Reviews

Mars is a world full of promise, exploration, and potential. Martin Gibson, science fiction writer and curious mind, has the perfect chance to discover what makes Mars so unique, and to offer his hand in shaping the future of the planet.

Words can't fully describe how much I loved this book, but I will try anyways.

This was the second Arthur C. Clarke book I've read. Following Rendezvous with Rama, I didn't expect such a touching and heartfelt story, full to the brim with character development, emotion, and dotted throughout with science and discovery.

Martin Gibson was a great MC - he was relatable, complex, and full of passion and drive for the world he was a visitor to. We followed his development, from a science fiction author (who wasn't sure he wanted to be that anymore) sent to Mars to write some articles on their development, all the way to a man who would do anything to see the planet flourish and grow. He gave his all to the hostile environment of Mars, and it was genuinely so touching and so natural to see him make up his mind to stay, and to see him fight for the chance to remain. The relationship he fostered with Jimmy, and the friendships he made on the planet were tangible and real, and made the book all the more enjoyable.

Arthur C. Clarke is a master of suspense, of unrecognised curiosity, and of making the reader feel both fear and tentative excitement as he revealed more and more. The mystery surrounding Phobos, discovery of the secretive dome hidden from Earth, and the footpath that could never have been made by humans all made me feel genuine fear when I read about them, secrets half-revealed and unravelling more and more as we progressed further in the story. We were always slightly ahead of Gibson, but not by much; it made the mystery and the nerves all the more real, and kept me itching to keep reading, desperate to find out what came next.

Of course, not everything came fully to fruition - it's Arthur C. Clarke, and life would just be too perfect if he gave us complete endings to everything. But that doesn't mean that the explanations weren't just as satisfying.

We know that Gibson will eventually see his son again, and that that relationship will grow in time. We know that he will eventually likely be part of Mars' integral system and world, and he will fit in perfectly. We know that Mars will grow, will change, and will flourish, whether by manipulation of the plants and animals, or by man-made brute power. We don't need to see these things happen to know that they will, or to feel joy and excitement at their promise.

We were, however, given fantastic explanations and endings to the important things, like Gibson's ability to stay on Mars, Project Dawn, or the outlook of Earth on the small, red planet that was beginning to foster more and more life. We also met Squeak, and I can not explain how happy that little round alien made me, or its curious disposition and excitable nature. It was the perfect little friend and hopeful pet to find on an otherwise empty planet, and gave us (and the characters) hope for the future.

Of course, science and practical applications sprinkled throughout keeps the most keen sci-fi readers on the edge of their seat, a wonderful balance that Clarke has cultivated to keep everyone engaged, no matter what they're looking for in a story. It wouldn't be his work without it.

I loved this story. A book of hope, of wonder, of discovery and love, so much that I couldn't possibly hope to write it all down in one review. When I read it again, I know I'll love it just as much, and I know that it will carry the same magic no matter how many times I open its pages.

tinch0's review against another edition

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4.0

Lo leí de vacaciones en Lago Puelo y cuando lo terminé se lo regalé a mi hermana. Bellísima historia. Cabe destacar también la poca cantidad de personajes femeninos importantes, pero bueno es un libro viejo (can i say that?).

randybaggins's review against another edition

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2.0

Sands of Mars is quite anti-climatic all the way, narrating a scientific expedition from the point of a writer, exploring his relationships with the people around him, and his perception of a struggling Martian colonization. It's a light read that takes its steps very casually, and tells a unlikely story with much Clark's scientific views on colonization. As a first novel, Clark doesn't show off his prophetic potential all the way, but it's important just because it was the beginning of one great career.

vapor_gril's review against another edition

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adventurous informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Fairly cosy, retro futuristic vibes, does show it age in places but that gives it more charm

lillian_'s review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Arthur C Clarke’s debut novel. I found it boring but there are a couple of interesting ideas near the end.

beyonator's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

ainsleym's review against another edition

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4.0

Half the humor in this book came from the jokes and clever writing, the other half came from reading the sentence “There are no mountains on Mars!” in 2023.

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