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Children of Mars
When their parents go missing on a routine mission, nine children are left to survive on an often dangerous and unforgiving world. Nineteen year old Freddie, together with her brother Pierre, must ensure the safety and survival of the younger children, whilst also trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of the adults. But Mars holds a secret so devastating, it will shake the foundations of the Red Planet and change the way humanity views the universe.
- GenresScience Fiction
244 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2014
303 people want to read
About the author
Paul G. Day
25 books19 followersI write books designed to thrill, to inspire, to make the reader think, but most of all to get the reader to connect. I have adopted a classic style that in some ways harks back to the writing of yesteryear, yet is current and accessible.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 9, 2015
I won a e-book copy of this book through a giveaway link on the “Chris the Reading Ape Blog” and the following is my honest opinion for the book.
Being a child of the 1950’s I have to wonder whether some of the television programs I watched as a child played any role in the author’s writing this book. Such as at the end of this story, in the epilogue, where Mars being transformed right in front of someone’s eyes to a lush earth-like planet reminded me of the “Space Seed” episode of “Star Trek” starring Ricardo Montalban. And of premise of having an entire family including their children on the planet reminds me of “Lost in Space” as the Robinson family travelled through the solar system.
In this book the author succeeds in placing us alongside those there as they face their new challenges each day. The sights and emotions are there, especially when it came to the children banding together not only to search for their parents who went missing while on a routine research expedition, but to survive on their own.
An exciting portion in reading this book came when it is discovered Mars had at one time been inhabited by a race of blue beings still living comfortable beneath the surface of the Red Planet. A major player in the storyline is not an individual, but Mount Olympus, the large volcano everyone had been researching, especially when it came time for it to explode.
When I look at how Paul G. Day has skillfully pulled together all of the elements of his book; I’m happy to give it 5 STARS
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled “I Kissed a Ghost” as well as the author of “Micro Fiction – An Anthology.”
Being a child of the 1950’s I have to wonder whether some of the television programs I watched as a child played any role in the author’s writing this book. Such as at the end of this story, in the epilogue, where Mars being transformed right in front of someone’s eyes to a lush earth-like planet reminded me of the “Space Seed” episode of “Star Trek” starring Ricardo Montalban. And of premise of having an entire family including their children on the planet reminds me of “Lost in Space” as the Robinson family travelled through the solar system.
In this book the author succeeds in placing us alongside those there as they face their new challenges each day. The sights and emotions are there, especially when it came to the children banding together not only to search for their parents who went missing while on a routine research expedition, but to survive on their own.
An exciting portion in reading this book came when it is discovered Mars had at one time been inhabited by a race of blue beings still living comfortable beneath the surface of the Red Planet. A major player in the storyline is not an individual, but Mount Olympus, the large volcano everyone had been researching, especially when it came time for it to explode.
When I look at how Paul G. Day has skillfully pulled together all of the elements of his book; I’m happy to give it 5 STARS
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled “I Kissed a Ghost” as well as the author of “Micro Fiction – An Anthology.”
December 21, 2014
This is the eighth book by the author that I've read, covering various genre, and I have yet to be disappointed.
The story taking place on Mars, near the largest known volcano in the Solar System - Olympus Mons - gives the perfect setting for challenges to the settlers, each of which is resolved by ingenuity, not of the Scientists, but of their children.
As the story progressed, I found myself imagining it in a cinematic way - the only thing lacking was the background music to highlight the tenser scenes...
Like all his writings, the strength and resolve of humanity is highlighted, as well as providing valuable life lessons that could, if applied, make children (of all ages) better human beings.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/Children-Mars-P...
http://www.amazon.ca/Children-Mars-Pa...
http://www.amazon.com.au/Children-Mar...
The story taking place on Mars, near the largest known volcano in the Solar System - Olympus Mons - gives the perfect setting for challenges to the settlers, each of which is resolved by ingenuity, not of the Scientists, but of their children.
As the story progressed, I found myself imagining it in a cinematic way - the only thing lacking was the background music to highlight the tenser scenes...
Like all his writings, the strength and resolve of humanity is highlighted, as well as providing valuable life lessons that could, if applied, make children (of all ages) better human beings.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/Children-Mars-P...
http://www.amazon.ca/Children-Mars-Pa...
http://www.amazon.com.au/Children-Mar...
January 26, 2015
I found Children of Mars to be a very well written, entertaining, and enthralling story that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It was thoughtfully put together, encompassing human emotions and feelings, yet strength and determination to "make it" against all odds. This book has an unexpected ending and even the epilogue leaves you wondering if that's really the end of the story.
December 28, 2014
Story has merit; Writing and editing are sorely lacking.
My critiques and comments (most were sent to author):
1) LANGUAGE PROBLEMS There are numerous places in which your word choices are incorrect (wrong word entirely, or typos, perhaps, and misspellings) or words are missing or doubled. BTW, I don't mean differences between Australian/British-isms and American English. I mean WRONG. Since you are writing for young people, I find it especially disturbing that you misuse words or have "waste" instead of "waist," for example.
You also have sentence fragments, inappropriate paragraph breaks (usually, not enough), and other structural mistakes, including a serious problems with commas, that a good editor and/or proofreader should have caught.
2) PACING PROBLEMS Chapter 9 is a disaster. It lags, it sags; it was so hard for me to slog through it, I almost didn't continue. Too bad, because chapters before and after it are so much better.
3) CHARACTER PROBLEMS The way you develop and present these kids' characters, their ages are indistinguishable, inaccurately depicted or indeterminate. For example, I had no idea Freddie was 19 (!?!) until a recent look at a blurb, since she comes across as about 13 or thereabouts, while Pierre seems to be about the same. The "younger" kids do not come across as appreciably younger, either, except for the toddlers/babies. As an educator who has worked with kids of all ages for decades, I know what I'm talking about.
4) FACTUAL PROBLEMS There are many scientific or other inconsistencies that I won't go into, but you definitely need a fact-checker and someone else, perhaps, to check through for aspects you claim are true, making sure they consistently come across throughout the book.
5) MORE CHARACTER PROBLEMS There are so many issues with the robots I don't know where to start. Perhaps there is some other information you have that readers do not? I could not understand how they are different (or why) from one another, nor why they exist as they do or who supervises them. By the end, I still could not understand why some "went crazy," some "mourned," and some just went on as usual.
Part of the issue is that you have too many characters whose names start with the same initials and no distinguishing features between robots' names and humans' names, so I can't keep it straight which are which most of the time. You make readers work too hard when you don't make these types of understandings easier to track.
There are hints that perhaps the robots (or some) have been co-opted or usurped by the aliens, perhaps, but that doesn't explain their blurry origins.
7) INCONSISTENCY PROBLEMS Kids born on Mars (or en route) would NOT have knowledge of so many Earth references or experiences unless they're watching DVDs extensively. For example, how would any of them know about someone/something's being "possessed" ("The Exorcist"???)?
8) PREFERENCE/GENRE PROBLEMS The satanic-like chant thing going on is very jarring and out of place. Not liking the horror-like aspects at all and questioning the appropriateness of that for middle-grade readers. There are many other ways for the beings communicating this message to do this: why make it scary?
9) Your POV changes mid-paragraph, sometimes, and keeps shifting through the book, but not in measured, appropriate ways. For example, at one point near the end, Jacqui seems to be the narrator but then it's Freddie but then it's Jacqui, so that the brother becomes the son becomes the husband.... Very confusing and inexcusable, even if you're self-editing.
More importantly, for POV, it's important to choose a narrative perspective and stick to it. If your perspective is third person NOT omniscient (which you seem to be going for), then the particular character through whose eyes we are seeing the story unfold cannot know anything, speculate on anything,have vocabulary or thoughts that this character would not logically know/have. It's all right to change that, chapter by chapter or even section by section, but make it very clear to the reader whose eyes we are now seeing the story unfold through each time you switch. Double- and triple-check ALL aspects to make sure those are indeed components this particular viewpoint would know/have/own.
10) The "heaven"/"coma" experiences that also penetrate many of the settlers dreams is never explained fully, nor are these beings. Why is that? Since they are so crucial to the story, why are their intentions and roles so confusing and mixed? I was left with more questions than answers. The ending is not an ending. It's all right to pave the way for a sequel, but you left too many loose ends.
I wanted to like this story, particularly since I 'won" it in a contest. I love sci-fi, especially stories that feature and are geared to younger readers. PLEASE revise this?
My critiques and comments (most were sent to author):
1) LANGUAGE PROBLEMS There are numerous places in which your word choices are incorrect (wrong word entirely, or typos, perhaps, and misspellings) or words are missing or doubled. BTW, I don't mean differences between Australian/British-isms and American English. I mean WRONG. Since you are writing for young people, I find it especially disturbing that you misuse words or have "waste" instead of "waist," for example.
You also have sentence fragments, inappropriate paragraph breaks (usually, not enough), and other structural mistakes, including a serious problems with commas, that a good editor and/or proofreader should have caught.
2) PACING PROBLEMS Chapter 9 is a disaster. It lags, it sags; it was so hard for me to slog through it, I almost didn't continue. Too bad, because chapters before and after it are so much better.
3) CHARACTER PROBLEMS The way you develop and present these kids' characters, their ages are indistinguishable, inaccurately depicted or indeterminate. For example, I had no idea Freddie was 19 (!?!) until a recent look at a blurb, since she comes across as about 13 or thereabouts, while Pierre seems to be about the same. The "younger" kids do not come across as appreciably younger, either, except for the toddlers/babies. As an educator who has worked with kids of all ages for decades, I know what I'm talking about.
4) FACTUAL PROBLEMS There are many scientific or other inconsistencies that I won't go into, but you definitely need a fact-checker and someone else, perhaps, to check through for aspects you claim are true, making sure they consistently come across throughout the book.
5) MORE CHARACTER PROBLEMS There are so many issues with the robots I don't know where to start. Perhaps there is some other information you have that readers do not? I could not understand how they are different (or why) from one another, nor why they exist as they do or who supervises them. By the end, I still could not understand why some "went crazy," some "mourned," and some just went on as usual.
Part of the issue is that you have too many characters whose names start with the same initials and no distinguishing features between robots' names and humans' names, so I can't keep it straight which are which most of the time. You make readers work too hard when you don't make these types of understandings easier to track.
There are hints that perhaps the robots (or some) have been co-opted or usurped by the aliens, perhaps, but that doesn't explain their blurry origins.
7) INCONSISTENCY PROBLEMS Kids born on Mars (or en route) would NOT have knowledge of so many Earth references or experiences unless they're watching DVDs extensively. For example, how would any of them know about someone/something's being "possessed" ("The Exorcist"???)?
8) PREFERENCE/GENRE PROBLEMS The satanic-like chant thing going on is very jarring and out of place. Not liking the horror-like aspects at all and questioning the appropriateness of that for middle-grade readers. There are many other ways for the beings communicating this message to do this: why make it scary?
9) Your POV changes mid-paragraph, sometimes, and keeps shifting through the book, but not in measured, appropriate ways. For example, at one point near the end, Jacqui seems to be the narrator but then it's Freddie but then it's Jacqui, so that the brother becomes the son becomes the husband.... Very confusing and inexcusable, even if you're self-editing.
More importantly, for POV, it's important to choose a narrative perspective and stick to it. If your perspective is third person NOT omniscient (which you seem to be going for), then the particular character through whose eyes we are seeing the story unfold cannot know anything, speculate on anything,have vocabulary or thoughts that this character would not logically know/have. It's all right to change that, chapter by chapter or even section by section, but make it very clear to the reader whose eyes we are now seeing the story unfold through each time you switch. Double- and triple-check ALL aspects to make sure those are indeed components this particular viewpoint would know/have/own.
10) The "heaven"/"coma" experiences that also penetrate many of the settlers dreams is never explained fully, nor are these beings. Why is that? Since they are so crucial to the story, why are their intentions and roles so confusing and mixed? I was left with more questions than answers. The ending is not an ending. It's all right to pave the way for a sequel, but you left too many loose ends.
I wanted to like this story, particularly since I 'won" it in a contest. I love sci-fi, especially stories that feature and are geared to younger readers. PLEASE revise this?
March 3, 2015
An amazing story about survival on Mars near the huge mountain Olympus Mons.
First there was just the ordinary live on Mars, but when the trouble started, it wasn’t so ordinary any longer. Particular when the parents left the children in charge to investigate something. And there the trouble started.
Olympus Mons started to rumple. The base chuck and was a bit damages. Two of the children had to go to another base, to get oxygen, as it was damaged. All went well, the Parents came back as well, but not after losing someone.
The tremors of Olympus Mons became severe and eruption started. As Paul said, Freddie’s father: “Olympus has spoken”. They had to make plans to evacuate to another base further away. On the way, Olympus Mons erupted.
It’s too much to tell you all what happened and how they survived. In the end there were 9 Adults, 18 children and 9 Robots left. All saved by mysterious aliens.
And what an incredible ending. You have to read the story to get it fully. You will be sucked into Mars and Mars is all throwing at you.
I loved the book by Paul Day, it’s not the first novel I have read from his novels. I love them all.
It deserves 5 stars
April 15, 2016
Children of Mars is a coming of age book with strong characters and a story that defies the odds of survival. When Earth decides to send families to colonize Mars they do not comprehend the true dangers of this cold forbidden planet. The adults know more than they are telling their children for this is more than just a colony but in truth it is an expedition of sorts.
When all the adults leave to go on a mission the oldest children must take over their parents' responsibilities and care of the younger children. Their strength,
resolve and courage is soon tested by the harsh climate of this strange planet.
Paul Day writes stories that are thought-provoking that encourage all ages to consider the impossible, hope for the best and that there is nothing that you cannot do if you only believe in yourself.
This is an enjoyable adventure into the unknown that all ages will love.
When all the adults leave to go on a mission the oldest children must take over their parents' responsibilities and care of the younger children. Their strength,
resolve and courage is soon tested by the harsh climate of this strange planet.
Paul Day writes stories that are thought-provoking that encourage all ages to consider the impossible, hope for the best and that there is nothing that you cannot do if you only believe in yourself.
This is an enjoyable adventure into the unknown that all ages will love.
May 4, 2020
Read : Dec 2014 / 4 stars
Full review on: https://bendthebookshelf.blogspot.com...
Full review on: https://bendthebookshelf.blogspot.com...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews