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Review Summaries
"Humans have landed on Mars. Having established outposts and colonies, they now set out to conquer the Martians. This novel, which is full of wonder regarding a largely fantastic (as opposed to scientifically feasible) planet, offers insights into the nature of humanity, especially as invaders. The book consists of a series of short stories that are unified mostly by time and space, all of them taking place on Mars, and show, collectively, the tendency of human beings to “fix” that which is not broken--in this case, an extraterrestrial society and culture. Some of the stories are frightening; some are amusing; some are sad; and many are thoughtful--all are enjoyable entertainment and highly recommended. After a long disappearance from the literary scene, the prolific Bradbury has recently returned, having published three or four new books. "
Gary Pullman, Resident Ray Bradbury Scholar
"This book shows man's attempt to reach mars, first with little success as the martians purposefully of accidentally kill off the first three expeditions. Finally man gets a foothold on Mars as chickenpox wipes out most of the martian population and man starts colonising mars to escape the threat of nuclear war that is occuring on earth. The greedy entity that is mankind does not get it all their own way though as they are forced to abandon Mars and a new type of martian is born."
Neil Morey, Resident Ray Bradbury Scholar
"In the book, there is a fight for freedom from the government, and from scientific studies. Also, due to this fight for freedome, there is much betrayal, and alienation. The book shows stuggles in societies to remain on top of each other, and win the war of power."
Cassandra, Resident Ray Bradbury Scholar
"A Martian view of an invasion by Earth, showing humans as greedy, and unaccepting of other's ways of life. Earth colonizes Mars, kills off martians, and then leaves after much of the old civilization is thoughtlessly erased."
Andrew Fyre, Resident Ray Bradbury Scholar
"It is a string of short stories all relating to the colonization of Mars by Earthlings. It is sad, beautiful, thought-provoking, and down right awesome. Solid Science Fiction."
Autumn R, Resident Ray Bradbury Scholar
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Overall Review
Our unique search engine breaks down books and movies into
dozens of literary elements, all of which are searchable.
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Composition of Book planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 48% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 24% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 28%
Tone of book
- depressing/sad
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- science fiction story
Explore/1st contact/ enviro story
Yes
Plotlets:
- exploring a wondrous planet or phenomena
- colonizing/homesteading another planet
Inner Struggle
Yes
Plotlet:
- search for identity/new understanding
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Cultural problems, alien culture
Yes
Culture clash-
- one culture tries to impose its culture on another group
Main Character
Identity:
- An "It".
Age:
- 20's-30's
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events?
Yes
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- an entire race
Age:
- 20's-30's
Profession/status:
- explorer
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- throughout most of the book.
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Terrain
- Desert
- Water
- Mountains
- Forests
Which planet?
- Mars
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body:
- inhabited by friendly aliens
Planet outside solar system?
Yes
Not Earth, in Solar System?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only)
- none/very little science jargon needed
How much dialogue?
- roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
- significantly more descript than dialog
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