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Rubicon Saga #1
We Are Mars
An unexpected threat. A deadly enemy. A race against time and a desperate fight to stay alive.
Mars’ Rubicon settlement is home to Jax and Dana, Ridley and Chuck, Lenny and Maliyah. They stand on opposite sides of a class divide, battling passions and tensions in equal measure. But can they work together to avert a disaster? Can fundamental differences between them be their salvation or their undoing?
Making matters worse, Rubicon must decide where it stands in a crumbling alliance with Earth. Diabolical plans are set in motion which threaten the settlement’s very existence. Is it possible there are spies and traitors in their midst?
Mistakes are made, allegiances shift, and lives hang in the balance. No one can be trusted as friend becomes foe and the real struggle for life on Mars is revealed.
We Are Mars is the first book in a three-part series called The Rubicon Saga. It is followed by Storm at Dawn. The third and last book, Break the Dark is due late 2020.
Mars’ Rubicon settlement is home to Jax and Dana, Ridley and Chuck, Lenny and Maliyah. They stand on opposite sides of a class divide, battling passions and tensions in equal measure. But can they work together to avert a disaster? Can fundamental differences between them be their salvation or their undoing?
Making matters worse, Rubicon must decide where it stands in a crumbling alliance with Earth. Diabolical plans are set in motion which threaten the settlement’s very existence. Is it possible there are spies and traitors in their midst?
Mistakes are made, allegiances shift, and lives hang in the balance. No one can be trusted as friend becomes foe and the real struggle for life on Mars is revealed.
We Are Mars is the first book in a three-part series called The Rubicon Saga. It is followed by Storm at Dawn. The third and last book, Break the Dark is due late 2020.
471 pages, ebook
First published May 15, 2018
12 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 19, 2021
What I instantly loved about this sci fi thriller set on a Mars colony was the way author Cheryl Lawson managed to dig down to the human side of the story. The interesting technical details of life on Mars were well researched and sucked me in from the start, and like any good sci fi book, this asks lots of good “what if” questions from genetic modification to class divides between the g-mods and non-gen. If you’re stuck waaaay out in space a long way from Earth and resources are scarce, what happens if unauthorized pregnancies occur? The class systems and way this dug into parallels that could apply even back home on Earth were great.
And then disaster strikes and all the slow build from the beginning goes into hyperdrive as everyone is racing to deal with a threat none of them anticipated. I loved the way the remoteness of being so far from supplies, help or any promise or rescue added to the tension as things unfolded. This was a terrific first book in the saga and I look forward to more!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
And then disaster strikes and all the slow build from the beginning goes into hyperdrive as everyone is racing to deal with a threat none of them anticipated. I loved the way the remoteness of being so far from supplies, help or any promise or rescue added to the tension as things unfolded. This was a terrific first book in the saga and I look forward to more!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
February 24, 2019
Lawson’s We Are Mars is a book that deserves a 5-star rating based on the plot alone. The timing of the story is also impeccable, given our current obsession with setting up an experimental human colony on other galactic planets and especially on Mars. The story delivers a profound message to those who romanticise about this idea without diving deep into the possible repercussions of such an ambitious mission. From the beginning of time, humanity has engaged itself in the dangerous game of trying to play God, of outsmarting the laws of nature and creation, of toying with life’s fundamentals, simply for the sake of amassing power and privilege for itself. In We Are Mars, we witness what might happen when such a game goes terribly awry and thousands of innocent lives hang in the balance. Lawson presents us with a very well thought out, scientifically plausible and realistic scenario of Mars colonisation and its pitfalls, the possible socio-political dynamics, the environmental odds etc., all within an action packed, suspense-driven story-line with believable characters and unexpected plot twists. In summary this was a truly enjoyable read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the sequence!
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July 8, 2019
This, is one absolute gem of a sci-fi book. And I’ll tell you why in a second.
We Are Mars follows the colony of Rubicon, in the year 2128, on—you guessed it—Mars. Rubicon is harsh, but simple. Most of the inhabitants are genetically modified humans, all with their own purpose, their own job to go to, and everyone works together to make sure the Rubicon stays afloat. The biggest problems the inhabitants face, are each other, and the divides between them. Until one day when a disaster hits; when something that shouldn’t be possible happens, putting the whole Rubicon at risk. The people of Mars must come together, or face extinction.
Lawson’s books is magnificent. I’ve recently read the classic sci-fi book Dune, and this is better. Much better. Lawson’s writing style is lavish and gorgeous, and the plot was gripping from the start. I was fascinated.
Her absolute forte is the world-building. It’s been long since I’ve come across such a well put together world, such excellently researched and crafted scenarios. If I didn’t know better—which I don’t—I’d say Lawson works in some kind of industry that has ties to space exploration, like NASA or similar. It’s absolutely amazing how well-crafted this book is, and it shows from the very beginning.
On the other hand, there was one thing I struggled with with this book. There’s a few minor errors—the kind you find in any book—but they’re really not a problem at all. Then there’s a lack of chapters, which I found a bit strange simply because I’ve never come across it before, but again, it’s not an issue. There are some titled parts, and there are sections indicating which POV we’re reading from, so chapters or not doesn’t really matter.
But the lack of dialogue, was very noticeable. (Maybe particularly to me, because I love dialogue, and I write a lot of it myself). In the first third of the book there was hardly any, and throughout the rest it was very little compared to the narrative. At first I found it a little bit annoying, because often when I see this it makes for very boring reading. Thankfully, Lawson’s writing is excellent regardless, so that wasn’t it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, until I got further into it, which was when I realized I hardly knew the characters. The lack of dialogue between people made me feel like I didn’t know the people I was reading about. Of course I knew what they were doing, what they were up to, but I didn’t know much about how they spoke or thought. There were a few cases of scenes between characters, where I would have loved to have seen what they were saying, instead of just being told that they said it. Don’t misunderstand though, I loved the book. The style is very different to what I usually read, and I was intrigued to read something that while very familiar, was so different.
Again, this book is fantastic. The writing is superb, the plot is gripping and the world-building is absolutely phenomenal. Many bonus points to Lawson for all the research she must have done. You can tell she’s very dedicated to sci-fi.
So, if you’re looking for a vivid, emotional, thrilling, an exceptionally well-crafted Mars adventure, go check out We Are Mars by Cheryl Lawson. It’s great!
We Are Mars follows the colony of Rubicon, in the year 2128, on—you guessed it—Mars. Rubicon is harsh, but simple. Most of the inhabitants are genetically modified humans, all with their own purpose, their own job to go to, and everyone works together to make sure the Rubicon stays afloat. The biggest problems the inhabitants face, are each other, and the divides between them. Until one day when a disaster hits; when something that shouldn’t be possible happens, putting the whole Rubicon at risk. The people of Mars must come together, or face extinction.
Lawson’s books is magnificent. I’ve recently read the classic sci-fi book Dune, and this is better. Much better. Lawson’s writing style is lavish and gorgeous, and the plot was gripping from the start. I was fascinated.
Her absolute forte is the world-building. It’s been long since I’ve come across such a well put together world, such excellently researched and crafted scenarios. If I didn’t know better—which I don’t—I’d say Lawson works in some kind of industry that has ties to space exploration, like NASA or similar. It’s absolutely amazing how well-crafted this book is, and it shows from the very beginning.
On the other hand, there was one thing I struggled with with this book. There’s a few minor errors—the kind you find in any book—but they’re really not a problem at all. Then there’s a lack of chapters, which I found a bit strange simply because I’ve never come across it before, but again, it’s not an issue. There are some titled parts, and there are sections indicating which POV we’re reading from, so chapters or not doesn’t really matter.
But the lack of dialogue, was very noticeable. (Maybe particularly to me, because I love dialogue, and I write a lot of it myself). In the first third of the book there was hardly any, and throughout the rest it was very little compared to the narrative. At first I found it a little bit annoying, because often when I see this it makes for very boring reading. Thankfully, Lawson’s writing is excellent regardless, so that wasn’t it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, until I got further into it, which was when I realized I hardly knew the characters. The lack of dialogue between people made me feel like I didn’t know the people I was reading about. Of course I knew what they were doing, what they were up to, but I didn’t know much about how they spoke or thought. There were a few cases of scenes between characters, where I would have loved to have seen what they were saying, instead of just being told that they said it. Don’t misunderstand though, I loved the book. The style is very different to what I usually read, and I was intrigued to read something that while very familiar, was so different.
Again, this book is fantastic. The writing is superb, the plot is gripping and the world-building is absolutely phenomenal. Many bonus points to Lawson for all the research she must have done. You can tell she’s very dedicated to sci-fi.
So, if you’re looking for a vivid, emotional, thrilling, an exceptionally well-crafted Mars adventure, go check out We Are Mars by Cheryl Lawson. It’s great!
January 28, 2019
There is a lot of story packed into “We Are Mars.” The author weaves personal tales in between the threads of a tense, sci-fi thriller that doesn't hesitate to throw another wrench in the works as soon as you start to get comfortable. With the story set in a fully populated Mars colony, there is a wealth of technology and science to touch upon for, not only world-building, but story/plot purposes, and Cheryl Lawson seems to have done an ample amount of research to bring authenticity to Rubicon Base. But she goes above and beyond making sure her surface suits and water filtration systems are accurate.
Within Rubicon there are the g-mods, genetically modified humans, and the non-gens, or non-genetically modified humans, and, as with any society, there are beliefs built up around being one or the other. The author does a fantastic job of expressing the culture that has formed within Rubicon. There is nuance and subtlety to it, so it feels organic and real. Her characters also feel real. None of them feel like stereotypes or two-dimensional cut-outs. They are unique beings with motivations that are wholly believable, with individual journeys of growth or change. Who they are as a g-mod or a non-gen informs upon their personalities and their status within the society and all that plays out with the interpersonal relationships, as well. It's a rich extra layer that adds depth to both the characters and the story itself.
If you are looking for a science fiction story that has a strong anchor in science, with a compelling cast of characters that will carry you away in a story that you won't want to put down, then “We Are Mars” fits that bill. It is beautifully constructed, well researched and comes with enough twists and turns to keep you holding your breath. Just make sure you remember to breathe at the end...book two doesn't come out until Winter of 2020!
Within Rubicon there are the g-mods, genetically modified humans, and the non-gens, or non-genetically modified humans, and, as with any society, there are beliefs built up around being one or the other. The author does a fantastic job of expressing the culture that has formed within Rubicon. There is nuance and subtlety to it, so it feels organic and real. Her characters also feel real. None of them feel like stereotypes or two-dimensional cut-outs. They are unique beings with motivations that are wholly believable, with individual journeys of growth or change. Who they are as a g-mod or a non-gen informs upon their personalities and their status within the society and all that plays out with the interpersonal relationships, as well. It's a rich extra layer that adds depth to both the characters and the story itself.
If you are looking for a science fiction story that has a strong anchor in science, with a compelling cast of characters that will carry you away in a story that you won't want to put down, then “We Are Mars” fits that bill. It is beautifully constructed, well researched and comes with enough twists and turns to keep you holding your breath. Just make sure you remember to breathe at the end...book two doesn't come out until Winter of 2020!
July 9, 2018
The year is 2128, and humanity has achieved the dream of settling on Mars. Rubicon, a scientific settlement, has survived from the exciting first days to the humdrum of everyday life in a scientific community, managing to move along despite decreasing support from Earth. They exist under a strict regime that promotes work and survival, and punishes personal relationships as a distraction from their mission of survival on the red planet. Things are strict but good, until a problem with the water supply reveals a virus that causes an outbreak threatening their survival. As the residents of Rubicon frantically search for a cure, Earth removes it's support of the mission on Mars, deeming it a failure and scuttling the mission. When evidence of sabotage emerges, the people of Rubicon know they have two choices: surrender to their fate, or fight for the only home they know. We Are Mars, by Cheryl Lawson, is a thrilling ride that will keep you breathless to the end.
We Are Mars is a great, solid science fiction novel with all of the elements that make for a great read: action, adventure, excitement, duplicity, complex relationships, and even some romance thrown in. I particularly liked how the relationships amongst the characters developed and changed, demonstrating how circumstances can be a powerful force to bring people together, or drive them apart. The relationships amongst protagonists Dana, Jax, Chuck, and Lenny are great reflections of the power of survival, friendship, and forgiveness. Cheryl Lawson also handles the science of life on Mars well and solidly, helping the reader to experience and 'feel' how it would be to live on the next planet from the sun. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it!
We Are Mars is a great, solid science fiction novel with all of the elements that make for a great read: action, adventure, excitement, duplicity, complex relationships, and even some romance thrown in. I particularly liked how the relationships amongst the characters developed and changed, demonstrating how circumstances can be a powerful force to bring people together, or drive them apart. The relationships amongst protagonists Dana, Jax, Chuck, and Lenny are great reflections of the power of survival, friendship, and forgiveness. Cheryl Lawson also handles the science of life on Mars well and solidly, helping the reader to experience and 'feel' how it would be to live on the next planet from the sun. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it!
April 25, 2022
What a fun adventure this was! And it's just the beginning.
If there's one thing I truly appreciate about Cheryl's science fiction, it's that you know she did her research and it shows. The science aspects of this book made sense and they do what science fiction should do--build on what we have currently and show up a potential future. All of the elements here are brilliant and they build upon each other well.
Where the story falters a bit for me is that I think it has too many characters. They each have a purpose but I think some of them could have been combined or cut. A few times, I had to remind myself about who certain characters were because there were so many. They're all well-written but I think it would have tightened the story to reduce their number.
However, the plot of this story is great. I love survivalist aspects but it's not something I see sci fi explore very much. Lawson takes full advantage of the dangerous aspect of space colonization and the threats to the characters feel real.
Looking forward to continue this saga!
If there's one thing I truly appreciate about Cheryl's science fiction, it's that you know she did her research and it shows. The science aspects of this book made sense and they do what science fiction should do--build on what we have currently and show up a potential future. All of the elements here are brilliant and they build upon each other well.
Where the story falters a bit for me is that I think it has too many characters. They each have a purpose but I think some of them could have been combined or cut. A few times, I had to remind myself about who certain characters were because there were so many. They're all well-written but I think it would have tightened the story to reduce their number.
However, the plot of this story is great. I love survivalist aspects but it's not something I see sci fi explore very much. Lawson takes full advantage of the dangerous aspect of space colonization and the threats to the characters feel real.
Looking forward to continue this saga!
November 11, 2018
There are a lot of reasons to like We Are Mars. The book is well researched and the author paints a realistic picture of what life on the planet would be like. You get the feeling she actually lived there for a few years and just got back to write about it.
The characters are as well developed as the environment and they interact in a logical manner, based on the world they live in and they change as the story evolves. Lawson does a great job with their relationships, they are believable and keep the reader's interest and I actually started rooting for a couple of them.
The best thing about the book. It's not predictable. The story has some dramatic shifts that I was not expecting, which pulled me deeper into the story and I was excited to see what would happen next. The changes kept the story moving along at a brisk pace, making it a very enjoyable read.
If you like detailed, science fiction thrillers, you will like We Are Mars. I highly recommend it.
The characters are as well developed as the environment and they interact in a logical manner, based on the world they live in and they change as the story evolves. Lawson does a great job with their relationships, they are believable and keep the reader's interest and I actually started rooting for a couple of them.
The best thing about the book. It's not predictable. The story has some dramatic shifts that I was not expecting, which pulled me deeper into the story and I was excited to see what would happen next. The changes kept the story moving along at a brisk pace, making it a very enjoyable read.
If you like detailed, science fiction thrillers, you will like We Are Mars. I highly recommend it.
April 18, 2019
I find most books which are part of a series will often leave you with one of two feelings: 1)Satisfaction - the story wrapped up and had a surprisingly sufficient ending. OR 2)Craving for more - the story was JUST HEATING UP and then the author typed THE END and left you fiending for more. With We Are Mars, Cheryl Lawson managed to do both. I'm chomping at the bit for more of the Rubicon Saga, but I'm also very pleased with how the tale has been told so far. There's never a dull moment or a wasted word. The characters are all compelling and have depth. Most of all, Cheryl did the SCIENCE part of Science Fiction so well that I didn't spend a second doubting any of the tech in We Are Mars.
Highly recommended both for fans of the genre and those who have never picked up a SciFi book in their life.
Highly recommended both for fans of the genre and those who have never picked up a SciFi book in their life.
July 4, 2018
Once the pride of Earth's governments and science community, Rubicon, the first colony on Mars, heads into decline. But who is trying to sabotage the isolated members of this once thriving outpost?
Lawson proves herself as an excellent storyteller. In some areas of the story, I would have preferred more narrative than exposition, but that is a stylistic preference. In the end, the author gets the story told.
Plenty of action, suspense and romance in this sf thriller. I would recommend this novel for a beach vacation. Overall, We Are Mars proves to be a excellent choice for a summer read.
Lawson proves herself as an excellent storyteller. In some areas of the story, I would have preferred more narrative than exposition, but that is a stylistic preference. In the end, the author gets the story told.
Plenty of action, suspense and romance in this sf thriller. I would recommend this novel for a beach vacation. Overall, We Are Mars proves to be a excellent choice for a summer read.
January 18, 2019
This book is exceptional and should be read by all. For a better breakdown, this is my review/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdlIS...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdlIS...
October 4, 2019
When you read indie fiction, you often don't know what you're going to get. I exchanged books with Cheryl Lawson, a Kamloops writer, at a local comic con we both attended. I've made it a point to read a bit more indie fiction this year, despite the various reading challenges I'm doing (which, on that site, focus on traditionally-published books.) And I want to say on the outset that I really enjoyed this book! It's a great story, the plot is absorbing, the characters are complex people that you quickly come to care about, and I'm significantly invested in the outcome.
But for want of an editor, the kingdom was lost.
Again, however, I'll emphasize that I think this book is worth reading. For me, the key is always and forever the story. Characters, plot, and pacing are all intense. I finished this book in a mere couple of days because it was such a page-turner! I want to know how the story ends, and I will indeed be reading the next book to find out!
But let this be a lesson to indie writers. If you're going to spend money on your book, spend it on an accredited editor. Because the sloppy editing is what prevented me from giving this book the five stars it otherwise deserves, and it's what prevents this good book from being great.
But for want of an editor, the kingdom was lost.
Again, however, I'll emphasize that I think this book is worth reading. For me, the key is always and forever the story. Characters, plot, and pacing are all intense. I finished this book in a mere couple of days because it was such a page-turner! I want to know how the story ends, and I will indeed be reading the next book to find out!
But let this be a lesson to indie writers. If you're going to spend money on your book, spend it on an accredited editor. Because the sloppy editing is what prevented me from giving this book the five stars it otherwise deserves, and it's what prevents this good book from being great.
August 8, 2018
Hubby's Review:
As a person who would love to be a Mars Colonist, We Are Mars, is a great starter book for Cheryl. The book moves pretty fast, and has enough entertainment to keep me interested. There are a few questions I have about some of the things that take place, but they aren't hard to over look for the entertainment of the story. Again for a first novel, the writing was pretty good and I am anxiously awaiting book two. Cheryl really hits home with her descriptions of life on Mars and the struggles that would come with it. The "Red Planet" never read so good, as far as I have read. Recommend this book for anyone who looks at the stars and wonders.
**Daughter's Review:
We are Mars by Cheryl Lawson was okay. It bounced from person to person, but it's still worth reading. The book is a science fiction, for those who are wondering.
Mars has been claimed by the human race for science. However, the precious water from the dry planet has been poisoned, causing an outbreak that kills many. The heroes (and heroine) learn that they are not the only humans on Mars.
We are Mars is perfect for people who don't mind sudden changes of point of view. It was still good, though. I liked the characters, and the plot twists, though I don't like the cliffhanger.
As a person who would love to be a Mars Colonist, We Are Mars, is a great starter book for Cheryl. The book moves pretty fast, and has enough entertainment to keep me interested. There are a few questions I have about some of the things that take place, but they aren't hard to over look for the entertainment of the story. Again for a first novel, the writing was pretty good and I am anxiously awaiting book two. Cheryl really hits home with her descriptions of life on Mars and the struggles that would come with it. The "Red Planet" never read so good, as far as I have read. Recommend this book for anyone who looks at the stars and wonders.
**Daughter's Review:
We are Mars by Cheryl Lawson was okay. It bounced from person to person, but it's still worth reading. The book is a science fiction, for those who are wondering.
Mars has been claimed by the human race for science. However, the precious water from the dry planet has been poisoned, causing an outbreak that kills many. The heroes (and heroine) learn that they are not the only humans on Mars.
We are Mars is perfect for people who don't mind sudden changes of point of view. It was still good, though. I liked the characters, and the plot twists, though I don't like the cliffhanger.
April 29, 2019
In terms of its scientific accuracy, We Are Mars is hard sci-fi. Evidently, the story revolves around a colony on Mars. The surface of the planet remains inhospitable to life, albeit staggeringly beautiful to those who appreciate it. Life inside the compound sustaining the colony is tough, as the people there face the challenges of limited resources, crumbling machinery, and a Planet Earth that has lost interest in their project, and as such has mostly eliminated its support.
Not only does the plot look at the difficulties of trying to sustain human life in a hostile environment, but it also explores the dangers of trying to create genetically-perfect humans, a pandemic raging in a small, confined community, and some of the psychological effects of having to live in such a controlled, disciplined environment – where even such things as relationships are banned, because relationships can lead to babies, and babies drain resources that the project would prefer to reserve for the "perfect", test-tube created, g-mods.
It manages to do all this while telling an extremely compelling thriller of a story (at least until the last part where things slow down somewhat), which is to be lauded. This is a really enjoyable hard sci-fi thriller with relevance to a lot of the topics being raised in the popular science sphere right now.
For me it wasn't quite a five-star book though. Mostly, I felt that it could have done with a bit more polish. There were a number of times that we, the reader, would be told how wise or caring or cool-under-pressure a certain character would be, when it would have been more satisfying to let those characters' actions stand for themselves. There was one specific character who ended up being quite different from what we were initially told her character was like, in a transition that didn't quite feel natural to me. The pace also slowed down considerably in the last part of the book, such that a big confrontation that you might have expected to be the climax of this book ends up being pushed off to the second in the series. Don't get me wrong – despite these doubts, I fully intend to read the second in the series – but that was a bit disappointing.
Overall, even though it lacks a little refinement, the raw excellence of the thriller pacing (throughout most of the book) and the well-researched, superbly-detailed science fiction storyline truly shine. Recommended for fans of the genre.
Not only does the plot look at the difficulties of trying to sustain human life in a hostile environment, but it also explores the dangers of trying to create genetically-perfect humans, a pandemic raging in a small, confined community, and some of the psychological effects of having to live in such a controlled, disciplined environment – where even such things as relationships are banned, because relationships can lead to babies, and babies drain resources that the project would prefer to reserve for the "perfect", test-tube created, g-mods.
It manages to do all this while telling an extremely compelling thriller of a story (at least until the last part where things slow down somewhat), which is to be lauded. This is a really enjoyable hard sci-fi thriller with relevance to a lot of the topics being raised in the popular science sphere right now.
For me it wasn't quite a five-star book though. Mostly, I felt that it could have done with a bit more polish. There were a number of times that we, the reader, would be told how wise or caring or cool-under-pressure a certain character would be, when it would have been more satisfying to let those characters' actions stand for themselves. There was one specific character who ended up being quite different from what we were initially told her character was like, in a transition that didn't quite feel natural to me. The pace also slowed down considerably in the last part of the book, such that a big confrontation that you might have expected to be the climax of this book ends up being pushed off to the second in the series. Don't get me wrong – despite these doubts, I fully intend to read the second in the series – but that was a bit disappointing.
Overall, even though it lacks a little refinement, the raw excellence of the thriller pacing (throughout most of the book) and the well-researched, superbly-detailed science fiction storyline truly shine. Recommended for fans of the genre.
June 19, 2020
Be prepared to become fully immersed in life on a Mars colony with Cheryl's Sci-Fi thriller, We Are Mars. She takes you on a journey from page one, with daily life on the colony, fascinating in its own right, and then boom! all hell breaks loose. Cheryl has created a cast of fantastic characters whose struggles are relatable and real and who must learn to set aside differences and work together as they race to save as many lives as possible. A must read for Sci-Fi fans, adventure fans and thriller fans alike! Very much looking forward to book two!
May 12, 2021
Cheryl Lawson paints a believable and exciting vision of Mars in her debut novel, We Are Mars. It's clear to see that she's done her research on the red planet, but also doesn't let the techno-babble get in the way of compelling and well written story. Her writing style has an exuberance to it that you can feel emanating off of the pages, in even the most tense scenes. The book's ending leaves you wanting for more, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
October 27, 2018
Originally posted at ragdollreads.co.uk
A city on mars! What could possibly go wrong...
TL;DR - A super space thriller, full of excitement and wonderful characters.
RAGDOLL RATING: 5/5 BUTTONS
Why I read it…
I originally bought this book as a sort of weak thank you after Cheryl very kindly offered me some excellent advice on kicking writers block. Though I would have bought it either way, because it sounded exciting and I love a good sci-fi novel!
The Story…
Rubicon was once the pinnacle of human achievement. A city on Mars with with best technology and brightest minds all in one place. But that was years ago. After the expedition failed to discover evidence of life on Mars, funding dried up and Rubicon began to stagnate.
After a biological contagion is discovered in the drinking water, Rubicon descends into chaos - and that's only the beginning.
We Are Mars is an wonderful science-fiction thriller.
What I liked…
We Are Mars explores a side of space exploration that often gets neglected in the sci-fi genre. Rubicon was once a technological marvel, but it's systems are now becoming antiquated, and the supply ships that arrive every six years are more inclined to bring branded drinks dispensers than vital mission supplies to the Red planet. Rubicon is thrown into complete disarray when the aging water filtration system fails to prevent an outbreak of an unknown toxin to the drinking water, made worse by the completely unforeseen medical problems in genetically engineered humans.
The numerous tragedies that unfold during the course of the book, provide a wonderful backdrop to the interrelationships of the books main characters. One particularly interesting relationship builds between Jaxon and Dana, who prior to the outbreak constantly butted heads as Jaxon did all he could to rebel against the authority Dana represented, and Dana tried desperately to reign Jaxon in and maintain order. But as the pair find themselves forced into an impossible situation, they find themselves showing qualities that were hidden or ignored, and their working relationship becomes strong, building throughout the book. I enjoyed the way the characters evolved as the book went on, and the gravity of their situation hit them in unique and interesting ways.
Finally, I loved the world building. Rubicon has clearly undergone a considerable level of thought, avoiding the 'generic space city' vibe and instead becoming a believable and fascinating location. The rules and regulations imposed upon the inhabitants are infuriating, but completely understandable given the mission parameters. It is, as the book says, more scientific experiment than living city, something that Jaxon and his cohorts find themselves desperate to change.
What I disliked…
Each chapter focuses on one (or more) characters, and it took me some time to wrap my head around who was who. Each time the narrative switched to someone I hadn't heard of, I got a bit confused, and then when it switched back to someone I did know, I couldn't remember who they were - although this became easier as the book went on, and I would chalk this up to an issue with my comprehension ability than the book itself.
Final thoughts...
We Are Mars is a really fun and exciting read, that sets itself up nicely for the sequel (which I cannot wait to read). The plot and characters are excellent, and the world building is top-notch.
A city on mars! What could possibly go wrong...
TL;DR - A super space thriller, full of excitement and wonderful characters.
RAGDOLL RATING: 5/5 BUTTONS
Why I read it…
I originally bought this book as a sort of weak thank you after Cheryl very kindly offered me some excellent advice on kicking writers block. Though I would have bought it either way, because it sounded exciting and I love a good sci-fi novel!
The Story…
Rubicon was once the pinnacle of human achievement. A city on Mars with with best technology and brightest minds all in one place. But that was years ago. After the expedition failed to discover evidence of life on Mars, funding dried up and Rubicon began to stagnate.
After a biological contagion is discovered in the drinking water, Rubicon descends into chaos - and that's only the beginning.
We Are Mars is an wonderful science-fiction thriller.
What I liked…
We Are Mars explores a side of space exploration that often gets neglected in the sci-fi genre. Rubicon was once a technological marvel, but it's systems are now becoming antiquated, and the supply ships that arrive every six years are more inclined to bring branded drinks dispensers than vital mission supplies to the Red planet. Rubicon is thrown into complete disarray when the aging water filtration system fails to prevent an outbreak of an unknown toxin to the drinking water, made worse by the completely unforeseen medical problems in genetically engineered humans.
The numerous tragedies that unfold during the course of the book, provide a wonderful backdrop to the interrelationships of the books main characters. One particularly interesting relationship builds between Jaxon and Dana, who prior to the outbreak constantly butted heads as Jaxon did all he could to rebel against the authority Dana represented, and Dana tried desperately to reign Jaxon in and maintain order. But as the pair find themselves forced into an impossible situation, they find themselves showing qualities that were hidden or ignored, and their working relationship becomes strong, building throughout the book. I enjoyed the way the characters evolved as the book went on, and the gravity of their situation hit them in unique and interesting ways.
Finally, I loved the world building. Rubicon has clearly undergone a considerable level of thought, avoiding the 'generic space city' vibe and instead becoming a believable and fascinating location. The rules and regulations imposed upon the inhabitants are infuriating, but completely understandable given the mission parameters. It is, as the book says, more scientific experiment than living city, something that Jaxon and his cohorts find themselves desperate to change.
What I disliked…
Each chapter focuses on one (or more) characters, and it took me some time to wrap my head around who was who. Each time the narrative switched to someone I hadn't heard of, I got a bit confused, and then when it switched back to someone I did know, I couldn't remember who they were - although this became easier as the book went on, and I would chalk this up to an issue with my comprehension ability than the book itself.
Final thoughts...
We Are Mars is a really fun and exciting read, that sets itself up nicely for the sequel (which I cannot wait to read). The plot and characters are excellent, and the world building is top-notch.
May 23, 2021
I would have given it 2.5 stars if it was possible.
This book was highly recommended by a friend, so I had huge expectations. In the end, I'm really sitting on the fence with it. Here are my pros and cons:
General: The plot was strong enough to compel me to finish reading the novel. The passion of the author for storytelling, science and science-fiction is clear. She must have done a lot of research on Mars (soil composition, atmosphere, temperature, etc.) and on building materials etc. to be able to create such a detailed account on the construction and functioning of the colony. Kudos to her for that. The science seems really solid.
Characters: I couldn't really get attached to any of the characters, unfortunately. They lacked a bit of substance IMHO.
Writing: This is the author's first book and it suffers from some flaws that are common in "green authors". For instance, some writers prefer to show, others to tell. In many cases here, the author tells then shows (or the other way around). She also has a tendency to state the obvious. Again, something that new authors do, until they gain more self-confidence. The dialogue quality fluctuated between good/great and stilted/unnatural.
Plot: This is definitely the strong point of the novel. This is a jam-packed action story with lots of twists and turns that the author manages very well, for the most part (you can feel the deus ex machina raising its ugly head at some places). A few inconsistencies here and there, but for the most part, a very compelling story, and lots of imagination. And very interesting themes and subthemes that are worth developping and that I hope she develops in the next 2 volumes of the series or in other series (for instance the theme of identity which is related to the title of the novel).
Story construction: There are 2 moments where the backstory and the necessary information come in the way of story progression IMHO. First one is at the beginning when the author spends quite a few pages explaining the story behind the colony. I thought it could have been better integrated into the story. Instead, it feels like info-dumping and almost got me to stop reading. It makes for a very slow start to the story. The second is when Darius arrives on Mars and we get the backstory of how he was able to make the voyage. At that point in the novel, the sense of urgency and the tension are at their highest, and the step back to explain Darius's journey sort of kills that tension.
Overall, it was a very good story, but the writing hindered it some. Nothing dramatic - things that the writer will hopefully improve on as she writes more and more. And with that kind of imagination and storytelling skills, she can become a big name in science-fiction.
This book was highly recommended by a friend, so I had huge expectations. In the end, I'm really sitting on the fence with it. Here are my pros and cons:
General: The plot was strong enough to compel me to finish reading the novel. The passion of the author for storytelling, science and science-fiction is clear. She must have done a lot of research on Mars (soil composition, atmosphere, temperature, etc.) and on building materials etc. to be able to create such a detailed account on the construction and functioning of the colony. Kudos to her for that. The science seems really solid.
Characters: I couldn't really get attached to any of the characters, unfortunately. They lacked a bit of substance IMHO.
Writing: This is the author's first book and it suffers from some flaws that are common in "green authors". For instance, some writers prefer to show, others to tell. In many cases here, the author tells then shows (or the other way around). She also has a tendency to state the obvious. Again, something that new authors do, until they gain more self-confidence. The dialogue quality fluctuated between good/great and stilted/unnatural.
Plot: This is definitely the strong point of the novel. This is a jam-packed action story with lots of twists and turns that the author manages very well, for the most part (you can feel the deus ex machina raising its ugly head at some places). A few inconsistencies here and there, but for the most part, a very compelling story, and lots of imagination. And very interesting themes and subthemes that are worth developping and that I hope she develops in the next 2 volumes of the series or in other series (for instance the theme of identity which is related to the title of the novel).
Story construction: There are 2 moments where the backstory and the necessary information come in the way of story progression IMHO. First one is at the beginning when the author spends quite a few pages explaining the story behind the colony. I thought it could have been better integrated into the story. Instead, it feels like info-dumping and almost got me to stop reading. It makes for a very slow start to the story. The second is when Darius arrives on Mars and we get the backstory of how he was able to make the voyage. At that point in the novel, the sense of urgency and the tension are at their highest, and the step back to explain Darius's journey sort of kills that tension.
Overall, it was a very good story, but the writing hindered it some. Nothing dramatic - things that the writer will hopefully improve on as she writes more and more. And with that kind of imagination and storytelling skills, she can become a big name in science-fiction.
April 27, 2019
We Are Mars, by Cheryl Lawson, is a story of what happens when scientific achievement and exploration meet the grim reality of the Twitter generation, one too distracted to pay attention to what the senior echelon is up to.
This story starts a little over fifty years after the settlement is established and is home to thousands of souls. Here, conditions are deteriorating because supplies from Earth are less bountiful than before.
From there, the author introduces a varied and memorable cast of players. A core group of characters get the spotlight giving you a unique insight into their thoughts and emotions, an aspect that I found to be compelling. As the story develops, alliances are made and broken as tensions reach critical.
Lawson really does an excellent job of mixing in theoretical and emerging science into the story, lending credibility to the tale and giving it an overall authentic feel.
Overall, if you are into series, I'd say that it's worth reading!
This story starts a little over fifty years after the settlement is established and is home to thousands of souls. Here, conditions are deteriorating because supplies from Earth are less bountiful than before.
From there, the author introduces a varied and memorable cast of players. A core group of characters get the spotlight giving you a unique insight into their thoughts and emotions, an aspect that I found to be compelling. As the story develops, alliances are made and broken as tensions reach critical.
Lawson really does an excellent job of mixing in theoretical and emerging science into the story, lending credibility to the tale and giving it an overall authentic feel.
Overall, if you are into series, I'd say that it's worth reading!
August 22, 2019
This is a very engaging examination of humanity as we move beyond the boundaries of our own planet.
It is a big book, reflecting the intricate world-building and level of detail incorporated into the narrative. As such, I have to admit, I struggled with the first few chapters, especially keeping track of the POV switches, but was rewarded with a story that really took off and ratcheted up the pace the jeapordy. The author does a really excellent job in bringing Mars and its colonists to life, dropping us deep in the workings of the red planet.
If you enjoy multi-faceted sci-fi; technical, political, spiritual, psychological, then this is well worth the read.
I will be picking up the sequel in the near future.
It is a big book, reflecting the intricate world-building and level of detail incorporated into the narrative. As such, I have to admit, I struggled with the first few chapters, especially keeping track of the POV switches, but was rewarded with a story that really took off and ratcheted up the pace the jeapordy. The author does a really excellent job in bringing Mars and its colonists to life, dropping us deep in the workings of the red planet.
If you enjoy multi-faceted sci-fi; technical, political, spiritual, psychological, then this is well worth the read.
I will be picking up the sequel in the near future.
April 29, 2020
We Are Mars follows the events that lead a colony on Mars to face its hardest challenge yet. For 52 years the resilient people of Rubicon have turned the Red Planet into their home. The mixed population of natural-born humans and genetically modified humans coexist together to fulfill the necessary task for their survival. Each day, the aging colony takes a step closer to autonomy as Earth sends less help and resources. You’d think the inhospitable environment would be the obstacle to face on Mars, but when the impossible happens, the residents are launched in a race for their lives.
This novel is a treat for Hard Sci-Fi fans. Lawson clearly did her research to lace her worldbuilding with viable science. The living conditions in the base and the processes necessary to make it habitable felt real, and the descriptions of the martian environment did a good job to establish the setting and immerse the reader.
I always appreciate when the author writes their characters human. Everyone had their ups and downs. Everyone had flaws. The relationship between the characters and the tensions between them bring the novel to life. I especially liked how their mistakes set the chain of events leading to disaster. The plot behind them is interesting and fast-paced. I really wanted to know what happened next. Some unpredictable plot-twists along the way kept me wanting for more.
Overall, I’d say I enjoyed the novel to an extent. Unfortunately, the writing style wasn’t my cup of tea and it took away from the enjoyment. I prefer to read characters having a dialogue instead of being told what was said between them. This prevented me from having no real connections with any of the characters. The things I liked about them were things that were mentioned in narration and not shown by their actions. In the end, to me, all characters just sounded like the same person every time they talked. The fact that some dialogue was written separately from the action the person was making sometimes made it difficult to know who was talking. Also, I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief at an inconsistency in an otherwise well-built world.
These problems are just my personal tastes, though. It took me longer than usual, but I continued because the story is really good. If I didn’t like I would’ve stopped. I do recommend reading this book if you like character-driven Hard Sci-Fi. Especially if you enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir. As I mentioned, the research was thorough to the point it felt plausible.
This novel is a treat for Hard Sci-Fi fans. Lawson clearly did her research to lace her worldbuilding with viable science. The living conditions in the base and the processes necessary to make it habitable felt real, and the descriptions of the martian environment did a good job to establish the setting and immerse the reader.
I always appreciate when the author writes their characters human. Everyone had their ups and downs. Everyone had flaws. The relationship between the characters and the tensions between them bring the novel to life. I especially liked how their mistakes set the chain of events leading to disaster. The plot behind them is interesting and fast-paced. I really wanted to know what happened next. Some unpredictable plot-twists along the way kept me wanting for more.
Overall, I’d say I enjoyed the novel to an extent. Unfortunately, the writing style wasn’t my cup of tea and it took away from the enjoyment. I prefer to read characters having a dialogue instead of being told what was said between them. This prevented me from having no real connections with any of the characters. The things I liked about them were things that were mentioned in narration and not shown by their actions. In the end, to me, all characters just sounded like the same person every time they talked. The fact that some dialogue was written separately from the action the person was making sometimes made it difficult to know who was talking. Also, I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief at an inconsistency in an otherwise well-built world.
These problems are just my personal tastes, though. It took me longer than usual, but I continued because the story is really good. If I didn’t like I would’ve stopped. I do recommend reading this book if you like character-driven Hard Sci-Fi. Especially if you enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir. As I mentioned, the research was thorough to the point it felt plausible.
August 23, 2018
I found Cheryl's book mentioned several times on Twitter - @WeAreMarsBook - and temptation finally got the better of me. A well-written debut novel that held my attention with a tighter grip the more I read! The plot twists and turns while the characters are developed, both believable in a near-future Mars settlement. This book, while self-contained, is the first in 'The Rubicon Saga' series, and I look forward to reading the further development of the story in Cheryl's forthcoming books. Highly recommended.
November 29, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed We Are Mars – the first book in The Rubicon Saga. Set in the not too distant future on Mars, the human cast of characters have important work to do but a saboteur is about to wreck the settlement and all the systems so painstakingly constructed. Every character is totally believable but what impressed me most was the obvious research undertaken by author Cheryl Lawson. Everything about this first human settlement beyond our planet - the operating systems and the role and purpose of each character - makes sense. Interwoven is a very engaging and tense plot and the future of the settlement is left in the balance at the end, so I am really looking forward to reading book 2.
May 15, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this read! In a time when we’re dealing with a viral pandemic here on Earth, the major conflict of this story hits home. The stress it puts the characters under is easy to relate to and devastating—as it’s meant to be. The technological research that went in to this writing is astounding & impressive to say the least. I could clearly picture the described technology & the attention to those details helped make it feel real & relatable. If I could’ve given 4.5 stars, I would. My only reasons for docking it were superficial. Sometimes the pacing of the action was a little stop & go in my opinion & I get tripped up by typos more than I care to admit. Overall, a great read & I look forward to the sequel.
January 14, 2019
A crisp tempo and clean writing made this a joy to read. The cover makes it clear WE ARE MARS is the first book in a series and I had to keep that in mind as the pace of the action quickened near the end. A unique take on the colonization of Mars that is punctuated with well-rain, realistic main characters. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2020
A rock solid first novel. Bravo Lawson! Appreciated the research that must have been done by the author to get the Mars setting authentic without letting the story be bogged down in detail. Plenty of twists and turns with a timely undercurrent. Read it and you’ll know what I mean 😉.
Look forward to reading further titles by this talented author.
Look forward to reading further titles by this talented author.
March 26, 2019
A well researched, well written story about a science colony on Mars. There were surprises, plot twists and a cliff hanger ending that has you wishing for just a few more pages. I how Rubicon felt like a real place, and that the author is a master of tension. Looking forward to book two.
July 10, 2020
A Masterpiece!!
What can I say, except how much can I gush about this book without giving away all the good bits? We Are Mars sucked me into the story from the very first chapter, and didn't let me go until I'd finished the whole book! It was non-stop, pulse-pounding drama that made me gasp, laugh, cheer, and shudder in all the right ways. I thoroughly enjoyed the meticulous research that the author has done to create a plausible, believable glimpse into life on Mars, and the character development was absolutely spot-on! I will definitely be purchasing the rest of the series ASAP!
What can I say, except how much can I gush about this book without giving away all the good bits? We Are Mars sucked me into the story from the very first chapter, and didn't let me go until I'd finished the whole book! It was non-stop, pulse-pounding drama that made me gasp, laugh, cheer, and shudder in all the right ways. I thoroughly enjoyed the meticulous research that the author has done to create a plausible, believable glimpse into life on Mars, and the character development was absolutely spot-on! I will definitely be purchasing the rest of the series ASAP!
July 2, 2019
A fun, easy read that blends colonization sci-fi with contagion sci-fi, and even a hint of romance. Only beef I have is that it ended with a cliffhanger, and I hate those.
November 17, 2019
Definitely didn't enjoy this as much as anyone else. Not my style, and the formatting was pretty bad, with lines randomly breaking. I also didn't enjoy the large cast, but that's probably a personal preference.
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