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The Martian War
What if the Martian invasion was not entirely the product of H.G. Wells's vivid imagination? What if Wells witnessed something that spurred him to write The War of the Worlds as a warning?
From drafty London flats to the steamy Sahara, to the surface of the moon and beyond, The Martian War takes the reader on an exhilarating journey with Wells and his companions.
From drafty London flats to the steamy Sahara, to the surface of the moon and beyond, The Martian War takes the reader on an exhilarating journey with Wells and his companions.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2012
6 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,045 books3,136 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 24, 2018
Nice entertaining book based on the H.G. Wells classic. Kevin Anderson always gives a nice enjoyable read with action and a nice well written story line. Good read. Recommended
March 13, 2017
I found this on my Kindle and wondered why I hadn't read it. Turns out that I had. The fact that this book is quite so forgettable tells you everything you need to know.
Part fan-fic, part alt-history, part dull adventure novel, this book meanders through a range of Victoriana set pieces cribbing from the likes of Dr Doolittle, The Island of Dr Moreau, The Invisible Man and most obviously of all War of the Worlds.
It's the last of these that's most unpleasant, with dialogue cribbed straight from Wells' original narrative.
"I can see you must be drawing your plans against us" is one that lands with a horrible thud.
Not the worst book I've ever read, not least because I'll forgot I read it by this time next week.
Part fan-fic, part alt-history, part dull adventure novel, this book meanders through a range of Victoriana set pieces cribbing from the likes of Dr Doolittle, The Island of Dr Moreau, The Invisible Man and most obviously of all War of the Worlds.
It's the last of these that's most unpleasant, with dialogue cribbed straight from Wells' original narrative.
"I can see you must be drawing your plans against us" is one that lands with a horrible thud.
Not the worst book I've ever read, not least because I'll forgot I read it by this time next week.
August 26, 2015
Una simpática mezcla de personajes victorianos y aventuras juveniles. Por desgracia es muy lineal y llega después de que Alan Moore y su Liga de Hombres extraordinarios y Félix J. de Palma en su trilogía explorasen la idea a fondo y con más pericia. Flojo.
July 19, 2017
This was...genuinely cringeworthy at times due to being excruciatingly cheesey, but it was still an enjoyable read (possibly because I like cheesey books from time to time)
Definitely worth rescuing from Forbidden Planet's bargain corner.
Definitely worth rescuing from Forbidden Planet's bargain corner.
November 12, 2022
When I picked up a used copy of this a while back I didn't pay attention to the author unfortunately, a persistent hack author who specializes in cashing in on existing franchises. Star Wars fans hate him, Dune fans hate him and after this book I imagine War Of The Worlds fans hate him as well.
The one positive thing I can say about this book is that it doesn't take itself too seriously, it's just a goofy, light-hearted adventure story. The tone is so silly it feels like a Saturday Morning Cartoon about "The Adventures Of H.G. Wells" as he travels around having adventures in space with a talking dog in a spacesuit or something. I think Anderson's intention was to create a novel in the style of old-fashioned sci-fi novel, he succeeded in recreating some lame Flash Gordon style pulp adventure but not anything as entertaining or interesting as Wells himself.
Unlike a lot of War Of The Worlds books this isn't a story that takes place within the framework of the original story or a sequel... the events of the book don't actually happen. This is supposed to be the story of how Wells came up with the story for War Of The Worlds. Only one Martian ever lands on Earth, a scout, then eventually Wells and 2 companions go to Mars and set off a slave revolt then use germ warfare to kill off all the Martians before coming home to write a book about the "what if" of a Martian invasion. Chances are the more you enjoy War Of The Worlds the more you will dislike this book. However I think Massacre Of Mankind still ranks as the worst War Of The Worlds book I have read.
The one positive thing I can say about this book is that it doesn't take itself too seriously, it's just a goofy, light-hearted adventure story. The tone is so silly it feels like a Saturday Morning Cartoon about "The Adventures Of H.G. Wells" as he travels around having adventures in space with a talking dog in a spacesuit or something. I think Anderson's intention was to create a novel in the style of old-fashioned sci-fi novel, he succeeded in recreating some lame Flash Gordon style pulp adventure but not anything as entertaining or interesting as Wells himself.
Unlike a lot of War Of The Worlds books this isn't a story that takes place within the framework of the original story or a sequel... the events of the book don't actually happen. This is supposed to be the story of how Wells came up with the story for War Of The Worlds. Only one Martian ever lands on Earth, a scout, then eventually Wells and 2 companions go to Mars and set off a slave revolt then use germ warfare to kill off all the Martians before coming home to write a book about the "what if" of a Martian invasion. Chances are the more you enjoy War Of The Worlds the more you will dislike this book. However I think Massacre Of Mankind still ranks as the worst War Of The Worlds book I have read.
September 3, 2024
Wow, what a fun read! Characters with recognizable names, adventures similar to silent movies, and a tiny bit of romance plus Martians and Selenites add up to a nice book to binge. This was released a few years ago, so I may be late to the party but I've so enjoyed finding it.
Early on our 'heroes' are split into 2 groups - H.G. Wells, Jane Robbins, & T. H. Huxley in one and Dr. Moreau and P. Lowell (of the Lowell Observatory) in the other. Wells & his group are accidently launched into space where they land on our moon before heading to Mars. Dr. Moreau (yes, that one) and Lowell have captured a Martian on Earth, which they are studying. Will our heroes prevent a Martian invasion? Who are the Selenites? Will H.G. and Jane ever get time alone?
Early on our 'heroes' are split into 2 groups - H.G. Wells, Jane Robbins, & T. H. Huxley in one and Dr. Moreau and P. Lowell (of the Lowell Observatory) in the other. Wells & his group are accidently launched into space where they land on our moon before heading to Mars. Dr. Moreau (yes, that one) and Lowell have captured a Martian on Earth, which they are studying. Will our heroes prevent a Martian invasion? Who are the Selenites? Will H.G. and Jane ever get time alone?
September 8, 2021
Another truly excellent novel by KJA! If you like alt-history and Wells then you'll like this look at the War of the Worlds, through KJA's lens. It is a thoroughly enjoyable romp through the world of H.G. Wells. Buy it! Read it! You'll like it!
January 9, 2018
Really good
February 9, 2019
Trash.
May 8, 2019
More of a 2.5
It ranged between almost boring and fun. The Moreau parts were well written compared to the rest.
It ranged between almost boring and fun. The Moreau parts were well written compared to the rest.
April 26, 2020
Diverting and not bad, if you enjoy looking at a few sci-fi classics from a new perspective.
July 12, 2015
Just for a moment, imagine a world where an up and coming young Victorian writer finds himself working with one of the leading scientists of the age to stop a Martian invasion of the Earth.
Now try to imagine how one of the Victorian age’s leading astronomers would react if he were to find himself the custodian on an advance Martian scout.
Sounds a little bizarre, but don’t worry because Kevin J Anderson has done all the imagining for us in this compelling and rather unusual story with a cast of characters that includes H G Wells and his future wife Jane, Professor T H Huxley and Percival Lowell.
For this book, Mr Anderson has plundered the plots of several of H G Wells’ science fiction novels to create a story that is reminiscent of the late Victorian era and very much in the style of Wells himself. Not only is there the obvious connection with War Of The Worlds, but also The First Men On The Moon, The Invisible Man and The Island of Dr Moreau amongst others.
If it all sounds a little strange, don’t let that put you off. I must admit that I was unsure myself when I started reading the book, but soon put all doubts aside as I found myself engrossed in the twin plots that run through the story. This is not a modern science fiction tale at all; it is very much of the time, with all the wonder and imaginings of the late Victorian era and the assumptions about the Moon and Mars that we now know to be untrue.
Kevin J Anderson is a great storyteller who’s imagination and wonderful characters make his books so memorable and enjoyable.
“The Martian War” is one of the most intriguing books I have read for a long time. The combination of real and fictitious characters mixed with the plots and events from several of H G Wells’ most famous works, make reading this book a unique pleasure.
For fans of Anderson and Wells, this is a book that really needs to be read. If you have never read either writer, then this is a great place to start, giving you the best of each to get you started on the journey.
I note from the advertising at the end of the book that He also written another based on the life of Wells, and one that includes Jules Verne and his best loved creation Captain Nemo! Something to look forward to.
Now try to imagine how one of the Victorian age’s leading astronomers would react if he were to find himself the custodian on an advance Martian scout.
Sounds a little bizarre, but don’t worry because Kevin J Anderson has done all the imagining for us in this compelling and rather unusual story with a cast of characters that includes H G Wells and his future wife Jane, Professor T H Huxley and Percival Lowell.
For this book, Mr Anderson has plundered the plots of several of H G Wells’ science fiction novels to create a story that is reminiscent of the late Victorian era and very much in the style of Wells himself. Not only is there the obvious connection with War Of The Worlds, but also The First Men On The Moon, The Invisible Man and The Island of Dr Moreau amongst others.
If it all sounds a little strange, don’t let that put you off. I must admit that I was unsure myself when I started reading the book, but soon put all doubts aside as I found myself engrossed in the twin plots that run through the story. This is not a modern science fiction tale at all; it is very much of the time, with all the wonder and imaginings of the late Victorian era and the assumptions about the Moon and Mars that we now know to be untrue.
Kevin J Anderson is a great storyteller who’s imagination and wonderful characters make his books so memorable and enjoyable.
“The Martian War” is one of the most intriguing books I have read for a long time. The combination of real and fictitious characters mixed with the plots and events from several of H G Wells’ most famous works, make reading this book a unique pleasure.
For fans of Anderson and Wells, this is a book that really needs to be read. If you have never read either writer, then this is a great place to start, giving you the best of each to get you started on the journey.
I note from the advertising at the end of the book that He also written another based on the life of Wells, and one that includes Jules Verne and his best loved creation Captain Nemo! Something to look forward to.
August 5, 2015
A novel that combines real men (Wells, Lowell, Huxley) with fictional (Dr. Moreau and the Invisible Man) to tell an alternate version of the War of The Worlds story. I especially enjoyed the use of Dr. Moreau as he is a fantastic literary creation. The story is told in the same pulp style of H.G Wells books though it also reminded me greatly of the John Carter on Mars series by Burroughs. Despite being recently written, this book takes the same liberties with actual science as those classic stories do. While it does help set the tone it can be hard to take seriously, especially when characters go for a stroll on the Moon to pick flowers and see Mooncows. That being said, the book has plenty of action which makes for a fun and quick read.
March 30, 2016
Obviously an hommage to Wells' works, it's a quite surprising novel. From a non-native point of view, the late 19th style is quite correctly emulated and the whole thing is pleasant to read. The inclusion of both historical and fiction characters is quite original. It's a quick read with it's pack of action and a strong late 19th pulp naïveté.
Yet, I feel quite uneasy with the "best case" scenario aspect of the plot and with the same plot going in every (implausible) direction. Apart from the Victorian setting, Martians and cylinders. the novel is too far stretched to have much in common with Well's and IMHO suffers from a "this is too much" syndrome.
Still a pleasant read but definitely not a one that should be taken seriously.
Yet, I feel quite uneasy with the "best case" scenario aspect of the plot and with the same plot going in every (implausible) direction. Apart from the Victorian setting, Martians and cylinders. the novel is too far stretched to have much in common with Well's and IMHO suffers from a "this is too much" syndrome.
Still a pleasant read but definitely not a one that should be taken seriously.
July 5, 2015
I thought this was a pretty fun read. It had Dr. Moreau, H.G. Wells, and T.H. Huxley in it, all fighting to stop an impending Martian invasion! The Martians sure are ugly, squashy guys, and there are also Moon aliens as well! I sort of judged this book by it's cover and title, and figured it would be dumb, which some parts were, like the part with the Invisible Man in it. Lol! But overall I quite enjoyed this! It's proof for me to not judge a book by it's cover! LOL!
August 28, 2015
A nice homage to H G Wells and not just because he is one of the main characters. A rip snorting tale of adventure, taking the reader to the Moon and Mars. Dr Moreau, the Selenites, the Invisible Man, the evil Martians with their eye on Earth, a wee nod to the Time Machine and the Shape of Things to Come.
I highly recommend this novel to fans of H G Wells.
Ray Smillie
I highly recommend this novel to fans of H G Wells.
Ray Smillie
March 1, 2016
Not very engaging. Written like a late 1800s novel, and not in a good way (For good example see Stephen Baxters "The Time Ships"). Shallow characters and no character development. Simple story. Not worth reading.
December 28, 2014
This was a solid read which entertained me after all the Christmas dinners.
I liked how the author mixed other authors in person,parts of their books, history and own ideas.
I liked how the author mixed other authors in person,parts of their books, history and own ideas.
January 4, 2016
A crappy retelling of H G Wells.
October 1, 2016
Same vein as his Nemo book, but this time H.G. Wells gets the "my stories were just drawn from real life" treatment.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews