must admit the start of this book had me thinking it was a poor offshoot of The Martian. Happily I was disavowed of this belief and came to enjoy the story very much.
I appreciate the science the author utilized making this a true science fiction work.
If you’re reading the book, stick with it. I can only hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
February 22, 2019
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this book but I have found a new, favorite author!
This hard science, science fiction book checks ALL of the bases for me: great writing, interesting plot, good characters, social and political content, hard science, a believable storyline, and a new twist on some "old" topics.
The write-up Goodreads has about this book represents a small fraction of what the book is about. I understand its brevity because saying much more would give away too much of the twisting and complex plot. What I can say is that this book goes into great detail about what a first encampment on Mars, featuring three couples, would be like. Peter Cawdron has done a great amount of research (more about that in a minute) so this book is no fanciful Buck Rodgers story. Cawdron goes into great detail about establishing a colony on Mars - the incredible risks, the personality issues, the environmental extremes, and even the boredom of everyday tasks.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed in this book is Cawdron's homage to Alan Shepard. Shepard was the first American to travel into space aboard the Mercury space capsule, daring to ride a Redstone rocket that had blown up more times than it had actually launched. Shepard was the first into space but his legacy was swept aside by John Glenn who orbited the earth (Shepard's was a suborbital flight). Clearly Cawdron feels, as I do, that Shepard got the short end of the stick.
If this book just stayed with the Mars colony it would have been an interesting book but Cawdron adds much, much more. There is a lot going on including; a Mars based crisis, a personnel crisis, an international crisis, an ethical crisis - and that still doesn't include what becomes a major theme of this book (and I'm not going to spoil if for you by telling you).
Be sure to read the afterword that Cawdron has included. He goes into great detail about the science contained in his book and the research he put in to make this science fiction based on real science.
If you like hard science, science fiction you need to put this book at the top of your list!
This hard science, science fiction book checks ALL of the bases for me: great writing, interesting plot, good characters, social and political content, hard science, a believable storyline, and a new twist on some "old" topics.
The write-up Goodreads has about this book represents a small fraction of what the book is about. I understand its brevity because saying much more would give away too much of the twisting and complex plot. What I can say is that this book goes into great detail about what a first encampment on Mars, featuring three couples, would be like. Peter Cawdron has done a great amount of research (more about that in a minute) so this book is no fanciful Buck Rodgers story. Cawdron goes into great detail about establishing a colony on Mars - the incredible risks, the personality issues, the environmental extremes, and even the boredom of everyday tasks.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed in this book is Cawdron's homage to Alan Shepard. Shepard was the first American to travel into space aboard the Mercury space capsule, daring to ride a Redstone rocket that had blown up more times than it had actually launched. Shepard was the first into space but his legacy was swept aside by John Glenn who orbited the earth (Shepard's was a suborbital flight). Clearly Cawdron feels, as I do, that Shepard got the short end of the stick.
If this book just stayed with the Mars colony it would have been an interesting book but Cawdron adds much, much more. There is a lot going on including; a Mars based crisis, a personnel crisis, an international crisis, an ethical crisis - and that still doesn't include what becomes a major theme of this book (and I'm not going to spoil if for you by telling you).
Be sure to read the afterword that Cawdron has included. He goes into great detail about the science contained in his book and the research he put in to make this science fiction based on real science.
If you like hard science, science fiction you need to put this book at the top of your list!
October 7, 2021
Another great read from this underrated author. In fact, i have now read all his books (i think) and this one is my favourite although they're all wonderful. Highly recommended!
July 22, 2019
This is a very interesting book, in many ways. It starts as a hard sci-fi book, with believable tech, even if the whole setup is kinda weird - three couples are sent to explore Mars. Most of the characters are good and developed enough to fill their own roles on the plot, but the main focus is, of course, on the main character. Then the second part of the book comes, with a 2001-style plot twist. Some of the ideas here are fantastic, and I think the author did a great job with the tense, mysterious moments here. The way he wrote some of the fantastical things happening with the main character was incredibly good.
For criticisms... Not many! The author is clearly left-leaning, and I feel his heart is on the right place, but I feel *some* parts of the book where that shows could be written in a better way - some parts felt a bit forced or written in a clumsy way. However, there are other parts were the same subjects were treated better and in a more natural way, and those are pretty good.
Overall, a great book. I'll read more from the author in the future, for sure.
For criticisms... Not many! The author is clearly left-leaning, and I feel his heart is on the right place, but I feel *some* parts of the book where that shows could be written in a better way - some parts felt a bit forced or written in a clumsy way. However, there are other parts were the same subjects were treated better and in a more natural way, and those are pretty good.
Overall, a great book. I'll read more from the author in the future, for sure.
November 11, 2018
Realistic look at first Mars base.
Starts very well. Creative. Well researched. The ending bogged down and needed serious editing. Excellent hard sci first. Likeable characters.
Starts very well. Creative. Well researched. The ending bogged down and needed serious editing. Excellent hard sci first. Likeable characters.
October 14, 2018
Losing Mars (Kindle Edition) by Peter Cawdron
Rather dry in the first half, then a bit more interesting in the second half.
Seemed like the author wanted to rewrite The Martian in the first half of the book, but it was so dry it lost attention. The second half did pick up, and he did present some fun twists, but then the book went from too believable to not believable enough.
Rather dry in the first half, then a bit more interesting in the second half.
Seemed like the author wanted to rewrite The Martian in the first half of the book, but it was so dry it lost attention. The second half did pick up, and he did present some fun twists, but then the book went from too believable to not believable enough.
March 20, 2019
It was int
It was entertaining, and kept your interest. I found it kept my interest, will look forward to exploring more books from this autor.
It was entertaining, and kept your interest. I found it kept my interest, will look forward to exploring more books from this autor.
February 22, 2022
Enjoyed this a lot
I've read a few from this author and enjoyed them all, this is no exception. Nicely thought out and a new twist on an interesting subject. Highly recommended.
I've read a few from this author and enjoyed them all, this is no exception. Nicely thought out and a new twist on an interesting subject. Highly recommended.
August 15, 2022
Over the past three years, Apple TV+ has been streaming an ambitious series about exploring and colonizing Mars. For All Mankind stars Joel KInnaman as astronaut Ed Baldwin, heading a large and diverse cast in a difficult struggle to reach and tame the red planet. It’s great drama. But anyone with experience in space must be laughing their heads off over the technical errors in the story. It’s all too typical of the fare on television and the big screen about interplanetary exploration. You can find a more realistic portrayal of the challenges involved on the printed page. And one of the best examples I’ve come across is Peter Cawdron’s thrilling novel, Losing Mars.
BORING ROUTINE SHIFTS TO HEART-STOPPING TENSION
At the outset, you’ll know you’ve come across an attempt at realism. “Most people imagine life on Mars is a constant heart-thumping adventure,” reflects astronaut Cory Anderson after ten months at NASA’s Shepard Base on the planet. “There’s a sense of romanticism about being the first explorers on another planet. The final frontier and all that. Nothing could be further from reality. Life here is monotonous and repetitive.” Until, of course, exploring Mars is no longer dull at all, as tragedy strikes.
A MULTINATIONAL CREW OF SIX . . . BUT OTHERS ARE NEAR
Cory and his wife of nine years, Jen, are one of the three married couples at Shepard. “Jen and I cover botany and medical between us”—she’s the doctor—”and share base communications. The Washingtons specialize in engineering and electronics, while the Barneses are in charge of research and exploration. Shepard is technically a multi-national base, with module fabrication handled by JAXA, the Japanese space agency, and a crew from the US and Europe, but in practice, day to day management is handled by NASA.” Meanwhile, however, China has dispatched an independent mission to Mars. Its spacecraft is in orbit around the smaller of the two Martian moons, Phobos. And it is there that all hell breaks loose.
THIS IS SOLID, HARD SCIENCE FICTION
Losing Mars is the 12th in Cawdron’s ongoing series of standalone novels about First Contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. (To date, he’s published 20 of a projected 25 books in the series.) Given that fact, no reader should be surprised when something happens that cannot be written off as an Earthly phenomenon. But this is no horror story masquerading as science fiction. It’s solid, hard sci-fi. Cawdron is a master at the craft. And, as in all his novels, he appends a brief discussion at the end of the story explaining the scientific basis on which his work is grounded. In Cawdron’s books, it’s a mistake not to read these author’s notes. Some alone are worth the price of the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Cawdron’s bio on Amazon reads in full as follows: “Peter is a New Zealand Australian science fiction writer, specialising in making hard science fiction easy to understand and thoroughly enjoyable. His FIRST CONTACT series is topical rather than character-based, meaning each book stands alone. These novels can be read in any order, but they all focus on the same topic of First Contact with extraterrestrial lifeforms. In this regard, the series is akin to BLACK MIRROR or THE TWILIGHT ZONE.
“Hard science fiction is a misnomer as far as categories of literature go, as it sounds harsh and difficult to understand, but that is far from reality. Hard science fiction is simply plausible science fiction, fiction that is written in such a way as it conforms to the known laws of science, and that makes it more interesting, as there’s no magic wand the protagonist can wave to get out of trouble. Peter’s forays into hard science fiction could best be described as informative science fiction or enjoyable science fiction.
“Peter is a fan of such classic science fiction writers as Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke and Michael Crichton and their influence on his style and story lines is readily apparent. You can follow Peter on Facebook or Twitter or find him posting some interesting tibit on his blog, ‘Thinking Scifi.'”
BORING ROUTINE SHIFTS TO HEART-STOPPING TENSION
At the outset, you’ll know you’ve come across an attempt at realism. “Most people imagine life on Mars is a constant heart-thumping adventure,” reflects astronaut Cory Anderson after ten months at NASA’s Shepard Base on the planet. “There’s a sense of romanticism about being the first explorers on another planet. The final frontier and all that. Nothing could be further from reality. Life here is monotonous and repetitive.” Until, of course, exploring Mars is no longer dull at all, as tragedy strikes.
A MULTINATIONAL CREW OF SIX . . . BUT OTHERS ARE NEAR
Cory and his wife of nine years, Jen, are one of the three married couples at Shepard. “Jen and I cover botany and medical between us”—she’s the doctor—”and share base communications. The Washingtons specialize in engineering and electronics, while the Barneses are in charge of research and exploration. Shepard is technically a multi-national base, with module fabrication handled by JAXA, the Japanese space agency, and a crew from the US and Europe, but in practice, day to day management is handled by NASA.” Meanwhile, however, China has dispatched an independent mission to Mars. Its spacecraft is in orbit around the smaller of the two Martian moons, Phobos. And it is there that all hell breaks loose.
THIS IS SOLID, HARD SCIENCE FICTION
Losing Mars is the 12th in Cawdron’s ongoing series of standalone novels about First Contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. (To date, he’s published 20 of a projected 25 books in the series.) Given that fact, no reader should be surprised when something happens that cannot be written off as an Earthly phenomenon. But this is no horror story masquerading as science fiction. It’s solid, hard sci-fi. Cawdron is a master at the craft. And, as in all his novels, he appends a brief discussion at the end of the story explaining the scientific basis on which his work is grounded. In Cawdron’s books, it’s a mistake not to read these author’s notes. Some alone are worth the price of the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Cawdron’s bio on Amazon reads in full as follows: “Peter is a New Zealand Australian science fiction writer, specialising in making hard science fiction easy to understand and thoroughly enjoyable. His FIRST CONTACT series is topical rather than character-based, meaning each book stands alone. These novels can be read in any order, but they all focus on the same topic of First Contact with extraterrestrial lifeforms. In this regard, the series is akin to BLACK MIRROR or THE TWILIGHT ZONE.
“Hard science fiction is a misnomer as far as categories of literature go, as it sounds harsh and difficult to understand, but that is far from reality. Hard science fiction is simply plausible science fiction, fiction that is written in such a way as it conforms to the known laws of science, and that makes it more interesting, as there’s no magic wand the protagonist can wave to get out of trouble. Peter’s forays into hard science fiction could best be described as informative science fiction or enjoyable science fiction.
“Peter is a fan of such classic science fiction writers as Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke and Michael Crichton and their influence on his style and story lines is readily apparent. You can follow Peter on Facebook or Twitter or find him posting some interesting tibit on his blog, ‘Thinking Scifi.'”
March 11, 2021
There's a lot to like in this book. As a fan of hard sci-fi this definitely scratches that itch very well. Additionally, this is markedly different from the space opera sub-genre that tends to crowd the sci-fi genre, and its all the better for it - managing to concoct an inventive and fascinating future for the human race while remaining utterly familiar to where we are now.
While a book that is amazing from beginning to end can be the ideal reading experience, there is something even more special about a book that starts off fine enough but continually ramps it up over the course of the story and finishes strong. Losing Mars is that second type of book. Part of it certainly had to do with me going in unaware of the plot, but the story certainly takes some surprising turns. The core idea becomes clear three quarters into the book, at which point the story is at its most engaging, and everything prior is a riveting build up - with significant attention paid to the actual workings of planetary exploration and research. From the Murphy's Law-esque start to the mindbending and thoughtful end, Losing Mars is a great read. Now the next two paragraphs have spoilers, please be warned.
*Spoilers Ahead*
There were a couple of things that still felt off to me. The first being how practical it would be for NASA to be sending astronauts who are couples on planetary research missions - a lot of the character turmoil would've been avoided if the plot didnt transpire around three different couples. The second was the denouement itself, keeping the issue of the lead character choosing to keep such a monumental discovery to himself out of some grandiose view of self and an archaic if true perception of the human race, the fact that no other individual had stepped on Phobos in the 50 years since the original incident, despite over 8000 people living on Mars, was to me the least believable aspect of the story. Even if it were deemed a heritage site, select individuals should have visited the site and the protagonist's whole lie should have already fallen apart. In addition, a nitpick would be that there were several references to pop-culture, some of which seemed odd because they are already dated in our current time (eg The Incredible Hulk), so should have no reason being relevant decades into the future.
That said, as a First Contact story this has an interesting and refreshing take on the subject. The idea of a space faring alien race that predate us by millions of years that observed life's evolution on our blue planet from a bird's eye view was unique to me, and the added ambiguity - even if inevitable - about the fate of this mysterious race leaves enough curiosity at the conclusion of the story.
A well paced story with engaging plot and characters, with a very neat idea at its centre, Losing Mars is a memorable read.
While a book that is amazing from beginning to end can be the ideal reading experience, there is something even more special about a book that starts off fine enough but continually ramps it up over the course of the story and finishes strong. Losing Mars is that second type of book. Part of it certainly had to do with me going in unaware of the plot, but the story certainly takes some surprising turns. The core idea becomes clear three quarters into the book, at which point the story is at its most engaging, and everything prior is a riveting build up - with significant attention paid to the actual workings of planetary exploration and research. From the Murphy's Law-esque start to the mindbending and thoughtful end, Losing Mars is a great read. Now the next two paragraphs have spoilers, please be warned.
*Spoilers Ahead*
There were a couple of things that still felt off to me. The first being how practical it would be for NASA to be sending astronauts who are couples on planetary research missions - a lot of the character turmoil would've been avoided if the plot didnt transpire around three different couples. The second was the denouement itself, keeping the issue of the lead character choosing to keep such a monumental discovery to himself out of some grandiose view of self and an archaic if true perception of the human race, the fact that no other individual had stepped on Phobos in the 50 years since the original incident, despite over 8000 people living on Mars, was to me the least believable aspect of the story. Even if it were deemed a heritage site, select individuals should have visited the site and the protagonist's whole lie should have already fallen apart. In addition, a nitpick would be that there were several references to pop-culture, some of which seemed odd because they are already dated in our current time (eg The Incredible Hulk), so should have no reason being relevant decades into the future.
That said, as a First Contact story this has an interesting and refreshing take on the subject. The idea of a space faring alien race that predate us by millions of years that observed life's evolution on our blue planet from a bird's eye view was unique to me, and the added ambiguity - even if inevitable - about the fate of this mysterious race leaves enough curiosity at the conclusion of the story.
A well paced story with engaging plot and characters, with a very neat idea at its centre, Losing Mars is a memorable read.
April 3, 2024
I have made it a project to read each and all of Peter Cawdron's First Contact series, and Losing Mars was my sixth (NB: they are not in any particular order, and the series consists of stand-alone novels).
Even though I am not much of a techie myself, I like "hard" science fiction - stories that have strong elements of what we know is factually true or reasonably believe is really possible. To be honest, I find that I learn things from reading sci-fi novels by people like Cawdron and Kim Stanley Robinson. And I like a concept of possibility that does not rely (or fully rely) on unexplained magic. Given the premise that first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence would mean beings from (at least technologically) significantly more advanced societies, I may have to suspend belief about those societies, but I'd prefer that any "magic" practiced by human beings be limited to something about which we can at least make intelligent speculation. Cawdron's books consistently meet that requirement and then some, since he always includes his own notes at the end of the book that include the scientific basis for some elements of his stories.
I would like to think that the preference for stories in which human beings do things that we think could be done somehow connects to my preference for stories that suppose humans can make good, morally consistent decisions. Perhaps that is not so. But what is the point of human society advancing in the realms of science and technology if we do not also advance as critical and moral thinkers? Although Cawdron is not afraid to look at the darker side of humanity, but I think he also believes in the possibility of humans growing more moral as they grow smarter.
Sometimes Cawdron's stories lag or go into places that don't entirely make sense to me. Reading Losing Mars that happened during the final quarter of the book, and there was a moment when I almost said "I'm not sure I am going to read another of these." But it is part of his vision as a writer that by the end of the story I had tears running down my cheeks, feeling moved and inspired by how much he loves the human race AND science AND the universe. So, yeah, I will keep going in this series.
Even though I am not much of a techie myself, I like "hard" science fiction - stories that have strong elements of what we know is factually true or reasonably believe is really possible. To be honest, I find that I learn things from reading sci-fi novels by people like Cawdron and Kim Stanley Robinson. And I like a concept of possibility that does not rely (or fully rely) on unexplained magic. Given the premise that first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence would mean beings from (at least technologically) significantly more advanced societies, I may have to suspend belief about those societies, but I'd prefer that any "magic" practiced by human beings be limited to something about which we can at least make intelligent speculation. Cawdron's books consistently meet that requirement and then some, since he always includes his own notes at the end of the book that include the scientific basis for some elements of his stories.
I would like to think that the preference for stories in which human beings do things that we think could be done somehow connects to my preference for stories that suppose humans can make good, morally consistent decisions. Perhaps that is not so. But what is the point of human society advancing in the realms of science and technology if we do not also advance as critical and moral thinkers? Although Cawdron is not afraid to look at the darker side of humanity, but I think he also believes in the possibility of humans growing more moral as they grow smarter.
Sometimes Cawdron's stories lag or go into places that don't entirely make sense to me. Reading Losing Mars that happened during the final quarter of the book, and there was a moment when I almost said "I'm not sure I am going to read another of these." But it is part of his vision as a writer that by the end of the story I had tears running down my cheeks, feeling moved and inspired by how much he loves the human race AND science AND the universe. So, yeah, I will keep going in this series.
November 6, 2022
Losing Mars
First Contact series
This is the tenth book I've read of the First Contact series so I think I have a pretty good overall perspective. The fact that I've read ten books should tell you something - the books are entertaining and very well written.
The problem for me is the author's continual proselytizing about his liberal causes and beliefs: white privilege, race, equality, climate change, gender, sexual orientation (in this book there is actually a chapter named 'Lesbians in Space', if you can believe that). Men are bad (especially white ones), Hispanics and blacks are always the good people. Women rule - the good presidents are always female, the evil ones are white men, etc. The only group he hasn't brought in yet are transgender, but I'm sure they're coming. While I sympathize and agree with some of this, I don't enjoy being hit over my head with it over and over.
All the books (so far at least) follow the exact same formula. The first half introduces the characters and the author's liberal cause for that book and mostly have absolutely nothing to do with First Contact with aliens. Some of these lengthy introductions are quite good, a few extremely boring (this one falling into that category). When we finally get to the aliens they come in all shapes and sizes and there are some really interesting concepts - which thankfully usually make the trip worthwhile.
As I said the books are well written, seem to be well researched, and very detailed. While realistic, I did questions some of the plots. For example in this book, that takes place on Mars, the author goes on and on about the light gravity and how you 'almost float' when walking around. As he describes the low gravity it would seem very unlikely you would be injured in a fall. Wouldn't you just 'float' to the ground with low impact? Yet then the plot involves an astronaut falling and sustaining serious injuries. Huh? I just couldn't get into that after pages and pages stating the opposite.
Anyway, if you can get past this stuff you'll enjoy the series.
First Contact series
This is the tenth book I've read of the First Contact series so I think I have a pretty good overall perspective. The fact that I've read ten books should tell you something - the books are entertaining and very well written.
The problem for me is the author's continual proselytizing about his liberal causes and beliefs: white privilege, race, equality, climate change, gender, sexual orientation (in this book there is actually a chapter named 'Lesbians in Space', if you can believe that). Men are bad (especially white ones), Hispanics and blacks are always the good people. Women rule - the good presidents are always female, the evil ones are white men, etc. The only group he hasn't brought in yet are transgender, but I'm sure they're coming. While I sympathize and agree with some of this, I don't enjoy being hit over my head with it over and over.
All the books (so far at least) follow the exact same formula. The first half introduces the characters and the author's liberal cause for that book and mostly have absolutely nothing to do with First Contact with aliens. Some of these lengthy introductions are quite good, a few extremely boring (this one falling into that category). When we finally get to the aliens they come in all shapes and sizes and there are some really interesting concepts - which thankfully usually make the trip worthwhile.
As I said the books are well written, seem to be well researched, and very detailed. While realistic, I did questions some of the plots. For example in this book, that takes place on Mars, the author goes on and on about the light gravity and how you 'almost float' when walking around. As he describes the low gravity it would seem very unlikely you would be injured in a fall. Wouldn't you just 'float' to the ground with low impact? Yet then the plot involves an astronaut falling and sustaining serious injuries. Huh? I just couldn't get into that after pages and pages stating the opposite.
Anyway, if you can get past this stuff you'll enjoy the series.
June 2, 2024
Losing Mars by Peter Cawdron: A Riveting Sci-Fi Thriller That Contemplates Our Future
In Losing Mars, Peter Cawdron has seamlessly blended hard science fiction with thought-provoking existential themes to create a thrilling, gripping suspense that carries the reader.
First Contact is a series in which Cawdron has looked into the possible contact between humans and extraterrestrial intelligence. The story brought forward by Losing Mars takes place around a disabled Chinese spacecraft marooned close to the Martian moon of Phobos, with the only hope for the survivors resting on the presence of an American base deep in the enormous Vallis Marineris canyon. These convoluted circumstances beautifully capture the intense struggle for survival while contemplating the nature of international cooperation and first contact.
From the get-go, Cawdron masterfully throws readers into his well researched and carefully constructed, scientifically plausible world of human exploration on Mars. It's in the imaginative detail, though, where Losing Mars excels. As those tantalizing possibilities of alien life crystalize, Cawdron develops those threads by allowing even the most outlandish concepts to play out organically to blossom into utterly believable facets of the intricate storytelling tapestry.
More importantly, the pacing is right—never rushed, always riveting. This leaves Cawdron much room to round out his characters into fully fleshed and empathetic beings whom we can care about, and leaves us not with some bland and annoying cliffhanger, but with a genuinely cathartic ending that resonates long past the last page.
With delicate skill, he's moved between international cooperation, survival against the odds, and the grand implications of making that first contact. Losing Mars is sci-fi at its thrilling best. It is absolutely highly recommended to any fan of speculative fiction or any reader looking for an enjoyable, engaging read. Peter Cawdron has once again delivered a masterwork.
In Losing Mars, Peter Cawdron has seamlessly blended hard science fiction with thought-provoking existential themes to create a thrilling, gripping suspense that carries the reader.
First Contact is a series in which Cawdron has looked into the possible contact between humans and extraterrestrial intelligence. The story brought forward by Losing Mars takes place around a disabled Chinese spacecraft marooned close to the Martian moon of Phobos, with the only hope for the survivors resting on the presence of an American base deep in the enormous Vallis Marineris canyon. These convoluted circumstances beautifully capture the intense struggle for survival while contemplating the nature of international cooperation and first contact.
From the get-go, Cawdron masterfully throws readers into his well researched and carefully constructed, scientifically plausible world of human exploration on Mars. It's in the imaginative detail, though, where Losing Mars excels. As those tantalizing possibilities of alien life crystalize, Cawdron develops those threads by allowing even the most outlandish concepts to play out organically to blossom into utterly believable facets of the intricate storytelling tapestry.
More importantly, the pacing is right—never rushed, always riveting. This leaves Cawdron much room to round out his characters into fully fleshed and empathetic beings whom we can care about, and leaves us not with some bland and annoying cliffhanger, but with a genuinely cathartic ending that resonates long past the last page.
With delicate skill, he's moved between international cooperation, survival against the odds, and the grand implications of making that first contact. Losing Mars is sci-fi at its thrilling best. It is absolutely highly recommended to any fan of speculative fiction or any reader looking for an enjoyable, engaging read. Peter Cawdron has once again delivered a masterwork.
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