Rating: 
Summary: Mars-nificent!
Review: "Red Mars" is the best contemporary straight-science fiction novel I've read. As far as plot, structure and style go, I don't have enough space to praise Robinson. It's an EPIC (in capital letters). Granted, he is often a bit long winded, but most of the time "Red Mars" is a page turner with substance. His introductory vignetts at the beginning of each section of the book, in particular, demonstrate his literary muscle. You'll be sold after the first three pages! The story is excellent, but as or more impressive is Robinson's portrait of the socio-economic/cultural conditions which develop on the planet. Coming from the rather arrogant post-modernistic attitude of "we've invented everything that can be invented" insofar as culture, politics, etc. is concerned, this book is a refreshing surprise. From the environmental Marsfirst movement to the Neo-marxism, the world Robinson has created is rich and interesting. His characterization is even better. Normally, I would resent the obvious plot device, longjevity (sp?), Robinson uses to allow his characters to live through Mars' entire evolution. However, his characters are so different and engaging that I was easily able to grant him that crutch. Finally, "Red Mars" also has convincing (at least for a lay person like myself) science. Their scientific gadgets which allow them to make Mars more Earth-like are giddily exotic while staying real enough that I wouldn't be surprised to read about them in the morning paper. Ultimately, "Red Mars" accels at characterization, story, style, scope and science stuff. It's simply magnificent. (Sorry for the bad pun in the title.)
Rating:
Summary: Red Mars- smart sci-fi
Review: Red Mars was initially assigned to my utopian studies class at Concord College. While I neglected to finish the book on time, I found myself reading each night none-the-less, as the author had created a very real, very exotic world to become immersed in. The characters are varied and polarized, bringing necessary conflict and interest to the novel, while lengthy explanations of political, social, scientific, and environmental processes tend to add to the book's ability to capture the imagination. Sure, this book isn't laden cover to cover with lazer battles or other such cliche Martian filler, but the book still maintains an excellent medium of what can only be described as a cross between science class and some late night television drama. The main appeal of this book isn't action, and it certainly isn't a quick read, but it is excellent sci-fi for those interested in a more thoughtful, not to mention politically and socially provocative, book.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but a hard read
Review: I thought that this book was really great, but it was above my age level. I am an eight grader, and when I got to a part of the book when a phyciatrist, one of the characters, was explaining his theory I was lost. When I showed my teacher to ask for a little help, she was lost to. I was still able to follow the story, but be warned its a complicated, large-word book.
Rating:
Summary: The "Mars Series" is great for the teenage male in your life
Review: The three books in Kim Stanley Robinson's "Mars Trilogy" are my absolute all-time-favorites. He is truly gifted at writing about advanced science and technology and equally adept at creating "real" characters, because he understands psychology. This is a rare talent: to be scientifically knowledgable and a master at creating believable characters. The books are part action, part scientific explanation (like Michael Crichton of Jurassic Park fame), and part character development. In "Red Mars" (the first in the series) Robinson paints a totally believable picture of what our future might be like as we get ready to explore and colonize Mars. Mega-corporations, earthly power struggles, and the selection process for determining who might get to be the first to go to Mars, are all very possible and Robinson crafts a story around these topics with ease. In the second book, "Green Mars," Robinson portrays the struggle to get vegetation growing and to create a breathable atmosphere. He also describes more political struggles between those on Earth and those on Mars. This was probably my favorite of the three, but mainly because I am more interested in the science that would be needed in this phase of colonization. In the third book, "Blue Mars," the planet become more Earth-like. The atmosphere is more developed, water travel becomes possible, and more. (I don't want to give it all away!) The books can be kind of scholarly at times, but I was so impressed with these books that I gave them to my teenage brother. He was so impressed with them, that he gave them to one of his very best pals. And we all had a blast discussing them together. If there is a teenage male in your life -- or if you love sci-fi and have always wondered what it might be like to go to Mars -- then this trilogy is definitely for you. Very highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Robinson is the Tolstoy of Sci Fi writers
Review: If Leo Tolstoy was alive and writing science fiction, this is the kind of book he would write. More than just an adventure in space, this novel presents complex, imperfect characters wrestling with questions of philosphy, politics, morality and conflicting personal ambitions against the backdrop of setteling a new world. The scope of the story, the level of detail, the number of characters and the ever shifting focus adds up to a War And Peace in the 21st century. This is not an easy book or a quick read. It requires attention and a willingness to let the author unfold the story in his own way. But it is a richly rewarding experience. While I liked it more than the following two books in the series, I think the entire trilogy represents a monumental achievement. As a shear feat of imagination based on the known possibilities, it is like no other science fiction that I have read. Those readers that fault Robinson for not writing something like Young Christian Republicans Go to Mars are overlooking the obvious - that a fresh start will necessarily mean a lot of conflict (social, political and economic) until some compromise between conflicting priorities can be established. Robinson does not offer any easy solutions to these problems, and the socialistic elements that are introduced into the Martian system have little to do with old terran forms of central planning and control. This is a thoughtful book full of action. Much of the action is mundane; people moving from place to place or building things. Yet it is always fascinating, because the trips are through unfamiliar landscapes and the building is constrained by the hostile atmosphere and limited gravity. Reading these books is almost like a physical experience. I even found myself dreaming the landscape. Like War and Peace, I suspect this is a book I will have to revisit in order to discover what I missed the first time. It's worth it.
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC BOOK
Review: Everyone keeps talking in their reviews about how Robinson wanted to appear so clever, so smart in these books. I wonder if it ever occured to any of them that maybe they are just too stupid to understand. That's clearly the case in my opinion. I found the inclusion of all the technical details very informative and interesting. If you want to read moronic escapist garbage go to your local book store's sci-fi section, close your eyes, and pick the first book your hand lands on. Have a great trip!
Rating: 
Summary: BORING!
Review: Being intrigued by human exploration of Mars and coupled with the fact that this book was a Nebula Award winner, I eagerly purchased "Red Mars" and the other two books in the series. Big mistake! Halfway through the book and bored to tears, I quit reading it - something I NEVER do. In fact, this book was so bad that I decided instead to paint my house. If you are looking for a good hard sci-fi book on Mars, try Ben Bova's "Mars." In the meantime, I will be trading in my Robinson books for some improvement reading - maybe a Mack Bolan book.....
Rating:
Summary: Mars is Red - but not for long
Review: Robinson's "Red Mars" is a comprehensive and complete book on man's colonization of Mars. It is full of scientific, political and economic consequences of human settlement on Mars, and arguments from both sides are presented in detail through the opposing perspectives of different characters within the book. In addition, the book is full of symbolism, such as the "elevator" that is built, only to be pulled down by the hands of the revolution destroying much of the Martian surface and dispersing humans in a manner that made me think of the Tower of Babel. The story begins on a spaceship of the "first hundred" people that are off to begin life on Mars. All of them are scientists, which of course makes for a less than complete representation of human kind, although full of intellectualism and nutty personalities. The mission is meant to be representative of the world's nationalities, dominated by American and Russian teams. Each group of scientists have their own tasks, whether it is flying the space craft, cultivating food, construction once on Mars, ecologists to study Mars, terraformers, biologists, physicists, and even a psychologist. The 8 month journey to Mars is enough to drive some people crazy, and Maya, the Russian leader thinks that she is hallucinating when she unwittingly spots a man whom she does not know onboard the spacecraft. People develop relationships and hatreds, and their true personalities start to come out after hiding most of their peculiarities from the selection committee to be able to go to Mars. Robinson follows different characters for each part of the book, and this makes it a more interesting and in-depth read, as we get different viewpoints on how the people see Mars and what they want from the planet. Some, like Ann, oppose its terraforming, whilst others, such as Sax, can think of nothing but. Hiroko suddenly disappears with a small group of the first hundred and no-one can find them. John and Frank hit heads about how the planet should be run, and one day John is murdered - a shock to everyone. Politics starts to play an important role as the first hundred decide they will do whatever they want on Mars rather than be controlled by Earth. They are free. Only, they really aren't. Before they know it, waves of immigrants from Earth, sponsored by transnational corporations begin to live on the planet. But Mars is not its own nation and does not have a cohesive political or police structure. Problems quickly rise to a peak and the first hundred realise they are no longer in control. A revolution begins and is chaotic and uncontrollable. Infrastructure collapses as it is sabotaged. Finally, Nadia the engineer, after finding out that her lover Arkady who began the revolution has been killed by it, decides that enough is enough and she blows up Phobos in an attempt to stop Earth and transnational control and interference. The first hundred realise that they will be seen as ringleaders of the revolution and that they must escape - will they be rescued by Hiroko's detachment? The book is so complete and full of facts that it is a must for anyone with a passion for Mars and science. It is also a must for those that would think to colonize Mars in the future - as a guide of how not to do it. A very realistic perspective, well thought out, and a foresight of consequences that gives me goose bumps.
Rating: 
Summary: hard work
Review: Kim Stanley Robinson sure likes to show off. He goes on and on and on about the finer points of geology or physics or the wording of the Antarctic treaty. Good for him. It doesn't make for easy reading and is not necessary for the plot. I was constantly frustrated by how he would name drop concepts like 'IGY' (International Geophysical Year) as if he is *so* clever. Big deal. I think he must have studied undergrad geology as he loves to show off about that, but he sure has some strange concepts on drilling (they 'cap' a well by blowing it up...? Hmm). I also thought it ludicrous that they get all the way to Mars and then go 'now what are we going to do?'. No prior decision to terraform or not, not even any plans as to who does what when they get there (as evidenced by the squabble amongst the colonists when deciding who would go prospecting and who would stay behind). As if. Oh yeah, and they got hold of all this dynamite just so they can fill Phobos (or was it Deimos) full of it in case the baddies take it over. Oh, and only two people knew about it. I really tried to like this book, but I was constantly irritated by how clever Kim wanted to look. Probably wouldn't be such a bad story otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best novels I¿ve read. (But maybe it goes a littl
Review: Kim Stanley Robinson does incredible work in this magnificent story of the colonization of Mars. The way he describes the many opinions of the characters in Red Mars is extremely well thought-out. His research is obviously very professional and the scientific information seems absolutely true.
I liked the way he used sections and chapters; the sections would be the only ones with titles and they would begin with italicized thoughts or stories of "Big Man," or the discovery of the alchemist's most desired breakthrough. And each section would be from the point of view of an individual character. The sections have chapters but they don't have titles, and this type of format provides very enjoyable reading, because the ideas clearly help me process the story.
And yet, as I read deeper into the book, I also read deeper into his mind: and what I found I did not like. Throughout the book, the intimacy of the characters is more and more revealed, but actions of the characters are not necessary to portray the beauty and the grandeur of the story of Mars that Robinson so passionately portrays. If only he refrained from this, I would have enjoyed it immensely more.
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