In the Nebula Award winning Red Mars, Kim Stanley Robinson began his critically acclaimed epic saga of the colonization of Mar...
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Oct 11, 2010
Meggan
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KSR has been described as writing philosophical sci-fi novels of suspense. To me his philosophical questioning in Green Mars goes as deep as Valles Marineris. This trilogy is about answering the question "how do we live together when we have no home." A similar sci-fi treatment, Battlestar Galactica, attempted to answer this--but KSR plays with the question without any heavy-handed mysticism, magic, or deus-ex-machinas. In other words, "how do we live together" can only be an
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Jan 09, 2011
James
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Every bit as good as Red Mars was - this is a huge epic story, vivid and arresting; this trilogy, so far, is up there with the best of Frank Herbert. I'm looking forward to the third book, but at the same time not wanting it to be over that soon. This series cries out to be made into a trilogy of films, too.
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Jul 25, 2010
Daniel
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Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy peaks in its central volume. Red Mars has a tight narrative and tightly controlled world-building, while Blue Mars expand the scope of the trilogy impressively, with a melancholy tone throughout.
In Green Mars, Robinson constantly amazes with displays of his mature and broad understanding of human nature and our intellectual wealth. His best characters are preoccupied by the intersection between the sciences and the arts. The events of the book hing More...
In Green Mars, Robinson constantly amazes with displays of his mature and broad understanding of human nature and our intellectual wealth. His best characters are preoccupied by the intersection between the sciences and the arts. The events of the book hing More...
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Jan 29, 2012
Basswood
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I would recommend this book, as I would 'Red Mars' (the first in the trilogy – I haven't read the final book yet). In many ways it is thought provoking and highly enjoyable to read. At times it is hard difficult to put down – what happens next? – yet at others it can drag; especially in relation to the descriptions of martian geography and geology, which I have to admit are not a specialty or particular interest of mine.
Whilst I applaud the character based approach to epic storytel More...
Whilst I applaud the character based approach to epic storytel More...
Aug 04, 2011
Considering that it took me the better part of 5 months to read this hard SF novel, it could well be believed that it was hard going and some heavy reading, and perhaps in some ways it was. But truth be told I really enjoyed this ongoing tale about the terraforming of Mars, and just could not find the time to read...
For the most part the books look at the changes wrought on the former red planet by man, and the unstable political situation that dominates Earth, and by default Mars, and the detai More...
For the most part the books look at the changes wrought on the former red planet by man, and the unstable political situation that dominates Earth, and by default Mars, and the detai More...
Dec 17, 2011
Julie
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As I read further in this series I like it more. I don't like it a ton but I liked this book better than the first in the series: Red Mars. It continues to hold my interest and I want to find out what happens to the characters. I may like this book better because I like the point of view of the characters that are highlighted in this second book rather than those from the first. Kim Stanley Robinson writes the books in a series of sections from one character's point of view. Which in this
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Aug 06, 2011
Dave
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A very interesting book: very much like Red Mars in that the science is explained in almost excruciating detail, but in a good way, where you don't have to understand it all on your first time through. As with most middle books in trilogies, there are obvious storylines that won't be completely resolved, but unlike a number of those books, this one has some unusual ways of getting to the end.
The last part of the book isn't unexpected in terms of what happens on Mars, but the triggers More...
The last part of the book isn't unexpected in terms of what happens on Mars, but the triggers More...
May 22, 2011
Dhamma
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Second in the Mars trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson, also one of science fictions classics and a must read for sci-fi fanatics. The book continues the story from Red mars from a different perspective. The perspective is mostly of the underground movement who are the protagonists in the story. The main themes are Economic and Political Justice, and Ecological sustainability. Ecological sustainability concerns terraforming which is a major centerpiece of the mars trilogy. Green Mars explores the di
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Jul 26, 2011
Nicholas
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The second book in Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars trilogy picks up the story of Mars and the Martians some 20 years after the end of book one, and it covers about 40 (earth) years time. It describes the aftermath of the 2061 uprising, the underground's attempts to get all of its factions working in concert, the continued successes of the terraforming project, and the growing chaos back on Earth. KSR continues to tell the story through a series of short stories, each from a different characters pe
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Sep 06, 2011
Rob
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...On the whole I think Green Mars is not quite as good and Red Mars. I feel that Robinson tried to put too much information and too much very rapid change in the already compressed time-scale of the series. That being said, the attractions of the first novel are still present in this book. Robinson's vision of the colonization of Mars in frighteningly plausible in some respects and very well thought through. Despite the huge challenges being faced by the characters, there is a sense of optimism
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Aug 31, 2011
Tony
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Wonderfully detailed description of Mars, down to the single grain. Geological and natural descriptions however were sometimes overdone, perhaps evincing the individuals' passions. But there are times when the descriptions are overdone. The word "laminate sand" is fully stuck in my head. And "lichens", thanks to Nadia, Ann and Sax.
Narrative device of one character, one chapter works to flesh out each character fully and teases one to read the subtext of each chap More...
Narrative device of one character, one chapter works to flesh out each character fully and teases one to read the subtext of each chap More...
Aug 02, 2011
kingshearte
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OK, seriously, blurb writer? Although the terraforming debate did kind of form a bigger part of this story than it did in Red Mars, it's still really not the main issue. And Peter Clayborne? Sure, he's around, but this story is so not even close to being about him, and he's certainly no leader of any anti-terraforming rebel group. It just really pisses me off when a blurb bears so little resemblance to the book it's allegedly describing that it might as well be about another book entirely.
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Apr 05, 2011
Jack
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A fine sequel to Red Mars, this book is both strengthened and sabotaged by the "hard" science that sometimes overpowers the narrative.
Someday, this book will be well-served by the interactive technologies of future e-readers. Those interested in the maps, lists of geological and geographical features as well as biological and astronomic terms will enjoy a much fuller experience. I listened to this as an audio book, but would have enjoyed it much more if I could have follo More...
Someday, this book will be well-served by the interactive technologies of future e-readers. Those interested in the maps, lists of geological and geographical features as well as biological and astronomic terms will enjoy a much fuller experience. I listened to this as an audio book, but would have enjoyed it much more if I could have follo More...
Oct 01, 2010
Paul
rated it:
Just as good as the first book. Robinson continues his series on the colonization of Mars. Where the first book left off with social strife, this one picks it back up. The issues of creating a habitation within spheres on Mars are no longer a big issue, now it is about creating the social structures, including politics and economy.
This book is an excellent continuation. Despite the timeline occurring centuries after the first book, it feels like an organic continuation. He is no d More...
This book is an excellent continuation. Despite the timeline occurring centuries after the first book, it feels like an organic continuation. He is no d More...
May 23, 2011
Iskreads
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I enjoyed the book, even though it was not my usual genre. If I 've ever read science fiction, it has been Star Wars. This was a big jump from that. Basically, it's about scientists in the future who try and make Mars a suitable place to live. It was very descriptive, and I enjoyed the fact that I had the chance to learn new 'futuristic' vocabulary. I also learnt bigger and more scientific words. I think that you have to know a lot about the universe to understand this book. Luckily, I do, so I
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Jan 09, 2010
Vincent
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One of the chapters of Green Mars is called Long Runout. I think it would make a good subtitle for this book. Be prepared to spend dozens of pages reading about our protagonists driving around Mars. Just driving, driving and thinking, sometimes getting out and walking around. I swear if they get into that Rock-Mobile one more time! At times a labor to read.
I enjoy the wonderful detail of science and speculation and nothing pleases me more than when an character goes on a rant a More...
I enjoy the wonderful detail of science and speculation and nothing pleases me more than when an character goes on a rant a More...
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Jun 09, 2011
The book is really good but some parts of the story is very confusing and boring. Most of the time they were talking scientific stuff and I only understand half of what they were saying. My mind got played by the scientific vocabulary and terms. The boring parts of the story was all the traveling they did. Sometimes of the story they would travel and stop and that it. But the amazing thing of the story is that how scientists are trying to make mar a habitable place to live on like earth. It remi
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Jul 07, 2009
Thermalsatsuma
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After the events of 'Red Mars' the majority of the surviving members of the first one hundred Martian colonists are forced underground, either literally to a hidden base under the southern polar ice cap or figuratively into the demi-monde of disparate settlements and townships scattered across the face of Mars. The first one hundred, their lives now extended by anti-aging treatments are joined by their children and grand children, each with their own ideas and aims for a truly Martian society in
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Apr 04, 2011
Angela
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The second installment of Robinson's Mars trilogy. This one takes up almost immediately where Red Mars left off, shortly after the failed revolt of 2061. As inferred from the title, the "greening" of Mars plays a major role in this story, influencing culture, politics, societal trends, the works.
Robinson continues to amaze me with the breadth of his vision in this series. I can't begin to do the story justice in just a few short paragraphs. He has built an entire world, and e More...
Robinson continues to amaze me with the breadth of his vision in this series. I can't begin to do the story justice in just a few short paragraphs. He has built an entire world, and e More...
Feb 23, 2011
Ron
rated it:
I'd like to rate it higher, but it's too didactic. Too preachy. In many places, just plain boring.
Sort of an SF The Silmarillion—for better or worse. A great narrative story and in Robinson's case a firm scientific aura, but too many data dumps and too much historical narrative. The plots are good, but are slighted by the science and "history." And it's all too easy.
The cast is too large and sound too much alike.
Too many key points are made with little tho More...
Sort of an SF The Silmarillion—for better or worse. A great narrative story and in Robinson's case a firm scientific aura, but too many data dumps and too much historical narrative. The plots are good, but are slighted by the science and "history." And it's all too easy.
The cast is too large and sound too much alike.
Too many key points are made with little tho More...
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Dec 03, 2008
Darth
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Eh.... After the rich personal relationships that were carved out in Red Mars, this one was a bit of a letdown. It focused more on geology, biology, and general politicing that seem to be the modern focal point of anything to do with Mars in sci-fi... (see Ben bovas work if you doubt this)
All in all the people felt mechanical, the science felt forced and disinteresting...
I have already stockpiled BLue Mars and Martians, so I will probly see this set through, but if you read Red More...
All in all the people felt mechanical, the science felt forced and disinteresting...
I have already stockpiled BLue Mars and Martians, so I will probly see this set through, but if you read Red More...
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Dec 04, 2011
Judith
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Robinson's Mars Trilogy begins as admirably written hard science fiction, based for the most part on physics and geology. As the story progresses, the plot is based more and more upon Robinson's previous suppositions than on fact - in short, he begins to extrapolate. By the last page of Green Mars, we're asked to believe that human beings can postpone death almost indefinitely, have solved the problem of war, and are ready to colonize space, all in about three hundred years. My willing suspensio
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May 13, 2011
Tresuiri
rated it:
I am glad I gave this installment a go. I think it reads better than the first, I was able to relate to the characters better than the first, and overall seems to be a more cohesive story. Unfortunately there were many passages where I zoned out, hence the 2 star rating. Again, kudos to the author for a well researched and planned out treatise. For example, the myriad of lichens and dwarf trees Sacks plants, the subtle way an aerobraking maneuver can be disrupted, or how Maya and Nadia thou
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Oct 05, 2011
Andreas
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Consisting of:
Red Mars
Green Mars.
Blue Mars.
This series on the colonization of Mars is spectacularly wide ranging and epic. It is very well written and researched. While it is enjoyable, my big gripe is that Mr. Robinson leaves no stone unturned. He wants to explore so many things that the main push of the story gets lost. Or maybe this is less of a story and more of a chronicle. But even so, there is too much stuff going on. Admittedly most of that stuff More...
Red Mars
Green Mars.
Blue Mars.
This series on the colonization of Mars is spectacularly wide ranging and epic. It is very well written and researched. While it is enjoyable, my big gripe is that Mr. Robinson leaves no stone unturned. He wants to explore so many things that the main push of the story gets lost. Or maybe this is less of a story and more of a chronicle. But even so, there is too much stuff going on. Admittedly most of that stuff More...
Dec 18, 2009
Ben
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It makes sense that the continuation of the excellent Red Mars would be excellent as well. Like all good sequels, Green Mars both expands on the themes of the original as well as delving deeper into the characters, events, and even the landscape. Every bit as visual as the first, this would make an excellent HBO miniseries. There is so much information, from the character depth, the story lines, the science, that I am looking forward to rereading this series again and again, knowing that each
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Jan 12, 2012
Ryan
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These three books form a single narrative spanning nearly two hundred years of human colonization and terraformation on Mars. It is a sprawling epic, ponderous and magnificent, charting the development of a uniquely Martian civilization from the earliest landings through wars, revolutions and waves of immigration on the face of a rapidly changing planet.
But make no mistake: for all of the drama, the triumphs and disasters, there is in fact very little “action,” and that usually repo More...
But make no mistake: for all of the drama, the triumphs and disasters, there is in fact very little “action,” and that usually repo More...
Sep 17, 2011
James
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I would take this trilogy as my only books to a desert island. Just finished reading them for the second time and still amazing. I reckon in about 10,000 years someone will discover these books somewhere and think that they're actually history books not fiction. The detail, research and depth within the books is astounding and along with The Lord of the Rings, this is my other "must read" trilogy.
Green Mars is my favourite of the three books. Really tells a great story of Mar More...
Green Mars is my favourite of the three books. Really tells a great story of Mar More...
Sep 17, 2011
Bryce
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The revolution of '61 failed, and the remaining survivors from the First 100 are in hiding among the Martian underground, still hoping for a free Mars, free from the colonialism of Earth, free from the demands of the Earth meta-nationals, and free to determine their own destiny as an independent state. The second and third generation, native Martians as it were, are agitating for change even more than their forebears, being all young and naive. Meanwhile, conditions on Earth are deteriorating, l
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Sep 05, 2011
Andrew
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Wow. Massive in scale, the second edition of the Mars trilogy followed the now 100+ year old original explorers and the next two generations (humans are now able to live much longer lives with new genetic therapies). Overall the storyline leads me to say that it contains a lot of breadth, but no necessarily depth. The novels appear to be thoroughly researched and represent what seems to be a scientifically-feasible account of what the first human civilization on Mars could be like. I'm sure
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Apr 25, 2011
Ed
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I've discovered after years of seeing these volumes in bookstores and wondering at their contents that Robinson's Mars trilogy can be a bit of a slog, but it has rewards. So far they also improve as they progress. The author is obsessed with Martian geography, and particularly with its geology; not a page passes without a mention of where all the rocks came from and what's likely to happen to them.
Still, Robinson has a deep understanding of his characters, who are realistic in ways f More...
Still, Robinson has a deep understanding of his characters, who are realistic in ways f More...
