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Ghosts of Mars: The Adventures of Eva Knight
'A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat ride for all space loving adventurers!’
Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm
“I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.”
AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
How would you feel if you were born on Mars, were the most famous person in the Solar System, but could never leave the Red Planet?
Mars. 2045.
My name's Eva, and I’m a Martian.
Well, technically the first Martianborn human - I’m not, like, green or anything.
So listen, we’re in trouble here; I need to steal a rover to rescue Dad, who’s stuck in a mining vent, in a planet-wide dust-storm, far from our base, or he'll die. He may even be already dead.
Oh, and I’m Type 1 Diabetic with no insulin. Wish me luck.
With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn't sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.
Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm
“I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.”
AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
How would you feel if you were born on Mars, were the most famous person in the Solar System, but could never leave the Red Planet?
Mars. 2045.
My name's Eva, and I’m a Martian.
Well, technically the first Martianborn human - I’m not, like, green or anything.
So listen, we’re in trouble here; I need to steal a rover to rescue Dad, who’s stuck in a mining vent, in a planet-wide dust-storm, far from our base, or he'll die. He may even be already dead.
Oh, and I’m Type 1 Diabetic with no insulin. Wish me luck.
With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn't sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.
276 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2023
5 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 22, 2024
Ghosts of Mars: The Adventures of Eva Knight by Stuart White
5/5 stars
Ghosts of Mars is the most perfect middle grade/sci-fi book I read in long, long while! This book is just awesome, captivating and it held me all the way through.
The book starts with Eva Knight standing in front of class. She is the first Martianborn on Mars and the nursery kids want to ask her questions about it. Fear totally consumes her and she runs away.
Her father repeatedly let her know she cannot become an astronaut because of her diabetes type 1 diagnosis. But that is all she wants. She wants to go to earth. To Titan. She wants to explore the galaxies and do something that matters. But her father and Commander Darshi drill into her that that never will be an option.
So in anger and longing she puts on an exo suit and goes outside. Ignoring the warning of her AI she named Thunderchild. She watches a spacecraft land and ignores her father who angrily follows her outside.
Suddenly she notices a sand storm is approaching and her father reaches her. They get into an accident. And when she tries to save her father who is stuck she sees a ghost. Which resembles her mother. And the ghost asks something of her.
And that is what kickstarts the story. Her rushing out to finally get a breath of air. (So to speak.) She gets in trouble as does her father. And we see the repercussions of several of her actions throughout the book.
Eva is so brave, and strong willed and I absolutely love her journey. Her friends are amazing. And Thunderchild completely stole my heart!
The book is exciting and fast paced. And it does wrap up the main story line. But the next one is already presented. And I really hope a sequel will be written! I need to know what happens next!
5 big stars from me for this amazing middle grade story!
5/5 stars
Ghosts of Mars is the most perfect middle grade/sci-fi book I read in long, long while! This book is just awesome, captivating and it held me all the way through.
The book starts with Eva Knight standing in front of class. She is the first Martianborn on Mars and the nursery kids want to ask her questions about it. Fear totally consumes her and she runs away.
Her father repeatedly let her know she cannot become an astronaut because of her diabetes type 1 diagnosis. But that is all she wants. She wants to go to earth. To Titan. She wants to explore the galaxies and do something that matters. But her father and Commander Darshi drill into her that that never will be an option.
So in anger and longing she puts on an exo suit and goes outside. Ignoring the warning of her AI she named Thunderchild. She watches a spacecraft land and ignores her father who angrily follows her outside.
Suddenly she notices a sand storm is approaching and her father reaches her. They get into an accident. And when she tries to save her father who is stuck she sees a ghost. Which resembles her mother. And the ghost asks something of her.
And that is what kickstarts the story. Her rushing out to finally get a breath of air. (So to speak.) She gets in trouble as does her father. And we see the repercussions of several of her actions throughout the book.
Eva is so brave, and strong willed and I absolutely love her journey. Her friends are amazing. And Thunderchild completely stole my heart!
The book is exciting and fast paced. And it does wrap up the main story line. But the next one is already presented. And I really hope a sequel will be written! I need to know what happens next!
5 big stars from me for this amazing middle grade story!
December 21, 2023
I received a copy to review for BBNYA, and my review has been withheld until after the competition ended.
I was very lucky to receive this through more than one of the stages of BBNYA, not because reading 2k and 10k excerpts are really my thing, but because this was so enjoyable.
A middle grade scifi/fantasy adventure featuring ghosts? Those are some of my favorite things! This novel has so much growth to it, and I love that the author showed the main character going back and forth in her growing just like children do. There’s so much heart and struggle in this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The characters, from Eva, the first human born on Mars, to her friends, the cast is diverse and interesting and they react and respond like actual friends do. The science is there, but not overwhelming as it’s targeting kids. The same can be said for the action. It’s thrilling without being too much, but it does have realness to it.
Personally a 5/5*
I was very lucky to receive this through more than one of the stages of BBNYA, not because reading 2k and 10k excerpts are really my thing, but because this was so enjoyable.
A middle grade scifi/fantasy adventure featuring ghosts? Those are some of my favorite things! This novel has so much growth to it, and I love that the author showed the main character going back and forth in her growing just like children do. There’s so much heart and struggle in this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The characters, from Eva, the first human born on Mars, to her friends, the cast is diverse and interesting and they react and respond like actual friends do. The science is there, but not overwhelming as it’s targeting kids. The same can be said for the action. It’s thrilling without being too much, but it does have realness to it.
Personally a 5/5*
March 7, 2023
A really exciting space adventure with twists and turns I didn't see coming. Perfect for any young (and young at heart) sci-fi fans!
May 23, 2024
3.5
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
Can you imagine being the first person born on another planet? Eva doesn’t have to because she’s the first human born on Mars. And she hates the fame. All she wants to be is an astronaut, but everyone keeps telling her that’s impossible because she’s a Type 1 diabetic. Eva is determined to get her way, which is fairly typical of a 13-yr-old. They know everything, are never wrong, and don’t think about the consequences of their actions.
I know a lot of people love this book, but Eva’s character just rubs me the wrong way. It’s like, she doesn’t learn anything after all she’s done. And she does plenty. She is so reckless it’s a wonder she’s lived to be 13. And she drags others into her mess. It’s a great story and the execution is fine, but I can’t make myself like Eva or suspend my disbelief enough over her shenanigans to truly enjoy the book.
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
Can you imagine being the first person born on another planet? Eva doesn’t have to because she’s the first human born on Mars. And she hates the fame. All she wants to be is an astronaut, but everyone keeps telling her that’s impossible because she’s a Type 1 diabetic. Eva is determined to get her way, which is fairly typical of a 13-yr-old. They know everything, are never wrong, and don’t think about the consequences of their actions.
I know a lot of people love this book, but Eva’s character just rubs me the wrong way. It’s like, she doesn’t learn anything after all she’s done. And she does plenty. She is so reckless it’s a wonder she’s lived to be 13. And she drags others into her mess. It’s a great story and the execution is fine, but I can’t make myself like Eva or suspend my disbelief enough over her shenanigans to truly enjoy the book.
February 20, 2023
An exciting mix of sci-fi, fantasy and STEM science facts. This story broaches the very real possibility of humans living on Mars in the the not to distant future and adds sci-fi fantasy elements to increase the fun adventure.
Eva is the first and only human to have been born on Mars. As the poster child for Mars exploration, this is a fact she's unhappily reminded of often. As a type one diabetic and having only ever lived on Mars, she is told it's impossible for her to fulfil her dream of becoming an astronaut and that it's unlikely she'd survive a visit to Earth. Disgruntled and often lonely, Eva gets in trouble for pushing her boundaries and it is on one of her unsanctioned adventures that her life is changed, when she sees strange entities and discovers a powerful sword. What follows is a series of dangerous events which will alter Eva's life path forever. Sometimes we learn best from our own mistakes but at what cost?
A great fun space adventure story that has science fact and fiction to capture the imagination and STEM aspirations of children. Whilst also giving important representation of a child dealing with type 1 diabetes, a chronic life long condition.
With a feisty brave heroine, a fun cast of characters, rich world building and page turning action - this story is great escapism. But also a good springboard for discussions about health and science so potentially a perfect classroom read. Recommended for readers aged 8+, this is an exciting beginning to what is potentially a series. There's so much more for Eva, and her new friends, to explore and challenges to face. I look forward to reading more.
Eva is the first and only human to have been born on Mars. As the poster child for Mars exploration, this is a fact she's unhappily reminded of often. As a type one diabetic and having only ever lived on Mars, she is told it's impossible for her to fulfil her dream of becoming an astronaut and that it's unlikely she'd survive a visit to Earth. Disgruntled and often lonely, Eva gets in trouble for pushing her boundaries and it is on one of her unsanctioned adventures that her life is changed, when she sees strange entities and discovers a powerful sword. What follows is a series of dangerous events which will alter Eva's life path forever. Sometimes we learn best from our own mistakes but at what cost?
A great fun space adventure story that has science fact and fiction to capture the imagination and STEM aspirations of children. Whilst also giving important representation of a child dealing with type 1 diabetes, a chronic life long condition.
With a feisty brave heroine, a fun cast of characters, rich world building and page turning action - this story is great escapism. But also a good springboard for discussions about health and science so potentially a perfect classroom read. Recommended for readers aged 8+, this is an exciting beginning to what is potentially a series. There's so much more for Eva, and her new friends, to explore and challenges to face. I look forward to reading more.
February 24, 2023
‘Ghosts of Mars’ is a sci-fi adventure for teens that sees the headstrong Eva not held back by anything. The rules, advice from her AI chip T, her friends’ concerns, or her Type 1 diabetes. Already constantly punished and serving detention for breaking the rules, when her dad is caught outside of the base during a massive dust storm, Eva will do what it takes to save her dad, or die trying.
As a character, Eva is very determined, if reckless. I wouldn’t describe her as a character for readers to look up to, but her obstinance when it comes to saving her Dad is well-intended. The expectations and persona placed on her by others and adults may also be something teen readers relate to. This single minded determination leads to conflicts with her friends who, while willing to help her, try to contain her more rash actions and are also impacted by the fallout of her headstrong nature. The impact of Eva’s poorly maintained diabetes also adds another layer of jeopardy to this sci-fi adventure.
The story has lots of twists and turns. I didn’t see the ending coming, and getting there is certainly a wild ride. There are references to the state of earth as new people join the Martian colony which makes the story up to date and includes an ecological theme to the background of the story. In the face of constantly being told it would, Eva doesn’t let her diabetes hold her back from what she wants to do, which is an admirable message.
The stage is set for future books, to see if she will achieve her dream of being an astronaut and go exploring beyond the stars. If I’ve learnt anything about Eva so far, I’m sure she’ll achieve it and the journey will be eventful.
As a character, Eva is very determined, if reckless. I wouldn’t describe her as a character for readers to look up to, but her obstinance when it comes to saving her Dad is well-intended. The expectations and persona placed on her by others and adults may also be something teen readers relate to. This single minded determination leads to conflicts with her friends who, while willing to help her, try to contain her more rash actions and are also impacted by the fallout of her headstrong nature. The impact of Eva’s poorly maintained diabetes also adds another layer of jeopardy to this sci-fi adventure.
The story has lots of twists and turns. I didn’t see the ending coming, and getting there is certainly a wild ride. There are references to the state of earth as new people join the Martian colony which makes the story up to date and includes an ecological theme to the background of the story. In the face of constantly being told it would, Eva doesn’t let her diabetes hold her back from what she wants to do, which is an admirable message.
The stage is set for future books, to see if she will achieve her dream of being an astronaut and go exploring beyond the stars. If I’ve learnt anything about Eva so far, I’m sure she’ll achieve it and the journey will be eventful.
February 1, 2023
Ghosts of Mars ticks all the best sci-fi boxes! Eva, the first Martianborn human, has to battle not only her nemesis but the hostile environment of Mars in order to rescue her dad from almost certain death. After disaster hits the Martian colony, Eva gathers her unlikely team of friends, and, defying the villainous base co-commander, sets in motion an action-packed thrill ride, dodging dust devils and hypoglycemia. Dad’s oxygen is running out, but what awaits Eva in the caves below the surface of the red planet is deadlier than anyone could’ve imagined. The ghosts of Mars are waiting.
Sci-fi and space-loving readers will devour this – it’s The Martian for kids, with a hero to root for and peril around every corner. I adored it!
Sci-fi and space-loving readers will devour this – it’s The Martian for kids, with a hero to root for and peril around every corner. I adored it!
January 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! And was hooked by the end of chapter two. Definitely a page turner with great cliff-hangers at the end of chapters. I can imagine this being read aloud to a class or child at night, chapter by chapter, and them begging, "Please can you read one more chapter?!" There were many moments where I felt I was there with Eva, which is high praise from me as I'm not good at visualising things, so it means that the emotion and tension created through the writing effected me. I also loved the humour running through it. I definitely recommend this book, and hope to be able to do so through the library if/when we can get it in stock.
December 28, 2023
What a lovely story! It's made
even better by the fact that
Eva has Type 1 diabetes and
doesn't let it stop her. Admittedly,
the things she is doing are
not things she should be doing,
but nothing is holding her back!
She learns a lot on her mission: friendships, love, betrayal and
resilience. She's definitely a
role model for children with
diabetes, as well as for children
who are told they can't do
something. I highly recommend
this book with a very lovable
rule-breaking character.
even better by the fact that
Eva has Type 1 diabetes and
doesn't let it stop her. Admittedly,
the things she is doing are
not things she should be doing,
but nothing is holding her back!
She learns a lot on her mission: friendships, love, betrayal and
resilience. She's definitely a
role model for children with
diabetes, as well as for children
who are told they can't do
something. I highly recommend
this book with a very lovable
rule-breaking character.
April 26, 2023
How stunning is this cover! One that will make you want to read this book for sure.
This sci-fi adventure is perfect for middle grade readers and those advancing to tween.
Unique world building and a great concept. A very interesting line up of characters and short chapters that will have you reading more than one at a time.
My favourite character was, 'T' and I loved how he tried to reign in, Eva, which was much needed at times!
I think Eva has much more to give! Bring on book two!
This sci-fi adventure is perfect for middle grade readers and those advancing to tween.
Unique world building and a great concept. A very interesting line up of characters and short chapters that will have you reading more than one at a time.
My favourite character was, 'T' and I loved how he tried to reign in, Eva, which was much needed at times!
I think Eva has much more to give! Bring on book two!
March 4, 2023
I loved this story! Eva Knight is such a brilliant character - the first martianborn human which makes her the most famous person on Mars. But, she also has to manage her T1 diabetes, save her dad from certain death with her trusty her sidekick - An AI character called 'T'. T is such an orginal and ingenious concept that you'll wish you had your own AI friend too!
Diverse, fun, gripping, heartfelt, pacy, actionpacked and a whole lot more. Ghosts of Mars is a brilliant middle-grade adventure story that's not just for kids, adults will definitely love it too!
I hope there will be another Eva Knight adventure soon!
Diverse, fun, gripping, heartfelt, pacy, actionpacked and a whole lot more. Ghosts of Mars is a brilliant middle-grade adventure story that's not just for kids, adults will definitely love it too!
I hope there will be another Eva Knight adventure soon!
March 30, 2023
A fast-paced MG sci-fi adventure with a classic feel and an engaging twenty-first century hero - Eva is feisty, flawed and entirely relatable to modern kids. Loved the detail of how a Martian-born human might manage her Type I Diabetes - you had me at e-pancreas! Fantastic worldbuilding with great visual descriptions - and maybe a sequel to come?
October 27, 2023
This is a book supposedly for young people but it's really good for readers of any age, in my opinion. Eva is 13 and is the first person born on Mars. Her father is the head of the colony which is described pretty well.
Things go wrong, though, as they would in reality, and Eva's troubles are only beginning. She's a strong-willed girl and has some good friends, though, and she's willing to take the chances she needs even when things get really bad.
The fragility of the station is also shown well. Being on Mars makes anything that goes wrong far more important then if the same thing happened on Earth.
Things get really bad when her father and others go out to check something in the hills a distance away. Eva and her friends plan a rescue mission but that, again, is shown to have dangers of its own because there's not been time to fully map out the Martian surface between their base and the place they need to get to.
We also get to see how some people are quite jealous of her being the first person born on Mars and the attention and fame that it brings her.
I really enjoyed the story. I think it was well done with the major difficulties of living on another planet shown quite realistically. A book that I think is good for all age levels.
Things go wrong, though, as they would in reality, and Eva's troubles are only beginning. She's a strong-willed girl and has some good friends, though, and she's willing to take the chances she needs even when things get really bad.
The fragility of the station is also shown well. Being on Mars makes anything that goes wrong far more important then if the same thing happened on Earth.
Things get really bad when her father and others go out to check something in the hills a distance away. Eva and her friends plan a rescue mission but that, again, is shown to have dangers of its own because there's not been time to fully map out the Martian surface between their base and the place they need to get to.
We also get to see how some people are quite jealous of her being the first person born on Mars and the attention and fame that it brings her.
I really enjoyed the story. I think it was well done with the major difficulties of living on another planet shown quite realistically. A book that I think is good for all age levels.
February 5, 2023
In this pacy MG sci-fi adventure, Martian-born Eva and her friends must battle ghosts, vipers and a terrible dust storm to rescue her Dad from the Martian mines.
A highly original page-turner that also features a main character with Type 1 diabetes. Great debut by Stuart White
A highly original page-turner that also features a main character with Type 1 diabetes. Great debut by Stuart White
February 8, 2023
A twisty turny rollicking adventure set on the red planet. Fun, energetic, full of adventure, author Stuart White crafts a sci-fi story full of heart (and heart stopping moments). 5 stars!!!
March 17, 2023
What a fabulous debut novel! So much pace, so much tension and fantastically well drawn characters. Stakes were high and I loved the diabetes representation. More please!
December 30, 2023
Absolutely fantastic book with ghosts, space, an incredibly brave FMC and diabetes rep! ❤️
March 6, 2023
Epic!
AI tech, aliens and ghosts all in one book, what's not to love? Thoroughly enjoyable read. More of this please.
AI tech, aliens and ghosts all in one book, what's not to love? Thoroughly enjoyable read. More of this please.
May 24, 2024
Ghosts of Mars, delivers exactly what it promises. It is all about Eva's adventures and hopefully there is more to come.
Read the complete non-spoiler review of the book in my blog. Link : https://bookbugworld.com/review-ghost...
August 19, 2024
This review was originally posted on my blog https://booksare42.com/
Thank you to the Write Reads team and the BBNYA team for inviting me to join this blog tour and for providing me with a copy of this book to read during the competition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ghosts of Mars is a fun middle-grade book full of friendship and adventure. It follows 13-year-old Eva, who is the first human born on Mars. Eva has a habit of getting into trouble and breaking the rules. She’s bold and determined, and when her Dad is in danger, she’s willing to risk it all to try to save him.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. I don’t read a ton of books set in space, so this was a nice change of scenery for me. I enjoyed the world-building and seeing how humans have managed to live on Mars and learning about their base. I also liked some of the technology on the base. I also enjoyed the concept of the Ghosts of Mars, I thought it was unique, though there were a few things that left me a bit confused. I think a bit more detail could have helped, but overall it was a great concept.
I had mixed feelings about the main character, Eva. I thought she was clever and resourceful, but there were too many instances where she acknowledged that her actions would have consequences, but then continued to carry on recklessly. I understand that she’s relatively young, but she was a bit too self-centered at times for my liking.
I liked the group of friends in Ghosts of Mars. I’m a fan of books where a group of friends team up and go on an adventure, especially if it’s a dangerous and ill-advised adventure. I liked that the group all had their strengths and I enjoyed seeing them work together to try to save the day. I also loved Thunderbird, the AI system, that helped Eva and her friends along the way, and I especially appreciated Thunderbird’s sarcasm.
This book was full of action-packed scenes. There were lots of dangerous moments, and also moments where I was wondering if Eva and her friends were going to get caught. This made the book a very quick read as it jumped from one action scene to another. If I remember correctly, some of the dangerous moments were a bit dark.
Another thing I appreciated about this book was the type 1 diabetes rep. Eva is a type 1 diabetic. She’s upset because everyone tells her that this condition means she’ll never fulfill her dream of being an astronaut and exploring different planets and she’s determined to prove them wrong. I like seeing books, especially middle-grade books, with rep like this.
Overall, I thought Ghosts of Mars was a fun read. There were a few minor things that I didn’t love, but it was overall enjoyable. If the author decides to write another book starring Eva and her friends, I will definitely check it out.
Thank you to the Write Reads team and the BBNYA team for inviting me to join this blog tour and for providing me with a copy of this book to read during the competition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ghosts of Mars is a fun middle-grade book full of friendship and adventure. It follows 13-year-old Eva, who is the first human born on Mars. Eva has a habit of getting into trouble and breaking the rules. She’s bold and determined, and when her Dad is in danger, she’s willing to risk it all to try to save him.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. I don’t read a ton of books set in space, so this was a nice change of scenery for me. I enjoyed the world-building and seeing how humans have managed to live on Mars and learning about their base. I also liked some of the technology on the base. I also enjoyed the concept of the Ghosts of Mars, I thought it was unique, though there were a few things that left me a bit confused. I think a bit more detail could have helped, but overall it was a great concept.
I had mixed feelings about the main character, Eva. I thought she was clever and resourceful, but there were too many instances where she acknowledged that her actions would have consequences, but then continued to carry on recklessly. I understand that she’s relatively young, but she was a bit too self-centered at times for my liking.
I liked the group of friends in Ghosts of Mars. I’m a fan of books where a group of friends team up and go on an adventure, especially if it’s a dangerous and ill-advised adventure. I liked that the group all had their strengths and I enjoyed seeing them work together to try to save the day. I also loved Thunderbird, the AI system, that helped Eva and her friends along the way, and I especially appreciated Thunderbird’s sarcasm.
This book was full of action-packed scenes. There were lots of dangerous moments, and also moments where I was wondering if Eva and her friends were going to get caught. This made the book a very quick read as it jumped from one action scene to another. If I remember correctly, some of the dangerous moments were a bit dark.
Another thing I appreciated about this book was the type 1 diabetes rep. Eva is a type 1 diabetic. She’s upset because everyone tells her that this condition means she’ll never fulfill her dream of being an astronaut and exploring different planets and she’s determined to prove them wrong. I like seeing books, especially middle-grade books, with rep like this.
Overall, I thought Ghosts of Mars was a fun read. There were a few minor things that I didn’t love, but it was overall enjoyable. If the author decides to write another book starring Eva and her friends, I will definitely check it out.
March 8, 2023
Scintillating Sci-fi
Ghosts of Mars is such a great adventure! Eva Knight is the first Martian born human but all she wants is to leave Mars and go to Earth, but that’s an impossible dream. When she discovers a sword buried in the red earth that has incredible power, she knows she’s the only one who can use it to save her father from a dangerous mission.
Ghosts of Mars deals with some important issues like living with diabetes, accepting who you are, and relying on friendships when you’re used to coping on your own.
Highly recommend for ages 8-12.
Ghosts of Mars is such a great adventure! Eva Knight is the first Martian born human but all she wants is to leave Mars and go to Earth, but that’s an impossible dream. When she discovers a sword buried in the red earth that has incredible power, she knows she’s the only one who can use it to save her father from a dangerous mission.
Ghosts of Mars deals with some important issues like living with diabetes, accepting who you are, and relying on friendships when you’re used to coping on your own.
Highly recommend for ages 8-12.
May 28, 2024
Originally published on
Hina Loves To Read
In “Ghosts of Mars,” Stuart White catapults us into the year 2045, where Mars is not just a distant dream but a vibrant reality, and introduces us to Eva Knight, a 13-year-old Martian with the weight of two worlds on her shoulders. As the first Martian, Eva is not only navigating the complexities of adolescence but also dealing with the challenges of Type 1 diabetes and the constant companionship of a sarcastic AI. When her father disappears on Mars, Eva’s quest to find him leads her through a maze of danger and discovery, making “Ghosts of Mars” a thrilling ride through the cosmos.
White skillfully blends elements of science fiction and fantasy with a dash of the legendary allure of “The Sword in the Stone,” creating a narrative that is as educational as it is entertaining. The story is perfectly paced and wildly imaginative, offering a mix of thrilling adventure and real-life challenges faced by young readers, such as managing a chronic condition like diabetes in the most extraordinary circumstances.
Eva’s journey is marked by the real and metaphorical ghosts she must confront on the red planet—making for a story rich in both excitement and emotional depth. Her character is wonderfully fleshed out, brave and feisty yet relatable, showing vulnerability and growth in a way that echoes the ups and downs of real-life adolescence.
One of the novel’s strengths is its seamless integration of STEM science facts into the fabric of the narrative, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. This blend of fiction and education serves as a fantastic springboard for discussions about health and science, making it an excellent choice for classroom settings as well as independent reading.
The supporting cast of characters adds color and humor to the narrative, enriching the world-building and amplifying the stakes of Eva’s mission to save her father. Each character, from allies to the AI, contributes to a rich tapestry that captures the essence of youthful exploration and the spirit of adventure.
“Ghosts of Mars” is more than just a space adventure; it’s a thoughtful exploration of growing up under extraordinary circumstances. The novel offers a compelling narrative filled with lessons about resilience, the importance of family, and the courage to face the unknown. With its engaging protagonist and richly imagined setting, Stuart White’s book is destined to inspire and entertain a new generation of readers.
This book earns a resounding 4 out of 5 stars for its captivating story, educational value, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a young reader fascinated by space or an adult looking for a thrilling sci-fi adventure with heart, “Ghosts of Mars” promises a journey that’s as enlightening as it is exhilarating.
In “Ghosts of Mars,” Stuart White catapults us into the year 2045, where Mars is not just a distant dream but a vibrant reality, and introduces us to Eva Knight, a 13-year-old Martian with the weight of two worlds on her shoulders. As the first Martian, Eva is not only navigating the complexities of adolescence but also dealing with the challenges of Type 1 diabetes and the constant companionship of a sarcastic AI. When her father disappears on Mars, Eva’s quest to find him leads her through a maze of danger and discovery, making “Ghosts of Mars” a thrilling ride through the cosmos.
White skillfully blends elements of science fiction and fantasy with a dash of the legendary allure of “The Sword in the Stone,” creating a narrative that is as educational as it is entertaining. The story is perfectly paced and wildly imaginative, offering a mix of thrilling adventure and real-life challenges faced by young readers, such as managing a chronic condition like diabetes in the most extraordinary circumstances.
Eva’s journey is marked by the real and metaphorical ghosts she must confront on the red planet—making for a story rich in both excitement and emotional depth. Her character is wonderfully fleshed out, brave and feisty yet relatable, showing vulnerability and growth in a way that echoes the ups and downs of real-life adolescence.
One of the novel’s strengths is its seamless integration of STEM science facts into the fabric of the narrative, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. This blend of fiction and education serves as a fantastic springboard for discussions about health and science, making it an excellent choice for classroom settings as well as independent reading.
The supporting cast of characters adds color and humor to the narrative, enriching the world-building and amplifying the stakes of Eva’s mission to save her father. Each character, from allies to the AI, contributes to a rich tapestry that captures the essence of youthful exploration and the spirit of adventure.
“Ghosts of Mars” is more than just a space adventure; it’s a thoughtful exploration of growing up under extraordinary circumstances. The novel offers a compelling narrative filled with lessons about resilience, the importance of family, and the courage to face the unknown. With its engaging protagonist and richly imagined setting, Stuart White’s book is destined to inspire and entertain a new generation of readers.
This book earns a resounding 4 out of 5 stars for its captivating story, educational value, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a young reader fascinated by space or an adult looking for a thrilling sci-fi adventure with heart, “Ghosts of Mars” promises a journey that’s as enlightening as it is exhilarating.
May 25, 2024
This is a perfect read for middle grade/tweens. I love that the main character Fame has Type 1 diabetes, as she represents children with medical needs so positively. A huge thank you to The WriteReads for including me in their blog tour and for an e-copy of the book.
Book Details
Mars. 2045. 13-year-old Eva is the first Martian.
And world famous on two planets!
Fame, Type 1 diabetes and a sarcastic AI companion haunt her, but when her dad goes missing on the red planet, she must overcome the 'Ghosts of Mars' to save him.
The Martian for middle-grade, full of science, friendship and adventure, with elements of The Sword in the Stone.
“A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat ride for all space loving adventurers!” Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm
“I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.” AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn't sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.
Author Bio
Stuart is an award-winning author and secondary school teacher. He has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and founded, and now runs, WriteMentor. In 2020 and 2022 he was placed on the SCWBI Undiscovered Voices longlist and named as an Hononary Mention for his novels ‘Ghosts of Mars’ and ‘Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time’. In 2023, he won the WriteBlend award for his middle grade debut, Ghosts of Mars.
Stuart was included in The Bookseller’s 2021 list of Rising Stars in the publishing industry.
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.
Length: 280 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Age Category: Middle Grade
Date Published: 12 September 2022
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/hwEr9Ql (Canada)
https://a.co/d/iN6KKy7 (USA)
https://amzn.eu/d/id7TkjA (UK)
Book Details
Mars. 2045. 13-year-old Eva is the first Martian.
And world famous on two planets!
Fame, Type 1 diabetes and a sarcastic AI companion haunt her, but when her dad goes missing on the red planet, she must overcome the 'Ghosts of Mars' to save him.
The Martian for middle-grade, full of science, friendship and adventure, with elements of The Sword in the Stone.
“A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat ride for all space loving adventurers!” Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm
“I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.” AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn't sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.
Author Bio
Stuart is an award-winning author and secondary school teacher. He has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and founded, and now runs, WriteMentor. In 2020 and 2022 he was placed on the SCWBI Undiscovered Voices longlist and named as an Hononary Mention for his novels ‘Ghosts of Mars’ and ‘Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time’. In 2023, he won the WriteBlend award for his middle grade debut, Ghosts of Mars.
Stuart was included in The Bookseller’s 2021 list of Rising Stars in the publishing industry.
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.
Length: 280 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Age Category: Middle Grade
Date Published: 12 September 2022
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/hwEr9Ql (Canada)
https://a.co/d/iN6KKy7 (USA)
https://amzn.eu/d/id7TkjA (UK)
April 25, 2023
Eva's the first Martianborn human, but she can't wait to become an astronaut and leave the red planet behind. While her sights are set on the stars, she's needed at home when a huge dust storm traps her dad in a mine. Eva and her friends must use all their resourcefulness and courage to steal a rover, beat the storm and rescue him. But will they succeed before their oxygen runs out? And will the ghosts who have begun appearing to Eva help or endanger her?
Ghosts of Mars features a cast of characters who leap off the page – Eva's friends, her AI (Thunderchild – brilliantly droll), and the book's antagonist: her dad's co-commander, the cruel Darshi. Mars itself plays a huge role, and evocative worldbuilding – richly detailed without exposition – immerses us in the action. Eva is especially well-drawn. Her tentative opening up to new friends, her fear and love for her missing dad and her constant management of type 1 diabetes (realistically described) build a three-dimensional picture of a loveable, irrepressible heroine.
Filled with technology, science and adventure, and with nods to scifi greats from HG Wells to George Lucas, Ghosts of Mars is a propulsive page-turner with clear stakes and cliff-hanging chapter ends. Strap in, people, this excellent MG story is as adrenaline-filled as a breakneck rover drive across Mars's crater-covered surface.
Ghosts of Mars features a cast of characters who leap off the page – Eva's friends, her AI (Thunderchild – brilliantly droll), and the book's antagonist: her dad's co-commander, the cruel Darshi. Mars itself plays a huge role, and evocative worldbuilding – richly detailed without exposition – immerses us in the action. Eva is especially well-drawn. Her tentative opening up to new friends, her fear and love for her missing dad and her constant management of type 1 diabetes (realistically described) build a three-dimensional picture of a loveable, irrepressible heroine.
Filled with technology, science and adventure, and with nods to scifi greats from HG Wells to George Lucas, Ghosts of Mars is a propulsive page-turner with clear stakes and cliff-hanging chapter ends. Strap in, people, this excellent MG story is as adrenaline-filled as a breakneck rover drive across Mars's crater-covered surface.
May 24, 2024
I received an advance review copy of this book, to review as part of a tour with The Write Reads.
This is a sci-fi story aimed at young readers. I really liked the protagonist, Eva, she had such a bubbly, fun personality, and it was very entertaining to read as she narrated her adventures. I thought about what it might be like to be friends with someone like Eva, and I would definitely want to be her friend. Being friends with a Martian would be extremely cool, right? This was a very light, easy read, but full of fun and excitement, there wasn't a dull moment. If you pick up this book to read Eva's story yourself, you may find it's out of this world!
Thank you to The Write Reads, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a sci-fi story aimed at young readers. I really liked the protagonist, Eva, she had such a bubbly, fun personality, and it was very entertaining to read as she narrated her adventures. I thought about what it might be like to be friends with someone like Eva, and I would definitely want to be her friend. Being friends with a Martian would be extremely cool, right? This was a very light, easy read, but full of fun and excitement, there wasn't a dull moment. If you pick up this book to read Eva's story yourself, you may find it's out of this world!
Thank you to The Write Reads, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
April 29, 2023
A new heroine has launched! Fantastic out-of-this-world tale of bravery, friendship, rescue and overcoming despite it all.
I especially loved the camaraderie between Eva and her team of friends as they navigate the Martian terrain and all its challenges.
With ghosts, a whiff of myth and legend with a magical sword, and some space vipers thrown in, you have a whole unique take on sci-fi. One I am here for :)
Perfect escapism!
I especially loved the camaraderie between Eva and her team of friends as they navigate the Martian terrain and all its challenges.
With ghosts, a whiff of myth and legend with a magical sword, and some space vipers thrown in, you have a whole unique take on sci-fi. One I am here for :)
Perfect escapism!
June 14, 2023
Confined to a life on Mars thanks to having been born there, Eva still dreams of becoming an astronaut. When her dad disappears during a mission on still unexplored planet, Eva set out to save him, spurred on by the ghost of her mother.
I loved the premise and the well-executed setting but was not a big fan of the ghost part of the story.
I loved the premise and the well-executed setting but was not a big fan of the ghost part of the story.
March 25, 2023
a very good read
It’s a good story . I would recommend it to anyone.
It has a good beginning and the evolution that people mentally and emotionally have to go through to grow.
Eva is a likable character.
Wish it was longer.
It’s a good story . I would recommend it to anyone.
It has a good beginning and the evolution that people mentally and emotionally have to go through to grow.
Eva is a likable character.
Wish it was longer.
April 28, 2023
A middle-grade version of the Martian? Yes please! The plucky heroine bats off her Type 1 diabetes condition to save her dad while ignoring all the rules about living in a colony on Mars. Lots of twists and turns to this page-turning adventure. Highly recommended
December 23, 2023
I have no words.
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