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Mars Duology Book #1
Mars Awakens
Kids from rival Martian colonies must come together to fight for survival in this thrilling new middle-grade space adventure from an exciting Australian talent.
Raised in rival colonies on Mars, each long ago abandoned by Earth, Dee and Holt have been brought up to hate even the idea of each other. But when a mysterious object crash lands on a far-flung plain, they are both sent to investigate and their fates intertwine. Together they must battle epic storms and deadly bioclouds while unpicking the web of lies they have been told about their planet. Will their bond be strong enough to withstand the arrival of a mysterious invader that threatens to end life on Mars forever?
Timely and compelling, Mars Awakens is an unputdownable space adventure that offers a window into our future, perfect for fans of Star Wars and sci-fi.
Raised in rival colonies on Mars, each long ago abandoned by Earth, Dee and Holt have been brought up to hate even the idea of each other. But when a mysterious object crash lands on a far-flung plain, they are both sent to investigate and their fates intertwine. Together they must battle epic storms and deadly bioclouds while unpicking the web of lies they have been told about their planet. Will their bond be strong enough to withstand the arrival of a mysterious invader that threatens to end life on Mars forever?
Timely and compelling, Mars Awakens is an unputdownable space adventure that offers a window into our future, perfect for fans of Star Wars and sci-fi.
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2022
86 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Waugh
5 books22 followersHM Waugh is a children’s author, educator and environmental scientist with a long-term love of wild places and outdoor adventures. She has been kidnapped twice, handled dragons for a job, and dreams of one day blasting into space. Her books mix humour, danger and friendship with a dash of science and imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 6, 2022
Admittedly, I’m a bit* beyond the YA demographic that this novel is targeted at, but it was still a great read nonetheless. In the future, we have colonised Mars, but Things Happen and the generations to follow are split into two ‘tribes’, the Newtons - advanced scientifically, always on the alert for their enemies, who (unbeknownst to them) are the Davincians - as the name suggests, the more down to earth, seeing beauty in the natural world, the gardeners (inasmuch as one can garden on the Mars we know). Dee, a Davinci, is out on her plots when she sees something fall from the sky. Likewise, Holt, from Newton, races towards it to see what it contains, and if its intentions are good or not. They meet, and it is a wonderfully described clash of cultures - it’s easy to pick analogies of the Neanderthals and H Sapiens, the ‘colonising’ cultures and the native inhabitants, etc, with the mutual distrust and disbelief at each other’s way of life.
Eventually, they must band together to save their lives against a common enemy, while realising that all they have believed throughout their lives may not be as true as they were lead to believe.
*lot
Edit: some confusion may have ensued, as I’m also reading Aestus, which has similar themes, future underground dwelling humans etc etc
Eventually, they must band together to save their lives against a common enemy, while realising that all they have believed throughout their lives may not be as true as they were lead to believe.
*lot
Edit: some confusion may have ensued, as I’m also reading Aestus, which has similar themes, future underground dwelling humans etc etc
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June 6, 2022What a fantastic read, so original and fast-paced. Great characters and fabulous setting. I loved everything about it. Can't wait for part two...
May 29, 2022
Mars. Prone to devastating dust storms, where the red dirt devours everything in seconds. The temperatures that are livable by day plummet to icy depths at night. The air isn't breathable, with human life needing to wear masks or live under a dome. Or do they?
There are two colonies on Mars, still hoping for contact from Earth for extra supplies or even just new people for the gene pool. But it seems as Earth has long forgotten them. In fact it was so long ago that now only one of these colonies knows the others still might exist.
Dee, a skilled gardener, belongs to the Davinci colony. Baby boys are now so rare they are guarded, fed only the best food and are the hope of their future. Only the best girl baby's are chosen, along with the boys to be Futures. Dee, despite her best friend Aram scoffing at her, believes Earth is still aware of them and sending help.
So when she sees something falling from the sky with a parachute behind it, she just knows she has been right all along.
Then there's Holt. He lives under a dome and when outside it, must wear an ancient space suit that is falling apart, with air filters that are nearly useless, in order to breath on this red planet. He has been brought up to hate the Others - who will kill you as soon as look at you. He has never seen one, and neither has any of his friends. His colony is called Newton, and when the Newton leaders see the same thing Dee did, they send their star pilot - Holt, out to look for it.
Both are shocked to meet the other. Dee didn't know Newton existed, and Holt can't believe Dee isn't a savage, let alone saving his life.
Now they have to get home. It's a long way to walk, and both their methods of transportation are compromised. Do they work together or achieve their own goals of getting home with news of the other colony?
Soon they have no choice, as they aren't the only ones out in the Mars wastelands. And whatever it is, it's definitely NOT human.
Mars Awakens is the first in a duology. Not usually a sci-fi fan, Mars Awakens definitely changed my mind. Swapping from Dee's viewpoint to Holt's was entertaining, letting me learn about them as characters and how they had been brought up and trained at their separate colonies - explaining their initial behaviour towards each other.
The initial shock of meeting each other turns to a wary trust towards a common goal, but soon is steadily pushed aside as they realise that they aren't alone any more. Whatever is stalking them is dangerous. This deliciously ratchets up the tension and plans to get home, and in turn survive.
Likeable characters in an unfamiliar setting, threaded through with distrust and a menacing presence ever powerful.
Great read!
Author - H M Waugh
Age 10+
There are two colonies on Mars, still hoping for contact from Earth for extra supplies or even just new people for the gene pool. But it seems as Earth has long forgotten them. In fact it was so long ago that now only one of these colonies knows the others still might exist.
Dee, a skilled gardener, belongs to the Davinci colony. Baby boys are now so rare they are guarded, fed only the best food and are the hope of their future. Only the best girl baby's are chosen, along with the boys to be Futures. Dee, despite her best friend Aram scoffing at her, believes Earth is still aware of them and sending help.
So when she sees something falling from the sky with a parachute behind it, she just knows she has been right all along.
Then there's Holt. He lives under a dome and when outside it, must wear an ancient space suit that is falling apart, with air filters that are nearly useless, in order to breath on this red planet. He has been brought up to hate the Others - who will kill you as soon as look at you. He has never seen one, and neither has any of his friends. His colony is called Newton, and when the Newton leaders see the same thing Dee did, they send their star pilot - Holt, out to look for it.
Both are shocked to meet the other. Dee didn't know Newton existed, and Holt can't believe Dee isn't a savage, let alone saving his life.
Now they have to get home. It's a long way to walk, and both their methods of transportation are compromised. Do they work together or achieve their own goals of getting home with news of the other colony?
Soon they have no choice, as they aren't the only ones out in the Mars wastelands. And whatever it is, it's definitely NOT human.
Mars Awakens is the first in a duology. Not usually a sci-fi fan, Mars Awakens definitely changed my mind. Swapping from Dee's viewpoint to Holt's was entertaining, letting me learn about them as characters and how they had been brought up and trained at their separate colonies - explaining their initial behaviour towards each other.
The initial shock of meeting each other turns to a wary trust towards a common goal, but soon is steadily pushed aside as they realise that they aren't alone any more. Whatever is stalking them is dangerous. This deliciously ratchets up the tension and plans to get home, and in turn survive.
Likeable characters in an unfamiliar setting, threaded through with distrust and a menacing presence ever powerful.
Great read!
Author - H M Waugh
Age 10+
June 6, 2022
As something that I wouldn't typically read, this was actually okayish.
Mars awakens centers around Dee and Holt. Both of which live on mars but come from enemy colonies you could say. They both see this thing tumbling out of the sky and go to investigate it and then meet each other. They then go on this big adventure and discover that there's more to Mars than they initially thought with these shadow-creatures chasing them and freaking them out.
The writing style was obviously aimed at younger readers and was cringey. However, the plotline was entertaining and I enjoyed it as a quick light read.
Recommend for adventure fans ages 11+ due to the shadow creatures that may scare younger readers.
Mars awakens centers around Dee and Holt. Both of which live on mars but come from enemy colonies you could say. They both see this thing tumbling out of the sky and go to investigate it and then meet each other. They then go on this big adventure and discover that there's more to Mars than they initially thought with these shadow-creatures chasing them and freaking them out.
The writing style was obviously aimed at younger readers and was cringey. However, the plotline was entertaining and I enjoyed it as a quick light read.
Recommend for adventure fans ages 11+ due to the shadow creatures that may scare younger readers.
November 2, 2025
Waiting on the second book...
1. This was quite scary (😝😰) when the "Others" came.
2. I didn't really like the first bit of the story. Something I can't quite put my finger on, (maybe the climax-ing took a bit long, I was unhooked??) but the ending and the middle area was really good.
3. I felt like there could have been romantic relationship between Dee and Holt. They seem quite close, and every time the author says, "Dee could feel her heart beat.." or something like that, I keep thinking it's because there is going to be romance. But I also get why the author doesn't include it. I guess they don't really know the term "Romance."
4. Anyways, I KEEP ON THINKING THAT CHAYSE IS A BOY!! Is it just me or like....?
5. Also, I loved the twist, with the Futures getting exposed to radiation and the Leader's wrong views. I feel like this is what is going to be introduced properly in the second book. :)
1. This was quite scary (😝😰) when the "Others" came.
2. I didn't really like the first bit of the story. Something I can't quite put my finger on, (maybe the climax-ing took a bit long, I was unhooked??) but the ending and the middle area was really good.
3. I felt like there could have been romantic relationship between Dee and Holt. They seem quite close, and every time the author says, "Dee could feel her heart beat.." or something like that, I keep thinking it's because there is going to be romance. But I also get why the author doesn't include it. I guess they don't really know the term "Romance."
4. Anyways, I KEEP ON THINKING THAT CHAYSE IS A BOY!! Is it just me or like....?
5. Also, I loved the twist, with the Futures getting exposed to radiation and the Leader's wrong views. I feel like this is what is going to be introduced properly in the second book. :)
May 2, 2022
This is such a great middle grade sci-fi read, with beautiful friendships, and great morals.
The fact that both "races" are humans that have adapted differently to Mars is a great twist on the classic martian vs human trope. The setting is so unique - even compared to other stories set on Mars.
I can't wait to see where the next book takes the story!
The fact that both "races" are humans that have adapted differently to Mars is a great twist on the classic martian vs human trope. The setting is so unique - even compared to other stories set on Mars.
I can't wait to see where the next book takes the story!
July 23, 2022
Exciting and suspenseful. Depicts young adults showing courage and ingenuity.
Cliff-hanger end, book 2 (final one) on its way soon (I hope).
Read for readers cup question writing
Cliff-hanger end, book 2 (final one) on its way soon (I hope).
Read for readers cup question writing
October 3, 2022
Fast paced seat of your pants adventure for 8-12 year olds featuring Mars, aliens and a fight for survival.
November 6, 2024
Let me recap my reading experiences for the first book.
Likes:
- Author seems very nerdy (considering her background, I dont doubt it). She knows how to imagine "living in Mars" with less gravity than earth, then used that imagination to devise "Martian flying with kite" thingy
- Simple and practical worldbuilding with simple motives and conflicts, enemy was also not that "fantasy" if you know what I mean (I dont want to spoil the story thats why I dont explain further). Perhaps that's make it suitable for younger adult.
- Author literally used applicable Martian terminology (e.g. sol as day), description of imaginative livable world in Mars (Like depiction of Phobos appearance in a sol, which I know it appears about 3x per sol, and guess why I know that). Also I noticed usage of Xanthe Terra, which I thought the real naming convention they used to mark Martian territory?
Dislikes:
- I feel "disconnected" with the characters, to be honest. I feel like there are lots of area of character developments that can be explored further.
I feel the storytelling could be worked up tad more to be more interesting. But this is absolutely subjective POV just like the next one.
- Even though every chapters looks relatively short, I did not feel engaged with the whole story. To be honest I have to force myself to read until the end and mostly skimread, due too much practical explanation that I believe very scientific, but too bad the integration is not visible.
- There is no map in book 1. How can I imagine which one is newton area, which one is davinci? You can say the reason is because the Martian characters are not familiar with the mapping system due to the conflict inside the story, but still...
Overall, fine experiences. I expect more twist and character development in book 2.
Likes:
- Author seems very nerdy (considering her background, I dont doubt it). She knows how to imagine "living in Mars" with less gravity than earth, then used that imagination to devise "Martian flying with kite" thingy
- Simple and practical worldbuilding with simple motives and conflicts, enemy was also not that "fantasy" if you know what I mean (I dont want to spoil the story thats why I dont explain further). Perhaps that's make it suitable for younger adult.
- Author literally used applicable Martian terminology (e.g. sol as day), description of imaginative livable world in Mars (Like depiction of Phobos appearance in a sol, which I know it appears about 3x per sol, and guess why I know that). Also I noticed usage of Xanthe Terra, which I thought the real naming convention they used to mark Martian territory?
Dislikes:
- I feel "disconnected" with the characters, to be honest. I feel like there are lots of area of character developments that can be explored further.
I feel the storytelling could be worked up tad more to be more interesting. But this is absolutely subjective POV just like the next one.
- Even though every chapters looks relatively short, I did not feel engaged with the whole story. To be honest I have to force myself to read until the end and mostly skimread, due too much practical explanation that I believe very scientific, but too bad the integration is not visible.
- There is no map in book 1. How can I imagine which one is newton area, which one is davinci? You can say the reason is because the Martian characters are not familiar with the mapping system due to the conflict inside the story, but still...
Overall, fine experiences. I expect more twist and character development in book 2.
April 25, 2022
Mars Awakens in an action-packed science fiction adventure for older middle-grade and young adult readers.
Set on Mars, Dee and Holt have been raised on rival colonies. Dee's colony (Davinci) doesn't even know that Holt's colony (Newton) still exists. But Holt has been raised to fear the mysterious 'Others' that make up their rival colony.
Whilst the members of the Davinci colony have worked hard to adapt to the Martian environment and to grow bountiful gardens across the Martian surface, members of the Newton colony leave under protective domes and learn to fight for their survival.
Dee is out tending to her gardens when she sees a mysterious object fall from the sky. She is excited to think that it could be the long awaited supply run from Earth that they have been waiting for.
The members of the Newton colony are hoping that the object is their long awaited way to escape Mars and return to Earth. Holt is sent to investigate and report back.
When Dee and Holt stumble across each other they both learn that maybe their elders have not been telling them everything and when they begin to be attacked by mysterious creatures, they must work together to survive and get information back to the colonies of the real "others' that threaten them all.
I really enjoyed this sci-fi adventure and can't wait for the second book in the duology to be released. Whilst not exactly left on a cliff-hanger, I definitely need to know what happens.
This is a great introduction to the science fiction genre for those who haven't tried it yet but it is also a wonderful read for sci-fi lovers.
Great characters... great world-building and a common enemy that is totally spooky.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the review copy of this book.
Set on Mars, Dee and Holt have been raised on rival colonies. Dee's colony (Davinci) doesn't even know that Holt's colony (Newton) still exists. But Holt has been raised to fear the mysterious 'Others' that make up their rival colony.
Whilst the members of the Davinci colony have worked hard to adapt to the Martian environment and to grow bountiful gardens across the Martian surface, members of the Newton colony leave under protective domes and learn to fight for their survival.
Dee is out tending to her gardens when she sees a mysterious object fall from the sky. She is excited to think that it could be the long awaited supply run from Earth that they have been waiting for.
The members of the Newton colony are hoping that the object is their long awaited way to escape Mars and return to Earth. Holt is sent to investigate and report back.
When Dee and Holt stumble across each other they both learn that maybe their elders have not been telling them everything and when they begin to be attacked by mysterious creatures, they must work together to survive and get information back to the colonies of the real "others' that threaten them all.
I really enjoyed this sci-fi adventure and can't wait for the second book in the duology to be released. Whilst not exactly left on a cliff-hanger, I definitely need to know what happens.
This is a great introduction to the science fiction genre for those who haven't tried it yet but it is also a wonderful read for sci-fi lovers.
Great characters... great world-building and a common enemy that is totally spooky.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the review copy of this book.
January 2, 2023
There's not much MG sci-fi around. Plenty of fantasy, very little sci-fi, so I was quite interested in this book. A couple of my young readers enjoyed it, so I thought I'd bring it home for the holidays read it and be ready to promote it in the library.
It mainly follows Dee & Holt, two young colonists who live in different colonies on Mars. Holt lives in Newton, where they are taught to fear The Others and to expect an attack at any moment. Dee lives in Da Vinci, and they are not even aware of Newton's existence, except in their history books. The two colonies are very different to each other in outlook and in technology.
I really enjoyed the exploration of Mars, and what a human colony might look like, how they may make life liveable there. We get to spend a lot of time with Dee and learn about how Da Vinci operates. We don't get anywhere enough time with Holt & Newton, however. I think that was the major flaw of the story. I would have liked to learn more about their history and lore, why they believe what they do, get more clues about their Leaders etc. Maybe this will be covered in book 2.
Once Dee & Holt meet, we have an adventure story, with the future of their colonies depending on the outcome. They need to decide if they can trust each other and work together, or if the other is just trying to get an advantage.
The book ends on a mini-resolution, but largely a cliff hanger that makes me keen to read the second volume asap! I'm hoping it stays at two volumes, rather than dragging out into a longer series.
Great first read of the year!
It mainly follows Dee & Holt, two young colonists who live in different colonies on Mars. Holt lives in Newton, where they are taught to fear The Others and to expect an attack at any moment. Dee lives in Da Vinci, and they are not even aware of Newton's existence, except in their history books. The two colonies are very different to each other in outlook and in technology.
I really enjoyed the exploration of Mars, and what a human colony might look like, how they may make life liveable there. We get to spend a lot of time with Dee and learn about how Da Vinci operates. We don't get anywhere enough time with Holt & Newton, however. I think that was the major flaw of the story. I would have liked to learn more about their history and lore, why they believe what they do, get more clues about their Leaders etc. Maybe this will be covered in book 2.
Once Dee & Holt meet, we have an adventure story, with the future of their colonies depending on the outcome. They need to decide if they can trust each other and work together, or if the other is just trying to get an advantage.
The book ends on a mini-resolution, but largely a cliff hanger that makes me keen to read the second volume asap! I'm hoping it stays at two volumes, rather than dragging out into a longer series.
Great first read of the year!
January 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this middle grade science fiction novel by H. M. Waugh. I thought it was a standalone but it turns out it is a duology - although not with a long wait, the sequel being due out in May 2023.
The world-building in this novel was excellent. There are two societies which are quite different from each other and quite different from our own - the matriarchal society of Davinci, where a mutation on the X chromosome has made the birth of Ys (boys) rare, and the martial society of Newton, where young people prove their worth through their fighting skills in an attempt to rate high enough to become one of the Leaders.
The story is told through two very engaging characters - Dee, of Davinci, and Holt, of Newton. Dee's people value genetic mutations and she has an exceptional sense of smell, but as she is a twin, and was the weaker at birth, her sister is kept for the Future and Dee goes out into the world as a Gardener. Fewer babies are being born and the effort to seed Mars is challenging. They wait for Phase 2 to be delivered from Earth, though generations late, to help them. Holt's people believe the air outside their Dome will kill them and they wait for a rescue mission to arrive from Earth, to take them away. They have stories of the dangerous Others and believe Dee's people to be the enemy.
What follows after something falls from the sky and strikes the surface of Mars is a story of friendship and survival. Very readable, upbeat, and fun.
The world-building in this novel was excellent. There are two societies which are quite different from each other and quite different from our own - the matriarchal society of Davinci, where a mutation on the X chromosome has made the birth of Ys (boys) rare, and the martial society of Newton, where young people prove their worth through their fighting skills in an attempt to rate high enough to become one of the Leaders.
The story is told through two very engaging characters - Dee, of Davinci, and Holt, of Newton. Dee's people value genetic mutations and she has an exceptional sense of smell, but as she is a twin, and was the weaker at birth, her sister is kept for the Future and Dee goes out into the world as a Gardener. Fewer babies are being born and the effort to seed Mars is challenging. They wait for Phase 2 to be delivered from Earth, though generations late, to help them. Holt's people believe the air outside their Dome will kill them and they wait for a rescue mission to arrive from Earth, to take them away. They have stories of the dangerous Others and believe Dee's people to be the enemy.
What follows after something falls from the sky and strikes the surface of Mars is a story of friendship and survival. Very readable, upbeat, and fun.
October 2, 2023
Adventure and thrills in this Middle Grade work of Sci-Fi fiction.
.
With some chunky concepts about colonising a new planet and the unfortunate reality of human nature, Mars Awakens pulled me in.
.
The voice of Dee and Holt were engaging and light, and humorous enough to stave off ultimate darkness during some of the gnarlier moments of neverending wind storms and the slow and menacing appearance of 'the others'.
.
As creepy and ultimately unwelcoming as Mars seems at times, the comradery shared between the four characters, and every single kiting scene, almost has me putting my hand up for any potential colonisation trips Earth may have in store... almost.
.
🍿 scale - there's so much fun to be had in this book. Adventures. Scares. Laughs. But there's also a meaty component about environmental awareness and colonisation. A hearty mix of popcorn and lamb chop.
👻 scale - if getting lost on mysterious terrain with a windstorm that makes the movie Twister look cute, seems scary to you - then look no further. Also, the lingering threat of the others is a creepy component I'm betting rears it's head just a little more in book two..
.
With some chunky concepts about colonising a new planet and the unfortunate reality of human nature, Mars Awakens pulled me in.
.
The voice of Dee and Holt were engaging and light, and humorous enough to stave off ultimate darkness during some of the gnarlier moments of neverending wind storms and the slow and menacing appearance of 'the others'.
.
As creepy and ultimately unwelcoming as Mars seems at times, the comradery shared between the four characters, and every single kiting scene, almost has me putting my hand up for any potential colonisation trips Earth may have in store... almost.
.
🍿 scale - there's so much fun to be had in this book. Adventures. Scares. Laughs. But there's also a meaty component about environmental awareness and colonisation. A hearty mix of popcorn and lamb chop.
👻 scale - if getting lost on mysterious terrain with a windstorm that makes the movie Twister look cute, seems scary to you - then look no further. Also, the lingering threat of the others is a creepy component I'm betting rears it's head just a little more in book two..
April 19, 2023
What a fun read. Heather Waugh, a teacher and scientist, has created a great world for middle-grade readers to enjoy on Mars a century or so into our future.
Two colonies were established, Newton and DaVinci. Newton remains in the biodome they started in, while DaVinci has ventured out of the dome and started to adapt to the Martian landscape. The colonies hate each other. Dee, a colonist from DaVinci heads out to examine an object that has fallen from the sky and meets up with Holt, a colonist from Newton. Adventure ensues and it's a great adventure giving real agency to the characters to solve problems and deal with adversity.
But...no matter how compelling the author tries to make it sound, I won't be eating Crickets any time soon!
This is real science fiction I would've loved to have access to as a middle-grade reader, and loved reading as an adult. Part of a Duology, I'm looking forward to the second instalment due later this year.
Two colonies were established, Newton and DaVinci. Newton remains in the biodome they started in, while DaVinci has ventured out of the dome and started to adapt to the Martian landscape. The colonies hate each other. Dee, a colonist from DaVinci heads out to examine an object that has fallen from the sky and meets up with Holt, a colonist from Newton. Adventure ensues and it's a great adventure giving real agency to the characters to solve problems and deal with adversity.
But...no matter how compelling the author tries to make it sound, I won't be eating Crickets any time soon!
This is real science fiction I would've loved to have access to as a middle-grade reader, and loved reading as an adult. Part of a Duology, I'm looking forward to the second instalment due later this year.
November 16, 2023
Great sci-fi, set on Mars and instead of being the usual settlement with new technology but basically the same as earth, there has been adaptation by humans to be able to breathe the air and not be burned by the sun. Cicada are a substantial protein in their diet and those able to reproduce are kept seperate. Dee is one of the workers out to grow food, they use a kite glider to ride the planetary wind for transport, they would love to see the promised visit from earth to save them. Send in a crashing imposter and you have yourself a story. I would be interested to read the second of this two part story.
January 29, 2023
A delightful and fast-paced romp through a future partially-terraformed Mars, populated by two groups of humans who cope with the harsh environment by two different methods: technological improvement to fight the environment, or changing themselves and growing to adapt to the environment. A gentle metaphor for our own times, with likeable characters and a fun story to boot. Highly recommended for younger readers!
June 8, 2022
Really fun survival adventure set on Mars with rival colonies. Resourceful characters and realistic science. A great pick for upper primary or early high school who are after some proper sci-fi.
Read by Sam-Ellen
Read by Sam-Ellen
June 16, 2022
I loved this book so much - like H.M. Waugh's other books, the tension just keeps ramping up until I just couldn't put the book down. Two colonies trained to hate each other, one red and unpredictable planet, and a crash-landing that changes everything. I can't wait for Book 2!!!!!!
July 4, 2022
A fantastic sci-fi adventure for upper primary and lower secondary readers. Plenty of action and suspense as well as some excellent character made this a fast-paced and fun read. Looking forward to sharing this with my students.
June 14, 2022
This is a fast-moving, exciting, page-turner of a book. Perfect for late-primary children who like reading books filled with adventure, space, friendship and some age-appropriate monsters. Such fun.
June 27, 2022
Read for PRC
Good sci-fi for years 6-9, 1st in a duology, be interested to read the second.
Good sci-fi for years 6-9, 1st in a duology, be interested to read the second.
September 19, 2022
Loved it. Interesting, exciting, creepy. No swearing or sex so will be recommending for all ages at school. Looking forward to the follow up.
January 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. The book creates an interesting world, which the reader learns about throughout the book.
April 26, 2024
Excellent book for older children. Really great world-building. Lots of cliff-hangers, and fantastic positive themes.
July 3, 2024
3.25 stars
April 11, 2025
3.5 stars is right for this book - lots of dialogue, little action and struggles to keep you engaged.
Read
July 19, 2025From rival colonies, Dee & Holt set out in search of a crashed ship & instead find each other. A dusty survival adventure full of kite-flying, dust storms, and unexpected friendship.
August 10, 2022
I love sci fi and middle grade. I don’t often see them combined. Mars Awakens does this well. It’s appropriate for young and old - my 70 year old Mum loved it! I ate this up in 2 days! Can’t wait for #2.
May 4, 2023
I read Mars Awakens last year, in 2022. I keep coming back to it. It's one of those books that hasn't left me because of the vivid images conjured in my head about a topic that fascinates me — the sustainability of life on other planets. I also love that this sits in the pocket of the middle-grade reading age where it is trickier to find speculative fiction and sci-fi with plausible scientific premises. This book refuses to leave my imagination.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy in my volunteer reviewer role, and my more comprehensive review is published at Reading Time.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy in my volunteer reviewer role, and my more comprehensive review is published at Reading Time.
December 15, 2023
Another great middle grade read by H.M. Waugh. Fast paced science fiction adventure with interesting twists.
One dusty planet. Two camps. Four teenagers. Years of misinformation and mistrust. Fight for survival. One creepy enemy. The power of friendship and courage to overcome the odds.
Can't wait to read the sequel and find out what happens next. Highly recommended.
One dusty planet. Two camps. Four teenagers. Years of misinformation and mistrust. Fight for survival. One creepy enemy. The power of friendship and courage to overcome the odds.
Can't wait to read the sequel and find out what happens next. Highly recommended.
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