Rating: 
Summary: Well Wrought...
Review: While The Martian Race definitely lacks the epic proportions of Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars series or the gentle poeticism of Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, it remains fairly entertaining, well-wrought reading. As a scientist, Benford specializes in hard fact, and this novel certainly offers up plenty of realistic detail. In fact, its the type of novel Benford was made for - hard, speculative science fiction, heavy on the science, light on the characterization. At times, however, it comes uncomfortably close to territory already staked out by Kim Stanley Robinson -- large corporations underwriting space expeditions, the strong, anti-establishment stance of the astronauts, media out of control, a new Martian spirit of cooperation -- and even some of the characters seem vaguely similar, particularly in the charismatic Axelrod who seems like an Earthbound version of John Boone. Throughout, you get a sense Benford bemoans our current state of space exploration and, while one could agree with that sentiment on principle, it doesn't automatically guarantee a great science fiction novel, merely a good one. In the end, it might do Benford well to realize Bradbury served up his Martian Chronicles with hardly a whit of science, yet managed to end up creating a classic science fiction novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed bag with good ideas.
Review: With a several major books and movies due out, all chasing Kim Stanley Robinson to Mars, I really looked forward to Benford's entry in this race (pardon the pun). This is a solid story with impeccable credentials, makes for a good read, and is well set for the inevitable sequel.That said, this book is a mixed bag. The backstory is perfect. Benford has set his tale in the "real" world of cut-throat corporations, insatiable media and disintegrating national space programs. The age of visionary programs that led us into space for the sake of discovery and science is gone. If we go to Mars in our lifetimes, it will be pure greed that takes us there. A brilliant twist was the sale of media rights to help finance the mission. With 250+ channels on my TV and more coming every day, that just might work, folks. On the other hand, Benford felt compelled to follow in the footsteps of Burroughs and Wells, populating the red planet with complex inhabitants. When I first read Bradbury's chilling tales of a fading civilization (including the Blue Bottle, one of the most powerful short stories ever), the idea of meeting our "next door neighbors" sent thrills through me. A half-century of hard science later, and Benford's Marsmat "colonial life" comes off rather tired. Add a human-mimicking protuberance longing to communicate, and you end up close to a cheesy 60's space opera. Luckily, that's towards the end of an otherwise splendid storyline chock full of real situations an well considered technology. The two lead characters are engaging even though Benford never was much on character development. The rest seem like extras in a crowded play, with the exception of the head of the Consortium responsible for the mission. An unapologetic capitalist with the charm (and morals) of a snake, Axelrod is perfect. Overall, this book is certainly worth the time and the money. With luck, maybe this and other new arrivals will reinvigorate today's youth with visions of Mars. Somehow we lost that, and relegated the moon and stars to our history instead of our future. Perhaps making Mars the Great Frontier for this generation could bring that back.
Rating: 
Summary: The Martian Race is a rare treat.
Review: With space operas devolving over these past few years into dreary little pastiches filled with flawed-character stereotypes and tensions (i.e., all the astronauts on the ship are no better than overly bright adolescents), it is a relief to see an author who treats his characters with a bit more intelligence and even-handedness. GB also introduces a really plausible Mars life form, thus elevating the novel further into the realm of a great old H. G. Wells type narrative. Very good species development, quite credible. This novel reads so good that I feel compelled not to place it in the space opera subgenre. This is classic high space adventure of an original flavor.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent Mars book.
Review: Wow. This book is absolutely FANTASTIC. I can honestly say this is my favorite Mars book, and one of my all time favorite books ever. Its even better than Kim Stanley Robinsons Mars trilogy. It is an excellent story. It is both exciting and suspenseful. The scientific and technical details are very good. There is plenty of adventure on Mars. I enjoyed the "Marsmat" creature/plant thing. It was perhaps the most original and creative idea I have seen about Martian life yet. The book gets really susepenseful when mysterious Airbus mission gets nearer and finally lands. The ending is a surprise. You cant tell who is going to win. The characters are great as well. I also really liked the Mars Prize idea, and I thought the brief appearance by Robert Zubrin was pretty cool. If your into Mars, as I am, you will definetely like this book.
| 
