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Mars Nation #3
Mars Nation 3
Does the secret of Mars lurk beneath the surface of its south pole? A lone astronaut searches for clues about the earlier inhabitants of the Red Planet. Meanwhile, Rick Summers, having assumed the office of Mars City's Administrator by deceit and manipulation, tries to unify the people on Mars with the weapons under his control. Then Summers stumbles upon so powerful an evil that even he has no means to overcome it.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2019
929 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Q. Morris
142 books470 followersBrandon Q. Morris is a physicist and space specialist. He has long been concerned with space issues, both professionally and privately and while he wanted to become an astronaut, he had to stay on Earth for a variety of reasons. He is particularly fascinated by the "what if” and through his books he aims to share compelling hard science fiction stories that could actually happen, and someday may happen. Morris is the author of several best-selling science fiction novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 21, 2019
Im 3. Teil der Mars-Nation-Trilogie (Wird es wirklich eine Trilogie bleiben?) geht es hauptsächlich um die Etablierung des Regimes des selbsternannten "Administrators" (Ist das eine Spitze gegen den "Retter des Universums"?) von der 3. Mars-Expedtion, der sog. Mars-City. Er schließt direkt an die Ereignisse des 2. Teils an, als nach der Landung die Mars-City unter "Administrator" Rick Summers die beiden anderen Mars-Siedlungen, die NASA-Siedlung und die Siedlung der Mars-Direkt-Iniative, überfällt und sämtliche Männer festnimmt und zur Mars-City schickt, während die Frauen zurückbleiben. Eva die ehemalige Kommandantin von Mars-Direkt, die mehrere Menschen getötet hat, gesteuert durch eine KI in Ihrem Kopf, die sich Freitag nennt, flieht mit einem Rover aus der NASA-Siedlung, weil sie vom Administrator verfolgt wird und vor ein Volksgericht gestellt werden soll. Sie versucht über die, von ihr gefundenen, Aliens mehr herauszufinden, um den Konflikt mit der Mars City eventuell zu gewinnen.
Dazu kommt noch, dass die chinesische Expedition gelandet ist, deren Besatzung aber tot ist, aber ein Computervirus im chinesischen Schiff, das offenbar für den Tod der Besatzung verantwortlich ist, springt auf die Geräte der Mars-Siedler über und bedroht die gesamte menschliche Bevölkerung des Mars...
Das Buch ist spannend und voller neuer Wendungen, Künstliche Intelligenzen spielen hier eine große Rolle und eine Begründung für das Schweigen der Erde wird endlich geliefert. Allerdings fand ich es unbefriedigend, dass sich am Ende alles so schnell aufgelöst hat, m.E. würde die Geschichte, dieses World-Building noch genügend Raum für weitere Romane bieten, denn noch ist es überhaupt nicht klar, ob die Besiedlung des Mars erfolgreich sein wird, ob man mehr über die ehemaligen Mars-Bewohner herausfindet, die vor mehr als 3 Mrd. Jahren !!! dort gelebt haben. Die Artefakte, die Eva gefunden hat, würde noch genügend Stoff für tolle Hard Science Geschichten bieten, auch, was auf der Erde geschehen ist mit den Künstlichen Intelligenzen, wäre sehr interessant zu erfahren. Und wie sind diese Mars-Nation-Novellen in die Future History des Autors einzuordnen? Fragen über Fragen; Alles in allem eine gute Geschichte, die jedoch Raum für viel mehr geboten hätte. Ich hoffe, es ist noch nicht vorbei und der Autor kommt wieder auf die Mars-Nation zurück...
Dazu kommt noch, dass die chinesische Expedition gelandet ist, deren Besatzung aber tot ist, aber ein Computervirus im chinesischen Schiff, das offenbar für den Tod der Besatzung verantwortlich ist, springt auf die Geräte der Mars-Siedler über und bedroht die gesamte menschliche Bevölkerung des Mars...
Das Buch ist spannend und voller neuer Wendungen, Künstliche Intelligenzen spielen hier eine große Rolle und eine Begründung für das Schweigen der Erde wird endlich geliefert. Allerdings fand ich es unbefriedigend, dass sich am Ende alles so schnell aufgelöst hat, m.E. würde die Geschichte, dieses World-Building noch genügend Raum für weitere Romane bieten, denn noch ist es überhaupt nicht klar, ob die Besiedlung des Mars erfolgreich sein wird, ob man mehr über die ehemaligen Mars-Bewohner herausfindet, die vor mehr als 3 Mrd. Jahren !!! dort gelebt haben. Die Artefakte, die Eva gefunden hat, würde noch genügend Stoff für tolle Hard Science Geschichten bieten, auch, was auf der Erde geschehen ist mit den Künstlichen Intelligenzen, wäre sehr interessant zu erfahren. Und wie sind diese Mars-Nation-Novellen in die Future History des Autors einzuordnen? Fragen über Fragen; Alles in allem eine gute Geschichte, die jedoch Raum für viel mehr geboten hätte. Ich hoffe, es ist noch nicht vorbei und der Autor kommt wieder auf die Mars-Nation zurück...
February 22, 2024
This whole series was just… okay. The end of the trilogy felt very rushed and not well planned out. So many extra details were added that never went anywhere, it just felt frivolous.
November 2, 2020
Trilogy
A good set of books. Nobody knows what or who lived on the red planet.it is great to imagine what could be there when we finally arrive . I am 66 years old and hopefully will still be around to find out.
A good set of books. Nobody knows what or who lived on the red planet.it is great to imagine what could be there when we finally arrive . I am 66 years old and hopefully will still be around to find out.
October 31, 2024
DNF I should just accept I‘ll never finish this.
14.03. - 31.10.
14.03. - 31.10.
July 17, 2020
What the . . .?
I guess my idea of "hard science fiction" and Brandon Morris' definition vary widely. This review encompasses books two and three in the trilogy (I have already reviewed book one).
When I read the words "hard science fiction" I think that there will be hard scientific theory behind it. Mars Nation books 2 & 3 are fantasy from the get-go. Moving mountains and flying palm trees (okay, I'm pushing a metaphor here) go beyond believability. Friday, the implanted AI in Ewa's brain (not "mind" as stated at one point), I chose to accept though there is so much about the human brain that I wonder about the possibility.
One chapter spent the entire time digging into the minutiae of Ewa's actions. I just skimmed most of it.
Rick Summers was another character that I had difficulty with. There was no real plausible backgrounding to justify his motivations or subsequent actions. He is a cartoon bad guy at worst. At best, he deserves his own trilogy to explain who he is and why he became such a creep.
Okay, enough griping. If you have a week (or so) and you've read Red Mars, Blue Mars and Green Mars (superior trilogy) and want to spend time in Never Never Land then Mars Nation is the set for you.
I guess my idea of "hard science fiction" and Brandon Morris' definition vary widely. This review encompasses books two and three in the trilogy (I have already reviewed book one).
When I read the words "hard science fiction" I think that there will be hard scientific theory behind it. Mars Nation books 2 & 3 are fantasy from the get-go. Moving mountains and flying palm trees (okay, I'm pushing a metaphor here) go beyond believability. Friday, the implanted AI in Ewa's brain (not "mind" as stated at one point), I chose to accept though there is so much about the human brain that I wonder about the possibility.
One chapter spent the entire time digging into the minutiae of Ewa's actions. I just skimmed most of it.
Rick Summers was another character that I had difficulty with. There was no real plausible backgrounding to justify his motivations or subsequent actions. He is a cartoon bad guy at worst. At best, he deserves his own trilogy to explain who he is and why he became such a creep.
Okay, enough griping. If you have a week (or so) and you've read Red Mars, Blue Mars and Green Mars (superior trilogy) and want to spend time in Never Never Land then Mars Nation is the set for you.
September 9, 2020
It was just okay. Story lines finally merged together which made it quite interesting - quite a bit of action starting out in the early chapters to capture readers.
It kind of spiraled out expanding on Ewa's story line, which was massively disappointing. It made Book 2's twist absolutely meaningless - basically just filler without any purpose. Building up on the twist with an epic explosion of wasted words falling into an empty ending.
The overall story ending was very lame and anti-climatic. He did do a good job tying up loose ends, but it was so poorly developed that it left you disappointed, particularly since he wasted nearly 2 books building up the plot.
I wouldn't waste the time on this book. Only if you are desperate.
It kind of spiraled out expanding on Ewa's story line, which was massively disappointing. It made Book 2's twist absolutely meaningless - basically just filler without any purpose. Building up on the twist with an epic explosion of wasted words falling into an empty ending.
The overall story ending was very lame and anti-climatic. He did do a good job tying up loose ends, but it was so poorly developed that it left you disappointed, particularly since he wasted nearly 2 books building up the plot.
I wouldn't waste the time on this book. Only if you are desperate.
December 30, 2019
The final instalment of this trilogy is quite good. Lots of moving parts, and fairly fast paced.
The three books certainly let you know that it's tough to live in space. There's nothing easy about it.
I enjoyed the story and appreciated how well it wrapped up.
The three books certainly let you know that it's tough to live in space. There's nothing easy about it.
I enjoyed the story and appreciated how well it wrapped up.
October 24, 2023
Entertaining, a good Martian thriller we’re polítics collide with a sentient AI empowering a fearless woman.
October 20, 2021
An excellent read. Good solid Sci-Fi
I have just read books 2 and 3 to complete this trilogy. In my review of the first book I expressed a few concerns, and this book is no different. It is necessary to slightly suspend one's disbelief to really enjoy the trilogy.
In this volume, the Mars colonists must deal with the individual who has set himself up as dictator of Mars, and with a Chinese ship that lands. Solutions are given for the complete loss of contact with Earth, and for certain events which occur on Mars, but sadly, the given solution lacks credibility.
Also, certain alien artifacts are located on the planet, which are supposedly left over technology from a long gone Martian civilization, but which don't seem to have any actual role in the story. They just seem to be there for no real reason that advances the plot.
For that reason and a few others I have given this book only 4 stars. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the story overall. The writer has a clean, easy to read writing style, and is clearly knowledgeable about his subject matter in most areas. The story line drew me in, and I read both book 2 and 3 in the trilogy in just a few days. Character development is good, and the main character are well rounded. I thoroughly enjoyed all three books.
This story is written in the style of the great masters of sci-fi, and is straightforward, easy to read. Definitely not for YA. I can easily recommend this writer's books to anyone. I will certainly be reading more of his work.
I have just read books 2 and 3 to complete this trilogy. In my review of the first book I expressed a few concerns, and this book is no different. It is necessary to slightly suspend one's disbelief to really enjoy the trilogy.
In this volume, the Mars colonists must deal with the individual who has set himself up as dictator of Mars, and with a Chinese ship that lands. Solutions are given for the complete loss of contact with Earth, and for certain events which occur on Mars, but sadly, the given solution lacks credibility.
Also, certain alien artifacts are located on the planet, which are supposedly left over technology from a long gone Martian civilization, but which don't seem to have any actual role in the story. They just seem to be there for no real reason that advances the plot.
For that reason and a few others I have given this book only 4 stars. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the story overall. The writer has a clean, easy to read writing style, and is clearly knowledgeable about his subject matter in most areas. The story line drew me in, and I read both book 2 and 3 in the trilogy in just a few days. Character development is good, and the main character are well rounded. I thoroughly enjoyed all three books.
This story is written in the style of the great masters of sci-fi, and is straightforward, easy to read. Definitely not for YA. I can easily recommend this writer's books to anyone. I will certainly be reading more of his work.
November 24, 2023
Very good trilogy of Mars-related fiction. As I listened to it via audiobook, there was enough complexity in the narrative that made me wonder if reading it in hard copy would have been better. Regardless, I wonder if such complexity could be in our future as both governments and private entities are already competing to push the current limits of space exploration. In the Mars Nation trilogy there are three entities pushing to colonize Mars which thus highlights several issues rarely thought of in space exploration (leadership succession planning, court systems, police activities, etc). Other complexities of such long range and long timeframe space exploration involve loss of communication with earth, human relationships in space, advanced health care in space, the threats and benefits of AI, etc. As stated in the beginning, the books provide a level of complexity that will challenge a reader... and may be prescient of future times ahead.
July 19, 2023
En realidad, 2.5 estrellas.
¡Mucho drama y mucha confrontación! Y, bueno, los eventos salieron de la mejor manera posible (por no decir que "bien"). Creo que fue una historia bien contada, emocionante, sencilla pero con algunos elementos complejos (el caso de Ewa y la civilización antigua). Desde mi punto de vista, las interacciones humanas fueron adecuadas (aunque en general este autor tiende a representar un poquito más de bondad de la que me gusta). Pese a eso, no le doy 3 estrellas porque considero que el asunto de colonizar Marte o de tener asentamientos en Marte requiere un poco más de información y consistencia, algo que se pueda rumiar y no que sea simplemente entretenido.
¡Mucho drama y mucha confrontación! Y, bueno, los eventos salieron de la mejor manera posible (por no decir que "bien"). Creo que fue una historia bien contada, emocionante, sencilla pero con algunos elementos complejos (el caso de Ewa y la civilización antigua). Desde mi punto de vista, las interacciones humanas fueron adecuadas (aunque en general este autor tiende a representar un poquito más de bondad de la que me gusta). Pese a eso, no le doy 3 estrellas porque considero que el asunto de colonizar Marte o de tener asentamientos en Marte requiere un poco más de información y consistencia, algo que se pueda rumiar y no que sea simplemente entretenido.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2020
This one was a little better than the first two, but the climax was ludicrous. Any authoritarian slime-ball worth his salt would of course agree to resign under duress, then immediately upon being freed from certain death in an airlock, would instantly declare, "I do not honor negotiations made under duress." And if s/he had the troops, enforce that statement with finality. And lock up the person who manipulated the situation. And destroy her already crumbling reputation by pointing out that she put three innocent--oh, right, four!--innocent lives in jeopardy so isn't worth listening to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2020
Interesting trilogy but the ending was a bit weak for me.
Interesting read and I enjoyed how, although the idea of a utopian, conflict free world is a great idea; sadly people mess up that idea. The first two books were gripping although I sometimes struggled with an i,age of some of the equipment. This one was fascinating with finding out who....
**** sort of spoiler alert****
Friday is. Other than that, the end left me feeling like there should be another story exploring Ewa and Summers at the South Pole.
Interesting read and I enjoyed how, although the idea of a utopian, conflict free world is a great idea; sadly people mess up that idea. The first two books were gripping although I sometimes struggled with an i,age of some of the equipment. This one was fascinating with finding out who....
**** sort of spoiler alert****
Friday is. Other than that, the end left me feeling like there should be another story exploring Ewa and Summers at the South Pole.
December 30, 2020
The End of a Trilogy or beginning of a new world
That is what the author asks of his readers. Again, I find that just as I think I’m going to dislike the implausible actions in the story, the author gives plausibility to them and rejects animosity between characters to the extent you may dislike them but accept the differences. While the events are (or at least I hope) not likely to occur when we land on Mars, the attitudes and resilience of the characters are much needed for those that take on the journey. There is no one super hero or heroine, but a group that works well together and is adaptable.
That is what the author asks of his readers. Again, I find that just as I think I’m going to dislike the implausible actions in the story, the author gives plausibility to them and rejects animosity between characters to the extent you may dislike them but accept the differences. While the events are (or at least I hope) not likely to occur when we land on Mars, the attitudes and resilience of the characters are much needed for those that take on the journey. There is no one super hero or heroine, but a group that works well together and is adaptable.
January 21, 2026
I really enjoyed how new characters came into the story and expanded the perspective. I liked the overall arc and where the story goes, but maybe I’m being a bit critical but I expected a more elaborate ending.
That said, I really appreciate how realistic the narrative is: our bodies are fragile, we get cut, break bones, need oxygen to breathe, and still have very basic physiological needs like using the bathroom. Running, working, and surviving inside a suit that has to protect us and keep us alive comes at a cost, and of course there will be consequences and long-term effects.
That said, I really appreciate how realistic the narrative is: our bodies are fragile, we get cut, break bones, need oxygen to breathe, and still have very basic physiological needs like using the bathroom. Running, working, and surviving inside a suit that has to protect us and keep us alive comes at a cost, and of course there will be consequences and long-term effects.
June 17, 2020
Avarice, and ambition v. altruism and exploration, these are excellent themes for a social science fiction. Advanced technology, espionage and the simple life also have their places. Mars Nation has it all. With explorations into the thoughts of those who are both technologists and pioneers, politicians and statesmen we can explore along with Ewa, Spencer, Friday, Theo, Lance, Sara, Ellen, Janet, and all the others of The MfE, NASA and the Spaceliner. Excellent.
July 18, 2020
I enjoyed all three books, but book 3 seemed a little rushed to me. I would have like to have known what happened to some of the couples. We never learned what happened to Gabrielle for the part she played. There were other loose ends that I feel were not tied up in a neat little bow, but I still enjoyed the trilogy.
December 16, 2020
Interesting trilogy
When I downloaded the first Mars Nation book, it was free. I didn't realize it was a trilogy until I was already into it. I don't normally like books with sequels, but after reading the first one, I was so curious I had to get the others! Excellent characters and I love all the science. Great story! Thanks Mr Morris!
When I downloaded the first Mars Nation book, it was free. I didn't realize it was a trilogy until I was already into it. I don't normally like books with sequels, but after reading the first one, I was so curious I had to get the others! Excellent characters and I love all the science. Great story! Thanks Mr Morris!
January 23, 2024
Nice theme, but too many issues with the book otherwise
Hard to call this "hard-sci-fi"
Hard to call this "hard-sci-fi"
July 23, 2020
Phenomenal ending to this wild ride! Twists and turns, life and death, emotions everywhere. I can't wait to read another series!
Personal note: This book got me to my reading goal for this year and it's on the summer. Woo!
Personal note: This book got me to my reading goal for this year and it's on the summer. Woo!
November 5, 2022
Overall, I enjoyed the Mars Nation series. Interesting storyline and some very compelling characters, but after three books I expected a lot more closure. Book 3 seemed more like a set up for a Book 4. And the ending...well...it really was quite a clinker.
July 14, 2020
Mars Nation 3
I loved all 3 of these books! These are the type of books I love! Keep up the great work. Thank you.
I loved all 3 of these books! These are the type of books I love! Keep up the great work. Thank you.
July 19, 2020
Enjoyable end to the trilogy
Enjoyed the 3rd book. Looking into other books by the same author. Interesting story that carries across all 3 books.
Enjoyed the 3rd book. Looking into other books by the same author. Interesting story that carries across all 3 books.
July 24, 2020
This is an excellent trilogy.
Read
October 12, 2020Hmmmm, the jury is still out on this one. I felt slightly underwhelmed with the ending and felt that the trilogy, as a whole, started really well but then tapered off.
October 26, 2020
Fine ending to the trilogy. Another great beach read. Nothing super crazy a little deus ex machina but that's okay!
January 13, 2021
The author certainly left the door open for future installments of the series. To me, it was a weak story leading to an unsatisfactory conclusion.
January 21, 2021
Rather rushed ending to an ok series
February 15, 2021
Brandon Morris
I loved the mars series. I will read all his books! Great characters and couldn't wait to read each book.
I loved the mars series. I will read all his books! Great characters and couldn't wait to read each book.
July 10, 2021
Lots of Artifacts
The story gets exciting and more plausible as the narrative progresses. The deep conspiracy and the paranoia are excellent elements.
The story gets exciting and more plausible as the narrative progresses. The deep conspiracy and the paranoia are excellent elements.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews