A review by alex_ellermann
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

2.0

'Red Mars' is a detailed, granular novel exploring the scientific, sociological, political, and economic ramifications of colonizing Mars.

Alas, it isn't a very good novel.

The author shows us the results of his no-doubt exhaustive research. He really makes us think about the nuts and bolts of how Martian colonization could actually work. He fails to craft a compelling narrative or generate much tension in the reader. Consequently, the novel reads more like "this happened, then this happened, then this other thing happened" than a journey with a compelling challenge and satisfying story arc.

Still, I think my friends in the hard science fiction community may love 'Red Mars.' Unfortunately, it didn't happen to be for me.