Marsbound is one of the better recent science fiction books that I've read. Joe Haldeman paid attention to some of the scientific detail. Still his attention doesn't live up to that of earlier sci-fi writers.

This was a book that I used for exercising at the Y. It has lot's of plot and even some character development. The twists in the plot were good, not readily predictable. It qualifies as a good beach read. The plot and characters are better than average, earning it a solid 3.5. I'm sure that I'll read the sequel. I will rate it a 3 though it deserves more.

There are a few interesting points. One is that the story is from a girl's point of view. She is truly a heroine. Sometimes the writing seems off, more of a male perspective, but not frequently. The Martian characters are nicely alien with a touch of human. But the explanation of that makes it acceptable.