Rating: 
Summary: An Uneven, But Enjoyable Book
Review: After reading Red Mars, I was used to Robinson's brilliantly descriptive, but long-winded and repetitive style. So "Green Mars" was no surprise.
Robinson uses a lot of this book to further develop themes he began in "Red Mars." The First Hundred is older, their differences sharper, and yet their basic agreement that Earth should not control Mars' destiny more solid than ever. This book ranges far and wide, following various characters around the Martian surface, exploring the sanctuaries of the Underground in the south, going back to Earth to pick up an interesting and pivotal character in Art (and another in William Fort, the somewhat enigmatic head of Praxis Corporation), building events up to the second Martian Revolution, and all the while showing the gradual development of Mars' ecosphere. I found the contrast between dialogue and description, on the one hand, and action on the other, to be effective, with some reservations. As with the first book, Robinson's work cries out for a ruthless, intelligent editor. He writes in an effective, literary style, somewhat unusual in Sci-Fi, but he seems unable to restrain his talent for description, often going on and on for page after page in describing a character's thoughts, or a trip they're taking, or a scientific description of the "areoforming" of the planet. Most of these could be cut drastically, with very little negative impact, IMO. The three volumes could easily have been two, or even one long volume. That said, I enjoyed Robinson's take on society, politics, and economics, and the extreme realism of his writing. He writes as if he were there, and makes us feel as if we were. This, alone, is a remarkable accomplishment. Although the books are flawed, I recommend them - just don't assume they'll be easy, short reads. These are thoughtful books, not page-turners.
Rating: 
Summary: Best in the Mars Series
Review: I have probably read in my life over 400 Science Fiction Books. I would rank this in the top 2%. Easily wins 5 stars in my view. Either Robinson is a Scientist or a very good lay scientist. His treatment of the trials and errors of Terraforming Mars is tremendous. Also, there is a great treatment of the Science/Politics/Commercial Interests/Personalities interface. The Convention that a character attends is just like a real science convention. This book is a "hard science" fiction book. Realistic character interactions and development combined with Science propel this book to the ranks of the best of Asimov novels. Of all the "Mars Series" books, this is my favorite and can be read as a standalone. Robinson will soon be added to the list of the greats of Science fiction like Silverberg or Asimov.
Rating:
Summary: Robinson did it again
Review: The bad thing about trilogies is that a lot of authors just do it for the sake of it. It worked with The Lord Of The Rings, so it has to work with anything. Right? Nooo! After having burned and destroyed John Varley's ridiculous Titan trilogy, I now attempted Robinson's mars, and up to Green Mars, I am still convinced. Set in a near future with a very credible technology, Robinson gives us a taste of what the terraforming (or areoforming in the case of Mars) could be like. After the first 100 settlers started and failed in Red Mars, the remaining First Settlers plus several underground parties try to finally gain independence from Earth which is governed my giant metanational corporations. Robinson inserts a political agenda which might taste bad to some short-sighted right-wingers, but his ecological and socially sensible approach make Green Mars not only a good science fiction book, but also a piece of great political literature. Only one point of criticism: there are just too many environmental descriptions in this book, which are the main reason why it shoots over the 600-pages limit, but it was still a very good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Terraforming Mars from Red to Green in Volume 2
Review: Since I never took biology, let alone chemistry or physics in school, I readily admit that the scientific processes of terraforming at the heart of Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy is way beyond me. But in "Green Mars," the second volume, even a scientific illiterate such as myself can certainly follow along. What I find more interesting is the on-going debate between the Reds and the Greens, not to mention the metanationals, as to who should be allowed to do what to Mars. One of the strengths of this trilogy is that while the focus is on transforming Mars into a habitable world, Robinson explores the socio-political ramifications of terraforming as well. These positions are personified in key members of the First Hundred, the scientists who began the process in "Red Mars," and their descendants, who may well be the first true "Martians." You are not going to find the determinism associated with Asimov's Foundation in these books. Who would have thought the salvation of Mars would come from a volcano under Antarctica? "Green Mars" takes place a generation after those first pioneers landed, as ice meteorites are sent into the atmosphere to add moisture and deserts are being seeded with genetically engineered plants. Complicating matters are the repercussions of the first failed attempt to establish Martian independence that culminated with the destruction of the first elevator. Now a second one has been constructed to take its place and events lead towards a second attempt at establishing a Free Mars. Still, Robinson is able to devote a lot of time to the ongoing debates, finding voices to articulate the various positions in the context of political fervor rather than clinical science. Sax, Maya, Naida, Coyote, Hiroko, Ann and the rest are extremely passionate advocates for their causes. Even those who died in the first volume, continue to influence people and events. Robinson's story includes longevity treatments, which allow characters to effectively double their lifespans and continue to work on the terraforming processes they have begun, but with memory problems as a side effect that is dealt with realistically. The Mars Trilogy is certainly one of the most thoughtful science fiction works that you could come across. The writing does become a bit ponderous at times, but it is still an impressive attempt to tell a story of massive planetary changes in more human terms.
Rating:
Summary: Great Sequel and Wonderful Setup
Review: Kim Stanley Robinson continues to impress me with his vast knowledge of psychology, Mars, and science. A small portion of the First Hundred are still alive, living underground, avoiding from being captured by the Transnationals (who become Metanats later). Terraforming has already greatly changes Mars to a near-habitable temperature, but the atmosphere is still unbreatheable. Robinson takes Sax and Maya, along with other First Hundreds and post-generation colonists in a trip to regain Mars for the people. Admittedly, Green Mars is an extremely long book, and sometime it takes will to push through it. However, the pure creativity and imagination makes up for the sometimes boring and unnecessary passages. As far sequels and set-ups for another sequel go, Green Mars is perfect. It gives a detailed description on events and people. The writing, although not spectacular, is in a decent form and fairly easy-to read. I would believe that anyone who somewhat enjoyed Red Mars would appreciate Green Mars more. It is more fantasy-like while keeping realistic, and breaks off from any montony Red Mars established. Green Mars was a riveting sci-fi novel that exemplifies Robinson's mastery of Mars and brilliance.
Rating:
Summary: A powerful sequel....even better than "Red"
Review: The idea that there was a sequel to Red Mars unnerved me slightly; most sequels to great science fiction novels are flops. This is a stark contrast. Green Mars completely blew me away, even moreso than Red Mars. Corporate greed, radical groups, and conflicting morals are ravaging Mars as numerous terraforming projects continue to turn the Red Planet green; full of adaptable plant life, and breathable air. Kim Stanley Robinson has taken a simple terraforming project, and written it from a million different points of view: scientific, pshychological, political, economical, the list goes on. Also packed into this story is a menagerie of deep, human emotions that keep the plot running smoothly. This wide range of concepts will appeal to ANYONE, not just fans of science fiction. I deeply feel that everyone should read Green Mars; it's not only a peek into our future, but it IS our future.
Rating:
Summary: Continuation of KSR's Mars saga brings reader into politics
Review: Kim Stanely Robinson's RED MARS was a grand and brilliantly epic work which stands out as one of the major science fiction acheivements of all time. The next novel in the saga is GREEN MARS, which continues the high quality of the first volume, focusing this time on the realm of politics and personalities. Opening forty years after the turbulent end of RED MARS, this book shows right away that great changes have occurred on the Red Planet. Algae is everywhere on the surface, dwarf trees are being successfully grown, and a new space elevator has been constructed to keep Mars linked to its parent world. The central portion of the book concerns a sort of constitutional convention, bringing the reader into the questions surrounding the formation of society in a new environment. Kim Stanely Robinson's belief that communism would be ideal has drawn criticism, but it's important to note that in a world of limited resources like Mars, a communal form of government is the best way to survive. KSR's writing is again excellent, and the reader is brought into the chaotic and pained lives of the First Hundred and the new natives. Maya's years in Hellas flash by, brilliantly communicating to the reader the memory problems of the recepients of the gerontological treatment. The book draws to an end with a bang, a second revolution that gives hope to the cause of the protagonists with the growing success of the Martian terraforming effort. A wonderful book, epic in every sense of the word, passionate and powerful. Kim Stanely Robinson's Mars book form my favourite work of science fiction, and GREEN MARS is a solid part of the trilogy. A caveat to those who have read these review: one reviewer has made the sexist comment that this is "a man's book," as if such a thing exists. KSR's writing and characterization is not polarized to one gender or the other. There is a lot of sex and politics in his saga because these are the two most troublesome and ubiquitous tendencies of human beings, and thus must be included in any book that purports to be realistic. The Mars book are for everyone, so please disregard any sexist comments.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Saga continues
Review: When I finished reading Arthur C. Clarke's "Rama" series, I believed that I had just read the greatest science fiction series ever written. While that is still probably true, Kim Stanley Robinson's "Mars" series ("Red Mars", "Green Mars," "Blue Mars") is definitely a contender. The series tells the story of the birth and growth of a human civilzation on Mars, with "Green Mars" introducing the next wave of colonists and the first generation of humans born on Mars. By the way, if you think the names of the books are unimaginative (I did before reading them), you'll find that they have underlying meanings that make them very appropriate. While the "Mars" books are technically a trilogy, Kim Stanley Robinson's "Antarctica" is a very good prequel (like "The Hobbit" is to the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy), and his "The Martians" is a good follow-up, albeit somewhat melancholy. Why do I like these books? 1. The writing itself is excellent. You find few, if any, editing mistakes or contradictions. The viewpoint shifts between main characters to give you a fuller picture (also done brilliantly in George R. R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" series). 2. The characters are believable, engaging, and very three-dimensional. You come away feeling that you know these people. 3. Hard issues are dealt with in realistic ways. Do they reshape Mars to fit humans (and lose the harsh beauty of Mars and its geological record), or do they reshape themselves to fit Mars (which is much harder and limits the inhabitability of Mars)? Do they do government and economy and society according to one or more existing models, do they follow the dictates of Earth, or do they (and can they?) create something new? While the First Hundred colonists try to move their dreams forward, newcomers and the politics and problems of an overpopulated Earth keep interfering. Also, what happens to people when they start living (a lot) longer? 4. There is a healthy dose of adventure in this book, with more conflict than was found in "Red Mars". 5. The technology involved in the story moves one step beyond what was found in "Red Mars" and the progression seems very realistic and natural. If you're new to science fiction, start either with the "Mars" series or Clarke's "Rama" series. Either one will make you a lifelong fan.
Rating:
Summary: If you like Babylon 5, try the Mars trilogy
Review: Warning: Green Mars doesn't stand alone; read Red Mars first. Fans of Babylon 5 and social science fiction should give Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars trilogy a try. Like Babylon 5, this science fiction epic will please people who enjoy speculating about political problems and seeing broad social conflicts played out with a varied cast of complex characters. The conflicts that drove Red Mars -- between those bent on terraforming Mars and those committed to keeping it pristine; between Martian settlers and those engaged in mining Mars for Earth's profit; and between different visions for the future of Mars society -- continue in Green Mars, but new complexities intervene. Children brought up on Mars, many of them in experimental communities organized around utopian ideals, don't share the views of the first settlers. And the first settlers, too, have changed, sobered by the failure of their first war of independence. Will the ever more fragmented people of Mars be able to agree on anything -- much less unite to win independence? I found Green Mars a satisfying, intelligent book which even nullifies my trifling criticisms of Red Mars: plot threads which seemed to have been dropped in Red Mars resurface here, not forgotten after all, and Robinson's seeming prejudice against Christians in Red Mars seems to be deliberately corrected in Green Mars. However, it's not for everyone: kids who can read Asimov and Heinlein easily may find Robinson's vocabulary too difficult. Adults wanting a very light read may find it heavy going, as well: this thoughtful book demands readers' full attention. R-rated sex scenes may bother some fastidious readers. And, as with all political stories, appreciation of Green Mars may depend on your politics. Here, again, Babylon 5 provides a good rule of thumb: I would guess that anyone who wasn't put off by the show's political content shouldn't be afraid of this book, either. Give it a try!
Rating:
Summary: Wanted: A good map of Mars!
Review: Much of this story has the main characters traveling around the planet Mars, going from one place to another or hearing from people in other places. I had problems getting "into" the story because most of the time I had no idea where these people were or where they were headed. The map in the front of the book was hopelessly devoid in pertinant information. Like, where was this "elevator cable" that fell down in book #1? Where was this trench, that crater, or the mysterious white city that had no living inhabitants. Several points in the storyline dragged on and on, as if the author was trying to beat the reader into submission. I "rode" in that cramped little "boulder car" long enough to get a case of claustrophobia. Not to mention very, very lost in economic theories that made no sence. I think this book could have been shorter by a hundred pages if someone had told the author to tighten it up. I can think of several places that were too loose and needed editing.
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