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Colony Mars #6
Plains of Utopia Mars Colony 6
Xenon Hybrid, the Red Planet’s ceremonial head-of-state, has not been seen for many years after withdrawing to an isolated enclave in the far north where he steadily built up a following of citizens seeking out an alternative lifestyle. They bother no one, and no one bothers them.
But when an Earth-bound ship explodes on the launchpad in Jezero City, and the DNA from two bodies recovered at the site are found to be an exact match, Dr. Jann Malbec is convinced that they are the product of a covert cloning program. More troubling still is that the DNA is a very close match to the reclusive and enigmatic Xenon.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Mars Envoy, Mia Sorelli, finds herself stuck on the planet after her ride back to Earth is now a charred hunk of metal. She begins to get an uneasy feeling that someone may be trying to assassinate her, and Mia’s suspicions start to focus on a clandestine group of Xenon’s followers.
As these parallel investigations begin to converge, it becomes apparent to both Jann and Mia that the peaceful and simple lifestyle of the Xenonists is not all that it seems. There is a darker ideology bubbling underneath the surface, one that threatens to bring catastrophe to the entire population on Mars.
But will anyone believe them in time?
About Plains of
This is the sixth book in a Sci-Fi series set in a human colony on Mars. The science depicted is, for the most part, plausible. In other words, what’s technically possible with either current technology or taking experimental research a step or two further. That said, you won’t need a calculator or a slide-rule to enjoy the story.
Reading
Book 1: Colony One Mars
Book 2: Colony Two Mars
Book 3: Colony Three Mars (Completes the trilogy)
Book 4: Jezero City, Colony Four Mars (Can be read as a stand-alone novel)
Book 5: Surface Tension, Colony Five Mars (Can be read as a stand-alone novel)
Book 6: Plains of Utopia, Colony Six Mars
The Belt
Book 1: Entanglement
Book 2: Entropy
Book 3: Evolution
Book 4: Enigma
Book 5: Exodus
Book 6: Emergence
But when an Earth-bound ship explodes on the launchpad in Jezero City, and the DNA from two bodies recovered at the site are found to be an exact match, Dr. Jann Malbec is convinced that they are the product of a covert cloning program. More troubling still is that the DNA is a very close match to the reclusive and enigmatic Xenon.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Mars Envoy, Mia Sorelli, finds herself stuck on the planet after her ride back to Earth is now a charred hunk of metal. She begins to get an uneasy feeling that someone may be trying to assassinate her, and Mia’s suspicions start to focus on a clandestine group of Xenon’s followers.
As these parallel investigations begin to converge, it becomes apparent to both Jann and Mia that the peaceful and simple lifestyle of the Xenonists is not all that it seems. There is a darker ideology bubbling underneath the surface, one that threatens to bring catastrophe to the entire population on Mars.
But will anyone believe them in time?
About Plains of
This is the sixth book in a Sci-Fi series set in a human colony on Mars. The science depicted is, for the most part, plausible. In other words, what’s technically possible with either current technology or taking experimental research a step or two further. That said, you won’t need a calculator or a slide-rule to enjoy the story.
Reading
Book 1: Colony One Mars
Book 2: Colony Two Mars
Book 3: Colony Three Mars (Completes the trilogy)
Book 4: Jezero City, Colony Four Mars (Can be read as a stand-alone novel)
Book 5: Surface Tension, Colony Five Mars (Can be read as a stand-alone novel)
Book 6: Plains of Utopia, Colony Six Mars
The Belt
Book 1: Entanglement
Book 2: Entropy
Book 3: Evolution
Book 4: Enigma
Book 5: Exodus
Book 6: Emergence
226 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2020
392 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 31, 2025
A satisfying conclusion to an entertaining series.
December 18, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this final installment to the Colony One Mars series! I loved how the author pulled in all the characters from the previous books and sent them on a mission to save Mars once again. All the elements from the books that I enjoyed were here in this conclusion. If I had a negative, it would be that the story moved a little too fast. I would have liked the plots and twists to have been a little more fleshed out. Overall, I really enjoyed this little foray into sci-fi and Mars! It was a fun little series to read through.
June 2, 2021
Plains of Utopia is another of author Gerald M. Kilby's SF adventure series set on the planet Mars, now under self-rule, independent of Earth. But something is stirring beyond the Plains of Utopia, where the inaugural President of Mars, albeit predominantly a figurehead, has retreated to live in semi-isolation and contemplation. However, it seems he has acquired many followers, and not all of them are as "quiet" as is Xenon Hybrid.
The great thing about this tale is that Kilby's recurring leads are all given an opportunity to dominate the landscape, i.e. Dr Jann Malbec and her old friend Nills Langthorp, as well as former homicide investigator Mia Sorelli, who is about to return to Earth in her new role as Mars Envoy. Also involved with all his comrades of yore is the robot Gizmo, without whom no Colony Mars book is complete!
I romped through this story, sad that it was the final in the Colony Mars saga, but enjoying it all the way.
The great thing about this tale is that Kilby's recurring leads are all given an opportunity to dominate the landscape, i.e. Dr Jann Malbec and her old friend Nills Langthorp, as well as former homicide investigator Mia Sorelli, who is about to return to Earth in her new role as Mars Envoy. Also involved with all his comrades of yore is the robot Gizmo, without whom no Colony Mars book is complete!
I romped through this story, sad that it was the final in the Colony Mars saga, but enjoying it all the way.
September 25, 2024
I still really enjoy this series following the development of a viable, independent society on Mars along with the presence of some very well-developed characters who helped shaped the Mars colonies into stable, thriving communities. In this novel, however, I felt a slight diminishment in the energy of the series, with a rushing to conclusion, but that could be a result of my sadness at this coming to an end (although I think there may be a seventh book). Revolution has been fomenting in a group of people who consider themselves to be true Martians, having been born on the planet. They plan, in the name of an earlier, charismatic leader who is unaware of the plot, to kill the other colonists and establish a "pure" Martian race. There is a race to stop the poisoning of the colonists. I still very much enjoy the thoughtful examination of the growing pains of a new society as it seeks to identify itself by governmental model, laws and leadership.
December 13, 2023
A philosophical and adventurous continuation of the Mars story
Another exciting adventure on Mars with all the key characters coming together to save the planet they have all come to love. Also a rather philosophical look on how humanity evolves and abuses their surroundings, no matter where they end up. A great series, with wonderful protagonists and hopeful vibes for the good in us all.
Another exciting adventure on Mars with all the key characters coming together to save the planet they have all come to love. Also a rather philosophical look on how humanity evolves and abuses their surroundings, no matter where they end up. A great series, with wonderful protagonists and hopeful vibes for the good in us all.
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February 4, 2021Excellent!!! Same for the previous 5 books in the “ Colony Mars”series. Best reads I’ve enjoyed for a long, long time. You have picked up much expertise from your mentors Clarke, Asimov, etc. I enjoy your books just as much as I did theirs. I grew up reading these masters’ works and sadly seldom find much to read lately in the Sci-Fi category. I’m currently acquiring other novels of yours.
Your “Colony Mars Series”would be an excellent vehicle as a video series on Netflix, or Amazon Prime. You should consider that path. The state of Sci-Fi on these streaming sites is currently very poor. The only vehicle of merit I’ve seen lately is the Andy Weir “The Martian”motion picture.
Keep up the great work.
Your “Colony Mars Series”would be an excellent vehicle as a video series on Netflix, or Amazon Prime. You should consider that path. The state of Sci-Fi on these streaming sites is currently very poor. The only vehicle of merit I’ve seen lately is the Andy Weir “The Martian”motion picture.
Keep up the great work.
August 29, 2021
Life on Mars
As all Kilby's books, this on is just as great. I read the first one and downloaded the rest. I was hooked.
In Plaines of Utopia, you are captured right from the start. My only down side to this is the ending.
I wanted it to go farther, but I see another book in the future...... Love the characters. The
Series makes you think this could really take place, as we are looking to go there now. Some stuff we hope would
Not take place,sure. The thought that we would be taking our bad habits with us really hits home. And the struggle
to survive and live in this inhospitable place keeps you divided. Loved the series and
Hope for another book to continue Dr. Malbec's mars adventures.
As all Kilby's books, this on is just as great. I read the first one and downloaded the rest. I was hooked.
In Plaines of Utopia, you are captured right from the start. My only down side to this is the ending.
I wanted it to go farther, but I see another book in the future...... Love the characters. The
Series makes you think this could really take place, as we are looking to go there now. Some stuff we hope would
Not take place,sure. The thought that we would be taking our bad habits with us really hits home. And the struggle
to survive and live in this inhospitable place keeps you divided. Loved the series and
Hope for another book to continue Dr. Malbec's mars adventures.
February 26, 2024
The horse has been flogged to death, well and truly.
Yes, it was fun having the old duo and the new girl together on a new adventure involving bad things from the 1st/2nd book, but it just feels very tired now. It hardly had any tension, big build up, resolution, it just seemed to drift along, and then suddenly at the end it ramps up and ends as abruptly as it started. When I read "epilogue" I openly went "...oh...that's the end?"
A fun adventure, but it didn't need to happen. The original trilogy was enough.
Yes, it was fun having the old duo and the new girl together on a new adventure involving bad things from the 1st/2nd book, but it just feels very tired now. It hardly had any tension, big build up, resolution, it just seemed to drift along, and then suddenly at the end it ramps up and ends as abruptly as it started. When I read "epilogue" I openly went "...oh...that's the end?"
A fun adventure, but it didn't need to happen. The original trilogy was enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
It’s OK
After reading all of the books in the series, they all follow the same formula. Main characters are threatened by evil men. A plan is devised, main characters are severely injured and Gizmo saves the day. That being said, I did enjoy them as light reads. I’m old, so I remember the movies of the week back in the seventies. These books follow that kind of style. Basically the characters have no depth, plots are thin and predictable, and the dialogue is stiff, but you don’t need to do a lot of thinking and Gizmo saves the day!
After reading all of the books in the series, they all follow the same formula. Main characters are threatened by evil men. A plan is devised, main characters are severely injured and Gizmo saves the day. That being said, I did enjoy them as light reads. I’m old, so I remember the movies of the week back in the seventies. These books follow that kind of style. Basically the characters have no depth, plots are thin and predictable, and the dialogue is stiff, but you don’t need to do a lot of thinking and Gizmo saves the day!
July 22, 2021
Xenon rebellion???
A spacecraft is blown up on the launch pad just before Mia was about to board it. Was she the target? What about the weird DNA found in the wreckage that appears to be from two clones linked to Xenon? Jann and Nils are intrigued and so decide to visit Xenon's enclave, taking Gizmo along for the ride. While there they find out what is going on, while Mia investigates back in Jerizo and between them they set out to foil the nefarious plot.
A spacecraft is blown up on the launch pad just before Mia was about to board it. Was she the target? What about the weird DNA found in the wreckage that appears to be from two clones linked to Xenon? Jann and Nils are intrigued and so decide to visit Xenon's enclave, taking Gizmo along for the ride. While there they find out what is going on, while Mia investigates back in Jerizo and between them they set out to foil the nefarious plot.
August 29, 2024
Great ending
I chose to give a four rating because I rarely give a five. I enjoyed this series more than I have the last 5 or 6 that I have read. It is well written, the plots carefully thought out and seemed plausible, and the characters well rounded.
Although the books all covered the same subject, each book could have stood on its own...I like that when I am reading a series. It gives me a moment to contemplate what I have read.
I would recommend this series to a friend.
I chose to give a four rating because I rarely give a five. I enjoyed this series more than I have the last 5 or 6 that I have read. It is well written, the plots carefully thought out and seemed plausible, and the characters well rounded.
Although the books all covered the same subject, each book could have stood on its own...I like that when I am reading a series. It gives me a moment to contemplate what I have read.
I would recommend this series to a friend.
December 31, 2024
4.5 If I could give it. I enjoyed how the storyline circled back to the beginning of it all. While I was hoping for a bigger twist in the plot, it was still an engaging and enjoyable read. I also appreciated the exploration of AI and its limitations within a human-driven society. The inclusion of age-old technology playing a key role in saving people was a nice touch, emphasizing that no matter how advanced technology becomes, we remain human and continue to face fundamentally human challenges.
January 5, 2025
would make a great TV miniseries
I really enjoyed the series. I appreciated the fact that there was no overt sex, just hints of romantic involvement between major characters. The fast-paced action kept my interest, but I think the female characters, especially Mia, didn’t need to be shown drinking whiskey, scotch, bourbon, etc throughout the story to show they could hold their own against any man. Women can be powerful without having to act like a man.
I really enjoyed the series. I appreciated the fact that there was no overt sex, just hints of romantic involvement between major characters. The fast-paced action kept my interest, but I think the female characters, especially Mia, didn’t need to be shown drinking whiskey, scotch, bourbon, etc throughout the story to show they could hold their own against any man. Women can be powerful without having to act like a man.
February 13, 2025
Final Story
With the fate of the Mars Colony cities in the balance, the characters from the previous books converge in a final showdown against forces that would alter and dominate the planet.
The action flows from scene to scene across the chief city, and a remote site, in a well done narrative. The final resolutions to years of strife and conflict are believable.
All in all a well crafted SciFi colonization epic.
With the fate of the Mars Colony cities in the balance, the characters from the previous books converge in a final showdown against forces that would alter and dominate the planet.
The action flows from scene to scene across the chief city, and a remote site, in a well done narrative. The final resolutions to years of strife and conflict are believable.
All in all a well crafted SciFi colonization epic.
April 22, 2025
take the trip of a lifetime, to Mars
I really enjoyed these books. I loved the way the author drew you in, and helped you become a part of the action. I found myself rooting for the good guys, and wondering, what would I do in this situation. I love space and grew up about 30 miles from Cape Kennedy. We would step outside to watch every launch. I recommend these books and hope you enjoy them too.
I really enjoyed these books. I loved the way the author drew you in, and helped you become a part of the action. I found myself rooting for the good guys, and wondering, what would I do in this situation. I love space and grew up about 30 miles from Cape Kennedy. We would step outside to watch every launch. I recommend these books and hope you enjoy them too.
October 27, 2025
Loved them all
After thoroughly exploring a diverse collection of literary works, I have found each book to be comprehensive, engaging, and satisfying, leaving no gaps or areas of dissatisfaction in my reading experience. The texts I have encountered have been complete, offering rich insights, compelling narratives, and profound perspectives that have fully met my intellectual and emotional expectations.
After thoroughly exploring a diverse collection of literary works, I have found each book to be comprehensive, engaging, and satisfying, leaving no gaps or areas of dissatisfaction in my reading experience. The texts I have encountered have been complete, offering rich insights, compelling narratives, and profound perspectives that have fully met my intellectual and emotional expectations.
November 17, 2022
This series was very enjoyable. Each book is a stand alone story, using the same locations and mostly the same characters, as new ones are added. Of course each story builds on the background of the previous ones, but there are no cliffhangers, each book is brought to a conclusion. Gizmo, the semi-sentient, genius ("I know") robot is the funniest character of all.
March 20, 2025
Well conceived and executed story arc
Tackled many current humanity problems in the context of a Martian Colony: greed, genetic manipulation, and corporate oversight to name a few. Add in existing in an environment relying on so many basics we take for granted on earth. Then broke the story into six easily digest able and self-contained parts.
Tackled many current humanity problems in the context of a Martian Colony: greed, genetic manipulation, and corporate oversight to name a few. Add in existing in an environment relying on so many basics we take for granted on earth. Then broke the story into six easily digest able and self-contained parts.
May 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this 6-part SF series. Very original and fast-paced. It had likable characters, lots of action, and a very interesting way of making you think this whole life on Mars narrative could actually be achieved. It was really fun and well written. I would like to follow along to see if there will be further additions to the series.
July 16, 2025
Great series
Great series.Very easy to read and with good characters. Sometimes a little magical thinking occurred as the heroine miraculously finds the answer or foils the bad guy, but it did not detract from my enjoyment of the books but it did make them shorter than they could have been.
Great series.Very easy to read and with good characters. Sometimes a little magical thinking occurred as the heroine miraculously finds the answer or foils the bad guy, but it did not detract from my enjoyment of the books but it did make them shorter than they could have been.
September 17, 2025
Mia, Jann, Nills and Gizmo and Mars can't catch a break. There is yet another threat to the colony from within, one with echoes of our own world.
More daring raids, and subterfuge exist. The expected political influence also causes issues for the team.
Well written and I'm now onto the Origin stories within the saga.
Well done Mr Kilby.
More daring raids, and subterfuge exist. The expected political influence also causes issues for the team.
Well written and I'm now onto the Origin stories within the saga.
Well done Mr Kilby.
January 15, 2021
More than an adventure
Another great ride on Mars. Thanks again to Mr. Kilby . There is a deeper moral meaning , quite obvious , if I daresay so. I ate up all the Colony Mars books as well as the Belt series.
Another great ride on Mars. Thanks again to Mr. Kilby . There is a deeper moral meaning , quite obvious , if I daresay so. I ate up all the Colony Mars books as well as the Belt series.
August 14, 2022
Apparently, I am now a Mars citizen.
I love this whole series, it is exciting, you never know what will happen next! Since this is the only way I will ever get to Mars, I’m really enjoying it!
I love this whole series, it is exciting, you never know what will happen next! Since this is the only way I will ever get to Mars, I’m really enjoying it!
October 2, 2022
"Hard science" fiction horray
Great stories in this series. It is great to read an author who does science fiction an keeps all the science. If he keeps this up he will be the next Asimov's, or Clark
Great stories in this series. It is great to read an author who does science fiction an keeps all the science. If he keeps this up he will be the next Asimov's, or Clark
March 12, 2023
Another great story in the setting
The story brought a mix of established characters and new ones, into a fast-moving story line. The familiar setting of the Mars colony provides a familiar place for new dangers and new suspense. Keep it up Gerald! I need more.
The story brought a mix of established characters and new ones, into a fast-moving story line. The familiar setting of the Mars colony provides a familiar place for new dangers and new suspense. Keep it up Gerald! I need more.
July 16, 2023
Amazing!
The 5th and 6th books are like a mini series, just like 1 and 2, but that makes them great! I thought that the master plots in 5 and 6 are basically the same, a bio-weapon in 5, and a airborne (and deadly) pathogen in 6, but great book, can't wait for 7!
The 5th and 6th books are like a mini series, just like 1 and 2, but that makes them great! I thought that the master plots in 5 and 6 are basically the same, a bio-weapon in 5, and a airborne (and deadly) pathogen in 6, but great book, can't wait for 7!
May 17, 2024
I love his books!
Each one is so good. I really like the nail biting sequences that have me turning pages quickly and staying up too late reading. Excellent storytelling and love these stories.
Each one is so good. I really like the nail biting sequences that have me turning pages quickly and staying up too late reading. Excellent storytelling and love these stories.
July 25, 2024
Enjoyed the ride
The series is enjoyable, but at times the author’s effort for prose seemed a bit clunky. I have no idea if an editor was employed but having some help would have been a good thing.
The series is enjoyable, but at times the author’s effort for prose seemed a bit clunky. I have no idea if an editor was employed but having some help would have been a good thing.
August 6, 2024
colony six mars
Would make a nice tv series. Keeps you engaged with reality like situations for building a new country. Especially with the leaps and bounds of today’s technology and biotechnology. I have bad knees. lol
Would make a nice tv series. Keeps you engaged with reality like situations for building a new country. Especially with the leaps and bounds of today’s technology and biotechnology. I have bad knees. lol
August 13, 2024
great series
I enjoyed the saga of a new settlement that runs into the same human faults regardless of the technology available. Interesting to see the parallels of our own history on earth.
I enjoyed the saga of a new settlement that runs into the same human faults regardless of the technology available. Interesting to see the parallels of our own history on earth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews