Hammerhead

Mars Diaries #4

by Sigmund Brouwer

A deadly comet catapults toward Mars. Only one thing can break up the comet before it does the new Hammerhead torpedo. Tyce Sanders only has two weeks to master it . . . and someone's trying to stop him. In this exciting, fast-paced series that even reluctant readers will love, Tyce not only uncovers this mystery but also learns more about the power of God's love.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Young Adult, Childrens, Middle Grade, Religion

128 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

Sigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.

Reviews

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The books in the Mars Diaries series always take me for an amazing adventure. "Hammerhead" sure did, with a plot twist that could leave tears in your eyes.

An incredible Mars story, one that truly tests Tyce's inner strength and his faith in God.

[Chance Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little better and more emotional. I think the series is getting better and it's finding it's footing.

Cover
Cohesive with the rest. Photo fits the story well. The yellow color makes it stand out well. I do like how the cover looks.

Interior
I have to put this out there right now. This ending is hands down my favorite. The twists and emotion actually hit me in the final scene. It was a little emotion but I still really felt that end.
I think the series if finding it's footing. this one was more enjoyable. Where the last one stood out with conspiracy that tied to the first two this book four actually seems a touch more stand alone. With villain and conspiracy. This book really excelled in emotion. I was sitting there nodding because I could really relate to our hero. Also I would like to bring up I like how Tyce is written in this book. He feels a lot more relatable and less too perfect. The big twist in this book actually took a moment for me to realized it was actually happening. I didn't think the book actually had what it took but they did it. Even the christian message wasn't that bad and it didn't feel forced. I do like this book.

Standard criticism
I am finding the virtual reality description too repetitive as well as the description of the robot.

[Colin Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 4 of my quick foray into all the middle grade novels I've had on my bookshelf for more than 10 years that I never got around to reading when I was younger so I can make room for more books on my shelf:

More of the same but with a slightly better plot.
Still some copy pasted descriptions (which for the fourth time really gets me mad having to read the same thing again)
The inserted Christian beliefs are less heavyhanded in this book too.

I would probably give this book a 3.25 overall, it is slightly better than the previous ones. Especially with the bold fake out death that he included for Ashley.

This book also for the first time has true unanswered and unresolved plot lines that set up for the next book. Which actually is nice because it leaves you wanting to find and read the next one.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh dear, this was a sad one... but a good one. I'm definitely getting into this series.

A full review of the series will be posted once I finish reading it.

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some nice twists and mystery with this one. It's still annoying how the author repeats information in each book, but the plot definitely made up for it in Hammerhead!

[M. G. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio. Easy.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting developments in the Mars project, including conspiracies and secrets. A bit of a cliffhanger ending. Very enjoyable!

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good on first read through, and at the intended reading age, and from the intended worldview. Decently interesting characters. Trying very hard to be hard scifi, which I could stand to see more of. Extremely preachy, and relies more than a bit on the element of surprise to stay interesting, without enough subtlety or foreshadowing to give depth to re-reads. Repeat review ad infinitum for the rest of the series.
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Hammerhead specifically upped the stakes in a serious way for me when I was first reading. There were personal costs for actions, and a previously introduced character gained new depth.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVE the concept of this series, a disabled teen living on the first mars colony. It just seems to be treading water the last two books. How many times in the span of (~a Martian year) can there be a super conspiracy with Mars colony ending situations. I get this is written for kids but many times it seems very forced to have the "i believe in god" moments.

[Katie Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good blend of action, friendship, and heart. Brouwer tackles the difficult question 'why do bad things happen' in a way that tweens can relate to. My sons will be old enough to read this series in a few years and I hope they like it; I do.

[Ayesha Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

cool clean science fiction. character is pretty smart

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F BRO md bk. 4

Science Fiction

[Frode · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 in the Mars series. I bought and read it to give to my grandson. It's a nice little story, typical Brouwer, some suspense and twisting of the plot.

[jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great! Keep up the good books!