The Martians

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Language
English

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From a training mission in Antarctica to blistering sandstorms sweeping through labyrinths of barren canyons, the interwoven stories of The Martians set in motion a sprawling cast of characters upon the surface of Mars. As the planet is transformed from an unexplored and forbidding terrain to a troubled image of a re-created Earth, we meet men and women who are bound together by their experiences on Mars and with each other. Among them are Michel, a French psychologist dazzled by the beauty around him; Maya, a woman whose ill-fated love affairs lead to her first voyage to Mars; and Roger, a tall Martian-born guide who lacks social skills but has the courage to survive on the planet's dangerous yet strangely compelling surface.

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ISBN
9780553574012
9780553898309

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Also in this Series

  • Red Mars (Mars trilogy Volume 1) Cover
  • Green mars (Mars trilogy Volume 2) Cover
  • Blue Mars (Mars trilogy Volume 3) Cover
  • The Martians (Mars trilogy Volume 4) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These richly detailed and fast-paced science fiction series both depict the exploration and colonization of planets in our solar system. Each features diverse character perspectives, as well as informative yet accessible descriptions of future technologies and planetary climates. -- Derek Keyser
While Foundation is set in the far future and the Mars trilogy a more recognizable near future, each offers fans of epic space opera a heady mix of plausible science plus fully-developed, believable characters and immersive world-building. -- Kim Burton
These series have the appeal factors stylistically complex and world-building, and they have the themes "space colonization" and "first contact"; the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "life on other planets" and "space colonies."
These series have the appeal factors stylistically complex and world-building, and they have the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subject "life on other planets."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "life on other planets" and "far future."
These series have the appeal factors world-building and evocative, and they have the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subject "life on other planets."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "space colonization"; the genres "science fiction" and "space opera"; and the subjects "planets," "life on other planets," and "space flight."
These series have the theme "space colonization"; the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction classics"; and the subjects "planets," "life on other planets," and "space exploration."
These series have the theme "space colonization"; the genres "science fiction" and "space opera"; and the subjects "planets," "life on other planets," and "far future."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the theme "space colonization"; the genres "science fiction" and "adult books for young adults"; and the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight."
These books have the appeal factors cinematic and world-building, and they have the themes "space colonization" and "generation ships"; the genres "science fiction" and "space opera"; and the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight."
These books have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the themes "space colonization," "large cast of characters," and "generation ships"; the genre "science fiction"; the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the themes "space colonization," "large cast of characters," and "first contact"; the genre "hard science fiction"; the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the themes "space colonization" and "large cast of characters"; the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight."
These books have the appeal factors stylistically complex and world-building, and they have the themes "space colonization," "large cast of characters," and "generation ships"; the genre "hard science fiction"; and the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight."
NoveList recommends "Grand tour of the solar system" for fans of "Mars trilogy". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the themes "space colonization," "large cast of characters," and "generation ships"; the genre "hard science fiction"; the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "large cast of characters"; the genre "science fiction"; the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors world-building, atmospheric, and evocative, and they have the genres "short stories" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight."
These books have the appeal factors stylistically complex and world-building, and they have the theme "large cast of characters"; the genres "science fiction" and "space opera"; the subjects "life on other planets," "space colonies," and "space flight"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
NoveList recommends "Foundation series" for fans of "Mars trilogy". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Nancy Kress, like Kim Stanley Robinson, uses both Earth and alien settings. Her focus, too, is more on ideas and social behaviors -- consequences of actions -- than adventure or military forays. -- Krista Biggs
Like Kim Stanley Robinson, Greg Bear writes novels of high literary quality about unusual and well-reasoned scientific futures. Their well-rounded, plausible characters espouse widely variant viewpoints while on a seemingly unavoidable ideological collision course, although Bear's books are faster-paced. -- NoveList Contributor
These authors write fast-paced hard science fiction set in our solar system. Their gripping stories blend well-researched yet accessible scientific information, suspenseful narratives of survival and conflict, and thoughtful explorations of deep ethical questions and controversial political issues. -- Derek Keyser
Dennis Danvers and Kim Stanley Robinson use fast-paced, stylistically complex science fiction to depict near-future worlds where technology solves human problems while it creates new ones. Robinson writes about the earth and other planets, while Danvers' books are set on earth and contain both more romance and overtly political themes. -- Kaitlyn Moore
Monica Byrne counts Kim Stanley Robinson among her influences. Both write thought-provoking, character-driven science fiction that sheds light on today's world by extrapolating current issues into the future. -- Autumn Winters
Science fiction authors Frank Herbert and Kim Stanley Robinson create richly detailed worlds set on alien planes inhabited by large casts of characters whose ideas and backgrounds vary wildly. Their stories are atmospheric, issue-oriented, and thought-provoking. Robinson writes hard science fiction while Herbert's stories contain fantasy elements. -- Alicia Cavitt
Gregory Benford and Kim Stanley Robinson are scientists who write plausible issue-driven hard Science Fiction peopled with multi-dimensional, well-drawn characters. Both authors have a solid and smooth writing style that evokes a sense of time and place. -- NoveList Contributor
Like Kim Stanley Robinson, David Brin writes hard science fiction that strikes a balance between story and science and features engaging, well-developed characters with plausible motivations, while commenting on ecological issues and personal and social ethics. -- NoveList Contributor
Though her writing style is not quite as smoothly literate, biologist-author Joan Slonczewski has much to offer Kim Stanley Robinson's readers. Her stories address the ethical and moral issues that drive her characters as well as examine the consequences of altering the physical environment. -- NoveList Contributor
These authors' works have the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction classics"; and the subjects "planets," "life on other planets," and "near future."
These authors' works have the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction classics"; the subjects "planets," "climate change," and "life on other planets"; and characters that are "introspective characters."
These authors' works have the genres "hard science fiction" and "science fiction classics"; and the subjects "life on other planets," "revolutionaries," and "near future."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Robinson offers what has to be reckoned the sf collection of the year to date: 28 pieces of varying length and content, all set in the universe of Robinson's magisterial and mega-selling Martian novels, Red Mars (1993), Green Mars (1994), and Blue Mars (1996). Some involve characters familiar from the novels: Michel the psychologist has three appearances, the first set during the training of the original Mars explorers in Antarctica. Some are humorous, as even the title of "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars" suggests, including tongue-in-cheek descriptions of the problems the original anaerobic Martian life-forms experience in coping with all the oxygen humans introduce to the planet. "Jackie on Zo" is about childbirth on Mars, "Exploring Fossil Canyon" is a classic planetary exploration tale with realistic characters and plausible technology. The story entitled "Green Mars" is about the first expedition to the summit of Olympus Mons, the gigantic volcano that is the most conspicuous feature of the Martian landscape. The twenty-seventh numbered piece, "If Wang Wei Lived on Mars," consists of poems. Finally, under such titles as "Four Teleological Truths," there are what can be best described as thought experiments. Altogether, a perfect smorgasbord of a collection, united by the outstanding feats of world building and characterization that so distinguished Robinson's Mars in the novels. A must for virtually all sf collections. --Roland Green

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

With a Nebula and two Hugos to its credit, Robinson's monumental Mars trilogy (Red Mars, etc.) is one of the most honored series in the history of science fiction. Having finished the trilogy, however, and gone on to write yet another major novel, Antarctica, Robinson realized that he simply wasn't done with the red planet. There were important episodes in the lives of his major characters that hadn't made it into the novels. There were alternate possibilities that he still yearned to explore. There were pages of essays, vignettes, fables, poems, and fictional science and history, all demanding to be written. This collection represents Robinson's further thoughts on Mars. It encompasses a number of new short stories, including at least two set in alternate universes where events have taken place quite differently than in the novels. Among the best entries are "Coyote Makes Trouble," which concerns a plot to capture one of the planet's leading revolutionaries; "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars," about the effect of Martian gravity on America's favorite pastime; and "Sexual Dimorphism," which involves a Martian scientist whose work strangely echoes his personal life. Also included is "Green Mars," a previously published novella about climbing Olympus Mons, the highest mountain in the solar systemÄa wonderful story that, curiously, has no direct connection to Robinson's later novel of the same name. Some of the pieces here will be of interest only to those who have already read the trilogy, but the finest of the short fiction stands firmly on its own. As is the norm with Robinson's work, the stories are beautifully written, the characters are well developed and the author's passion for ecology manifests on every page. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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School Library Journal Review

YA-The description on the dust jacket of this collection of short stories and one novella might lead readers to think these stories simply expand on Robinson's "Mars Trilogy" (Bantam). Actually, with each story, the author presents a fresh perspective, further expanding the possibilities beyond the story in the trilogy-and subverts any tendency to view it as the "Mars Canon." In fact, the first story tells how the decision was made not to colonize Mars. Subsequent stories explore the red planet and life there-human and otherwise-with great imagination, variety, and humor. For those who have read the trilogy, these stories can be enjoyed as alternate histories or as return visits to familiar places and characters-often with a twist. For those who have not tackled it, they stand on their own as beautifully crafted and accessible examples of science-fiction writing at its best. Whether exploring the planet's badlands with a group of extreme eco-tourists, considering the Constitution of Mars (and how and why it works), or examining the nature of life from a very entertaining variety of perspectives, this collection will be a treat for any thoughtful reader.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Library Journal Review

The dream of terraforming and settling Mars becomes reality as a hundred individuals link their fate to that of the red planet, bringing with them their hopes and frailties, their hidden fears, latent violence, and uncompromising dedication. The author of the award-winning Mars trilogy interweaves a series of stories that stretch from preliminary training missions in Antarctica to the events surrounding the drafting of a Martian constitution. Robinson uses a variety of narrative styles to reflect the broad scope of human drama that surrounds the taming of a new and dangerous world. Recommended for most libraries. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/99.] (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Booklist Reviews

Robinson offers what has to be reckoned the sf collection of the year to date: 28 pieces of varying length and content, all set in the universe of Robinson's magisterial and mega-selling Martian novels, Red Mars (1993), Green Mars (1994), and Blue Mars (1996). Some involve characters familiar from the novels: Michel the psychologist has three appearances, the first set during the training of the original Mars explorers in Antarctica. Some are humorous, as even the title of "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars" suggests, including tongue-in-cheek descriptions of the problems the original anaerobic Martian life-forms experience in coping with all the oxygen humans introduce to the planet. "Jackie on Zo" is about childbirth on Mars, "Exploring Fossil Canyon" is a classic planetary exploration tale with realistic characters and plausible technology. The story entitled "Green Mars" is about the first expedition to the summit of Olympus Mons, the gigantic volcano that is the most conspicuous feature of the Martian landscape. The twenty-seventh numbered piece, "If Wang Wei Lived on Mars," consists of poems. Finally, under such titles as "Four Teleological Truths," there are what can be best described as thought experiments. Altogether, a perfect smorgasbord of a collection, united by the outstanding feats of world building and characterization that so distinguished Robinson's Mars in the novels. A must for virtually all sf collections. ((Reviewed July 1999)) Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews

Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews
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Library Journal Reviews

Just in time for the new Mars landing in fall 1999: short stories from the author of the famed "Mars Trilogy." Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Powered by Content Cafe

Library Journal Reviews

The dream of terraforming and settling Mars becomes reality as a hundred individuals link their fate to that of the red planet, bringing with them their hopes and frailties, their hidden fears, latent violence, and uncompromising dedication. The author of the award-winning Mars trilogy interweaves a series of stories that stretch from preliminary training missions in Antarctica to the events surrounding the drafting of a Martian constitution. Robinson uses a variety of narrative styles to reflect the broad scope of human drama that surrounds the taming of a new and dangerous world. Recommended for most libraries. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/99.] Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Powered by Content Cafe

Publishers Weekly Reviews

With a Nebula and two Hugos to its credit, Robinson's monumental Mars trilogy (Red Mars, etc.) is one of the most honored series in the history of science fiction. Having finished the trilogy, however, and gone on to write yet another major novel, Antarctica, Robinson realized that he simply wasn't done with the red planet. There were important episodes in the lives of his major characters that hadn't made it into the novels. There were alternate possibilities that he still yearned to explore. There were pages of essays, vignettes, fables, poems, and fictional science and history, all demanding to be written. This collection represents Robinson's further thoughts on Mars. It encompasses a number of new short stories, including at least two set in alternate universes where events have taken place quite differently than in the novels. Among the best entries are "Coyote Makes Trouble," which concerns a plot to capture one of the planet's leading revolutionaries; "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars," about the effect of Martian gravity on America's favorite pastime; and "Sexual Dimorphism," which involves a Martian scientist whose work strangely echoes his personal life. Also included is "Green Mars," a previously published novella about climbing Olympus Mons, the highest mountain in the solar system a wonderful story that, curiously, has no direct connection to Robinson's later novel of the same name. Some of the pieces here will be of interest only to those who have already read the trilogy, but the finest of the short fiction stands firmly on its own. As is the norm with Robinson's work, the stories are beautifully written, the characters are well developed and the author's passion for ecology manifests on every page. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Powered by Content Cafe

School Library Journal Reviews

YA-The description on the dust jacket of this collection of short stories and one novella might lead readers to think these stories simply expand on Robinson's "Mars Trilogy" (Bantam). Actually, with each story, the author presents a fresh perspective, further expanding the possibilities beyond the story in the trilogy-and subverts any tendency to view it as the "Mars Canon." In fact, the first story tells how the decision was made not to colonize Mars. Subsequent stories explore the red planet and life there-human and otherwise-with great imagination, variety, and humor. For those who have read the trilogy, these stories can be enjoyed as alternate histories or as return visits to familiar places and characters-often with a twist. For those who have not tackled it, they stand on their own as beautifully crafted and accessible examples of science-fiction writing at its best. Whether exploring the planet's badlands with a group of extreme eco-tourists, considering the Constitution of Mars (and how and why it works), or examining the nature of life from a very entertaining variety of perspectives, this collection will be a treat for any thoughtful reader.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
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